(ARA) – Allergens know no boundaries, and allergies don’t disappear with May’s showers. While bothersome grass pollens are gone by late June, other common triggers arise, making symptoms difficult to escape. But that doesn’t mean the more than 60 million Americans who suffer from allergies and asthma can’t enjoy barbecues, festivals and other outdoor activities.

To help you understand what may prompt summer allergies and asthma attacks, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) answers common questions and separates fact from fiction.

Are allergies less common in the summer?
Pollen counts tend to be high during the spring and dissipate in early summer. But weather changes can elevate allergy symptoms. Strong winds stir up molds and pollens. Outdoor molds contribute to most summer symptoms, until weeds begin to pollenate in early August. Because the severity of allergies depends on weather conditions, and different types of pollens peak at different times, it’s difficult to classify a certain season as being the worst for allergies.

What are other common summer allergy triggers?
More than 12 million Americans suffer from food allergies. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, such as melons, peaches and celery, can be allergy-causing culprits. However, the cause isn’t always the food itself. Allergic reactions often occur as part of a cross-reaction among similar proteins in fruits and vegetables and allergy-causing grass, tree or weed pollens. If you experience severe discomfort after eating a certain type of fruit or vegetable, see an allergist to find relief and develop a treatment plan.

Are stinging insects attracted to certain people?
Two million Americans are allergic to insect stings, and many of these individuals are at risk of suffering life-threatening reactions to insect venom. While the jury is still out on what makes certain people more susceptible to biting and stinging pests than others, sweet smelling perfumes and bright clothing are known to attract these insects. If you experience facial swelling, difficulty breathing or another unusual reaction after insect stings, call 911 and receive immediate emergency care. Follow-up with an allergist, who will prescribe epinephrine and possibly allergy shots that can save your life.

Are some people allergic to chlorine?
The short answer is no, chlorine is not an allergen. However, the smell of chlorine is an irritant for some, causing allergy-like eye and nose itching and discomfort. Some people with asthma also experience difficulties when coming in contact with chlorine.

What other summer activities can be problematic?
Summer sports and other outdoor activities can be difficult for those suffering from asthma symptoms or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Believe it or not, baseball games can create a hazard zone for those suffering from peanut allergies. When attending games, try to keep away from peanut shells and debris, and carry allergist prescribed epinephrine. Smoke from summer staples like campfires and fireworks can also be bothersome for asthma sufferers. Allergists advise to avoid smoke or sit upwind if possible.

Anyone with allergies and asthma should be able to feel good, be active all day and sleep well at night this summer. No one should accept less. A board-certified allergist can identify the source of your seasonal suffering and develop a treatment plan to eliminate symptoms. To find an allergist, and to find relief visit AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.

(ARA) – Sunny days, warm breezes, outdoor sports and long weekends at the beach – all the fun of summer can sure put a spring in your step. Unfortunately, some summer situations can also slow you down unless you take precautions to prevent injury to your feet.

In summer, your feet may be exposed to risks that don’t occur in winter, such as cuts and abrasions from walking barefoot on the beach where broken shells or sharp debris may lurk, burns from hot sand or too much sun, and pain or blisters caused by ill-fitting flip-flops or sandals that lack support.

“Knowing how to prevent and treat summer-specific foot problems can help ensure your summer fun stays on track this year,” says Joseph Caporusso, DPM, president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).”

APMA offers some advice:

At the beach

* You may enjoy the sensation of sand between your toes, but avoid walking barefoot. Not only does going barefoot expose your feet to the risk of sunburn, plantar warts, athlete’s foot, ring worm and other infections, bare feet are at risk for cuts, puncture wounds and other injuries, too. Always wear sturdy flip-flops or sandals when walking in sand, to help prevent injury.

* Apply sunscreen all over your feet, especially the tops and fronts of ankles to prevent sunburn. If you do get a burn, clean the area and apply burn ointment if the area is red. If the burn is bad enough to blister, seek treatment from today’s podiatrist.

In the water

* Jellyfish stings are a possibility at many beaches. Wearing swim shoes into the water can help protect your feet if you step on a jellyfish. If you get stung, leave the water immediately and watch for signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling in the mouth, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Seek immediate medical attention for these symptoms. For less serious stings, use seawater to wash the affected area, which will help deactivate the stinging cells. Applying vinegar for about 30 minutes can help with pain, but shaving cream, soap, or a paste of sand/mud and seawater can be substituted in a pinch.

