Prescription Drug Overdose Statistics
In 2011, prescription drug overdose became the leading cause of injury death in the United States after growing steadily over the last twenty-five years. Every day, 113 Americans die of drug overdose and another 6,748 people are treated in the emergency room for the misuse or abuse of prescription drugs.
In 2012, 259 million prescriptions for painkillers were written; that is enough for every adult to have a bottle of pills. In the United States alone, prescription opioid abuse costs about $55 billion per year. The breakdown in costs: 46 percent is attributable to workplace expenses such as lost productivity, 45 percent is due to healthcare costs such as abuse treatment, and nine percent is from criminal justice costs.
Prescription Drugs, Overdose, and Drug Abuse Defined
Drug: A drug is a chemical compound used for the diagnosis or treatment of disease or injury, for the relief of pain, or for the feeling it causes. A drug is either classified as a pharmaceutical (including both prescription and over-the-counter products) or illicit/illegal.
Overdose: An overdose occurs when too much of a drug is eaten, inhaled, injected, or absorbed through the skin. Overdoses are either intentional or unintentional. If the person taking or giving a substance did not mean to cause harm, then it is unintentional.
Drug Abuse or Misuse: The use of illicit or prescription or over-the-counter drugs in a manner other than as directed by a medical professional.
Prescription Drug Overdose Statistics
- For people aged 25 to 64 years old, drug overdose was responsible for more deaths than motor vehicle traffic crashes. In 2011 alone there were 41,340 drug overdose deaths in the United States.
- Drug overdose death rates have been rising steadily since 1992. There was a 118 percent increase in overdose deaths from 1999 to 2011.
- In 2011, 80 percent (33,071) of drug overdoses were unintentional, 12.8 percent (5,298) were of suicidal intent, 0.2 percent (80) were homicides, and 7 percent (2,891) were of undetermined intent.
- In 2011, there were over 2.5 million visits to the emergency department related to drug misuse and abuse. More than 1.4 million of these visits were related to pharmaceuticals.
- Between 2004 and 2005, almost 71,000 children (18 or younger) were taken to the emergency room each year due to accidental medication overdose. (These numbers exclude visits for self-harm, abuse, and recreational drug use).
- Forty percent of poisonings among children under age six involve pharmaceutical drugs. Almost 90 percent of all poisoning deaths are caused by ingesting drugs.
Most Common Drugs Involved in Drug Overdoses
In 2011, fifty-five percent (22,810) of drug overdoses were related to pharmaceuticals. Of these, 74 percent (16,917) involved opioid analgesics (also known as opioid pain relievers or prescription painkillers), and 30 percent (6,872) involved benzodiazepines. Note that some deaths include more than one type of drug.
About 1.4 million visits to the emergency room involved the non-medical use of pharmaceuticals. Among these visits, 501,207 overdoses involved the misuse of anti-anxiety and insomnia medications, and 420,040 visits were related to opioid analgesics.
Benzodiazepines are often found among people treated in the emergency department for misusing or abusing drugs. People who died of drug overdoses commonly had a combination of benzodiazepines and opioid analgesics in their bodies.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MoreTop 10 Marathon Injuries
After seeing hundreds of runners running the Bellingham Bay Marathon on Sunday, September 28th, I started thinking about marathon injuries. There is no doubt that the body faces a physical challenge while training for and completing the 26.2 miles in a marathon. It is important to train well in advance of the marathon and be prepared for the common injuries that can occur during the race. Having an understanding of symptoms to look for, how to handle them, and whether it is safe to finish the marathon can be an important tool to keeping yourself healthy.
Preventing and Handling the Top 10 Marathon Injuries
1. Blisters
Foot blisters are a common reaction to running long periods of time with socks rubbing against running shoes. Assuming that you trained for the race, you may have already experienced blisters and know which shoes, socks, drying agents, covering pads, and lubricants have worked to keep them at bay. If you feel a hot, sore spot early in the race it is best to stop and pop the blister and cover it with a disinfectant, and a gel bandage or moleskin pad.
