| |
| |
|
Parenting Information |
|
|
|
The Ten Most Common Poisons Among Kids
For parents, keeping our kids safe is a constant top priority. But even with the best intentions it's possible to overlook some potentially harmful household poisons. According to the National Academy of Poison Control Centers, 92 percent of all poison exposures occur in the home, and 52 percent of poison exposures occur in children under the age of 6. Following is a list of the most common poisons among children. Take note of them and make sure these items are securely out of your child's reach. 1. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Cosmetics contain many chemicals, some of which are even toxic to adults, but because children are smaller, and their metabolic rates are faster, a small amount of chemical or toxin can cause a serious reaction. Most poisonings occur when children are not being watched closely, such as when parents are busy making dinner or entertaining friends. Keep all cosmetics and personal care products in cabinets that children cannot reach or are locked with child-proof closures. This includes everything from shampoo, shaving cream and toothpaste (the fluoride in a tube of toothpaste can be detrimental if swallowed by small children) to mascara, lipsticks and perfumes. Even if you don't think it's dangerous, play it safe and keep it securely stashed away. 2. Cleaning Substances This one is a bit more obvious: cleaning products are ripe with caustic detergents, harsh chemicals and toxic residues. Should a child inhale cleaner fumes or put an object in their mouth that contains cleanser residue, the effects can be lethal. Many cleaners also contain corrosive agents that can burn the skin on contact, and other products, like antifreeze, taste sweet so a child may not know it's dangerous to drink. And, the bright colors are attractive to a child-Windex looks exactly like blue Kool-Aid, for example. As with cosmetics and personal care items, always keep cleansers out of the reach of children. You can also quit using them altogether if you opt to clean your house with PerfectClean terry wipes and mops, whose ultramicrofiber construction enables the clothes, mops and dusters to reach deep into microscopic crevices (NO other cleaning tool available even comes close!) and remove everything in their path: all forms of dirt, dust, hair, dander, and the biological contaminants too small to see with the naked eye-without the need for chemical cleansers! PerfectClean products are 100% safe, and are meant to be used dry or dampened with some water, which is ideal for homes with small children where poisoning is a major concern. 3. Pain Medicine/Fever Reducers One study found that up to 40 percent of pediatric household poisonings occurred while a parent was using the product. Pain medications (or other medications) may look like candy to a small child, but their developing bodies cannot handle the adult-sized dosages and will process the drug much differently than an adult. For this reason, it's never a good idea to encourage your child to take a medication by saying that it "tastes like candy." If you take a medication, always be sure to take out only your necessary does and then put the rest in a secure location. The medicine cabinet is one of the worst places because children can easily climb up to them via the sink and open the door. And don't rely on child-proof containers. Studies have found that children can invariably get them open if given enough time. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can also be dangerous. Never give your child any medication, even if it's OTC, that is not specifically approved to be safe for children. 4. Coins and Thermometers These objects present choking hazards to small children, who will often put small objects in their mouths immediately upon finding them left out on the floor or counter top. If a coin larger than a penny is swallowed, an X-ray is generally needed to be sure it has passed through the esophagus. Thermometers represent another hazard of mercury ingestion if they are broken. Mercury can emit a poisonous gas and is dangerous when swallowed, so be sure to clean up any broken glass thermometers thoroughly and safely. 5. Plants Children may find the bright colors and different textures of plants irresistible, but some plants can be poisonous if touched or eaten. If you're in doubt about whether or not a plant is poisonous, don't keep it in your home. The risk is not worth it. You can refer to the list in the box below for plants that should not be kept in homes with children. The list is not comprehensive, so be sure to seek out safety information on the plants in your home to be safe. The following plants may be hazardous to your child, and should be kept out of reach or not in the home at all: * Bird of paradise * Bull nettle * Castor bean * Chinaberry tree * Crocus * Daffodil * Deadly nightshade * Dieffenbachia (dumb cane) * Foxglove * Glory lily * Hemlock * Holly berry * Indian tobacco * Iris * Jimsonweed * Lantana * Larkspur * Lily of the valley * Marijuana * Mescal bean * Mexicantes * Mistletoe * Morning glory * Mountain laurel * Night-blooming jasmine * Nutmeg * Oleander * Philodendron * Poison ivy * Poison sumac * Pokeweed * Poppy * Potato * Privet * Rhododendron * Rhubarb * Water hemlock * Wisteria 6. Diaper Care, Acne Preparations, Antiseptics Children may suck on a tube of diaper cream or acne medication. These accidents typically occur because the items have been left out near a child's reach. Some topical products, such as those containing methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen)-ingesting1 teaspoon of some strengths of methyl salicylate can equal more than 20 adult aspirin tablets-camphorated oil, pennyroyal oil, oil of eucalyptus, and other concentrated essential oils can be extremely toxic to small children. As with other questionable household items, keep all creams, ointments and preparations, even those that you use on your child like diaper cream, in an out-of-reach, locked or child-proofed cabinet. 7. Cough and Cold Preparations Antihistamines, cough suppressants, expectorants and decongestants are often flavored like candy and may be mistakenly taken by children. Keep them, along with other medications, in a locked cabinet. When giving your child cough or cold medicine, be sure that you are using the proper dose, and that another adult has not already given some to the child. If used incorrectly, cough and cold medications may cause agitation or drowsiness, and in large doses may effect blood pressure and heart rhythm. 8. Pesticides Indoor pesticides, like mouse baits and roach traps, should be kept in areas where children and toddlers (and pets) are not allowed. According to Dr. Mark McDonald, a pediatric intensivist at Palmetto Health Children's Hospital, "Pesticides can quickly kill a child. Never pour pesticides into other containers," he added, citing a case in which a parent poured plant fertilizer borrowed from a neighbor into a plastic soda bottle. The parent's child took a drink from the bottle in the garage and, despite being rushed to the emergency room, was brain-dead in 17 hours. 9. Vitamins Believe it or not, vitamins are a common source of poisoning for children. The pills can, again, look like candy, and the doses and concentrations of nutrients and vitamins can overwhelm a child's system. Treat all vitamins and supplements like drugs and keep them out of your child's reach. And never give your child vitamins meant for adults. 10. Gastrointestinal preparations Small doses or sips of these preparations, though perhaps soothing for adults, can poison a child. These are another category of household items that should always be kept in a secure location that your child cannot get into, and should be used immediately (not left out on a counter where your child may be tempted by it). From the FREE SixWise.com e-newsletter, the Web's #1 most read newsletter with original articles in all 6 areas of life leading to complete wellness.
