One of the most common causes of poisoning among seniors is accidental medication overdose. Statistics show that while adults over 65 years of age represent only 13 percent of the total population, they consume more than 30 percent of all prescribed medications and 40 percent of all over-the-counter medications.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is often referred to as the silent killer. It is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is produced as a by-product from the incomplete burning of carbon containing fuels. This includes wood, oil, natural gas, kerosene, coal and gasoline (CO is in exhaust from the car).

Traveling on vacation can be hectic enough without the added problem of worrying about your medications. Keep in mind that medications are sensitive to temperature extremes. Therefore, if you're traveling to a hot and humid climate, take extra care to keep your medicines in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

FDA issued a ruling that requires manufacturers of over- the-counter pain relievers to include warnings of health risks on their labels.

Mixing medications can have lethal consequences. This issue is of particular importance to seniors and their caregivers. Painkillers are the major cause of poisoning deaths when taken in excess or in combination with other drugs which also suppress respiration.

The answer is "YES" if you have someone age 12 to 25 living in your house. According to a 2006 survey recently released by the federal government, approximately 5 percent of people in this age group have used over-the-counter (OTC) cough or cold medicine to get high.