Tips for your pediatrician on how to avoid accidental poisoning

The holiday season is a time of holiday joy, family gatherings and children spending extra time with their grandparents and extended family. However, amidst the laughter and festivities, special care must be taken to avoid unexpected hazards.

Dr. Meghan Martin, a pediatric emergency physician from Florida, known on TikTok as Beach Jewel10is raising the alarm about an unexpected holiday menace it calls “granny purse syndrome.” This happens when curious young children get their hands on their grandparents’ unsecured medicines, often left on low shelves, in bags or containers that are not child-resistant.

“About 20 percent of poisonings in young children are related to the accidental ingestion of medications prescribed to them by their grandparents,” Dr. Martin said in her video.

“Grandparents are not used to having children around. Often, their medications are on low shelves, in bags or in medication containers that are not child-resistant,” Dr. Martin said.

“Some of these drugs can be really dangerous, they could be painkillers, antidepressants, heart medications, blood pressure medications or diabetes medications,” she added. The effects of these drugs on children can be so severe that even a single tablet can result in ingestion of a toxic substance, posing a serious health risk.

To keep children safe, Dr. Martin recommends storing medications in locked cabinets and avoiding leaving them in easily accessible places, such as backpacks or purses, that can be easily opened by curious little hands. It is also important to avoid taking medications in the presence of children who could imitate this activity. “Never call medicines sweets, medicines are not okay, sweets are okay,” she said.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 49 children under the age of 10 lose their lives each year due to accidental poisoning. estimates.

“While the holiday season is a time for celebration, it is also a time of increased risk of poisoning and hazards in the home,” CDC bulletin warned. “Please remember that guests keep all their personal items, such as handbags and travel bags, out of the reach of children and pets. Depending on the medication you take, symptoms and severity can vary greatly, the CDC said.

Accidental poisoning can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention, so it is important not to wait for symptoms to appear before seeking help. If you suspect poisoning, call 911 or Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 for help.