Childproof Those Pretty Pills

Have you noticed how your kid puts everything, or least almost everything, they find into their mouths? Curious 2-4 year olds can get themselves into big trouble with medications, especially because they come in such pretty colors and can be shiny or even have TWO colors. Beware of the dangers lurking in your cabinets and the dark recesses of your purse. Try to make every effort to store all medications away from those little prying explorers.
Here is the CDC's advice on the safe storage of medicines and vitamins:

* Post the national phone number for the poison control center on or near every home phone. That phone number is 800-222-1222.
* Store all medicines in secured cabinets out of reach of children.
* Use child-resistant caps and always close medication lids tightly after use.
* Remember, child-resistant containers aren't childproof. Store them in a secured cabinet.
* Whenever possible, store medicines in their original containers.
* If you transfer medication to a pill box or other container that isn't childproof, take extra precautions to keep them away from kids.
* Get rid of leftover or expired medicines by flushing them down a toilet.
* Avoid taking medicines in front of children, who tend to imitate adults.
* Never call medicine "candy."
* Be aware of any medicines visitors bring into the home. Keep visitors' drugs secure and away from kids. Don't leave those medicines in an unattended purse or suitcase.

SOURCES: CDC, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Jan. 13, 2006; vol 55: pp 1-5. News release, CDC.

-SBH