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 »
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
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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 »
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
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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
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Every year, National Falls Prevention Awareness Day is observed on the first day of Fall (get it?). The goal is to promote and increase public awareness about how to prevent and reduce falls among older adults. This year’s them is “Standing Together to Prevent Falls.” According to the National Council on Aging, most falls can be
September 22 is National Falls Prevention Awareness Day Read More »