* Remember to reapply sunscreen after you’ve spent time in the water.

On the go

* If you experience a cut or puncture on your feet, clean your hands with antibacterial soap before you clean the injury. Clean the wound and apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding, if necessary. Once the bleeding is stopped, apply antibiotic ointment to aid in healing and prevent infection. Cover the wound with a clean bandage and change it a few times a day to ensure the bandage – and the injury beneath it – stays clean.

* Flip-flops with soles that bend or twist freely offer no support or stability. Choose a flip-flop style that bends only at the ball of the foot and provides arch support, which cushions the foot and improves stability. Styles with high-quality soft leather can help prevent blisters. Toes and heels should never hang off the edge of a flip-flop. Trash last year’s flip-flops if they’re old, worn, cracked or frayed. And reserve your flip-flop wearing for beach trips, around the pool or in public places; never wear them for doing yard work, playing sports or taking long walks.

* Finally, always seek medical attention for significant injury, burns or if you experience persistent foot pain. Foot pain is not normal, and a podiatrist can help diagnose and treat foot injuries. Visit www.apma.org to locate a podiatrist in your area.

(ARA) – This Mother’s Day, children across the country will wake up their Moms with big hugs and declarations of love. Many hospitalized children, however, will find it difficult to celebrate this special day with their families.

Each year in the United States, millions of American children are hospitalized and must face the challenges of overcoming illness while staying in unfamiliar hospital environments. The physical and emotional toll can be extensive for children whose illnesses require a long hospitalization, as well as for their families whose only wish is for their child to be healthy. Many mothers will forgo the traditional Mother’s Day experience this year and find themselves staying overnight in hospitals.

This Mother’s Day, you can bring comfort to these families during difficult times. Here are some ideas for how you can make a difference:

* Do you know how to quilt or have an interest in making sewing a new hobby? Downy fabric softener has partnered with Quilts for Kids, Inc. for the Downy Touch of Comfort program, which delivers handmade quilts to hospitalized children across the country. Not only does the program provide happiness and comfort to these children who can’t bring their own security items along for their stay, it also provides support for these families, as every quilt goes a long way toward helping children maintain a positive attitude while dealing with their hospitalization.

Visit the Downy website at www.downy.com/helpingkids to get involved in the program and witness first-hand the impact of bringing a smile to a sick child’s face. You can learn how to create a quilt and send it to Quilts for Kids for distribution to a child in need. You can also find out how to get involved with Quilts for Kids through a direct donation or involvement in your local chapter.

* If you’re crafty and enjoy activities such as scrapbooking, organizing a card drive could be a great way to get involved. Whether it’s around a specific holiday, or simply to say “get well soon,” creating cards to be distributed to children and their families will brighten their day.

First, check with your local hospital about their policy to make sure they can accept and are able to pass out the cards. Then, plan out a day and gather all your friends to create cards that can be given to each sick child. Remember to use bright colors, fun shapes and even characters that the kids might recognize from TV or the movies.

* If you want to make a difference face-to-face, consider volunteering at your local hospital. Most hospitals offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, from simply playing with the kids to assisting the nurses.

By volunteering, you’ll be helping out parents of these children because a friendly adult face can bring comfort even when the parents can’t be there. Talk with the volunteer coordinator and learn about opportunities to visit kids in their rooms, read to them, do crafts in common areas and play games.

Children are bound to feel anxious and fearful when they enter the unfamiliar atmosphere of a hospital. Remember, your spirit of giving can truly make a difference for them and their parents, offering reassurance and helping them keep their spirits up as they go through a difficult stay.

(ARA) – When you’re a NASCAR driver like Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, nothing makes you smile like a trip to victory lane.

But for millions of children in this country, that smile is impossible. Severe tooth decay often causes children to hide their smiles, and they’re unable to eat, sleep or pay attention in class because of the pain.

Children’s dental health is a major concern when you consider that:
* One third of all children in America are without dental insurance.
* More than 16 million children in the U.S. have untreated tooth decay, more than any other chronic infectious disease, including asthma, early-childhood obesity and diabetes.
* Approximately 80 percent of tooth decay in this country is suffered by 25 percent of its children.
* Household economic disadvantage is the single best predictor of tooth decay in children.
* 51 million school hours are lost each year to untreated cavities.

