Less than two weeks ago, we told you about the meningitis outbreak from spinal steroid injections. At that time, 105 people had developed meningitis, and 9 had died. The numbers have been steadily rising. Now, 247 people have become ill, and 19 have died. According to an article in the News & Observer, the infections …
It’s one of the worst kinds of medical stories: Contaminated products causing serious illness and deaths. According to an article on WRAL.com, as many as 13,000 people received injections of a steroid (methylprednisolone acetate) contaminated with a fungus that causes meningitis. While that number includes all people who got injections in any location, the only …
Every year, 2200 people in North Carolina are killed or injured in car-pedestrian collisions…and you can guess which side bears the brunt of the damage. Now, pedestrians are getting a little extra help in the form of Watch for Me NC, a safety education and enforcement campaign. According to an article in the News & …
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. …
“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 …
According to an article on WRAL.com, North Carolina is moving ahead with plans to build a long-awaited highway known as the East End Connector…and it will be built right on top of 150 parcels of land, which will include demolishing 21 homes and 15 businesses. Jim Lindsley, who owns a waterproofing business, will see a …
Durham Homeowners May Be Displaced by New Highway Read More »
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 »
At least 21 families are living with a threat of potential cancer after their wells have been found to be contaminated with TCE–a cancer-causing cleaning agent. According to an article on WRAL.com, the water was likely contaminated by two small circuit board assembly companies that were formerly located on Stony Hill Road near Wake Forest. …
Looking for Answers in Wake Forest Well Water Contamination Read More »
If you can purchase a medication or cream in a supermarket without a prescription, it has to be safe…right? Not necessarily. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released an advisory for common over-the-counter (OTC) topical muscle and joint pain relievers, including Bengay, Capzasin, Flexall, Icy Hot, and Mentholatum. The various formulations–which include creams, lotions, …
Burn Risk from Common Topical Muscle and Joint Pain Relievers Read More »
There are quite a few road improvement and road building projects scheduled for the Triangle over the next several years. Is your home on one of the new building routes? (For a run-down of the projects, see the article in the News & Observer: Road Plans Mean Traffic Jams in the Triangle) If your property …