One of the big hazards of summer rainstorms for drivers is hydroplaning, when your car loses contact with the ground, and instead floats uncontrollably on a layer of water. It seems impossible–a ton of vehicle being undone by less than a quarter-inch of water–but any heavy rain is guaranteed to bring hydroplaning wrecks. According to a […]
Avoid Hydroplaning in Summer Storms Read More »
The storms that popped up in central North Carolina this weekend were a fast and ferocious reminder that rain can be as big a hazard as snow…especially if you are not prepared. Here are some things that weather and driving experts hope you’ll keep in mind. After all, summer is only half over. Check The
Tips for Safe Driving in Summer Storms Read More »
Now that summer time is here and families are heading out to their local pools, there’s another aspect of pool safety that you need to know about. You have probably heard news stories about children who have been caught on drains at the bottom of pools. Drains with old-fashioned, missing, broken, or faulty covers can
Summer Safety Tip #5: Swimming Pool Drain Covers Read More »
According to the News & Observer Road Worrier, the U.S. Senate is considering a bill that would reward states with millions of dollars in grants if they outlaw all phoning and texting while driving. The bill is called H.R. 3994: Distracted Driving Prevention Act of 2009. (You can read the bill itself here: Distracted Driving
Are You Ready for Phone-Free Driving? Read More »
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the website Drugs.com (www.drugs.com) have teamed to broaden the reach of FDA’s consumer health information. A new partnership forged by the two entities provides consumers with a joint resource on Drugs.com’s site that features FDA Consumer Update articles, videos, and slideshows. It will also bring FDA health information
FDA Finds New Outlet for Consumer Drug Information Read More »
Summer officially starts next week, but grilling season has already been going strong in North Carolina for weeks. Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a reminder to practice basic food safety to help prevent foodborne illness. These may sound obvious, but you would be surprised how many people let safety lapse when
FDA Reminder: Grill Safely to Prevent Foodborne Illness Read More »
Imagine a hospital operating room wired for phone use. How would you feel if the surgeon removing your appendix talked on the phone — hands free, of course — while operating? That’s the question posed in this week’s issue of the New England Journal of Medicine by Dr. Amy N. Ship, assistant professor of medicine at
A Doctor's Message About Multitasking Read More »
Today, General Motors Company announced the recall of 1.5 million vehicles because the heated windshield washer fluid systems posed a fire hazard. There was a similar recall in 2008, but a second hazard was discovered in June 2009. That raises the question of why it took a year for the recall to be initiated. Letters
RECALL: Fire Hazard in GM Vehicles Read More »
According to WRAL, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the voluntary recall of its 16-ounce promotional glasses because the painted design contains cadmium, a toxin that can cause cancer, bone softening, and kidney problems. The glasses are being sold to advertise the theatrical release of “Shrek Forever After.” About 12 million glasses have been
RECALL: McDonald's Shrek Glasses Read More »
If you are ever in a car wreck, there are three things we all expect to happen: That law enforcement and emergency services will arrive on the scene quickly; That you will receive the medical care you need to recover as fully as possible; and That the justice system will treat you fairly when it
Inherent Unfairness of "Contributory Negligence" Read More »