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What to Know About the CDC’s Latest Guidance on the Dangers of Bedding for Infants: Part I

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: May 26, 2021

Rates of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) have plummeted since the early 90s. Unfortunately, such deaths remain far too common. According to recent insight from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), many of these tragedies can be blamed on bedding. Other factors may also play a role, however, so it’s important for parents to do their research before deciding how and where they’ll put their infants to sleep. Keep reading to learn more about the CDC’s latest study on SUID and key takeaways from this important research: Suffocation Versus Unexplained Deaths The CDC identified a variety of risk factors for…

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Washington DC Car Seat Laws

Posted By RZL Law | Posted on: May 26, 2021

Washington DC car seat laws: what parents and caregivers need to know to keep children safe According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hundreds of children die in traffic crashes across the nation, and approximately 100,000 suffer injuries each year. Unfortunately, infants and young children in the Washington D.C. area face the risk of accident and injury, especially in the area’s heavy traffic. Car seat laws impose restrictions on the use of car seats depending on the age of the child. Child restraint systems, whether car seats or booster seats, require the use of a seatbelt. The CDC…

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The Most Common Things That Distract Us While Driving — And What to Do About Them

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: May 24, 2021

Distracted driving feels a bit like the status quo these days. We all technically agree that it’s important to pay attention to the road, but all too often succumb to the lure of checking our phone, applying makeup, or grabbing a snack. All three behaviors are dangerous, as we explain below: Cell Phones Mobile devices are among the most common sources of distraction behind the wheel. Texting is an obvious culprit, but using navigation apps or even chatting on the phone can be problematic. Increasingly, many drivers also use social media while operating vehicles, with some even adding to Instagram…

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All About the New Smoke Detector Recall: Part II

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: May 24, 2021

If you own a smoke detector manufactured by Kidde, you might need a replacement. We’ve already discussed the types of smoke detectors impacted by a recent recall and what the replacement process entails. Next, we’ll delve into the reasons for the recall — and what this says about fire safety and emergency plans moving forward: Why Were Kidde’s Smoke Alarms Recalled? When products are recalled, many people take the announcement at face value. Often, this means taking the most basic steps to secure their replacements without actually bothering to figure out why the originals were compromised in the first place….

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All About the New Smoke Detector Recall: Part I

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: May 18, 2021

You rely on your smoke detector to warn you of danger you might otherwise be unable to discern. This key tool could spell the difference between life or death in the event of an emergency. Unfortunately, not all smoke detectors are as reliable as manufacturers claim. This is evident based on a recent recall, which has consumers understandably worried. Most people don’t know which types of smoke detectors they have or how they function, so you’ll definitely want to check if you purchased your detector after early 2019. Keep reading to learn which smoke alarms are problematic and how you…

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How to (Safely) Enjoy Your Outdoor Fire Pits

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: May 14, 2021

Those cool summer nights spent sitting around a fire pit with friends and family are upon us. But before you light up your fires, it is a good idea to revisit some fire safety tips and make sure you are complying with your local county’s fire pit regulations. For basic fire safety, Consumer Reports offers five tips to help keep you safe. First, pick a safe place for your fire. Ideally, this means 20 to 25 feet away from anything that could burn. For yards with less space, Consumer Reports recommends keeping at least a 10-foot buffer zone. Second, be…

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How Strength and Balance Training Can Help Seniors Avoid Slip And Fall Injuries

Posted By Regan Zambri Long | Posted on: May 11, 2021

Slip and fall injuries are both common and devastating for seniors, who are vulnerable to everything from concussions to broken bones. While these accidents can’t always be avoided, certain exercises can reduce risk by making it easier to maintain your balance or respond quickly to a sudden slip. The following moves are especially helpful: Sit to Stand This simple exercise improves both leg strength and general balance. All it requires is a sturdy chair. Begin by sitting with your feet flat on the ground. Position yourself near the front of the seat. Lean your chest towards your toes to shift…

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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,…

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Peloton Agrees to Recall All Treadmills

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…

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Law Day 2021

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…

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