Tops helps prevent poisonings in the home

Approximately 85,000 children are hospitalized each year due to unintentional poisoning. More than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home, and most result from the ingestion of common household products, according to the Poison Prevention Week Council and the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

In recognition of National Poison Prevention Week, March 18-24, Tops Markets and Martin's Super Food Stores want to emphasize the responsibility of parents, grandparents and other caregivers in preventing poisonings at home.

Free children's poison prevention activity books will be available at all Tops/Martin's pharmacies and include information to help educate children about the dangers of poisons.

Parents need to be watchful when household chemicals or drugs are being used, because many poisoning incidents occur when adults are using a product, but are distracted for a few minutes. In addition, the stores will be distributing stickers to go on or near telephones with the Poison Control Hotline phone number, 1-800-222-1222.

Tops/Martin's is partnering with Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo to hold general information sessions throughout National Poison Prevention Week for customers to ask questions about poison prevention.

In Amherst, the session will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, March 21, at 2351 Maple Road.

For more information on National Poison Prevention Week, visit www.poisonprevention.org.