Safe Holidays to All (and a little pumpkin bread)

I received an email from the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC). They remind us to be vigilant about protecting our kids from poisons, especially during the busy holiday season.

Here are tips to prevent accidental poisonings this time of year, according to the AAPCC:

"• Children are at greatest risk for alcohol poisoning during the holidays. Do not leave beverage glasses where children can easily reach them. A child’s natural desire to imitate partying grown-ups requires special vigilance on the part of drinking adults.

• Never leave gifts of perfume or cologne, which also contain alcohol, under the Christmas tree where a curious child might find them.

• Keep hot foods hot at 140 degrees or above and cold foods below 40 degrees to reduce the likelihood of food poisoning,

• Wash your hands before and after food preparation to prevent the spread of food-borne illness. Washing is especially important before and after handling raw meat.

• While most holiday plants are relatively safe, always keep them out of the reach of children and pets.

• Cherished old family ornaments may be decorated with paint that contains lead. Store them away if the ornaments are peeling or in poor condition and children or pets live with you.

• If you have holiday visitors or are visiting another residence, make sure that all medications and other potential poisons, such as household cleaning products, are out of the reach of children.

If you have questions about poisons or if you think that someone (a child, adult or pet) may have been exposed to something poisonous, call 1-800-222-1222 immediately. America’s poison control centers are staffed by specialists who are available to assist you 24 hours per day, seven days a week -- even on your favorite holiday."


This list is a great reminder for all of us parents. Add to that the Christmas lights on most of our trees contain lead. Don't let your children touch them, and if they do, wash their hands immediately. I know many of our old ornaments have to contain lead. I try not to let my girls touch them once they are hung up.

And to end this post on a positive note, I posted a recipe last week on Eco-Child's Play for my mom and grandmother's famous pumpkin bread recipe. Even the baking challenged (like myself) can pull this off. It makes a great last minute (and tasty) gift for friends and family. Enjoy!

image: Shine by Bek_alkaline3