That’s why Biffle teamed up with 3M ESPE Dental, Henry Schein Cares, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the ADA Foundation to Give Kids a Smile and put good oral health on the fast track for young fans of NASCAR. Across the country, Biffle is helping deliver the message to children about healthy habits like brushing, flossing, visiting the dentist and making smart food choices.

“As a parent, I want to do everything I can to protect my daughter’s health and teach her good lifelong habits,” says Biffle. “When you consider how much dental health impacts children’s ability to learn, self-confidence and overall quality of life, you want to do everything you can to help them be healthy. For children in need, it is even more of a challenge, so we’re working with 3M ESPE Dental, the American Dental Association, the ADA Foundation and Henry Schein Cares to provide education, free screenings and treatments.”

Biffle shared these recommendations from the ADA for your children:
* Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss once a day.
* Eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary snacks and drinks. Frequent access to sugary drinks, not the quantity, increases the likelihood of tooth decay by feeding bacteria that attacks tooth enamel.
* Visit the dentist regularly.
* Reward children each time they exhibit good dental health, perhaps with a sticker on a calendar.
* Make dental care non-negotiable. Children know they must be buckled in car seats. Dental health should be equally mandatory.
* Set a good example by following these recommendations. Research shows that children mimic parents who exhibit good dental health.

Biffle is supporting the yearlong celebration of the Give Kids A Smile program’s 10th anniversary in 2012. Fans can follow the program on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GiveKidsASmile. The yearlong education program includes a national public service announcement featuring Biffle and ongoing outreach to parents and children, community events and media. Give Kids A Smile is an ADA initiative where dentists and their dental teams provide free oral health care services to children from underserved communities across the country. Throughout the year, there will be more than 1,600 Give Kids A Smile events around the country providing dental services to more than 400,000 underserved children.

(ARA) – Did you know that April 21 kicks off National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW)? NIIW is an annual observance supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and can be a good reminder to parents about the importance of protecting their children before the age of 2 from diseases for which vaccines are available.

Many parents may not know how important it is to vaccinate their children at specific times and with a certain number of doses. Vaccinations can help protect children before age 2 from 14 childhood diseases. Maintaining the schedule of a child’s well visits helps ensure children get the vaccines they need, at the right times.

“While vaccination has helped eliminate or significantly reduced many childhood diseases, it may surprise people to know that some of these diseases still exist,” says Dr. Jaime Fergie, director of Infectious Diseases at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. “It’s important that we are diligent in helping children to receive the protection they need.”

Dr. Fergie recommends checking your child’s health records to see if their vaccinations are up-to-date. Make an appointment with your child’s physician if they are not or if you have questions. For more information, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

(ARA) – It’s 3:30 a.m. and you’ve just rolled over in bed for what seems like the 500th time. As you watch the minutes on the clock tick by, all you can think about is how tired you are going to be tomorrow. While the cause of your insomnia may vary night to night, the outcome is still the same: you’re not asleep. You’re also not alone.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that somewhere between 50 and 70 million adults in the United States have chronic sleep and wakefulness disorders.

According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep disorders account for approximately $16 billion in annual health care costs, and Cornell University psychologist and sleep expert James Maas estimates that sleep deprivation and sleep disorders cost the American economy at least $150 billion a year.

Sleep deprivation is not only costly, but dangerous too. After a review of national behavioral health data, the CDC found that one in 20 adults reported nodding off or falling asleep while driving at least once in 30 days.

Short term sleep loss can lead to slower reaction times, headaches, aches and pains, irritability, shorter attention span and hindered decision making.

The health effects of chronic insomnia are more difficult to study, largely because individuals with insomnia are oftentimes simultaneously suffering from other health ailments, and it becomes difficult to determine the difference between a direct correlation and a mere statistical association. However, there is documented association between sleep deprivation and diabetes, weight gain, hypertension, and lower immunity. All of these maladies can lead to even greater health problems, including heart failure, stroke, kidney disease and death.

Considering the risks of not sleeping, it is not surprising that so many people turn to pharmaceuticals for help. According to IMS Health, Americans spent about $2 billion on prescription sleep drugs in 2010. In 2010 alone, 60 million prescriptions for sleep aids were written.

