6. Protect children and pets from items that could poison them. Obvious poisons are pesticides, anti-freeze, rat poisons, weed killer, sanitizers, disinfectants (including bleach) and flea and tick shampoos, but there are potential poisons you might not realize. Medications (including aspirin), vitamin supplements (including children’s vitamins), toothpaste, mouthwash and even makeup can all be lethal if ingested by children or pets. Keep these items off counter tops and out of reach. Also, don’t rely on “child resistant” packaging. Child resistant doesn’t mean “child proof.” And never tell a child that his medicine tastes like candy.

Most poisonings take place in the home, but they can occur away from home at relatives, baby sitters or friends. Be sure to perform a walk-through at any location your child or pet happens to visit. In case of suspected poisoning call your local Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222, and keep emergency numbers in every room, in your wallet or purse, and programmed to your phone.

7. Install carbon monoxide detectors in addition to smoke detectors. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas, and is particularly dangerous, because it is odorless and colorless. Make sure to use proper ventilation around fireplaces and wood stoves. Also, have your home checked for radon, a colorless, odorless, radioactive poisonous gas. Exposure to radon gas is responsible for 20,000 cases of lung cancer in the U.S. every year. Take a tour through your home with your children and point out possible hazards; teaching them to be safe.

Diet or exercise question? Email me at dwcrocker77@gmail.com or visit fitness4yourlife.org. David Crocker of Landrum has been a nutritionist and master personal trainer for 27 years. He served as strength director of the Spartanburg Y.M.C.A., head strength coach for the USC-Spartanburg baseball team, S.C. state champion girl’s gymnastic team, and the Converse college equestrian team. He served as a water safety consultant to the United States Marine Corps., lead trainer to L.H. Fields modeling agency, and taught four semesters at USC-Union. David was also a regular guest of the Pam Stone radio show.