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Many may not have found out through this blog alone that I am a mother (a single mom at that) to a 3.5 year-old boy. Well, I am and while it is a blessing that my son is most of the time healthy and recently rarely visits his pediatrician it is a dangerous combination that his mother is a chemist and is prone to self-medication of (over-the-counter) OTC drugs for common conditions (cough, colds, fever, headache).

In my thirty three years, I cannot remember being terrible sick that needed hospitalization. Except for serious bouts of tonsillitis, high fever, and the common flu, there was no need to visit the doctor. Giving birth doesn’t count as a sickness, but it was the first occasion that I was IV-ed ever.

I know it is advisable to regularly consult a doctor even for mild conditions especially in children. But since my son turned two and has completed his basic vaccinations, the only times I go consult a doctor is when his fever cannot be managed at home anymore by self-medication.

So there I am guilty of relying to OTC drugs and self-medicating myself and my son on occasions of cough, colds and slight fever.

Baby Center , my favorite baby and parenting resource itemized seven medicines that you should not give your child: aspirin, anti-nausea medications, adult medications, any medication prescribed for someone else or for another reason, anything expired, extra acetaminophen and chewables.

So we have been warned: check your medicine labels for ingredients and expiry dates. Of course, nothing beats consulting your doctor. (Ok, I will keep this in mind too.)

Read the full article at Baby Center.