Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about getting ready for the holiday season. This is a time of year when we often open our homes to guests. If you’ll have children or older adults in your home this season, take a moment to make sure your home is safe for them.
Dr. Robert Wiebe, a pediatric emergency medicine expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center, suggests that grandparents expecting a visit from their grandchildren childproof their homes with cabinet locks and outlet covers, and make sure that any swimming pools or hot tubs are inaccessible. Keep medications in locked cabinets instead of on countertops, nightstands or tables, and remember any pills Grandma might be carrying in her purse. If you’re hosting older adults, make sure that throw rugs are firmly anchored, keep stairs clear, keep floors clear of clutter and provide a night light in the hallway between the guest room and the bathroom.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/pediatrics to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in pediatrics.
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November 2008
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