Sarah Mahan

Crashes are the leading cause of death for children 1 to 13 years old, according to the National Safety Council. To prevent unnecessary injury, safety organizations across the country are encouraging caregivers to take time during national Child Passenger Safety Week, September 17-23, to examine car safety systems and research information that could save young lives. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthychildren.org provides information on the types of car seats and corresponding ages for each: Infants and toddlers should use only rear-facing or rear-facing convertible car seats until they are at least 2 years old and typically up to 40 ... Read More

More than 100,000 Ford 2015-2017 F-150, F-250 and F-350 trucks equipped with a crew cab are under recall for a potentially defective seat belts. Certain trucks are equipped with a left rear inflatable seat belt buckle that may separate from its mounting bracket, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The defect fails to adhere to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards ensuring seat belts are correctly anchored to prevent occupants from being injured in an accident, including being thrown from a car. This recall comes as almost a million Hyundai Sonatas were recalled earlier this year for a ... Read More

This month the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association along with safety organizations across the country are stressing the importance of childproofing your home as part of Baby Safety Month 2017. This year’s theme is properly using straps on children’s products, according to Baby Safety Zone. Falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries to children, and each day 8,000 American children are treated for fall-related injuries. Experts stress the importance of always using the straps on baby gear to secure your precious cargo as the best way to reduce the risk of a fall. Other potential injuries to address when babyproofing ... Read More

Dr. Brown’s Natural Bottle & Dish Soap is under voluntary recall for possible contamination. That’s right: The cleaning agent is being recalled for potentially containing harmful bacteria that poses health risks. Didn’t think that it was possible for soap to contain bacteria? National Public Radio reports that all soap, even antibacterial soap, can contain bacteria. It’s all about trying to keep the bacteria at bay using antimicrobial agents to keep their numbers small. However, as the Dr. Brown’s recall suggests, bacteria can become unruly. Dr. Brown’s Natural Bottle & Dish Soap, manufactured by Greenblenz of Auburn Hills, Michigan, and distributed by ... Read More

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) FoodKeeper app aims to help consumers properly store food and beverages, maximizing freshness and quality while also helping prevent foodborne illnesses. The app has now integrated food safety recalls into its platform. “This is a great way for the public to stay informed when food is recalled,” Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Carmen Rottenberg said in a release. “The FoodKeeper app is a very handy and easy to use tool; and it reflects USDA’s commitment to provide the public with information and knowledge to help them make informed decisions.” Depending on preference, ... Read More

Dr. Martens Vegan boots are under a voluntary recall for possible chemical exposure. The boots’ tongue lining may cause exposure to benzidine, a cancer causing substance that has not been sold in the U.S. since the 1970s, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The unisex 1460 boots in cherry red, made in Vietnam and imported by Airwair of Portland, Oregon, are the “original Dr. Martens boot,” according to the iconic company’s website. “Its boot’s recognizable DNA looks like this: 8 eyes, classic Dr. Martens Smooth leather, grooved sides, a heel-loop, yellow stitching, and a comfortable, air-cushioned sole.” According to ... Read More

An estimated 20,000 pounds of Expresco Goods Inc. chicken kabobs have been recalled after U.S. officials found Listeria monocytogenes during a routine foreign shipment inspection of the Canadian company’s imports. Both Expresco and West End Cuisine brand chicken kabobs are under recall, according to Food Safety News. No adverse events have been reported in relation to the fully cooked chicken kabobs packaged on Aug. 9, 2017, and Aug. 15, 2017. However, listeriosis, caused by the germ Listeria monocytogenes, can cause serious infection in those who eat contaminated food, particularly for newborns, those who are pregnant, older adults and people with ... Read More

All liquid medicines manufactured by Pharmatech LLC are under voluntary recall for possible bacterial contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it has received several adverse event reports of B. cepacia infections from patients who received medication from the Davie, Florida, manufacturer. Liquid stool softeners, liquid vitamin D drops and liquid multivitamins marketed for infants and children are included in the recall, issued by Pharmatech and three companies that distribute its products, Leader Brand, Major Pharmaceuticals, and Rugby Laboratories. Though it poses little risk to healthy people, B. cepacia can cause severe infections in those with compromised immune systems, ... Read More

Samsung phones are once again taking heat for a battery defect that could lead to fire and burn hazards. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall last week on batteries placed in approximately 10,000 refurbished AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note 4 cellphones by FedEX Supply Chain. “FedEx and Samsung have determined that some of the recalled batteries are counterfeit and show anomalies that can lead the batteries to overheat. The batteries are non-OEM, which means they were not supplied as original equipment by the phone’s manufacturer, Samsung,” according to a CPSC release. The refurbished cellphones were distributed by FedEx ... Read More

Cellulite is defined as the presence of subcutaneous fat causing dimpling of the skin. Google the word and one of the first results is sure to be ways to try and get rid of it. Women are now alleging a popular device that claims to remove the tissue condition has left them injured, according to a Buzzfeed News report. The $89 FasciaBlaster, a plastic stick with massage claws, is based off claims fascia, a type of connective tissue that encloses muscles and organs, is the key to improving the appearance of cellulite. Its website states, “Having loose, healthy fascia is vital ... Read More