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Liquid Nicotine Killed An Innocent Toddler In New York

December 14, 2014 By Rebecca McGhee 64 Comments

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A toddler in New York has died after drinking from a bottle which is thought to contain liquid nicotine. The bottle was used as a refill for e-cigarettes. This latest development changes a lot of our perception about how these liquid nicotine products are marketed and presented.
The incident took place at a home in Fort Plain, New York last Tuesday. An ambulance call was received from the neighborhood due to reports of an unresponsive child. The child was taken to the Hospital immediately but was pronounced dead short while after. The local police described the incident as a tragic accident.
Sgt Austin Ryan of the Fort Plain police confirmed that the child had indeed drunk from a glass bottle containing liquid nicotine that did not have a child-proof cap. But he did not affirm that the bottle in question here was used to refill e-cigarettes.
The death of a child has created a huge backlash in the state especially after the local assembly and senate have already passed a bill to ensure child resistant containers on liquid nicotine.
The thing that is most striking is that these flavored liquid nicotine bottles are marketed just like fruit juices and also are quite catchy on the eye especially for toddlers. Well the American Association of Poison Control centers expressed concern that there are “currently no standards set in place that require child-proof packaging”.
CDC has said that 16 million children across 10 states including District of Columbia have legal access to electronic cigarettes as well. While 40 states have banned e-cigarette sales to those deemed under-age since 2010.

Undiagnosed Sleep Disorders in Firefighters

November 14, 2014 By Brian Galloway Leave a Comment

A recent study reveals that the sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, change work disorder and restless leg syndrome are widespread among firefighters. In addition, the research carried out by the scientists at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) described that due to the truth that firefighters are at higher risk of sleep problems, this might lead to illness and elevated chance of motor accidents.

The CDC signifies that about a quarter of People in America complain of the periodic sleeping disorder, while about 10 % of the U.S. population is affected by chronic insomnia. The scientists observed the existence of sleep problems as well as their related adverse safety and health final results in roughly 7,000 firefighters from 66 different fire departments over the U.S. The firefighters were examined for common sleep problems along with other health problems too. The participants were also requested regarding their probability of dropping off to sleep at the wheel, their participation in vehicle accidents, in addition to any injuries or close calls they’d while driving. Out of all of the firefighters participated in the study, 37% were identified as having a sleep disorder.

Laura K. Barger, Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders associate physiologist said, “The findings of the study demonstrate the impact of common sleep problems on firemen safety and health, as well as their link with the 2 main reasons for dying among firefighters. Regrettably, greater than 80 % of firefighters who tested positive for any common sleep problem were undiagnosed and untreated.”

The research is published in the Clinical Sleep Medicine journal on 13^th November. The study finds a connection between sleep disorders and certain health issues in firefighters, however, it botched to prove a cause-and-effect relationship.

Czeisler, chief BWH Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders said, “Firefighters with sleep disorders also had a higher prevalence of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and anxiety. Occupational sleep disorder screening programs can identify individuals who are vulnerable to adverse safety and health consequences, including those that are leading causes of death in firefighters. This study provides the rationale for further research evaluating the effectiveness of occupational sleep disorders management programs on disease risk, mental health and safety outcomes.”

As Winters Are Approaching, Brace Yourselves for Flu Season

November 10, 2014 By Germaine Hicks 1 Comment

Healthcare experts revealed recently that Ebola isn’t the major fear among Americans. Winter is approaching and with it, flu season is also upon us. Experts declare that influenza virus signifies a considerably greater threat than anyone believe.

Healthcare workers remind the public that the flu is airborne, Ebola isn’t. Actually, influenza is among the list of America’s top ten killers. Way back in 2010, influenza and pneumonia triggered the dying of 54,000 people, whereas Ebola only has stated one life within the entire U.S.

Dr. Marc Bonin, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at The Good Samaritan Hospital, said, “The major problem with influenza is that, every year, it’s pattern varies in intensity, which causes it to be difficult to predict. It’s a vital for everyone to be vaccinated at the start of the growing season.”

These reasons are persuasive enough to get people vaccinated, that is still considered the primary protection against the flu virus.

Jennifer Health, the immunization nurse specialist with the Minnesota Department of Health, said, “We’re beginning to determine flu circulate. It’s time to get your influenza shot without a doubt.”

The 2013’s statistics reveal that, only 1 / 2 of all People in America got vaccinated and due to the current Ebola scare, government bodies fear that the significance of flu shots continues to be drowned out. As a result, they’re giving flu shot reminders to make certain that the public is accustomed about the importance of the disease.

Formerly, periodic cases have evolved and hospitalization was essential in a minimum of two cases. For instance, in Pennsylvania, authorities reported 184 flu cases in just one county. It’s also very difficult to calculate influenza pattern every year as circulating strains utter the seriousness of the condition.

In addition, Canada has also started preparing for flu season. Private wholesale suppliers have formerly initiated distributing flu shots in Alberta, where up to 50% of the province is scheduled to get the vaccination. Countrywide, 12m vaccines have already been ordered, though, their delivery is certain to present a distinctive challenge for public-health government bodies.

Dr. Marc Bonin said in a statement, “As per the CDC statistics, it takes approximately two days for antibodies to build up to an amount where a person is protected. We persuaded everyone out there to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

A lot of patients reject flu shots after becoming ill despite having been vaccinated. It’s vital that you realize there are many viruses circulating, and many can mimic flu symptoms. Additionally, the vaccine does not offer 100% protection, however, it makes symptoms milder if an infection does occur, Dr. Deborah Lubitz, pediatrician with Good Samaritan Pediatrics stated.

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