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 »
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 »
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning people who use the anti-seizure medication Lamictal (lamotrigine) to be aware of the potential for aseptic meningitis. This side effect has put dozens of people in the hospital. Lamictal is a medication commonly used for seizures in children age 2 and older, and in adults
FDA Warning About Seizure Drug Read More »
According to an article on WRAL.com, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has recommended that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services fine Britthaven of Chapel Hill nursing home for violations that led to the hospitalization of six patients in February. One patient, 84-year-old Rachel Holliday, died. Ms. Holliday and eight
State Calls for Fines for Britthaven of Chapel Hill Nursing Home Read More »
About four years ago, Texan Dianne Helms drove home after a night of partying and drinking. She crashed her Toyota Tundra into a culvert. Her body was tossed around in the car…her head went through the driver’s side window and smashed onto the pavement. That’s how her year-long coma began. That’s how she ended up
Lessons after Traumatic Brain Injury Read More »
The little North Carolina town of Knightdale, just east of Raleigh, has grown a lot in the past year, but apparently a lot of that growth includes people who run red lights. According to a story on WRAL.com, the red-light camera along route 64 capture speeders, red-light runners, and even some horrific traffic accidents, including
Red-Light Cameras Capture Everything Read More »
Turning 16 is a grand milestone for most teens. Their driver’s license gives them their first real taste of freedom. But combine that with a 3,000-pound car and their invincible mentality and teens hit the fast lane to danger. [Rocky Mount Telegram, July 31, 2010] North Carolina has seen a 40% decrease in teenage driver
NC Highway Patrol Working to Keep Teen Drivers Alive Read More »