Playing medicine keep-away keeps kids safe
Written by Kendall McCrory Wednesday, 14 December 2011 22:41
The “terrible twos” were given that name for a reason.
One of the most challenging parts of the process can be the combination of increased curiosity and mobility around the house. Suddenly, their grabbing-reach extends to wherever their new-found legs can carry and climb them.
Though fun for them, it can also be extremely dangerous.
The CDC reports that 1 out of every 150 children in the U.S. (about 60,000) end up in the emergency room each year because of unintentional medicine overdose. In short, little ones are getting pills in their hands and mouths while parents and caretakers aren’t looking.
“Parents may not be aware of the danger posed by leaving medications where young children can reach them. In recent years, the number of accidental overdoses in young children has increased by 20 percent,” said Dan Budnitz, M.D., M.P.H.
To inform parents and protect children, the CDC partnered to create the Up & Away initiative. Take a look for helpful (maybe life-saving) tips!
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