2. Black Toenails
Black toenails are a result of a blister or blood pooling under a toenail. During a marathon, this is usually caused by repeated banging of the toenail against the front of the running shoe. The best prevention is to buy a well fitting shoe and tie the laces tight enough that they keep your heel in place. You may not notice the blackened toenail until after the marathon; note that you will likely lose the nail and have it grow back over the course of three to five months.
3. Chafing
Chafing is when skin rubs against skin and is made more painful with the salt from sweat. Common areas for chafing are underarms, nipples, under-breast area, groin, and thighs. You will likely already have experienced chafing during training so pay attention to your problem areas and keep them dry with cornstarch or moist with petroleum jelly, or roll-on silicone products.
4. Upset Stomach and Nausea
With all the bouncing up and down, an upset stomach is common during a marathon. In the 48 hours leading up to the marathon be careful what you eat or drink. Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, foods that you don’t tolerate well, or unfamiliar foods. Limit caffeine right before the race. During the race only consume energy snacks or liquids that you used successfully during training.
5. Dehydration
Pay attention to feelings of dehydration during training. Weigh yourself before and after a long run to ensure that you have neither lost nor gained weight. Make sure that you have ample access to water during the race. Watch for symptoms of dehydration including dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, stomach ache, back pain, headache, irritability, and decreased urination. If you experience these symptoms you should slow down or stop and drink a sports drink until the symptoms subside.
6. Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia is the opposite of dehydration; it is when a person drinks so much fluid that the body doesn’t have time to eliminate it. The concentration of water dangerously dilutes the salt concentration in your cells. Watch for signs of hyponatremia that include nausea, headache, cramps, confusion, slurred speech, bloating, and swollen hands. If you are experiencing these symptoms, stop and do not continue the race until the symptoms subside.
7. Sunburn and Windburn
Being outside for a prolonged period of time exposes your skin to a lot of sun and wind (if it is windy). Even on a cloudy day you should protect your face and the top of your head with a billed hat and apply sunscreen to any exposed skin. Keep your lips hydrated with lip balm. On windy days you can wear a Buff neck gaiter to wear as a balaclava or scarf for extra wind protection.
8. Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps can occur from long periods of exertion and from the strain of using the same posture and gait for several hours. The risk for muscle cramps is exacerbated by dehydration and depleted salt levels. If you experience a muscle cramp during the race, stop and gently stretch and massage the cramped muscle. Drink a sports drink to replace salt and fluid levels in your body. Be aware of your posture during the race, stay hydrated, and change your stride or pace throughout the marathon to help prevent muscle cramps.
9. Hitting the Wall
“Hitting the wall” or completely running out of energy stores in your muscles is more common in competitive marathon runners than in slower runners or marathon walkers. Drinking sports energy drinks and consuming energy gels or other energy snacks every throughout the marathon can help prevent energy loss.
10. Sprains, Strains, and Stress Fractures
Muscle exhaustion can lead to a trip or fall and a sprain, strain, or fracture. If you experience sudden, sharp pain, stop immediately and seek the help of course volunteers.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MorePlastic Surgery Risks
Plastic surgery procedures completed in accredited surgical facilities by board-certified plastic surgeons have a great safety record. A survey based on more than 400,000 operations performed in accredited facilities found that the rate of serious complications was less than half of one percent. Although plastic surgery has a low rate of complications, you should know the risks of plastic surgery before you undergo a procedure. It is advisable to do research on the potential risks and complications of your chosen procedure and discuss any concerns you have with your plastic surgeon.
Risks for Plastic Surgery
Complications from Anesthsia/Sedation
Some people experience serious complications when put under anesthesia/sedation. People with heart or lung disease or who are obese are at greater risk of complications due to anesthesia. To reduce your risk, tell your doctor about any medications you are on and let her know your complete medical history.
Possible complications include:
- temporary paralysis
- Temporary paralysis can occur if muscle relaxants have not fully worn off after surgery but it is generally considered easy to detect and treat by a medical professional.
