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FDA Responds to Congressional Report on Toxic Heavy Metals in Baby Foods

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: May 06, 2021

In a recent blog post, we discussed the congressional report which found significant amounts of toxic heavy metals, including arsenic and lead, in many baby food products. In response to a justifiable outcry from concerned parents, advocacy groups, and members of Congress, the FDA has released its action plan for reducing babies’ and young children’s exposure to toxic elements. The FDA’s plan, Closer to Zero, is set to reduce exposure to toxic elements in foods commonly eaten by babies and young children to the lowest possible levels. The FDA’s four-stage approach is designed to cycle continual improvement through research, regulatory,…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: May 05, 2021

“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Tread+ and contact Peloton for a full refund until November 6, 2022.” Following the tragic death of a 6-year-old child who was pulled under the rear of the Tread+ treadmill, and an additional 72 similar, non-fatal reports involving adult users, children, pets, and household objects, Peloton entered into a voluntary agreement with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) to recall its Tread+ treadmills. In 2018, Peloton originally launched the treadmill as the “Peloton Tread.” In September 2020, the company renamed the treadmill to the “Peloton Tread+.” Currently, there are approximately 125,000 units in…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Apr 30, 2021

“The rule of law—the idea that no one is above the law and everyone is treated equally under the law—ensures an orderly and just society. The ABA stands for the rule of law. Stand with us.” Each year, the American Bar Association’s Law Day is held on May 1 to celebrate and recognize the role of law in society. As a reminder to all of us that we the people share the responsibility to promote the rule of law, defend liberty, and pursue justice, this year’s theme is “Advancing the Rule of Law Now.” The ABA has offered a…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Apr 27, 2021

In the chaos of everyday life, it’s easy to succumb to bad habits. Few, however, are as dangerous or as potentially tragic as driving while distracted. Hence, the importance of recognizing Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Held in April, this important occasion draws attention to the ongoing problem of distraction on our roads — and the tragedies this concern prompts. We’ve highlighted a few of the latest statistics to provide additional insight into the role of distraction: Distraction Is Common We all know that distracted driving is dangerous, but that doesn’t always stop us from engaging in problematic behaviors. Alarming, data…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Apr 23, 2021

National Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday, April 24th from 10AM-2PM. As we have discussed in previous blog posts, participation in the annual National Drug Take-Back Day is the best way to get rid of your expired or unused prescription medications in a safe and effective way. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) stated reason for Take Back Day is to “provide opportunity to prevent drug addition and overdose deaths.” Abused prescription drugs are considered both crucial public safety and public health issues. Listed below are local “National Drug Take Back Day” participating locations and addresses: Fairfax County, Virginia: Fair Oaks District Station…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Apr 23, 2021

You made it through the worst of the winter driving season and feel relieved as the weather grows warmer. Don’t get too comfortable just yet — your local roads can be just as dangerous when spring arrives. In fact, experts at the Federal Highway Administration point to rain and wet pavement as being responsible for the majority of weather-related car accidents. The more you prepare for rainy driving, the easier you’ll find it to avoid and respond to common hazards. These do’s and don’ts should help: Do: Check Your Tires Wear and tear can make even modest amounts of rain…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Apr 20, 2021

When illness or injury make spouses, parents, or other loved ones unable to advocate for themselves, a key document allows you to step in: the health care proxy. This allows the person in question to appoint an agent to make key medical decisions. As the agent named in a health care proxy, you hold far more power than you might realize. This position gives you a huge say in how your loved one is treated while receiving medical care. This could be vital if you suspect that incompetence among doctors or nurses may be causing undue harm. Your abilities…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Apr 20, 2021

All drivers and passengers are vulnerable to auto accident injuries, but major disparities exist between men and women. Recent findings about female injuries in car accidents could hold significant implications for which vehicles women choose to drive. Key takeaways include the following: Women Are More Susceptible in Frontal Crashes Even when they wear seatbelts, women are more likely to be harmed in car crashes, with data from the University of Virginia suggesting 73 percent greater odds of injury. This is true even when controlling for collision severity, body mass index, and a variety of other factors. The Role of Vehicle…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Apr 19, 2021

At the beginning of the pandemic, many people assumed that the increase in work-from-home arrangements would limit car accidents. This theory makes sense: fewer people on the road means fewer crashes, right? In reality, however, auto fatalities are on the rise. This could be prompted, in part, by the cognitive overload that accompanies both remote work and general life during a pandemic. Such concerns leave us unable to maintain our attention behind the wheel, thereby reducing our ability to respond effectively to hazards on today’s increasingly dangerous roads. Overburdened By Work Demands A variety of factors are likely contributing to…

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: Apr 15, 2021

Competitive and recreational sports are starting to return after a long COVID-prompted break. Athletes are eager to hit the field, but even in outdoor environments, some element of risk remains. Still, it’s possible to get involved in spring sports without compromising your health, as we explain below: Avoid Locker Rooms So far, evidence suggests that limited spread occurs during actual athletic events. The bigger problem? Indoor settings such as restrooms and locker rooms, where athletes are more likely to be in close contact — often without masks. While changing prior to and after events may seem inconvenient, it’s the…

Blog

FDA Responds to Congressional Report on Toxic Heavy Metals in Baby Foods

Peloton Agrees to Recall All Treadmills

Law Day 2021

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month: What the Latest Research Says About Distraction And Our Abilities Behind the Wheel

April 24, 2021 – Annual Drug Take Back Day

Driving in the Pouring Rain: Do’s And Don’ts

Using Your Power as a Health Care Proxy to Protect Loved Ones

Why Are Women at Greater Risk of Injury from Car Crashes?

Zoom Zombies? Why Cognitive Overload Makes Roads More Dangeorous

Playing Spring Sports While Social Distancing — How to Have Fun AND Stay Injury-Free