September 4, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 17 Medications can pose hazards in the home Medications in the home can pose addi- tional hazards to children and even elderly residents who may inadvertently get into unsecured pills. Antidepressants, opioids, steroids, anti-convulsants, and radiopharmaceuti- cals may be prescribed to treat pain and other side effects of cancer. When taken in the right doses, these medicines can help patients withstand and ultimately over- come their disease. In the wrong hands, the same drugs can prove poisonous, espe- cially to young children. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, 500,000 parents and caregivers per year call a poison control center because a child accidentally ingested medicine or was given the wrong dose. In 2011, 67,000 chil- dren were treated in an emergency room for medicine poisoning. Based on emer- gency room visits, many children come in contact with these medications in places other than the medicine cabinet. Kids may find spare pills on the ground, in a purse or a bag, or on a counter or nightstand. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a 160 per- cent increase in poisonings in children from 1999 to 2009, 91 of which are the result of a drug overdose. The Cincin- nati Children’s Hospital reports that kids ages five and younger are the most likely victims of prescription drug poisoning. In homes where there is an abundance of medications being used to treat cancer or other illnesses, diligence is needed on the part of adults. Childproof bottles are seldom enough. Very often, adults forget to close the lids properly. Tenacious children can some- times figure out how to get the lids off of bottles, even those touted as being child- proof. Those taking medication regularly might want to employ some additional safety measures. Take pills away from curious eyes so youngsters are not tempted to try Mom or Dad’s medicine, which looks like candy to a child. Store medications high up, ideally in a locked cabinet. Remain careful when returning pill containers to these locked cabinets after use. Use individual-dose cases, many of which can be locked with a key or a combi- nation code. This can protect against spills should the case fall on the floor. Ask for medications to be prescribed in blister packs that are more difficult to open. Dispose of any expired medication or pills you no longer need so there are no extras lying around the house. Dispose of pills properly so children or pets cannot find them and swallow them. Many local towns hold regular Operation Take Back programs at which unwanted medications are collected by local law enforcement officials and disposed of by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Never store pills in a container other than the prescription container or a medi- cation dispenser.