Hints from Heloise

Dear Readers: Would you know how to tell if your child had ingested something poisonous? Some hints:

“Most poisons, except for lead, work fairly quickly, so symptoms usually appear in a matter of hours.

“Check for burns or unknown stains around the child’s lips or mouth, or a strange smell on his or her breath.

“Sleepiness at odd times is also a red flag, so see if the child’s eyes can stay focused and open.

“If you suspect a possible poisoning, call the Poison Control Center immediately. The national toll-free number is (800) 222-1222 (answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week).

“When you call, be ready to give the child’s age, height and weight, and the name of the substance you think he or she might have swallowed.

“Poison experts now say do not induce vomiting. In fact, in many cases it can do more harm than good, so hold off on any remedies until you call the Poison Control Center or 911. – Heloise