Automobile Safety and Rollover Accident Prevention

One of the deadliest risks faced by motorists is the risk of a rollover accident -- particularly for those who drive SUVs, minivans and trucks, which tend to have a higher center of gravity and a greater propensity to tip.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 280,000 rollover accidents are reported each year. Those rollovers kill more than 10,000 motorists annually. 

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Sun Exposure Tips for Kids

Did you know that by age 18, most teenagers have already accumulated 50% - 80% of their lifetime sun exposure?  That's one reason why it's vitally important for parents to help ensure that their children are taking appropriate sun safety precautions.  This Spring and Summer, you can help protect the health of your children by following some basic sun safety tips for kids, provided here courtesy of KidsHealth.Org:

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Health Impact on Children Exposed to Domestic Violence: New Study

Approximately one in five women seeking pediatric care for their children at an urban clinic recently disclosed that they and their children had been abused or exposed to domestic violence -- a finding that echoes the results of several similar studies conducted nationwide.  The finding is the result of a new study published in a recent edition of the journal Pediatrics.

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Teen Drivers and Over Confidence: New Study

Teenage drivers in the U.S. often overestimate their level of driving experience. That false confidence in their driving abilities puts them at risk for accidents and personal injuries.  The finding is a result of new research published in a recent edition of the journal Pediatrics.

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Prom Safety Tips for Parents and Teens

Contrary to what you may hear or see on television, most teens aren't drinking and driving or using illegal drugs this prom season.  Still, each year many talented and promising young people across the U.S. are, in fact, killed in prom-related accidents -- many involving drugs or alcohol.  This year, take time to review with your teenager the importance of exercising good judgment and making responsible decisions related to the risky behaviors that he or she might have an opportunity to engage in following a high school prom.

The following prom safety tips for kids and parents are provided courtesy of The Children's Hospital:

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New Mad Cow Disease Precautions Aimed at Making Beef Supply Safer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a final regulation which bars some cattle materials from all animal feed, including pet food.  The new rule is aimed at protecting consumers against bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE -- also known as Mad Cow Disease).

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Clean-Up Tips for Mercury-Containing Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are popular, spiral-shaped, energy-saving light bulbs, often touted as "green" alternatives to incandescents.  The new bulbs tend to use much less energy and last several times longer than traditional bulbs, but unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, CFLs contain mercury, and when broken they represent a health hazard to consumers.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), broken CFLs can be cleaned-up and disposed of safely, but perhaps not as easily as you might expect.  To reduce the likelihood of personal injury when handling broken compact fluorescent bulbs, be sure to keep the following safety tips in mind:

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CDC Safety Tips for Cruise Vacations

A cruise ship vacation is a great, relaxing way to travel and see counties all over the world.  As vacations go, cruises can also be very affordable.  The close proximity of so many vacationers in an isolated environment can pose some unique public health risks, however.  If a cruise ship vacation is on your agenda this season, take some time to familiarize yourself with the following tips for healthy cruising, courtesy of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

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FDA Links Denture Cleanser to Allergic Reactions, Injuries

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning regarding persulfates --  common ingredients in denture cleansers -- and has asked manufacturers of denture cleansers to include a warning in the label about their use of persulfates.  The ingredients are now known to cause allergic reactions in some users.  The agency is also recommending that manufacturers begin searching for viable alternatives to persulfates.  The chemicals are used in most denture cleansers to promote the cleaning and bleaching process.

According to the FDA, allergic reactions to persulfates don't always occur after the first use, and may not occur until after many years of use.  Additionally, the symptoms of an allergic reaction may not appear for minutes or even hours after use of the cleansers.  Those symptoms may include irritation, tissue damage, rash, hives, gum tenderness, breathing problems, and even low blood pressure.

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Entering or Exiting Automobiles Presents Additional Fall Risk for Seniors - Fall Prevention Recommendations: New Study

According to a new analysis of U.S. injury data, approximately 37,000 people over age 65 are injured annually while attempting to enter or exit a vehicle.  Roughly 40% of these injuries were due to falls.  Additionally, the same group was found more likely to be hospitalized as a result of falls than was the average driver.  These findings are the result of new research published in a recent edition of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

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