List of Choking Hazards: Foods, Household Items and Toys

List of Choking Hazards:  Foods, Household Items and Toys

Foods:

• Hot dogs (especially cut into a coin shape), meats, sausages, and fish with bones
• Popcorn, chips, pretzel nuggets, and snack foods
• Candy (especially hard or sticky candy), cough drops, gum, lollipops, marshmallows, caramels, hard candies, and jelly beans
• Whole grapes, raw vegetables, raw peas, fruits, fruits with skins, seeds, carrots, celery, and cherries
• Dried fruits, sunflower seeds, all nuts, including peanuts
• Peanut butter, (especially in spoonfuls or with soft white bread)
• Ice cubes and cheese cubes
• Foods that clump, are sticky or slippery, or dry and hard textured
• Food size and shape, especially round or a shape that could conform to the shape and size of the trachea (windpipe). The size of a young child's trachea (windpipe) or breathing tube is approximately the size of a drinking straw in diameter.
• Combinations of food size, texture, and shape can pose a threat. For example, a slippery hard candy with a round shape about the size of a drinking straw could block an airway (windpipe)

Household Items/Toys:

• Latex balloons, coins, marbles, toys with small parts, small balls, pen or marker caps, button type batteries, medicine syringes, screws, stuffing from a bean bag chair, rings, earrings, crayons, erasers, staples, safety pins, small stones, tiny figures, and holiday decorations including tinsel, or ornaments and lights
• Any toy or other object that is labeled as a potential choking hazard

Remember Choking Injuries and Deaths are Preventable!


Check out these other helpful links
Important Facts about Choking Hazards
Choking Prevention & Precaution TIPS for PARENTS
List of Choking Hazards:  Foods, Household Items and Toys 

Choking Precaution & Prevention TIPS

Choking Precautions and Prevention Tips for PARENTS

• Never leave a small child unattended while eating. Direct supervision is necessary.
• Children should sit up straight when eating, should have sufficient number of teeth, and the muscular and developmental ability needed to chew and swallow the foods chosen. Remember, not all children will be at the same developmental level. Children with special health care needs are especially vulnerable to choking risks.
• Children should have a calm, unhurried meal and snack time.
• Children should not eat when walking, riding in a car or playing.
• Cut foods into small pieces, removing seeds and pits. Cook or steam vegetables to soften their texture. Cut hot dogs lengthwise and widthwise.
• Model safe eating habits and chew food thoroughly.
• Offer plenty of liquids to children when eating, but solids and liquids should not be swallowed at the same time. Offer liquids between mouthfuls.
• Use only a small amount of peanut butter when the child is ready and use with jelly, or cream cheese on whole grain breads (Remember peanut butter can stick to the roof of a child's mouth and form a glob.)
• Think of shape, size, consistency and combinations of these when choosing foods.
• Pay particular attention to those foods, toys and household hazards mentioned that pose choking hazards to ensure child safety.
• Educate caregivers and the community about choking hazards and precautions to take to prevent choking. Identify emergency resources and contacts.
• Become familiar with life-saving techniques such as child cardiopulmonary resuscitation, abdominal thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver), Automated External Defibrillators (AED) or calling 911.

Check out these other helpful links
Important Facts about Choking Hazards
Choking Prevention & Precaution TIPS for PARENTS
List of Choking Hazards:  Foods, Household Items and Toys

Important Facts about Choking Hazards and Injuries

In response to "J.T" who died after choking on a hot dog while on vacation, New York State enacted legislation to help parents, caregivers and providers recognize common choking hazards for children and prevention tips. This legislation is known as " J.T.'s Law".  The following information is provided to help educate parents, caregivers, and providers about how to prevent choking incidents and possible deaths.

Important Facts about Choking Hazards and Injuries

• Choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional death in children under the age of 5.
• Children under age 5 are at greatest risk for choking injury and death.
• Toys, household items and foods can all be a choking hazard.
• The most common cause of nonfatal choking in young children is food.
• At least one child dies from choking on food every five days in the U.S., and more than 10,000 children are taken to a hospital emergency room each year for food-choking injuries.
• Toy manufacturers label toys for choking hazards and some food manufacturers voluntarily label food products as posing a potential choking risk; however, any food can present a choking risk.
• Education regarding choking risks, precautions to take in avoiding these risks, and known life saving procedures are necessary to eliminate senseless and tragic injuries and deaths caused by choking.
• Pediatricians, family practice physicians, health care workers, parents, grandparents, day care workers, school personnel, older children, siblings, babysitters and communities as a whole play a key role in the prevention of injuries and need to share information with caregivers to identify potential choking hazards.
• The size of a young child's trachea (windpipe) or breathing tube is approximately the size of a drinking straw in diameter. Imagine a piece of popcorn being lodged in this small area!

