When you think of poisons, the first things that come to mind may be hemlock, antifreeze and pesticides. But, there are many more products lurking in your bathroom cabinet, hiding under your kitchen sink, or lying on your garage shelf that can cause harm if used improperly, by the wrong person, or in the incorrect amount. Seemingly innocuous items such as shoe polish, mouthwash, makeup or carpet cleaners can be poisonous when swallowed, inhaled, or enter the body through the eyes, ears or skin.

To help raise awareness and prevent accidental poisonings, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake will recognize March 18 to 24 as National Poison Prevention Week. Each year more than 2 million poisonings are reported to the 57 poison control centers nationwide. In excess of 90 percent of these poisonings happen in the home and the majority of non-fatal poisonings involve children under six years of age.

Poison prevention begins with being aware of possible hazards around the house and taking the necessary precautions to prevent poisoning. Here are some precautions:

• Because “childproof” medicine bottles are really just child resistant, keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Keep all products in original containers.
• Store bottles of alcohol in a locked cabinet.
• Keep children away from poisonous house plants or buy nonpoisonous ones.
• Do not refer to medicines or vitamins as “candy” or other names that appeal to children.
• Always store food and cleaners in separate cabinets or rooms.

To learn more about how to make your home a poison-safe zone, take the free, online Household Poisons Quiz available on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at www.DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/PoisonsQuiz.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
214 324-6100

www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

Colorectal cancer is a topic that most people would probably prefer not to have to think or talk about, but that could be a serious mistake. Did you know that your chances of developing colorectal cancer increases considerably at age 50? In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, more than 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people older than 50. Fortunately, colorectal cancer can be treated when detected early – you just need to be screened.

Other risk factors that may increase a person’s chance of developing colorectal cancer include:

• Having a personal history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Having a personal or family history of colorectal cancer.
• Eating a diet high in fat.
• Being physically inactive.
• Obesity.
• Smoking and heavy alcohol use.
• Type 2 diabetes.

People at increased risk for colorectal cancer should talk with their doctor about being screened for the disease before the age of 50.

Most people with early stage colorectal cancer will not experience any symptoms and they may not know they have the disease until it reaches an advanced stage. That is why screening for colorectal cancer is so important. When detected and treated at an early stage, the five-year survival rate for the disease is nearly 75 percent.

In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness month in March, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake is offering free EZ-detect take-home colorectal cancer kits* until March 31, or while supplies last. The kit is simple, sanitary, and can be done in the privacy of home. No lab processing or stool handling is necessary, and there are no dietary restrictions before or during the testing period. Call 866-764-3627 for your free kit today.

* $7.99 retail value. This test does not replace a colonoscopy. It serves as a preliminary screening designed to detect warning signs of colorectal cancer.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
214 324-6100

www.doctorshospitaldallas.com