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Nursing pillow

Safety Requirements Recommended for Nursing Pillows After Dozens of Infant Deaths

An NBC News investigation recently found that at least 162 babies have died in incidents involving nursing pillows since 2007. Most of the infants died after they were placed to sleep on or with the pillows.

Just two weeks after the investigation was published, Consumer Product Safety Commission staff recommended the first federal requirements to make nursing pillows safer. Enclosed is more information on their findings and recommendations.

The staff recommended requiring nursing pillows to be “sufficiently firm that the product is unlikely to conform to an infant’s face,” to reduce the likelihood of babies’ suffocating. The staff also recommended that the U-shaped pillows have openings wide enough to avoid restricting infants’ head movements, which could cut off airflow.

“Because infants frequently fall asleep during or after feeding, nursing pillows are foreseeably misused for infant sleep, which creates a potential hazard for the infant,” according to the staff’s draft proposal. 

The CPSC staff also proposed requiring prominent labels warning caregivers about the product’s hazards. Most nursing pillows already have warning tags that caution against using the products for sleep or leaving infants unsupervised on them, but they should be more visible and more difficult to remove, unlike the hanging warning tags currently attached to many nursing pillows, the draft proposal said.

In addition, the staff recommended that nursing pillows not include straps to secure babies, which could lead parents to believe it’s safe to leave infants alone in the products.

The CPSC staff cited 154 deaths involving nursing pillows from 2010 to 2022, including deaths caused by suffocation, asphyxia and sudden infant death syndrome. In 2020, the most recent year for which the agency had complete data, 38 deaths were associated with nursing pillows, the CPSC said. 

Nursing pillows are a common staple on baby registries, with an estimated 1.34 million sold annually in the U.S. The horseshoe-shaped pillows can help position infants so they get the correct latch as they nurse — and they are marketed as essential tools for reducing parents’ neck and shoulder strain as they breastfeed or bottle-feed their babies.

If your family has been afflicted by a nursing pillow without sufficient labeling or safety information, please call the experts at Inserra Kelley Sewell today for a free consultation.

2023 Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

May has been designated as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, an important initiative dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of everyone who rides a motorcycle and all those who share our country’s roads. 

As we approach the summer season and embark on road trips, it becomes vital for all drivers to be aware of and considerate towards those on two wheels who may occupy their blind spots. While motorcyclists possess the same rights and deserve the same consideration as drivers of four-wheeled vehicles, motorcycles constitute a minority on the road.

Ensuring the safety of motorcyclists is a shared responsibility. Statistics reveal that in collisions involving motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles, it is often the driver of the non-motorcycle vehicle who fails to yield the right of way to the motorcyclist.

There are several common factors that contribute to the discounting of motorcycles on the road. Recognizing and addressing these factors can help prevent future motorcycle fatalities and serious injuries:

  • Motorcycles are relatively smaller in size compared to other vehicles
  • Drivers sometimes fail to anticipate the movements of motorcycles
  • Motorists’ view of motorcyclists may be obstructed by blind spots in their own vehicles or the presence of other vehicles
  • Drivers may become distracted while operating their vehicles

By being mindful of these everyday circumstances, we can actively contribute to the safety of motorcyclists on the road and help reduce accidents. Join Inserra Kelley Sewell in prioritizing motorcycle safety and a harmonious coexistence among all road users.

5 Tips for National Bicycle Safety Month

Bicycling offers numerous health benefits that contribute to overall well-being, including improved physical fitness, cardiovascular health, mental well-being, joint mobility, weight management, and more. 

This enjoyable pastime can also result in injury, which is why it’s so important to take precautions to protect yourself and others. 

In recognition of National Bicycle Safety Month, here are 5 tips to stay safe while cycling. 

  1. Always wear a properly fitting bicycle helmet when on a bicycle. This helps prevent serious head injuries in case of a fall or collision. 
  2. Follow traffic rules. Bicyclists should obey the same traffic laws as motorists. Ride in the same direction as traffic, use hand signals to indicate turns, and obey traffic signals and signs. 
  3. Be mindful of pedestrians. Yield to them when necessary, announce your presence, and use designated bike lanes whenever available.
  4. Enhance your visibility by wearing bright, reflective clothing and equipping your ride with lights and reflectors. 
  5. Ride predictably and defensively. Ride in a predictable manner to help motorists anticipate your movements, be aware of your surroundings at all times, and anticipate potential hazards.

Bonus Tip: get regular maintenance! Ensure your bicycle is in good working condition by conducting regular maintenance checks. Check your brakes, tires, and gears before each ride. Properly inflated tires with good tread provide better control and reduce the risk of accidents.

Bicycle safety is paramount. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and enjoy a safe and enjoyable cycling experience.

 

Young unrecognizable man on exercise bike in gym. Male legs in fitness club. Healthy lifestyle concept

Peloton Recalls 2.2 Million Exercise Bikes Due to Safety Hazard

Peloton is issuing a recall for 2 million exercise bicycles due to safety concerns, marking the second major recall faced by the fitness company.

According to an announcement from the Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday, the seat post of the bikes has the potential to break while in use, posing a risk of falls and injuries to users.

The CPSC reported that Peloton has already received 35 complaints of the seat post breaking and detaching from the bike during usage. Among these incidents, 13 reports included injuries such as fractured wrists, lacerations, and bruises.

In response, the CPSC advised consumers to immediately stop using the recalled exercise bikes and to contact Peloton for a free repair. Peloton is offering customers a complimentary seat post that can be self-installed.

