Taser® electronic control devices (ECDs)–also known as “stun guns”–are effective self-defense and safety tools. But as with any technology, they can be used inappropriately and cause harm. According to an article in The New York Times, research suggests that the electrical shock delivered to the chest by a Taser® can cause sudden death by stopping […]
Tasers Potentially Lethal, New Research Finds Read More »
Good parents concerned with their children’s safety on the playground are shocked when their toddlers break a leg. The parents are devastated when they discover that they caused the injury. According to an article in The New York Times, broken legs are a “common” injury among toddlers who ride down slides (especially spiral slides) on
Parents Surprised by Playground Slide Risk to Toddlers Read More »
For older adults, falls are a major health problem: Falls are the leading cause of brain injury among seniors, and are linked to a risk of death due to complications from hip fractures. If we could find a way to prevent falls, it would prevent a lot of pain, suffering, early death, and medical costs.
Hearing Loss Linked to Risk of Falling Read More »
First: Don’t worry–you will still receive your Social Security benefits. The only change will be the method of delivery. According to an article on WRAL.com, the federal government will be phasing out paper checks for all benefit programs, including Social Security, veterans’ benefits, railroad pensions, and federal disability payments. By next year, everyone will receive
Social Security to Change Check Delivery System Read More »
Do you have an emergency preparedness plan for your home and family? Do you have an evacuation plan in the event you have to leave the area? Do you keep extra batteries for flashlights… a well-stocked first-aid kit… a supply of bottled water? Well, the federal government requires that nursing homes have specific plans in
Nursing Homes Have Weak Disaster Plans Read More »
Ray Easterling, former player for the Atlanta Falcons, died Thursday at age 62 of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to an article in The New York Times, Easterling was part of a group of former NFL players who sued the league, claiming that it had failed to treat players for concussions, and for attempting
NFL Player in Concussion Lawsuit Dies Read More »
When workers get hurt on the job, they can rack up thousands of dollars in medical expenses and lost wages. Reputable employers carry insurance to cover their employees’ work-related costs. In fact, workers’ compensation insurance is required for employers who have three or more employees. The News & Observer conducted an investigation into how well
Injured Workers Finally Getting the Help They Deserve Read More »
After a head injury, patients face numerous physical and emotional challenges. During and even after hospitalization, there are many medical decisions that need to be made as part of treatment. But the very act of making decisions is a problem, according to research published in the April 11, 2012, issue of the medical journal Neurology.
Brain Injuries Impair Decision-Making Skills Read More »
When it comes to the dangers of raw chicken, most people immediately think of Salmonella. And yes, raw chicken is definitely susceptible to Salmonella. But a new study reveals that E. coli is also surprisingly common. According to an article in The New York Times, researchers bought and tested packaged raw chicken products from 10
Half of All Store-Bought Chicken is Contaminated Read More »
North Carolina is notorious for its wild daily temperature swings. You might start the day needing long sleeves and long pants, change to shorts by lunchtime, then put on a jacket after sunset. For most of us, this is nothing more than a minor sartorial inconvenience; but for people over age 65, temperature swings can
Temperature Swings May Put Elderly at Risk Read More »