Author Archives: Melissa

Do you have a poisonous purse?

Have you ever been somewhere with a fussy baby you needed to distract and reached in your handbag to find something for them to play with? Your purse may be … Continue reading →

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How I called the poison center and saved money

Last weekend I called the poison center and ended up saving my family a potential $150 night’s stay at a local hotel. My husband and I have been wanting to … Continue reading →

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Christmas tree decorations – Are they safe?

Ever wonder if your Christmas tree decorations are poisonous to your pets or kids? Most likely, your ornaments are nontoxic, but if you have young children or dogs or cats, … Continue reading →

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Poinsettias, amaryllises and mistletoe: Are your holiday plants poisonous?

It’s time to deck the halls with boughs of holly. But is holly poisonous? What about other holiday plants like poinsettias and amaryllises? We often worry about our kids eating … Continue reading →

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Don’t invite food poisoning to Thanksgiving

USDA photo, Creative Commons. It can be very stressful cooking for a large group. What if there is not enough oven space? Or what if something is undercooked and people … Continue reading →

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Fall safety plan: Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning

If you are like me, it is a source of pride to wait as long as possible to turn on your furnace. This year, though, I did not wait very … Continue reading →

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Take a Child Outside Week – Stay away from poisonous plants

Discovering the outside world is one of my twin toddlers’ favorite activities. Our daily walk around the block can take five times longer than I think it should because they … Continue reading →

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Poison prevention and public health: Little steps can lead to big changes

April 2-8 is National Public Health Week. This year’s theme is “A Healthier America Begins Today: Join the Movement!” The goal is to encourage people to take preventive measures to … Continue reading →

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National Poison Prevention Week’s golden anniversary

With March 18-24 marking the 50th anniversary of the National Poison Prevention Week it is a good time to look back on where we have done and what we still … Continue reading →

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Stool softeners for my toddler: asking the right medication questions

Constipation is a pain. Literally. Especially if you are a young child. My two-year-old daughter has been battling it since she was one. It is really hard to watch your … Continue reading →

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How worried should parents be about helium?

In February, a 14-year-old Oregon girl died shortly after inhaling helium at a drinking party. Parents already have so many things to worry about—do they have to worry about helium, … Continue reading →

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Giving medicine to a sick toddler

Most parents can relate: once your kid starts daycare the colds and runny noses begin. The guilt never ends. You feel like the worst mom in the world as you … Continue reading →

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