Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

42 Preventive Medicine
emergency medical assistance (911, a hospital
emergency room, or the national poison control
hotline at 1-800-222-1222) and follow the recommended
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 Prevention
measures are the mainstay of preventive
medicine. Many such measures relate to lifestyle,
such as smoking, EATING HABITS, and physical exercise.
Others involve vaccinations to prevent disease
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 SKIN self-examination for men
and women. Immunizations provide protection
against numerous potentially serious or lifethreatening
illnesses.
Recommendations for doctor examinations and
screening tests vary according to gender and age.
Appendix X, “Immunization and Routine Examination
Scheldules,” provides comprehensive information
for infants and children, adolescents, men,
and women.
See also HEALTH RISK FACTORS; LIFESTYLE AND
HEALTH; TRAVEL IMMUNIZATIONS; VACCINE.