Dear Editor:
Now that the New Year is here, many of us made resolutions. The New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) offers the following tips to add to your list:
Check to be sure if you have the emergency numbers of the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222), Police, Fire, Ambulance and Doctors’ near your phone. Be sure that all the numbers are accurate.
Check the dates on all of your medications and flush all that are outdated down the toilet.
Read and follow label directions on all products before using them. Check the date on your bottle of Syrup of Ipecac, if it is past the date then it is time to purchase a new bottle. Never use Syrup of Ipecac unless your Poison Control Center directs you to use it in a poison emergency. Store all drugs and chemicals in the container in which you buy them, and keep them out of reach of children.
If you have young children or if you visit with them in your home or theirs, be aware that medications and cosmetics left in purses can poison children.
Never mix cleaning products; it could be dangerous, even fatal.
For immediate treatment advice, as well as for prevention information, call 1-800-222-1222; trained medical professionals will provide you with the most up-to-date emergency treatment advice and will answer any drug or poison information question you may have.
Remember, help is just a phone call away!.
New Jersey Poison Information and Education System