Medication safety around children

By MICHELLE INGLE, Kootasca Head Start

More than 50,000 children are treated each year in emergency rooms for accidental ingestion of medications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The following are some things that parents and other adults can do to stop this from happening.
• Keep all medications out of the reach of children. This includes over-the-counter medications and vitamins.
• Always buy medications that have a child-proof cover.
• After taking medication, always put the cover back on tightly.
• Store medications in a locked cabinet.
• Never say that medication is candy or make a game out of taking it.
• Dispose of expired medications by flushing them down the toilet.
• Each medication should be clearly marked and stored in the original container.
• Make sure that house guests do not leave medication lying around.
• Remind grandparents and other friends and relatives to store their medications properly.
• Post the number for the poison control center by the phone.
When giving a child medications:
• Always know your child’s weight. Medication doses are usually figured by a child’s weight.
• Make sure another adult in the household hasn’t already given the medication.
• An adult should always give the medication, never allow a child to take the medication by him/herself.

By following some very basic medication safety guidelines, we can keep our children safe. Remember to go through your medicine cabinet at least once a year and get rid of anything that is expired or no longer needed by any family members.