This is not the first large-scale recall faced by Peloton. In May 2021, the company was compelled to recall 125,000 Tread+ treadmills following the tragic death of a child and other safety issues associated with the machines.

Affected Model
The affected model is Peloton Bikes Model PL01. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled exercise bikes and contact Peloton for a free repair. Peloton is offering consumers a free seat post that can be self-installed.

If you or someone you know has been injured by a Peloton product, please call the experts at Inserra Kelley Sewell today for a free consultation.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month: Keyless Ignition and Accidental Deaths

November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, which aims to help protect people from the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Keyless fobs can seem like a modern convenience for car owners, but with no automatic shutoff, people can accidentally leave their cars running inside their garages, causing toxic carbon monoxide buildup. It can be especially dangerous for older drivers who have become accustomed to the idea that as long as a key or fob is with you, the car must be off —which is not always the case.

Because push-start cars have resulted in accidental death, current lawsuits are seeking justice against manufacturers who sell keyless fobs without adequate warnings or safety measures.

Additionally. The Society of Automotive Engineers has called for certain safety features to be implemented, such as beeps to alert drivers that cars are still running without the key fob in or near the car, or automatic engine shut-off.

There are other steps you can take to protect yourself in your home against carbon monoxide poisoning:

  • Make sure your home is equipped with carbon monoxide detectors and you check the batteries every 6 months.
  • Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced every year.
  • Double check to ensure vehicles are turned off in the garage, and never leave them running in any partially enclosed space. 
  • Know the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. While there is no odor to carbon monoxide, you will exhibit symptoms if poisoned, including feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.

If you or a loved one has experienced an injury or tragedy relating to carbon monoxide and keyless cars, please call the experts at Inserra Kelley Sewell today for a free consultation.

 

Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy Linked to ADHD and Autism

According to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, exposure to acetaminophen in the womb may increase a child’s risk for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

According to the National Institutes of Health, Researchers analyzed data from a long-term study of factors influencing pregnancy and child development. They collected umbilical cord blood from 996 births and measured the amount of acetaminophen and two of its byproducts in each sample. These amounts were classified into thirds, from lowest to highest exposure. Compared to the lowest, the middle third was associated with about 2.26 times the risk for ADHD. The highest third of exposure was associated with 2.86 times the risk. Similarly, ASD risk was higher for those in the middle third and highest third of exposure.

The number of lawsuits is growing against manufacturers of acetaminophen-based drugs. Lawsuits allege that information regarding the link between autism and acetaminophen has been withheld from consumers.

If you used acetaminophen during pregnancy and your child was diagnosed with ASD or ADHD, or if you were diagnosed with either of these conditions and were exposed to acetaminophen prenatally, you may be entitled to compensation. 

Please call the experts at Inserra Kelley Sewell today for a free consultation.

 

Camp LeJeune Military Base Water Contamination – PACT ACT passes in Senate

Yesterday the US Senate passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act as part of the PACT Act and the bill is just awaiting President Biden’s signature before becoming law.

Once it goes into effect, those who served, worked, or lived on the base between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 may be able to file claims for harm against the U.S. Government due to injuries potentially linked to exposure to drinking water contaminated with hazardous chemicals.

Warnings about potential contamination of Camp Lejeune’s water supply first surfaced in 1980. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) estimates that as many as one million military and civilian staff and their families who lived on, worked at, or were in utero at the base may have been exposed to the contaminated drinking water.

Injuries include (but are not limited to): Read more

exatech joint lawsuit knee ankle hip nebraska iowa

Exactech Hip, Knee and Ankle Implant Lawsuits

Exactech has recalled more than 148,000 Knee and Ankle Implants since February of 2022.  It was reported that the polyethylene insert components and the potential for accelerated wear may crack causing the need for corrective revision or ankle surgery.  

In addition to the recalled knee and ankle implants Exactech has recalled the Connexion GXL hip replacement liners.  

Exactech notified the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July of 2021 that the polyethylene (plastic) was wearing out faster than expected in the implants.

Standards to meet for the recall:

Hip

  • Implanted in surgery from 2008 – June of 2021, 
  • Patient had a revision surgery within 10 years of the original implanted device; or 
  • Claimant received a recall letter from Exactech; or 
  • Claimant was a patient of an Exactech doctor form the recall list or a patient of the orthopedic doctor on the recall list. 

Read more

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which is now recognized by the White House! 

“My Administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of everyone who rides a motorcycle and all who travel across our Nation,” President Biden wrote in a letter dated May 1. 

“All of us who travel America’s roads have an important role in securing a safe motorcycle-riding environment.”

With favorable weather conditions and summer road trips on the horizon, it’s important for all motorists to be cognizant of those on two wheels who may be in a blind spot. While motorcyclists are entitled to the same rights and consideration granted to drivers of four-wheeled vehicles, the majority of vehicles on the road are not motorcycles. 

We all bear a responsibility in maintaining the safety of motorcyclists on the road. When motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles collide, it is predominantly the driver of the non-motorcycle vehicle who violates the motorcyclists’ right of way. 

There are a variety of reasons why motorcycles are discounted. Being mindful of these routine conditions may prevent the next motorcycle fatality or serious injury from occurring:  

  • Motorcycles are smaller relative to other vehicles
  • Motorists sometimes fail to anticipate a motorcycle’s movements
  • Motorists’ view of a motorcyclist is sometimes blocked by their own vehicle’s blind spots or by the presence of other vehicles
  • Motorists are sometimes distracted while driving