Kids do the darndest things. But did you know a child under the age of six experiences an accidental poisoning every 14 minutes? If we think like a toddler, it’s not hard to see. Small children love to put things in their mouths. Many of these items look pretty, too. While this is to persuade us as consumers to buy, it also coaxes our child to take a closer look. And sadly, to taste. Add to this the fact that they want to be just like Mom or Dad or Big Sister and you get the idea. Making homelife a safer place to prevent another statistic can be done in one focused afternoon. Where to start? One Source Healthcare wants to help make your life easier and safer. Print and use the list below of three easy steps to keeping your family safe from the real risk of accidental poisoning.
Four quick first moves:
When possible, install child safety locks on all cabinets.
Always buy child safety containers.
Remember Grandma’s house for dangers.
Read labels for poisoning warnings.
Baby Step 1: Not always what you suspect
One of the most overlooked causes of child poisoning is cosmetics. Discard any that are expired. Unlike food and medications, expiration dates are not listed on cosmetics. Here’s a guideline on when to discard those outdated lipsticks, blushes and more. Take time to do a thorough cleanout and safety check on the below common areas where cosmetic items are stashed.
- Purses
- Makeup bags
- Vanities
- Cars
- Overnight bags
- Backpacks and bedrooms of older siblings and parents
- Bathroom cabinets
Baby Step 2: Keep Mr. Clean your friend
Cleaning supplies are next on the list for fatal poisonings. They smell great, often come in brightly colored liquids and many times are easy to open. Be vigilant. Follow the steps below to cross cleaning supplies off of your list of dangers.
- Put all cleaning supplies high and out of reach
- Inventory & rearrange areas where cleaning supplies are kept but not used as much:
- Sheds
- Garages
- Pool houses
- Work/hobby rooms
- Bathroom cabinets
- Cars (Armor All wipes, windshield wipes, trunk items)
Baby Step 3: Medications
Medication poisoning is a leading cause of child fatality. Over-the-counter (OTCs) items pose as much of a risk as prescription medicines. Like cosmetics, take time to throw away any outdated medications as a good first step. Then, scour these areas to keep your children safer.
- Medicine cabinets
- Kitchen cabinets
- Cars: cargo area and glovebox
- Backpacks of older siblings and parents
- Purses
- Wallets of Dad and older brother (think antacids or other small, individually packaged OTCs someone might need on-the-go)
- Makeup bags
- Sports and gym bags
- Wristlets/smaller handbags of Mom and older sister
- Overnight bags
- Bedroom nightstands of parents and older siblings
- Vanities of Mom and older sister
We all get busy. It’s easy to stash makeup, medicine and even cleaning wipes in odd places as we hurry about our hectic lives. Stepping outside your normal routine with this simple list in hand can be a quick way to have peace of mind in your homelife.
At OneSource Healthcare, we understand how vital it is to be seen by an urgent care
physician when you aren’t well. That is why we offer low-cost, affordable urgent care
for those occasional urgent care medical needs that simply cannot wait. Visit us online
at https://onesource-healthcare.com/ or give us a call today at 229-439- 1950 or 229-
246-6417.