Check out these other helpful links
Important Facts about Choking Hazards
Choking Prevention & Precaution TIPS for PARENTS
List of Choking Hazards:  Foods, Household Items and Toys

Mirena IUD Side Effects - Birth Control Lawsuits EXPERT

Medical professionals nationwide are warning that Mirena, a T-shaped intrauterine device (IUD) aimed at preventing pregnancy, is now linked to serious health risks, including infection and organ perforation. Nearly 46,000 women from across the United States have reported injuries.

What is Mirena and how does it work?

Mirena is a plastic device containing the female hormone levonorgestrel. This hormone causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. The Mirena intrauterine device is placed in the uterus where it slowly releases the hormone to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. Mirena is meant for use in a woman who has had at least one child and is in a stable sexual relationship with someone who has no other sexual partners.

Mirena is also used in women who have heavy menstrual bleeding and choose to use an intrauterine form of birth control.

What are the health risk of using Mirena?
Mirena injuries can be extremely painful, and may impact the lives of victims and their families for years or more.  The highly experienced medical device attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates are investigating the possible association between Mirena IUD and a range of serious side effects including:

• Breast Cancer
• Endometrial Cancer
• Uterine Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Gastric Cancer
• Cervix Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Pre-Cancerous Cells
• Rectal Cancer
• Anal Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Birth Defects

Additional Side Effects related to Mirena:

• severe cramps or pelvic pain;
  
• extreme dizziness, feeling like you might pass out;
  
• heavy or ongoing vaginal bleeding, vaginal sores, vaginal discharge that is watery, foul-smelling discharge, or otherwise unusual;
  
• severe pain in your side or lower stomach;
  
• pale skin, weakness, easy bruising or bleeding;
  
• fever, chills, or other signs of infection;
  
• pain during sexual intercourse;
  
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
  
• sudden or severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, sensitivity to light;
  
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
  
• signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  

In a questionnaire of almost 18,000 women on a progestin intrauterine device (IUD) like Mirena, roughly 40% endorsed experiencing "sexual disinterest" at least once.

Dozens of lawsuits have been filed in state courts nationwide.  If you or someone you know suffered injury due to Mirena call the experienced defective products attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates.  1-800-669-4878.

GOPump RECALLED - medical device could cause DEATH

Symbios Medical Products, LLC, GOPump Elastomeric Infusion PumpKit, Part Number 510076

Product: GOPump Elastomeric Infusion PumpKit with and without accessories all containing Dual GOPump, part number 510076: One infusion pump comprising two 150 mL elastomeric reservoirs in which each connects to its own catheter. Liquid flow rate is labeled at 2 mL/hr per elastomer.

Use: The Symbios Disposable Infusion Pump Kit is a disposable, self-contained infusion system using an inflatable elastomeric reservoir to mechanically provide percutaneous infusion of prescribed solutions at a pre-set rate for post-operative pain management.

Reason for Recall: The flow restrictor bead may become displaced from its fitting which may permit solutions to flow at a higher rate than intended. This product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including death.

FDA Comments:
On Feb. 25, 2013, the firm sent its customers an "URGENT MEDICAL DEVICE RECALL" notification letter detailing the reason for recall and products listed. The firm asked its customers to follow all the "Steps for Voluntary Field Action."

1. Segregate Recalled Product. Immediately remove all GOPump kits listed in the table above from your inventory (regardless of its location) and segregate this product in a secure location for return to Symbios Medical Products.
2. Complete Verification Form. Complete and return the enclosed Verification Form (even if you don’t have any products to return), following the direction on the page of the notification letter and the Verification Form. Your Symbios sales representative can assist you in completing the form.
3. Indicate Returned Products on Verification Form. The verification form lists the GOPump kit part number and lot number. Mark the number of GOPump kits that you are returning on the form.
4. Call 317-450-0145 from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time to Obtain a Returned Goods Authorization (RGA) Number. Your Symbios account will be credited in an amount equal to the purchase price for the returned product. Inform the Returned Goods Specialist if you wish to order any replacement product (if applicable).
5. Package the Returned Products: Package the GOPumps in an appropriate shipping box and add the RGA number on the outside. Place a signed original copy of the Verification Form in the box, seal it, and send it immediately to Symbios Medical Products at 7301 Georgetown Rd, Suite 150, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46268.

