It's National Poison Prevention Week. Here's a story from my family.
It was the evening of the 4th of July several years ago and I was at a fireworks display with my family. I looked over at my young son and his whole mouth was glowing in the dark. He had bitten his glow stick. I panicked for a second because it looked so awful - how could something like that NOT be toxic? Then I remembered I had a number in my cell phone contacts that I could call for help. 1-800-222-1222. That's the number for the Illinois Poison Center. The poison specialist who answered the phone reassured me and told me what to do which was essentially drink some water and watch him for mild tummy upset. She even called me back to check on him late. A specially trained poison specialist answered my call on a holiday and gave me FREE, accurate and reassuring information. So much easier than waiting in an emergency room for hours. Please make sure to add this number to your cell phone contacts so you'll have it where ever you are. 1-800-222-1222.
