Summer in bloom—is it toxic?
Midwesterners wait all year for summer—and now it’s in full swing! Before you embrace what nature has to offer, check out our list of what’s harmless and what should only be admired from afar!
It’s a Summer to Remember for Pesky Critters!
From what we gather from professionals in the know, the weather conditions these last couple of months have been conducive to the rapid multiplication and spread of some of those creepy, crawly and flying things that we normally like to avoid this time of year.
Hot Dog!! – Summer Pet Care
Although the Illinois Poison Center handles calls about human-related exposures only, we know many of our readers still need poison prevention tips for their furry, four- legged friends. Did you know there was an animal poison control center located right here in Illinois? Well this week the ASPCA Animal Poison Control offers some great tips to keep pets safe … more
Stay Cool with Smart Pool Care
When it’s hot out, there’s nothing better than jumping in a refreshing swimming pool! Before jumping in, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the chemicals used to keep pool water clean and safe. Some of these products include: 1. Chlorine 2. Bromine
West Nile 2012: Reduce, Repel, Report
Just in time for the summer months and kids on summer vacation, there was a recent Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) memo that alerted healthcare providers and public health officials that West Nile Virus (WNV) activity in mosquitoes and birds is increasing throughout the state. The current high summer temperatures and low rainfall in … more
Outdoor Summer Safety
Temperatures are warm, the sun is shining and kids are out of school. Summertime is “outside time”, so read on for tips to keep your family safe while outdoors! Plants and Mushrooms Learn the names of all the plants in your garden and landscaping, and label them with both their common and botanical names (tip: bring … more
Top 5 Bug Spray Questions: Home Edition
This time of year, the Illinois Poison Center’s call volume starts to increase for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons has to do with the use of pesticides in the home. Here are the top 5 most frequently asked questions about insecticides: 1. Can I use outdoor-use pesticides inside the house if I … more