emergency medical assistance (911, a hospital
emergency room, or the national poison control
hotline at 1-800-222-1222) and follow the recom-
mended actions.
KEY MEASURES FOR PREVENTING POISONING- Store all medications in their original labeled containers,
with child-resistant lids or caps, in a locked cabinet or
drawer out of the reach of children. - Accurately measure medication doses, especially those
given to children. - Clear yards and play areas of toxic plants.
- Store cleaning products in locked cabinets out of the reach
of children.
See also CONTACT TOXINS; INGESTED TOXINS; INHALED
TOXINS; INJECTED TOXINS; OVERDOSE.
preventive health care and immunization Pre-
vention measures are the mainstay of preventive
medicine. Many such measures relate to lifestyle,
such as smoking, EATING HABITS, and physical exer-
cise. Others involve vaccinations to prevent dis-
ease and ROUTINE MEDICAL EXAMINATION and
screening procedures to detect health conditions
for early intervention and treatment. Key self-care
measures are BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION (BSE) for
women and for men, TESTICULAR SELF-EXAMINATION
(TSE) for men, and SKINself-examination for men
and women. Immunizations provide protection
against numerous potentially serious or life-
threatening illnesses.
Recommendations for doctor examinations and
screening tests vary according to gender and age.
Appendix X, “Immunization and Routine Exami-
nation Scheldules,” provides comprehensive infor-
mation for infants and children, adolescents, men,
and women.
See also HEALTH RISK FACTORS; LIFESTYLE AND
HEALTH; TRAVEL IMMUNIZATIONS; VACCINE.42 Preventive Medicine