Poison Control

A child is accidentally poisoned every half hour in the United States. That fact alone is sobering enough to prompt manufacturers like Humco and Little Remedies Products to develop emergency poison treatment kits. These kits, which are as essential in the home as adhesive bandages, contain everything a parent or caregiver needs to deal with a poison emergency: ipecac syrup, activated charcoal, and an easy-to-follow first-aid guide to treat poisoning, which includes the nationwide toll-free number of the Poison Control Center (800/222-1222). Priced around $10, the kits are a bargain-and a lifesaving one, at that. You'll find them at most department stores, or go to www.humco.com or www.littleremedies.com to order.