EMERGENCY KIT

Be prepared for the rare occasion when your child becomes ill with a fever or a cold, gets a cut, or swallows a potential poison.  Ask yourself if you know what to do or whom to call for assistance.

Since pharmacies may not be open all night, we recommend that you keep the following items on hand in a home “medical kit” or your medicine chest:

• Hydrogen peroxide, a skin disinfectant
• Polysporin ointment (an antibacterial)
• Band-Aids and bandages, a generous supply
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.)
• Cough and cold medications as suggested by your pediatrician
• Ear anesthetic drops (Auralgan)

IN THE EVENT OF A POSSIBLE POISONING

Remain calm.  Please call POISON CONTROL at 542-2323

The person answering your call will ask your name, address, telephone number, child’s name, age and approximate weight.  You also will be asked what substance the child has swallowed and the approximate amount.  You will then be given precise instructions and told whether or not you should contact us.

CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION

You can receive same day E-mail notification of product recalls by registering online at www.cpsc.gov .  Click on the recalls/news icon and then on the cpsc’s E-mail subscription list.

IF YOUR CHILD GETS A COLD

Cold symptoms can be uncomfortable.  They include fever, congestion and sometimes cough.  Since viruses produce colds, the treatment is symptomatic and they usually resolve on their own, after a few days.  We suggest that you treat fever with Tylenol or an equivalent form of acetaminophen and use cough or cold medications as recommended by us.  Children with a persistent cough should be evaluated by your pediatrician during routine office hours.