- abnormal heart rhythm
- blood clots
- heart attack
- stroke
- nerve damage
- airway obstruction
- Anesthesia can irritate the air passages, causing the vocal cords to spasm and block the airway. The anesthesiologist may need to insert a tube down the throat or cut into the windpipe to treat the airway obstruction.
- brain damage
- death
- malignant hyperthermia
Aspiration
Aspiration is when a person vomits during surgery and the vomit is forced back into the lungs. Aspiration can cause mild discomfort and can also lead to infections, chronic cough, obstruction in the lungs, or even pneumonia.
Excessive Blood Loss
Some bleeding is normal with any procedure but if there is excessive bleeding, it can create major complications. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will look for pooling blood or a dramatic drop in blood pressure. If excessive bleeding occurs after surgery, it can accumulate under the skin and require an additional surgery.
Blood Clots (DVT)
Blood clots are formed from a medical condition or being kept immobile such as in a surgery setting. A blood clot in the veins can be fatal and they are difficult to predict. To help prevent them, move around and flex your feet often during recovery. Be aware that patients who have liposuction in their legs are at higher risk for DVT; compression garments can help.
Drop in Blood Pressure
Blood pressure often decreases slightly during surgery but a sudden drop from blood loss can cause an irregular heart beat or even a heart attack.
Infection
Infection is actually a low risk at less than one percent of surgeries. Taking precautionary antibiotics can reduce the risk of infection dramatically but be aware that if infection does occur, it is very serious. People who smoke, take steroids, or have certain vascular conditions are at greater risk. The longer the surgery and the more blood lost increases the risk of infection.
Loose Sutures
If sutures come loose it can cause internal bleeding or a hernia which would require additional surgery.
Skin Death (or Necrosis)
Skin death usually follows an infection or hematoma and is most common among smokers. Necrosis is treated by surgically removing the dead skin which may affect the cosmetic outcome.
Asymmetry
Moderate or severe asymmetries in results may require a second surgery. Mild asymmetry is normal.
Slow Healing
Slow healing can be caused by advanced age, skin type, failure to follow doctor’s advice or an auto-immune disorder.
Numbness/Tingling
Some patients experience temporary numbness or tingling after surgery. A permanent loss of sensation can result from an injury to the sensory or motor nerves.
Irregularities
Dimples, puckers, divots or other irregularities can appear in the skin due to surgical error, unusual healing, or body make-up.
Seroma
Seroma is when fluid collects under the skin and can occur after breast augmentation, liposuction, or a tummy tuck.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MorePrevent Pet Bites
How to Care for a Pet Bite:
- If the wound is bleeding heavily, call your doctor or go to the emergency room*. Keep in mind that stitches must be done within six hours of the injury.
- If you decide to care for the injury yourself:
- Wash the wound gently with soap and water.
- Apply pressure to the wound with a clean towel to stop any bleeding.
- Apply a sterile bandage.
- Keep your injured leg or arm elevated above the level of the heart to slow swelling and prevent infection.
- Apply antibiotic ointment to the area two times a day until it has healed.
If you were bitten by a neighbor’s pet, take pictures of the wound, if possible, and report the incident to the proper authorities in your community such as the neighborhood association, the animal control office, or the police. You may wish to speak with a personal injury lawyer to see if you have a case for damages.
*Call Your Doctor/Visit the Emergency Room in these Scenarios:
- If you were bitten by a stray cat as cat bites often cause infection. It is not necessary to call your doctor for a cat scratch unless you think the wound is infected.
- You have a dog bite on your hand, foot or head, or the bite is deep or gaping.
- You were bitten and have diabetes, liver or lung disease, cancer, AIDS, or another condition that could weaken your ability to fight infection.
- You have any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, increased tenderness, pus oozing from the wound, or a fever.
- The bleeding hasn’t stopped after 15 minutes of applying pressure or you think you may have a broken bone, nerve damage, or another serious injury.
- Your last tetanus shot was more than five years ago, because you may need a booster shot.
- You were bitten by a wild animal or a domestic animal (such as a pet) of which you don’t know their vaccination status.
Do I Need a Rabies Shot?
