Mobile Personal Injury Lawyer - General Personal Injury

Over-the-counter meds pose dangers to children

Kimberly French — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:23:16 GMT

Last week the FDA called a joint meeting of its Nonprescription drugs and Pediatric advisory committees to discuss recent death and illness reports allegedly linked to over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications for infants and children.

Due to the reported deaths and illnesses associated with use of OTC cold and cough rememdies, the infant versions of these drugs have already been withdrawn from store shelves.

Dr. Lurie, deputy director of the Health Research Group at Public Citizen, a national nonprofit public interest organization, spoke at the meeting, recommending that children under age 12 not be given OTC cough and cold medications. Dr. Lurie pointed out that there are only 11 pediatric clinical trials involving these types of medications to be found over the past 50 years.

"No matter which path to pediatric approval a cough and cold drug may attempt to take, there is simply no evidence to support the position that these drugs are safe and effective for children," said Lurie. "In fact, recent data have shown just the opposite - that these drugs often cause serious harm."

The FDA advisory panel voted 13 to 9 that children ages 2 to 6 should not use OTC cold and cough drugs, including antihistamines, decongestants, antitussives and more. The concensus was that the drug risks outweigh the benefits, and not enough studies have been conducted to explore their effects on children.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Drugs, Medical Devices, and Implants.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Kimberly French

MRSAs More Common Than Previously Thought

Courtney Mills — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 08:30:57 GMT

A government study to be published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association, finds that so-called MRSA 'superbugs' are twice as common as was previously thought. Nearly 19,000 people died in 2005 after becoming infected with drug-resistant bacteria in hospitals and nursing homes.

Beginning in 1970, doctor began to observe infections that weren't easily treatable with typical antibiotics. This period heralded the arrival of 'superbugs'.

The study determined that an alarming 85% of invasive MRSA infection, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection, were caused by health care treatment. This happens when bacteria are carried around by health care workers from patient to patient.

The results from the government study are likely to generate more discussion over testing patients on hospital admission for MRSAs. Some research suggests that hospitals that quarantine patients with MRSAs and use special clothes for each contact may reduce infection rates.

The major importance of this government study was its reliance on actual cases of MRSA infection. Researchers estimate that nearly 95,000 people developed a MRSA of some sort in 2005.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Courtney Mills

Tips for avoiding accidents on holiday weekend

Staff Writer — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:33:54 GMT

Yesterday more than 24 state troopers and law enforcement officials from Alabama and Florida got together at U.S. 231 South welcome centers to encourage motor vehicle safety on the roads this Labor Day weekend.

The campaign, called Hands Across the Border, focused on safety tips such as wearing seatbelts, not driving under the influence of alcohol, and not driving aggressively. Most state troopers have witnessed horrific motor vehicle accidents that resulted in deaths because motorists did not wear seatbelts or drove recklessly.

State troopers are encouraging parents to properly use child safety seats in their cars, including teathered seats, installed properly. An article in the Dothan Eagle highlights the campaign:

Cpl. Dale Cobb, of the Alabama State Highway Patrol, said state troopers will use line patrols to enforce the traffic laws on the major highways including U.S. 431, U.S. 84 and U.S. 231. Troopers will use driver license checkpoints on county and rural highways.
"It's going to be an increased number of troopers on the highway because of several over time programs," Cobb said.
Cobb recalled a Coffee County accident several years ago that took the lives of three people. As Cobb approached the accident outside Enterprise he remembered the proper usage of a child safety seat in the back of a car had helped two young children survive. The accident killed their mother and grandmother, along with the driver of the second car.

Last year on Labor Day weekend there were 11 deaths from motor vehicle accidents, 5 of which were related to alcohol, and 7 of which included motorists not wearing seatbelts.

For more information on this subject matter, please refer to the section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Staff Writer

Lead poisoning symptoms

Staff Writer — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 12:44:25 GMT

The latest product recalls, including many toys and cheap jewelry made in China, have brought the problem of lead poisoning to the forefront of consumers' minds.

Many parents of children under 6, who are the most affected by lead poisoning, are wondering what symptoms to be on the lookout for as warning signs of the potentially damaging disorder.

An article from TuscaloosaNews.com offers answers to some important questions about lead poisoning:

What are the health concerns with lead poisoning?
Elevated blood lead levels in young children -- especially those under 6 years old -- have been associated with slowing the development of the brain and central nervous system.
For them, lead exposure can result in reduced IQ, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, behavioral problems, stunted growth, impaired hearing and kidney damage.
At extreme high levels of exposure, a child may become mentally retarded, fall into a coma and, although rare, die. Within the last 10 years, children have died from lead poisoning in New Hampshire and in Alabama, according to the National Safety Council, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting health.
What are some of the symptoms of lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning may be hard to detect at first because the accumulation of lead usually is gradual, building up until levels become dangerous and cause signs and symptoms.
Symptoms also are slightly different in children than in adults.
The Mayo Clinic offers the following as symptoms to look out for in children:
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Sluggishness
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Constipation
Unusual paleness (pallor) from anemia
Learning difficulties

For more information on this subject matter, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Staff Writer

Lybrel pill that halts periods approved by FDA

Staff Writer — Wed, 30 May 2007 08:00:04 GMT

A new birth control pill called Lybrel, which also prevents women from having menstrual periods, received FDA approval last week.