MORE RESOURCES:
Parenting - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Do You Have the Loving Relationship With Your Children That You Desire? Most people with children want to be good parents. The majority of parents want the best for their kids, but at what cost to the kids? If what we are doing as parents is working, then why is the juvenile crime rate so high and gang membership so attractive? Drug and alcohol abuse is wide spread, and AIDS among our youth has become an increasing problem. What Do You Teach Your Children About Money? Whether we realize it or not we teach our children about money every day. Sometimes we teach with words and sometimes with actions. Thriving As A Family When You Live In The Fast lane It is extraordinary times that we find ourselves in. Change is now an entrenched way of life. Playing Safe Do you really want your child to enjoy playing with a toy that was made on the other side of the world by people who are no more than children themselves, and paid 30 cents an hour - a paltry sum that can barely sustain them? Unfortunately, all too often, that's exactly what you're doing.I'm not suggesting that anybody who does this is uncaring and selfish - when we buy these toys it's usually because we don't know any better. Misplaced Passion "Before every action, ask yourself: Will this bring more monkeys on my back? Will the result of my action be a blessing or a heavy burden?" --Alfred A. MontapertIt's that time of year again. The Benefits of Music Education Despite serious reductions in funding for arts programs in public schools, there is a great need for studying music. Band, orchestra, and choir all offer students a chance to work together in a social and intellectual group setting and excel at complex tasks. Diapers: Do You Choose Disposable Or Reusable? Diapers.. Strengths and Weaknesses All too often, children with learning disabilities are seen through their weaknesses. Like anyone else, however, they have many strengths. Watch Your Language! - How Parents Can Help Kids Help Themselves 'I felt great until I walked into the classroom - then itall went wrong!'No, this wasn't a teacher talking! It was a high schoolstudent on the day of an important exam.She needed a good grade in a particular subject to qualifyfor a place at college, so she had worked hard and psychedherself up for success. Backpacks and Bullies. Is Your Child Prepared? As the flurry of Back to School activities subside, parents are left to ponder more pressing issues than notebooks, backpacks, and sneakers.Will my child succeed this year? Will his academic and social growth meet my hopes and expectations? Have I done everything I can to make this possible?If you haven't prepared your child for the school bully, not only could your dreams and aspirations end in failure, but your child could fall victim to the violence, and suffer long-lasting repercussions. Film Industry and Our Youth In the first premise, some films and video tapes which are released into the world market are doing more harm to the society than good. These films are full of various modes and systems of corruptions. Protect your Kids Early with Safety Glasses What exactly makes safety glasses different from regular glasses? There are several reasons glasses will be rated as safe. They must not only cover the front of the eyes but also the top and sides as well so small particles can't enter the eye. What Should I Know About Strattera for ADHD? Strattera came out around January of 2003, and is becoming more and more popular as a treatment for ADHD. Strattera is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that came on the market in 2003. God Dont Like Rich People I will never forget the day that my daughter's sixth grade friend told me that. We had been discussing someone who had recently lost a fortune and had become very bitter as a result. Top Ten Reasons to Hold Family Meetings 1. Make stronger connections among individuals and, therefore, creates a closer family. Breastfeeding, Its My Right My name is Duncan and I'm 2 years old. I want to thank my Mommy and Daddy for choosing breastmilk as my only food for my first six months. Puberty - Get Ready to Play the Puberty Game Puberty can be a difficult time for children. Not quite kids anymore and not really adolescents they are caught in the middle in type of limbo. Develop Your Childs Genius: The King of Games - the Game of Kings Many people still think that the game of chess is appropriate for old people. In their mind's eye, they see 2 elderly people sitting across from each other in the park, playing a game of chess. Parenting Skills - Five Ways To Turbo-Boost Your Confidence The 'phone conversation had nothing at all to do withparenting - but it made me think . . Top Ten Things My Six Year-Old Son Has Taught Me (So Far...) I've learned numerous, important lessons on life, motherhood and men by being the mommy of a little boy..
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
