California Poison Control Observes National Poison Prevention Week
Tweet: @poisoninfo says text TIPS to 69866 for #nopoison info
SAN FRANCISCO, March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Poison Prevention Week, established by the U.S. Congress in 1961 to promote poison prevention, will mark its 51st year beginning the week of March 18, 2012. California Poison Control System http://www.calpoison.org (CPCS) is the largest single provider of poison control services in the U.S. and California's primary source for treatment advice and information in case of poison exposure for both consumers and health professionals. CPCS offers a variety of free services to prevent poisoning. These include:
- Fast, free and expert help or information 24/7 for emergencies or questions about poison at 1-800-222-1222. Program that number into all phones.
- Interpreters are available at all times for over 100 languages.
- www.pillsvscandy.org – a free fun online game and free iPhone and Android app that can be played with the whole family. Can you tell the difference between pills and candy?
- Sign up for free weekly home and family safety tips. Text TIPS to 69866.
- Free weekly tips are also available in Spanish by texting PUNTOS to 69866.
- CPCS has an active Facebook page where consumers can get news and share information https://www.facebook.com/pages/California-Poison-Control-System/50673939651. Look for cool giveaways.
- CPCS has twitter account @poisoninfo engaging moms and dads, nonprofit organizations and others. CPCS stages intermittent "15 Minutes with an Expert" on Twitter where followers can ask a medical toxicologist anything over a 15 minute period.
- Consumers can share a poison prevention message with a friend by customizing and sending an e-card at www.calpoisonecards.org.
- Check out CPCS's YouTube channel for English and Spanish videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/PoisonInfo?blend=4&ob=0.
- Lead can still be found in new and used children's products, like toys, backpacks, lunchboxes and jewelry. Find out about product recalls and tested products at www.healthystuff.org.
Here are some videos to share with friends and family.
For more information about California Poison Control, visit www.calpoison.org.
About California Poison Control
CPCS is dedicated to providing residents with the most up-to-date information and 24-hour help in case of poisoning. In case of an accidental poisoning, consumers should immediately call 1-800-222-1222 for advice. Pharmacists, nurses, physician-toxicologists and poison information providers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help. In most cases, a poison exposure can be safely managed in your home, avoiding a call to 911 or a visit to a crowded hospital emergency room. Many parents think about contacting the poison control services only in case of an emergency, but experts are available to answer questions any time. Weekly tips about home and family safety are available by texting TIPS to 69866. Follow CPCS on Facebook at California Poison Control and on Twitter @poisoninfo.
SOURCE California Poison Control
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