Unfortunately, sleep aids carry their own medical risks. As is the case with many prescription drugs, there is a chance of increased tolerance and physical and psychological dependency. Many sleep aids on the market come with side effects that range from bizarre to dangerous. Sleep aids have been connected with various incidents of sleep walking; everything from night eating to actually getting into vehicles and driving, while still asleep.

Most recently, a study by researchers at Scripps Clinic Viterbi Family Sleep Centre in San Diego has linked hypnotic sleeping pills to a 4.6 percent greater risk of death and a 35 percent increased risk of cancer among regular pill users.

So is there another answer to alleviating insomnia? Maurice Bard, founder and CEO of Mediflow Inc., a company that makes waterbase cervical pillows, is hopeful. “Before turning to prescriptions or other more drastic measures, you should examine some non-pharmaceutical remedies that could help your sleep problems. The answer to your insomnia may be simpler than you think.”

Consider the following sleep tips:

Think of a relaxing place
Go on a virtual trip in your mind by picturing a place from childhood. Trace the roads and paths of this region until you arrive at a certain place. Usually, you’ll be sleeping before you arrive at your destination.

Expose yourself to bright lights when you wake up
Exposure to bright light early in the morning, typically for 30 to 40 minutes, has been shown to promote healthy habits and a good night’s sleep.

Change your pillow
The ideal pillow is one that helps you maintain natural alignment between your neck, head and spine as you shift positions during the night. Because people tend to change sleeping positions at multiple times during the night, finding the right pillow is not always easy. A waterbase pillow is a good solution, because the water gently disperses and fills the region between your shoulder and jaw, to maintain proper cervical support – no matter what position you sleep in.

Establish a routine
By keeping a regular bedtime, your body becomes trained to ritually wind down and speed up, thus bringing on sleep more consistently. Consider avoiding daytime naps, as they may alter your body’s natural sleep cycle. Abstaining from naps helps to keep the body on schedule.

“There is no single answer to insomnia,” Bard says. “But at Mediflow, we understand the importance of a good night’s sleep. We firmly believe that combining the right products with a healthy lifestyle can help individuals create an overall sleep strategy that should help lessen sleep woes.”

(ARA) – Medicine cabinets are one of the most overlooked areas in the bathroom. People often stock them and forget to ever update products, especially as time goes on. As you age, it’s important to reassess the types of products to keep on hand for daily comfort, minor health issues or in the event of an emergency.

Pain specialist Paul J. Christo, M.D., M.B.A. and host of Aches & Gain radio show, offers some easy tips to help overhaul your medicine cabinet as you get older and ensure necessary products are properly stored, easily accessible and on hand at home:

1. Update first aid kit essentials: Do you have the staples for pain, fevers, stomach aches, allergies, cuts and burns? A first aid kit should always contain items to handle these minor emergencies. And don’t forget other important items such as hearing aid batteries, blood pressure monitoring equipment and extra eyeglasses.

2. Mitigate minor aches and pains: Muscle and joint pain becomes a bigger problem as you age. Nearly one in five adults, or 46 million Americans, suffer from arthritis, which is characterized by sudden onsets of pain or swelling in the joints. Consider an alternative to pills that can take time before relief sets in. Break the grip and try an over-the-counter topical solution to relieve pain. Topical medicines for arthritis can also be a good choice if you have had stomach ulcers, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, or kidney problems. Odorless and fast-acting, Aspercreme(R) is clinically proven to provide temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain with its targeted, maximum strength formula.

3. Stock up on seasonal must-haves: Each season poses different health hurdles. During winter, cold and flu medication should be nearby. Spring brings gardening, so have an effective, targeted pain solution in the cabinet to keep you going for hours. Summer brings more sunlight, so protect aging skin by stashing a strong sunscreen on your shelves. And no matter what the season, purchase only as much as you will use to avoid throwing out expired products next year.

4. Toss expired items: When assessing the items in your medicine cabinet, take note of their expiration date. Properly dispose of outdated over-the-counter pills and prescribed medications. If you are unsure of what you should toss, check with a pharmacist. Purge personal care products that have changed in appearance, smell or texture. Products like toothpaste and deodorant that are beyond their shelf life may lose potency and effectiveness.

5. Keep a list nearby: Remembering what needs to be replaced, replenished or refilled is a difficult task. Simplify the situation by keeping a piece of paper taped to the inside of the medicine cabinet. When you notice that something is running low, simply jot a reminder on the paper so you’ll see it the next time you open the cabinet.

