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Learn how to create a safe, poison-free home environment for yourself and your grandchildren. Discover tips on medicine safety, hazard awareness, and poison prevention. Understand the importance of the Wisconsin Poison Center and how to access help in case of emergencies. Educate yourself on common household hazards, look-alike products, and the risks associated with accidental poisonings. Stay vigilant and prepared to protect your loved ones from potential dangers.
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POISONINGS SPAN A LIFETIME Donna Lotzer Senior Clinical Pharmacist Poison Education Coordinator UW Hospital and Clinics Poison Prevention and Education Center
POISONS CAN BE FOUND EVERYWHERE ! sspprittzzzz Glass Cleaner
LEARN ABOUT “OOPS MOMENTS” AND HOW TO BE SAFE AROUND THE HOME Learn how to make your home safe and poison-free for yourselves and the grandkids Find out how to be safe with medicines Wonder why accidents can happen to the best of us?
WHATS AN OLDER PERSON TO DO ? • Be Aware (room by room survey) • Take Care (point out possible hazards) • Be Prepared (have pharmacy & poison center phone numbers posted)
WISCONSIN POISON CENTER One number for help1-800-222-1222anytime, anywhere in WI and the country Center located at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Education/outreach from Madison and Milwaukee
SOME POISONS ARE NOT OBVIOUS Faulty furnaces and heaters produce deadly carbon monoxide Mixing chemicals can cause noxious fumes “Seeing” without glasses leads to mistakes Spoiled food looks like edible food
LOOK-ALIKE PRODUCTS • “Mistaken identity” leads to problems • Cleaners mixed up with sport drinks • Comet cleanser or Parmesan cheese • Candy looks like kid’s vitamins • Plants and mushrooms – edible or poison • Taking the wrong medicine or dose • Call the poison center for advice! 1-800-222-1222 nationally
SHOE BOXES AND MYSTERY MEDS • Proper storage for meds is important • Check to see if they have expired • Sort through that shoe box! • Caution for duplicate ingredients in Rx and OTC products
HAVING A SENIOR MOMENT ?? A little confused? Things happen fast? Unexpected visitors? Change of routine? How did that happen? Should I bother to check it out?
BEING A GRANDPARENT MEANS… Youngsters get into things “in a flash” Potential for poisoning is higher than in adults Poison center staff are always ready to help out – just call1-800-222-1222
I DON’T NEED A POISON CENTER…OR DO I? I can’t read that tiny print on cleaner labels – OOPS – it says don’t mix them! I’ll store items where I can reach them – OOPS – that’s mouse poison in the pantry! My medicines have snap caps to make opening easy – OOPS – my grandchild just ate some!!
TIPS TO PREVENT POISONING Read/follow labels Lock poisons out of sight and reach Look for & use child-resistant packages Don’t take medicine in front of children Separate storage for cleaners and food
GRANDPARENT/CAREGIVER’S ROLE IN POISON PREVENTION Poison prevention saves everyone time, money, and worry Grandparents/caregivers need to know: When to call the poison center Access is through a toll-free number:1-800-222-1222
“MY GRANDCHILD JUST GOT INTO…” Separate youngster and item immediately Fluids generally OK if ingestion Skin & eye exposure will need flushing Call the poison center at once - do not wait for the child to become ill
POISON CENTER WILL NEED TO KNOW... What was taken/spilled/splashed/inhaled? How much was involved & when did this happen? Age and weight of person? How is the toddler/child/adult right now?
THE TAKE-HOME MESSAGE IS… To prevent poisonings, watch kids carefully !! When in doubt, check it out with the poison centerat 1-800-222-1222
Poison Trivia • Which is the most dangerous product for a child to swallow? • Calamine lotion • Laundry bleach (5% chlorine) • Arthritis pain relief ointment (with oil of wintergreen) • Answer?
Poison Trivia cont’d… • Which is the most dangerous for a child to swallow? • 1 prescription pill for diabetes • pencil lead • 1 cigarette butt • Answer?