If you were bitten by a wild animal such as a skunk, raccoon, bat or coyote, go to the doctor right away to get the rabies shot. Rabies is actually fairly uncommon among household pets in the United States; the chance that you came into contact with rabies if you were bit by a domestic animal that appears healthy is very low.
If you are the owner or you know the owner of the dog or cat that bit you, acquire the pet’s vaccination record. An animal that appears healthy and has been vaccinated may still be quarantined for 10 days to make sure it doesn’t start showing signs of rabies. If the animal does have rabies, you will need to get a series of rabies shots.
If the animal is a stray or you can’t find the owner of the dog or cat that bit you, call the animal control agency or health department in your area. If they can locate the animal, they will test for rabies. If the animal cannot be located, your doctor may recommend that you take the series of rabies shots as a precaution.
Prevent Cat and Dog Bites
- Never leave a young child alone with a pet as they don’t always know to be gentle or see the signs of irritation in the pet.
- Do not try to separate fighting animals as you may get bitten in the process.
- Stay away from sick animals and/or animals that you don’t know whether or not they are vaccinated.
- Do not touch animals while they are eating as they are often very protective of their food.
- Keep dogs on a leash in public.
- Choose your family pet carefully and be sure to keep your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MoreCan You Sue a School for Bullying?
It is natural to want to protect our kids so if they were bullied at school you might be wondering if you can sue the school for bullying. Traditionally it has been very difficult to successfully sue a school or school district as they generally have “sovereign immunity.” Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that states that the sovereign or state cannot commit a legal wrong and is immune from civil suit or criminal prosecution.
In March 2014, a groundbreaking case may have changed the game on suing for bullying. A Superior Court judge in New Jersey ruled that two Hunterdon County school districts may file suit against students who torment their peers. Some legal precedent has been set that parents may be held legally liable when their children bully, taunt, tease or physically harass their classmates.
What Is Bullying?
Bullying includes many wrongs committed by one or more persons against another person or group. The actual act can take on many forms including sexual harassment, teasing, excluding, name calling, physically pushing, hitting or attacking, threatening, hazing, damaging or stealing belongings, or demanding money.
What to do if Your Child is Bullied at School
If your child is sexually harassed or bullied by another student, you should act right away; waiting for the students to work it out is not advised. Setup a meeting with any teachers or recess attendants who may have witnessed the bullying; ensure the school principal is also present. You will have the most success if you have documented the incidents carefully including times, places, description of the incidents, witnesses, and pictures of any physical bullying. If you are aware that other students are being bullied by the same person, then encourage their parents to speak to school officials as well. School representatives are more likely to respond immediately if they have multiple complaints.
If you don’t get a favorable response at your meeting or see any concrete action taken within a couple days afterward, write a letter to the principal and school district superintendent. The letter should outline the facts and demand an immediate response to the problem. In the last decade, many public schools have adopted zero tolerance policies against bullying after nationally-publicized school bullying incidents and subsequent suicides. There is increased awareness and sensitivity to bullying today compared with previous decades.
Notify the Police
If your child was assaulted physically, including being hit, pushed, slapped, or tripped; call the police and file a police report right away. The police can investigate and check to see if the bully has a juvenile record and if not, a record can be started. Additionally, the police can help you file a restraining or anti-harassment order to keep the school bullies a safe distance from your child.
If your child has been physically or sexually assaulted by another student, talk with a local personal injury lawyer right away.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MoreSchool Liability in Gym Class Accidents
A study by the Journal Pediatrics revealed that gym class accidents and injuries increased by a whopping 150 percent between 1997 and 2007; there are more than 400,000 injuries reported every year. The study was based on the number of emergency room visits by children injured in gym class accidents and showed an increase from 24,000 per year to 60,000. Put another way, in 1997, there were an average 4.39 trips to the emergency room per every 10,000 kids; a decade later, the number had increased to 10.9 visits. Seventy percent of gym-class related injuries were caused by the same six activities: running, basketball, football, volleyball, soccer, and gymnastics. With all the negative press that it has gotten, some people might by surprised that dodgeball doesn’t make the list.
