I was perusing today's The Bakersfield Californian (Why you ask? – I grew up there many years ago and check in occasionally) and an article on "Holiday Home Safety" caught my eye for some reason. In their checklist they covered the typical kinds of things like chimney and tree safety tips, unattended burning candles, checking smoke alarms, drinking and driving, shopping safety, and they even mentioned mistletoe and holly berry risks to children and small pets. . . all good stuff. But, I was waiting for the punchline – the potential for medication poisoning in small children during holiday gatherings – it wasn't there. . . Check out the California Poison Control System's “Winter Holiday Safety and Poison Prevention" tips.
Medicines: Parents, grandparents and babysitters should be extra cautious during the holidays. Visitors often leave medicines on a nightstand or in the bathroom, making them easily accessible to children. Medications given to seniors often do not have child-resistant closures, allowing children to open them with very little difficulty. Also, purses of visitors may contain medicines and other potentially dangerous items. Remember that the homes of friends and relatives may not be poison-proof, particularly if children do not usually live there.
Also keep in mind that so called child-resistant prescription closures can often be more easily opened by a child than an adult with severe arthritis. Remember that vitamins and minerals (particularly iron), and herbal remedies, can also be potentially dangerous in children. And, if you're hosting the holiday celebration you know that you have way too much on your mind to be keeping track of children who might be getting into things they shouldn't -- poison-proof your home ahead of time. Keep the national poison control line number handy (1-800-222-1222 and you will be connected to your local poison center) though, just in case.
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