250,000 Honda vehicles recalled for braking issue

Honda has released a statement that they are voluntarily recalling nearly 250,000 vehicles worldwide for problems involving brake systems that could, without warning, activate while the driving isn't braking.

Some of the Honda cars in the US included are:  Acura RL, Acura MDX and Pilot models.

More than 56,000 vehicles have already been recalled in Japan that include: the Odyssey, Legend, StepWgn and Elysion models.

This auto recall also involves nearly 8,000 vehicles in Canada, 1,000 in Australia, 300 in Mexico and 70 in Germany.  Autos manufactured between March 2004 through May 2006 are the vehicles that are part of this recall..

Complaints submitted by drivers around the world indicated the brake problem which forced Honda to make this recall decision.  There have been no reported injuries directly related to this braking problem yet.

According to reports the faulty brake system is caused by improper electronics and wiring in the vehicle-stability-assist system.

If you or someone you know has been injured due to a defective brake in your car call the experienced defective product attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

Bathing Tips for Parents of Children with Eczema

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, eczema is one of the most common skin conditions in children.  It often manifests as dry, scaly patches on the scalp, forehead or face of babies and children.  Eczema can be extremely itchy causing infants to rub his/her skin against anything to relieve the itch.  In fact they can resort to such intense scratching that it leads to a skin infection.

Fortunately, there is hope. According to recent studies eczema can improve with quality skin maintenance.

How Eczema Causes Dry Skin

In eczema the glue holding the cells together is less strong.  For this reason a child suffering with eczema has even more moisture pulled from between the cells.  A natural instinct of parents is to bath their child during bad episodes.  However, without the proper bathing techniques this could actually make matters worse.

While your child is bathing, the the water is replenishing moisture in the cells, taking away that ashy, dry scale. However, when out of the bath, that water evaporates. And in a child with eczema, it all evaporates.

The Right Bathing Routine for Eczema in Children

There's a list of tips below for those that prefer bullet points. 

To help prevent the moisture from escaping it is important to seal it in right out of the tub. Think of it like a master chef coating a chicken to seal in the flavors. You may laugh but it is important to “grease down like a chicken” after bathing.

While the body is still damp, apply a good quality moisturizer and sometimes a prescription ointment (oitment first).  Recommended moisturizers: Aquaphor, Cetaphil, CeraVe or even solid Crisco (not butter flavored though!) would work. Just apply lots of it right away.

Another recommendation would be to give lukewarm (not hot) baths.  Following this routine could make a huge difference in as little as a week. But bathing without the moisturizer could undo several days of “good” therapy because the glue isn’t there to prevent the intracellular water loss. Use that moisturizer!

Outline of Bathing skin-care tips for babies/children with eczema

• Bathe your child in warm – not hot – water.

• Limit your child’s time in the bath to five or 10 minutes.

• Use cleanser only when needed and make sure the cleanser is mild and fragrance-free. Do not use bubble bath.

• After bathing, gently pat your child’s skin partially dry

•   If your child has topical medicine, apply it when your child’s skin is almost dry and use the medicine as directed. Apply moisturizer on top of the medicine and to the rest of your child’s skin.

Additional tips as recommended by American Academy of Dermatology:  

• Apply moisturizer at least twice a day to help prevent dryness and cracking.

• Choose a thick cream or ointment, such as petroleum jelly, which is fragrance-free.

• Keep your child’s fingernails short and smooth. This decreases the likelihood that scratching will puncture the skin.

• Keep the temperature and humidity levels comfortable at home. The most common trigger of the itch-scratch cycle is if a child is overheating.

• Use a laundry detergent made for sensitive skin; scented fabric softener or dryer sheets may contribute to irritation.

• Buy clothes without tags, because they can rub against the skin, causing irritation.

• Wash your child’s new clothes before wearing to remove excess dyes and fabric finishers, which can be irritating.

Baby Killed after Pit Bull Attack - Dog Attacks Owner as Well

A 14-month-old boy died after he was attacked by two pit bulls near Walworth in far southeast Wisconsin.

