Several Reasons to Save the Poison Help Line in Your Phone this Holiday Season

It is the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the most dangerous. The Texas Poison Center Network is an incredible free resource for the community. Specialists in Poison Information can provide answers to all your questions and concerns regarding your health and any potential poisoning, especially around the holidays. You never know when you might need to call them, so take a moment to save this number in your phone: 1-800-222-1222.

Here are five reasons to call Poison Control during the Holiday Season:

1.     For Potential Medication Mix-Ups: More people are home during the holidays and leaving out medications where others could get to them could lead to medication mix-ups. If you accidentally take something, or someone you know took something they should not have, then please contact a poison center for help.

2.     If you are Not Sure if Your Child Ingested Something: Over 60 percent of poison calls come from parents or guardians of children under six. That is why it is important to keep medications and cleaning supplies locked up, away and out of reach of children. If you find your loved one with something in their mouths or feeling ill from something ingested, please do not hesitate to call a poison center for help!

3.     For Any Bite or Sting Help: Although most bites or stings can hurt, they are not all worrisome. Most people will feel better with a little first aid. If you are having an allergic reaction to a bite or sting, you can call the poison center for assistance. They can help identify and alleviate the issue with a simple phone call.

4.     For Medication Identification: Do you have family visiting for the holidays? It is common for family members to keep their medication in a daily pill reminder. These are helpful to the user but can be dangerous with children around since they are easy to get into and can spill on the floor. If you find a medication on the floor and are not sure what it is, you can call a poison center to help identify the medication.

5.     For Any Interaction with a Poisonous Plant (especially some holiday plants this time of year!): Christmas trees, Christmas cactus, holly berry and mistletoe are just a few of the holiday plants that can either cause irritation to the skin or cause other adverse reactions if eaten or swallowed. These types of trees or plants should be left out of reach of children.

 The Texas Poison Center Network wants you and your family to stay safe, especially this holiday season. Remember- if you ever need us, please call 1-800-222-1222. You can also learn more about poisons by visiting www.poisoncontrol.org.