This week marked the 75th anniversary of the day the Social Security Act became law, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. For the first time, ordinary Americans were protected “against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age” (in the words of the original bill). This accomplishment was just one step in President […]
Social Security Act 75th Anniversary Read More »
The problem of impaired-driving is a serious one. While America witnessed a decline in the number of impaired-driving fatalities from 2007-2008, the numbers are still too high. That’s why law enforcement agencies throughout the country are participating in an intensive crackdown on impaired driving. This national impaired driving crackdown—known by its tagline, Drunk Driving. Over the Limit.
National Impaired Driving Crackdown Read More »
Another day, another automobile recall. Has there ever been a worse year for car safety issues? Mazda is recalling 500,000 cars worldwide, about 215,000 in the United States, for problems with the power steering. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall includes all 2007-2009 Mazda 3 and Mazda 5 vehicles. The
Mazda Recall: Half a Million Affected by Power Steering Problems Read More »
The Society of Actuaries (SOA) issued a report on medical errors in the United States, in 2008. Get ready for a headache… 2,500 —- the number of avoidable deaths due to medical errors 1.5 million —- the number of injuries due to medical error 6.3 million —- the number of measurable medical injuries 10 million
Medical Errors Cost BILLIONS Read More »
A large study of young teenagers found that taking acetaminophen–the drug found in fever-reducing Tylenol–increases the risk of asthma. Doctors note that acetaminophen is still the best choice for treating a child’s fever, but parents of children known to have asthma symptoms should talk with their pediatrician about when and how to use the drug
Fever Down, Asthma Up Read More »
“Tuesdays with Morrie” is the heartbreaking story of the final life lessons imparted by a beloved teacher dying of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Today, the New York Times reports on an astonishing bit of science that expands the tragedy: Some people diagnosed with ALS may not have the disease.
Brain Trauma May Mimic Lou Gehrig's Disease Read More »
Today, General Motors announced a voluntary safety recall of all 2009 and 2010 models of the Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook crossover vehicles. The second-row seat belts may be damaged in a way that makes them appear properly latched, even when they are not. The recall affects about 250,000 vehicles. “Because
GM Recalling Crossover Vehicles for Seat Belt Problems Read More »
Traditionally pain has been managed by the administration of pain pills. Then when the body develops a tolerance to pain pills, the doctor ups the dosage. Then when that doesn’t work, where do you go . . .a different medication until the same thing happens with the new medicine? Research is beginning to show the
More to Dealing with Pain than Just Pills Read More »
Not sure we understand this…no, we take it back. We’re positive we don’t understand this. North Carolina prevents state DWI courts from using those ankle bracelets as part of their arsenal of tools to prevent people from continuing to drink and drive. According to an article in today’s News & Observer, we’re not the only
NC Says NO to DWI Ankle Bracelets Read More »
On July 29, 2010, I wrote about the danger of metal bats in youth baseball. There are a growing number of head and brain injuries caused when baseballs hit by metal bats strike a pitcher in the head. Some players have been severely injured. One 16-year-old young man, Gunnar Sandberg, was nearly killed by a
Pitchers Get More Protection in Youth Baseball Read More »