Dear Ann Landers: Last year, more than two million people called poison control centers for an emergency. Most poison exposures happen at home, and more than half of them involve children under 6 years of age.
Please let your readers know that the American Association of Poison Control Centers has launched a new national, toll-free hotline. By calling 1-800-222-1222, anyone in the United States is automatically connected to their local poison treatment and prevention experts, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All services are free and confidential, and available for the hearing impaired and non-English speakers.
Specially trained nurses, pharmacists and physicians will provide immediate emergency help to callers. If medical treatment is needed, the poison center will call an ambulance and provide advice to Emergency Medical Service workers when they arrive.
Your readers can also call the hotline anytime for advice about poison prevention. The experts at the hotline center are ready to answer a wide range of questions about poisonous plants, how to use pesticides safely and how to poison-proof one’s home. Please encourage your readers to post the new hotline number on their telephones. It can help save someone’s life. — Rose Ann G. Soloway, RN, associate director, American Association of Poison Control Centers
Dear Rose Ann Soloway: Thank you for providing me with this priceless information. Please, dear readers, write down the hotline number and put it near every one of your phones. It could make the difference between life and death.
Dear Ann Landers: I am a waitress and seven months pregnant with my fourth child. I have to work through my pregnancy because I need the money. You would not believe how many people poke, prod, rub, squeeze and grope my stomach. The restaurant is crowded, and it is difficult for me to back away from these touchy-feely types. And you would be amazed at the rude and nosy comments I hear.
More Top Picks Best Laptops For High School Students
One customer rested his ear on my belly. Another asked me to turn around so she could see how big my backside was. I have been told that I am irresponsible, that I should get my tubes tied, and asked if all my children are from the same father.
If I don’t talk about my condition, the customers say I am rude and complain to the manager. What is wrong with them? They are all old enough to know better. How can I make them stop? — Still Pregnant in Florida
Dear Flo: Smile politely and ignore the rude comments. They don’t deserve a response. If someone touches you, firmly remove the offending hand (or ear), and say sweetly, “Sorry, but I am very sensitive to being touched.” As long as you say it with a smile, it should work.
Meanwhile, notify the manager, and enlist his help. No one has the right to touch you without your permission, customer or not.
Dear Ann Landers: I have read several letters in your column about abusive mothers. You always tell the writers to keep working on the relationship. I agree.
My mother was controlling and verbally abusive. If things weren’t done to her satisfaction, she would punish me by pulling my hair until I cried. When I married, her nasty behavior toward my family eventually led us to stop seeing her.
Then my mother became terminally ill. I made peace with her because I didn’t want to feel guilty. She died in our home, and I would not have had it any other way. Even though I did not like my mother, I did love her. I know in my heart what I did was right for both of us. — Guilt-Free in California
Dear Guilt-Free: I hope your mother managed to let you know how grateful she was. Bless your kind and forgiving heart.