6. Create a safe storage system: Make sure the products you use most frequently are easily accessible and within an arm’s reach. Place items that treat similar symptoms on the same shelf to help keep a cabinet organized. For example, store bandages, gauze and medical tape together. Always keep products in their original packaging to avoid losing important information, and store medications in a cool, dry place since heat and moisture can alter their effectiveness.

“As you age, it’s important to take stock of the supplies in your medicine cabinet since your health can change. Cleaning out your medicine cabinet will help prevent medication mix-ups, ensure your medications are current, and provide peace of mind that you have essential items to tackle life’s little medical emergencies,” said Dr. Christo.

For more information about Aspercreme’s targeted pain relief solutions, visit www.aspercreme.com.

(ARA) – Spring-like temperatures arrived early this year, and with them came early allergy symptoms for many: itchy throats and eyes, stuffy noses, sneezing, teary eyes and more. These developments come on the heels of the fourth warmest winter since record keeping began, according to the U.S. National Climatic Data Center.

With allergists predicting a more intense allergy season than usual this year, it makes sense to take steps to reduce allergy symptoms in your home. Here are some easy things you can do around the house to increase your family’s comfort – not only now, but all summer long.

* Keep windows closed. As much as you may love the new warm temperatures, keeping your windows shut will help keep pollens out. Start your air conditioning system earlier in the season.

* Clean and vacuum often. Mop hard surface floors and vacuum your home often to help minimize dust mites, one of the most common allergens. Wash bedding in hot water (130 degrees F), and use washable throws and curtains.

* Combat mold. Mold spores can cause hay fever symptoms. Repair and replace missing grout, leaky faucets and pipes. Use a mold-proof shower curtain, and wipe shower stalls and tub toys dry after using them. Plants also sometimes carry mold and pollen, so limit the number of plants indoors. Enjoy the season’s colorful blooms on your deck or in the backyard instead.

* Control humidity. Controlling the moisture content in your indoor air is an added measure you can take to discourage mold growth and minimize dust mites. Having a humidifier or variable-speed technology as part of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system can help control your humidity, and your indoor air.

* Schedule an HVAC tune-up. Allergy season is an ideal time to have your HVAC system inspected to ensure it’s working properly. A dealer can also advise you on how a whole-home air filtration system, such as the AccuClean(TM) from American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, can catch up to 99.98 percent of allergens from your home’s filtered air – including dust, dander, pollen and bacteria – so everyone in the home can breathe easier without compromising comfort. To find an independent dealer near you, visit www.americanstandardair.com.

* Reduce pet dander. Regardless of the season, pets such as cats, dogs and birds shed pet dander, which can also cause allergic reactions. One of the simplest ways to minimize exposure to pet dander is to keep your pet out of your bedroom. Be sure to wash your bedding weekly, at a minimum, to reduce the amount of pet dander that will inevitably be tracked into your bedroom.

By taking these steps you can improve the quality of the air inside your home and help reduce allergy symptoms. So while it may be allergy season outside, inside your family will be breathing cleaner and clearer indoor air.

(ARA) – Allergens lurk inside and outside your home, causing more than 40 million Americans with allergies to cough, sneeze and have itchy eyes all year long, especially in springtime. And, for 25 million Americans with asthma it can be even more problematic. You’d assume cleaning your home would help reduce these allergy triggers, but if you’re not cleaning the right way, you could actually be making the problem worse.

If your cleaning routine doesn’t specifically focus on allergen removal, you may be only moving dust around, sending allergens and irritating cleaning chemicals into the air. To maximize your cleaning efforts to reduce allergens, consider these simple tips from the asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program, the healthy home initiative of the nonprofit Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA):

* You may think dusting your home will help reduce allergens, but if you use a feather duster that simply lifts the dust off surfaces and into the air, you will actually increase airborne dust particles. Instead, use moist cloths or special dry dusters designed to trap and lock dust from hard and soft surfaces.

* Certain cleaning products can also contribute to airborne irritants, especially if they contain harsh chemicals, strong odors or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Choose products that contain none of these irritants, but also beware of “green” labels, as some of these solutions may be made with natural allergenic ingredients, such as lemon, coconut or tea-tree oils.

