Drug Overdoses In Kids Increasing

Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control have found that a high number of children suffer from accidental overdoses each year. More than 60,000 kids are treated in U.S. emergency rooms because they took medications while caregivers were not looking. According to the study, the rate of accidental overdose in young children has risen 20% in the past few years.

Though packaging for many over the counter and prescription drugs is billed as “child-proof,” one in every 150 2-year-olds must be treated for a drug overdose annually. Medications are required to have child-resistant packaging, but no medicine can be fully child-proof.

According to WebMD, the American Association of Poison Control Centers has suggestions for how to protect your children against an accidental overdose. Keeping all drugs on higher shelves where children cannot reach them, ensuring the caps are on properly, and putting medicines away after each use will help reduce risks. If your child is old enough to understand, explain that medicines are not candy and try teaching them about drug safety.