We frequently write blogs about concussion, but Dr. Robert Cantu, neurologist and medical director of the Nation Center for Catastrophic Sports and Injury Research in Boston, has a new set of recommendations for parents and sports coaches. Because a child’s brain isn’t fully developed, any trauma has the potential to be more damaging than trauma […]
Brain Doc Suggests Concussion Prevention Read More »
Today starts National Playground Safety Week (runs from April 22-26, 2013). It is a time to focus on the safety of children’s outdoor play environments, and to thank all the adults who work tirelessly to maintain playgrounds. Tell me what you remember about playgrounds in your childhood, and chances are I can tell your age. Metal
National Playground Safety Week Read More »
Despite jokes and sitcom story lines, hearing loss is not inevitable. It is common, however, affecting one in three adults over age 65, and about half of people over age 70. While some people are genetically prone to develop problems with hearing, others face increased risk because of loud noises they experience throughout their lives–on
Do You Need a Hearing Aid? And Can You Afford It? Read More »
Temporary tattoos seem so fun and innocuous. But as the saying goes: It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about temporary tattoos, also known as “henna” tattoos. There have been reports of severe skin reactions, sometimes leading to permanent scarring. “Just because
Temporary Tattoos May Cause Permanent Scars Read More »
Here are some sobering numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Nearly 70% of Americans ages 18 to 64 report chatting on phones while driving in the past 30 days About 30% of Americans ages 18 to 64 report sending a text message while driving Since the last CDC report, 10 states
Americans Are Most Distracted Drivers Read More »
This is Severe Weather Awareness Week in North Carolina, a week for residents to understand that we’re heading for the season of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. According to WRAL.com, more than 24 tornadoes touched down dozens of times in 33 counties on April 16, 2011, killing 24 people and damaging and destroying thousands of homes.
Severe Weather Awareness Week Read More »
When it comes to exercise, new research suggests that benefits may depend on location, location, location. An article published in The New York Times outlines the reasons why exercising outdoors may be a better physical experience than exercising in a gym or at home. Here are some reasons why: Your stride is different when running outdoors.
When It Comes to Exercise, It Really Is the "Great Outdoors" Read More »
In May 2012, we told you about the apparent suicide death of football star Junior Seau. He killed himself with a shot to the chest, presumably to preserve his brain so that experts could determine whether he was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive form of brain damage caused by multiple concussions. (To
Junior Seau's Family Sues NFL Over Concussion-Related Disease Read More »
Last year, we told you about wells in Wake Forest, NC, that were contaminated with a carcinogenic chemical called trichloroethylene (TCE). Now, a new neighborhood faces a different threat to their drinking water. According to an article in the News & Observer, half of the wells in an East Raleigh neighborhood contain excessive levels of
More Contaminated Well Water in Raleigh Read More »
While many people are dreaming of summer sun and sand, North Carolinians are about to have a cold wake-up in the form of snow and ice tonight. Here are a few tips for how to stay safe in this type of extreme (for us) weather. Dress in Layers Five days ago, it was 75 degrees
Cold Weather Safety Tips Read More »