* Use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter with tight seams and seals to prevent particles from leaking out while you vacuum. Also, choose a style that requires minimal exposure during canister emptying or bag changes.

* Rodent dander and cockroach particles are common household asthma triggers. However, some pesticides may do more harm than good for people with asthma and allergies. If you have a pest problem, look for an exterminator with expertise in integrated pest management and experience treating homes of people with asthma.

* Whether you have a cat or dog, pet dander is present in most U.S. homes. Your cleaning routine should include frequently washing linens in your bedroom, where cat or dog dander can settle. Place mite-proof bedding on your mattresses and pillows. Wash your bedding at least once a week in 130-degree hot water to kill mites and their eggs.

* Mold, a common allergy trigger, can grow anywhere in your home where moisture is present. Look for cleaning products that help kill and prevent mold from returning. Also, keep household humidity below 50 percent and fix leaky pipes and cracks to reduce standing puddles of moisture where mold can prosper.

* Gather stuffed toys, where dust mites, mold and pet dander can accumulate, and wash them in hot water and dry completely before using again. Place stuffed toys that can’t be washed in the freezer for 24 hours, then rinse in cold water to remove dead mites, and dry completely. Do this monthly.

* Lots of air passes through window areas, and airborne dust and allergens accumulate on all types of window treatments – which are rarely cleaned. In the family room and throughout the home, replace big, heavy linen drapes with more sensible window treatments such as wood blinds or flat screens that are easy to wipe and keep clean.

Keep in mind that while consumers spend nearly $18 billion annually on asthma and allergy medications, they also spend more than $20 billion on nonmedical consumer products marketed for people with asthma and allergies such as room air cleaners, bedding, vacuums and more, according to AAFA. While demand for such products continues to grow, there is little regulation governing product claims, the Foundation notes. AAFA’s asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program helps consumers evaluate and verify the allergen-reducing effectiveness of a variety of products, from cleaning supplies, air cleaning devices and vacuums to toys, bedding, home improvement products, paints, clothes washers and more. You can learn more at www.AAFA.org/certified.

(ARA) – Every day in the United States, about 165 kids – or roughly four busloads of children – are seen in emergency rooms for accidental medication poisonings. Medications are the leading cause of accidental child poisoning deaths today, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A new report by Safe Kids Worldwide found that the percentage of child-poisoning deaths due to medications has nearly doubled – from 36 percent to 64 percent – even though the death rate among children from poisoning overall has been cut in half since the 1970s.

The report offers several reasons for the increase in medication poisoning:
* More medications than ever are in the home, especially prescription pain medication.
* The pace of today’s lifestyle may prevent caregivers from immediately putting medicines away in a high, out-of-sight and locked location after every use.
* The rise in multi-generational households means children may now have greater access to grandparents’ medications.

“More than 60,000 children are treated in emergency rooms each year due to accidental medication ingestion when they were unsupervised,” says Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide, who released the research. “Every one of those trips could have been prevented. We can and must do better to ensure parents, grandparents and caregivers have the right information when it comes to safely storing and dosing medication.”

Among young children, 95 percent of medication-related poisoning visits to emergency rooms are caused by a child ingesting medication while unsupervised, and approximately 5 percent are due to dosing mistakes made by caregivers, according to published studies.

Safe Kids Worldwide recommends the following tips to protect young children:

1. Always put medicines and vitamins up and away and in a locked location after every use. Never leave them on the counter between dosings. Don’t be tempted to “keep them handy” in a purse, backpack or briefcase, or in an unlocked cabinet or a drawer within a child’s reach.

2. Always read and follow label instructions when giving medicines to children. If your child’s medication does not have dosing information or instructs you to call a doctor for the dose, be sure that the doctor knows the exact product you are trying to use, because dosing differs among products.

3. Only use the dosing device packaged with the medications. Never use a household utensil, such as a teaspoon or tablespoon, to measure medicine.

4. Up to 20 percent of pediatric poisonings involve a grandparent’s medication, according to the Journal of American Osteopathic Association. Make sure that all medications in the child’s environment are stored out of reach and out of sight.

5. Program the nationwide Poison Help number (800-222-1222) into your phones.

For more helpful tips and to read the full report, “Safe Storage, Safe Dosing, Safe Kids: A Report to the Nation on Safe Medication,” visit www.SafeKids.org.