The low-dose oral contraceptive has received mixed reviews from skeptical consumers and doctors. While some herald the new drug as a freeing, liberating pill that puts an end to the discomforts of cramps, bloating and the like, others say it is unnatural and may have side effects down the road.

A report from LasVegasNow.com highlights the debate:

"It's actually abnormal for a woman not on birth control to miss periods or not have regular cycles. It's not healthy for them," said Martin. "But because the pill balances it hormonally, it is OK for them not to get a monthly cycle."
But those like medical researcher Linda Andrist want more study on Lybrel's long term safety.
"We don't know about bone health, breast cancer, heart disease, strokes especially for young women," said Andrist.

Lybrel is expected to be available at pharmacies by summer 2007.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Staff Writer

Fatal 2005 accident subject of jury trial

Staff Writer — Mon, 14 May 2007 08:32:32 GMT

The Cullman Times reported on a jury trial scheduled to begin today in Cullman County involving a man who allegedly killed a young mother in 2005 motor vehicle accident.

The defendant is accused of running a red light while under the influenced of a controlled substance, court documents say. The accident occurred at the intersection of Alabama highways 69 and 157, where the defendant's 2001 Nissan struck the victim's 1993 Saturn. If the man is convicted on all six counts, he could face a sentence of more than 100 years in prison.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, click on the form to the right of this page for a free case evaluation.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Staff Writer

Hazardous winter roads slippery situations

Staff Writer — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 14:17:31 GMT

An interesting article was published Friday in the Times Daily about the dangers of winter driving, especially in the South, where snow and ice are rare but can be deadly to inexperienced winter drivers.

The article points out the statistics that most winter-storm deaths occur on roadways, so it's important for drivers to be aware of safety measures on winter roads.

Here are some tips:

Make sure you have good visibility, including clean, scraped and defrosted windows.

Be aware that motor vehicles and their wheels don't operate normally in snowy or icy conditions; so take extra care when starting, stopping and turning.

Go slowly, and stay farther away from other cars.

Take care when changing lanes or applying brakes.

If you do lose control in an icy area, turn the tires in the same direction that the back end of your car is sliding.

Don't use cruise control.

Keep lights on low during snowfall.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Staff Writer

Q&A with Tom Methvin

Staff Writer — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:47:36 GMT

The Montgomery Advertiser published a great Q&A in their Business section yesterday with Beasley Allen president Tom Methvin. It's a wonderful read to find out more about the firm, its values, and its national success in helping people who need it.

The firm's major role in the Vioxx litigation is spotlighted. Special focus is also given to the firm's strong Christian stewardship and values.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Staff Writer

Protect your family from adverse drug reactions

Staff Writer — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 09:14:05 GMT

WorstPills.org has an interesting article about defective drugs, adverse drug reactions and protecting yourself and your family from such dangers. The most important recommendation they make is to talk to your doctor and keep that communication line open before making any changes.

Topics in the article include:

Special Problems in Nursing Homes
Communication: Activating Yourself and Your Doctor
"Do Not Use" Drugs and "Do Not Use for Seven Years After FDA Approval" Drugs
Ten Rules for Safer Drug Use
What You Can Do: Finding Information About New Drugs
Reading Package Inserts
Beware of Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) Routinely Distributed by Pharmacists
Beware of Direct-to-Consumer Advertising

If you or someone you know has experienced an adverse drug reaction, contact your doctor immediately. It may also be in your best interest to discuss your case with a personal injury attorney. Complete the form to the right of this page for a free case evaluation.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Staff Writer

Hurricane evacuation route needs work

Staff Writer — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 12:46:03 GMT

As the only north-south route for residents of coastal Walton County in the event of a hurricane, Highway 331 is a two-lane road that leads from the coast to the Alabama state line. Many, including Governor Jeb Bush and Senator Bill Nelson, say that the Alabama DOT needs to address these issues to avoid hurricane disasters.

Making the highway four lanes is a proposed solution to the highway problem that could lead to motor vehicle accidents, congestion and pile-ups during a hurricane evacuation.

According to WTVYnews4.com, there will be a public hearing on Thursday to address the four-laning of Highway 331 at the San Destin Hilton.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Staff Writer