Toronto's Ukrainian pharmacies teach students about poison prevention (05/09/04)

Toronto's Ukrainian pharmacies teach students about poison prevention

by Jonathan McKay

TORONTO - As part of the recent national Poison Prevention Awareness Week (March 21-27), Ukrainian pharmacies held related workshops at St. Demetrius and St. Josaphat Catholic Schools. Sessions were conducted by Dr. Tanya Sklierenko, a clinical pharmacist in the Toronto area.

"It's especially important to educate children about the dangers present in every household. Only by making kids aware of poisonous substances from an early age can the number of poisonings that occur each and every year be reduced," Dr. Sklierenko explained.

There are 4.7 million poisonings that occur annually in North America - just under half of those are in children younger than 7.

The number of poisonings that occur in the home is a problem that is rarely touched on in the media, making these events all the more important.

As a community pharmacist, Dr. Sklierenko held these workshops in conjunction with three separate Ukrainian pharmacies: Best Drug Mart and West End Medical Pharmacy, both located in Bloor West Village, as well as Symington Guardian at Dupont and Lansdowne.

She stressed the importance for pharmacists such as herself to offer these free services as a means of both raising awareness of health issues in the community and in building solid relationships between a community and its pharmacy.

Poison Prevention Workshops received a warm reception at St. Demetrius and St. Josaphat schools by kindergarten students and their teachers.

"I think they really took in a lot of key facts," said Dr. Sklierenko, "and hopefully this experience will initiate conversations with their parents about poison prevention."

Should you believe that you or someone else is suffering from poisoning, readers are advised to stay calm and immediately call their local Poison Information Center. Have on hand such information as your name and telephone number, the label of the suspected product and the condition of the person who is ill. The Ontario Poison Information Center may be reached at 1-800-268-9017.

| Home Page |