Thursday, December 22, 2016

Holiday Poison Safety: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe


It’s the most wonderful time of year when families and friends gather round to give thanks and appreciation as well as spend quality time together. This quality time usually includes delicious food! But this food could also make you terribly sick if it isn’t cooked or stored properly. The Texas Poison Center Network has compiled some tips to make sure your holiday season- and food- is most enjoyable!

ü  Make sure you always wash your hands before and after handling food. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says the best way to wash hands is with these five easy steps: wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry!

ü  Protect yourself and others from food poisoning by being cautious about how you cook and how long you leave food out of the refrigerator. When handling uncooked meat, you should not only wash your hands before but also after handling. The same goes for any utensils or countertops where the uncooked meat is prepared. And remember to reheat leftovers to at least 165 degrees. Avoid leaving food unrefrigerated for more than two hours.

ü  Watch out for potentially poisonous plants. Keep mistletoe, holly berry and Jerusalem cherry out of reach of children and pets. If you think your child might have gotten into any of these plants, please call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222.

ü  Make sure toys are age appropriate. Toys designated above a child’s age level could be hazardous to their health. For example, avoid giving small children toys with button batteries. If swallowed, they can cause serious damage. See which toys have been recalled.

ü  “Angel hair”, a Christmas decoration usually made of spun glass, can irritate the skin and eyes. Be sure to always wear gloves when handling and keep out of reach of children.

The Texas Poison Center Network wishes you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And if you ever find yourself in a poison emergency, please do not hesitate to contact us any time at 1-800-222-1222.