The sheriff's office got a 911 call from a 30-year-old woman saying she and a 14-month-old boy were being attacked by pit bulls. The Walworth County sheriff’s deputies were told that the pit bulls were owned by the woman.

The boy was flown to a Milwaukee area hospital with critical injuries. His name was not released. Both victims suffered multiple injuries.

Relatives said Iwicki was baby-sitting the child at the time the dogs attacked the child.

Officials said the dogs were taken from the property and euthanized.


REPORT:  Pit Bull Dog Bite Fatality Statistics

• Of the 88 fatal dog attacks recorded, pit bull type dogs were responsible for 59% (52). This is equivalent to a pit bull killing a U.S. citizen every 21 days during this 3-year period.
• The data also shows that pit bulls commit the vast majority of off-property attacks that result in death. Only 18% (16) of the attacks occurred off owner property, yet pit bulls were responsible for 81% (13).

If you or someone you know have been injured by a dog attack call the experienced Dog Bite Attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878.  We have handled some of the countries highest Dog Bite settlements.

Elderly Woman Dies after Nurse Refuses to Perform CPR - claims it's against policy

The term "Good Samaritan" comes from a parable told by Jesus of a Samaritan man who discovers a traveler on the side of a road who was robbed, beaten and left for dead.  Unlike others who saw the beaten traveler and did nothing the Samaritan stops and cares for this half-dead traveler and helps nurse him back to health.

Before our status as employees, members of a profession or part of any group we are human beings.  And just like the parable we need to be
"Good Samaritans" and help others when they need it.

Unfortunately, the basic laws of humanity were recently ignored when an 87-year-old woman, Lorraine Bayless, collapsed and died after a nurse refused to perform CPR.

Police dispatchers fielded a call from a nurse at Glenwood Gardens, an independent-living facility in California, saying a woman had collapsed in the dining room and asked for an ambulance to come help the woman.  After Emergency services were dispatched the call was forwarded to dispatcher Tracey Halvorson, who tried to talk the nurse into starting CPR.

To the dispatchers surprise the nurse refused to perform CPR on the collapsed woman because she claimed the company forbids it.  To make the nurses response more cruel she also refused to pass the phone to any other person in the room who might be willing to perform CPR, no matter how much Halvorson pleaded.

One of the most shocking exchanges between the dispatcher and the nurse was the following:  Halvorson said, “It’s a human being. Is there anybody that’s willing to help the lady and not let her die?” the nurse responded “Um…not at this time.”

The nurse should have helped, and she should have been willing to do so even at the risk of losing her job. We are talking about the precious life of another human being. 

We are human beings first, and nothing excuses us from our duty to help those in immediate need. That this even needs to be stated suggests something terrible, an intolerable form of callousness and selfishness, has taken hold in our society that needs to be stamped out wherever it appears. 

Nursing Home Abuse is an epademic that needs to be stopped.  Every year, 2.1 million older Americans are victims of physical, psychological, or other forms of nursing homes abuse. In fact, for every case of nursing home injury reported to authorities, experts estimate that there may be as many as five cases not reported.  5,000 death certificates of nursing home patients listed dehydration, malnutrition, starvation, or bedsores as the cause of death. These problems are red flags for nursing home negligence.

If you or someone you know was a victim of nursing home abuse call the experience nursing home abuse attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates.   We help accident victims rebuild their lives.  1-800-669-4878

Poland Spring water contaminated with gasoline

According to a recent report, 3 and 5 gallon bottles of Poland Spring may be contaminated with gasoline.  Consumers are being urged to be aware of this potential contamination by smelling before drinking.  Bottles purchased after November 1st may be affected. 

Because these recycled bottles were likely used to store gasoline in the days after Superstorm Sandy there have been a few Poland Spring bottles that smell like gasoline.   As people scrambled to prepare for the storm, conventions were forgotten and any available container was used to stockpile fuel.

There has been at least one confirmed illness linked to drinking water that was contaminated while in a tainted Poland Spring bottle. 

Overall, health officials are not convinced the level of gasoline in the affected bottles is enough to cause health problems long term but, as a precaution, is warning consumers not to drink it if they smell gasoline from a large bottle of Poland Spring water.

If you or someone you know has suffered serious injury by a defected product call the experienced Product Liability Attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-Now-Hurt