Vicks® wants to help protect teens from the dangers of medicine abuse, but needs your help as parents to accomplish this goal. Experts report that medicine abuse can be prevented with a good child-parent relationship. In fact, teens who talk to their parents about medicine abuse are half as likely to engage in this behavior.
Because OTC drugs are legal and accessible, young people may not realize how powerful they can be. It’s important to know the facts about OTC drugs and warn your children. Let them know that OTC products are not "safer" to misuse simply because they are legal, have a legitimate purpose, and are easy to buy.
Other ways you can protect your children include:
- Monitoring the OTC drugs in your home, keeping track of how much medicine is in each bottle
- Avoiding overstocking OTC drugs in your home
- Not allowing your child to keep OTC drugs in his bedroom, backpack, or school locker
- Monitoring your child's Internet use and watching out for sites your child may be visiting that promote OTC drug abuse
- Being a role model for responsible use of OTC and prescription medications
Vicks wants their products to be used only as directed, for the intended purpose. That's why they've teamed up with the Consumer Healthcare Products Association. Visit www.stopmedicineabuse.com to get the resources and information you need to communicate with your children – as well as guides for those suffering from cough, cold, and flu symptoms to make informed and educated decisions.
For more information, check out this information about safety of over-the-counter medications.
