The 2012-2013 flu season is turning out to be one of the worst and most dangerous in years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, as of this week, most of the country is experiencing high levels of influenza and influenza-like illness (ILI). Nationwide, 47 states report widespread geographic flu activity. Since […]
Flu Hurts Nursing Homes Residents in More Ways than Illness Read More »
Lithium disc or “button” batteries–those coin-sized round batteries–are found in many items these day, including mini remote control devices, watches, flameless candles, musical greeting cards, bathroom scales, hearing aids, calculators, and small electronic toys. Because of their small size and appealing shape (looking very much like shiny candy bits), button batteries are frequently swallowed by
Button Batteries are Dangerous for Children and Pets Read More »
Over the past three years, I have written several blogs about preventing falls in the home. (The most recent blog was posted on September 20, 2012, to honor National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. To read that blog, click here: National Falls Prevention Awareness Day). After years of researching information for Health & Safety blogs, I
"My Mother’s Head Is So Hard…": First-Hand Lessons From a Fall Read More »
On Friday, December 7, HensonFuerst attorney Anne Duvoisin met with Wake Forest residents to discuss possible actions now that some local well water has been found to be contaminated with toxic chemicals. On November 7, 2012, we wrote about the frightening and infuriating news of water contamination in the Wake Forest neighborhood of Stony Hill.
HensonFuerst Attorney Speaks with Wake Forest Residents About Toxic Wells Read More »
Get this: Everyday, 30 children in the United States are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries sustained in accidents that happen in those happy, jumpy inflatable bounce houses. According to an article published in the journal Pediatrics, and reported on news.MSN.com, the number of bounce-house injuries have been increasing over the past few years.
Inflatable Bounce Houses Cause Surprising Number of Injuries Read More »
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a carcinogenic chemical, capable of causing liver tumors in laboratory animals. Although there have been no studies of the direct effects of TCE in humans, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified TCE as a “probable human carcinogen,” based on animal research and studies of individuals exposed to TCE on the
Frightening and Infuriating Water Contamination in Wake Forest Read More »
What do you call an activity requires strength, stamina, flexibility, agility, planning, and coordination with team members? What if the participants were required to train with weight-training and aerobic exercises? And what if that activity was performed in gymnasiums, in stadiums, and on outdoor fields? And what if teams competed regionally and nationally? Sounds like a
Doctors Recommend Safety Rules for Cheerleaders Read More »
Whether you’re looking for the blood-red eyes of a vampire, or the striking eyes of a cat with vertical irises, decorative contact can be a dramatic way to enhance a Halloween costume. BUT…(you knew there had to be a “but”) there are some serious risks to be considered before getting dressed for trick-or-treat. According to
Risks of Decorative Contact Lenses Read More »
Every year, about 4000 people enter the hospital for surgery and leave with a dangerous souvenir: a surgical instrument or item left behind in the body. Two-thirds of the time, the object is a surgical sponge, but sometimes the items are scissors, scalpels, or other large, metal items. But even a sponge can be serious.
A Shameful Souvenir of Surgery Read More »
“The home use of trampolines is strongly discouraged.” That is the conclusion of a policy statement issued today by the American Academy of Pediatrics in the journal Pediatrics. According to an article on NBCnews.com, Dr. Michele LaBotz believes that pediatricians need to actively discourage recreational trampoline use. “This is not a toy. It’s a
Docs Warn of Trampoline Dangers for Kids Read More »