With a decrease in school funding, P.E. classes have actually become less available so there are a lot of questions as to why the number of injuries are increasing. Some experts speculate that the increase in childhood obesity and large class sizes may be contributing factors. It is important to note that many schools no longer employ a school nurse so there could be more trips to the emergency department without an actual increase in injuries.
Gym Class Injury Statistics
- Half of all gym class injuries were among middle school kids
- The most common gym class related injuries are bruises, sprains, strains, fractures, and cuts
- Outdoor gym classes have seen heatstroke and dehydration situations
- Boys account for 54 percent of all gym class injuries
- Boys are more likely to get hurt playing group sports or by colliding with other kids or their surroundings
- High school aged boys incur more gym class related injuries than elementary aged boys
- Girls are more likely to get hurt by twisting an ankle while running, playing tennis or participating in other individual or paired activities
School District Liability for Injuries on School Grounds
School district liability for injured children is an ongoing debate and a controversial topic among parents and schools. From state to state, courts are weighing in on whether a parent has a right to damages after their child is injured in a gym class accident.
Over the years, courts have seen lawsuits against school districts filed for a variety of reasons including school-yard fights, bullying, lax security, and dodgeball injuries. As school districts have endured lawsuits some have decided to stop allowing certain games or activities on school grounds; most famously dodgeball and any other “human target” games.
School liability for injured children will continue to evolve in the legal system as views change on appropriate types and amounts of physical fitness. As schools become more concerned about liability, limiting more physical activities may become a reality.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MorePreventing Kitchen Burn Accidents
Whether you work in a commercial kitchen or you prepare daily meals at home, kitchen burn accidents are a common hazard. Work-related burns are one of the leading causes of occupational injuries in the restaurant industry. Although restaurants are generally safer than many other types of workplaces, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that work-related burns are disproportionately high among restaurant workers.
Kitchen Burn Risk Factors
Scald burns are a common form of burn associated with kitchen accidents; a scald occurs when the skin contacts hot liquid or steam. Many serious scalding burns happen when a person slips and grabs at something to steady themselves or slips while carrying hot liquids. Grabbing above you in a moment of panic or slipping while holding containers can both lead to containers splashing hot liquid. Scalds from hot water and oil are both common but scalds from hot oil generally create a more severe injury. The reason for this is that oil heats to higher temperatures than water and it is also thicker so it can remain on the skin for a longer period of time.
Other common kitchen burn risks include:
- Removing or cleaning oil from deep fryers
- Contact with steam, oil, or grease
- Cooking or serving boiling soups, desserts, or beverages
- Cooking with hot stovetops, grills, or ovens
- Access to exposed or improperly maintained wiring and equipment
- Rushed or tired employees carrying hot food/beverages
- Managers failing to enforce safety rules or not following safety rules themselves
- Congested quarters
Work Kitchen Burn Prevention Tips
The Burn Foundation recommends these safety tips to protect yourself from burns at work:
- Always wear protective gloves or mitts when touching hot pots, cooking with large amounts of oil, or pulling items out of the oven.
- Wear shoes with non-skid soles to help prevent slipping on wet or greasy tile floors.
- Extinguish hot oil/grease fires by placing a lid over the top of the container.
- Never carry or move containers with boiling liquid.
- Do not reach across hot surfaces; use barriers, guards or enclosures to prevent contact with hot surfaces.
- Always follow directions for proper use of electrical appliances.
- Keep a first-aid kit in the kitchen and ensure that a person with first-aid training is working on each shift.
- Keep fire extinguishers accessible and up to date.
- Plan traffic patterns so that wait staff are not stepping around cooks, and dishwashers or on top of each other.
Home Kitchen Burn Prevention Tips
The following safety tips are recommended to help prevent a burn accident at home:
- Keep curtains and dish/hand towels well away from burners.
- Choose an oven with controls on the front or side so that you don’t have to reach over burners.
- Turn pan handles away from other burners and away from the edge of the stove while cooking.
- Do not wear loose, long sleeved shirts while cooking over a stovetop.
- Do not store cooking utensils above the range, so that you don’t have to reach over the stop top to access them.
- Keep hot pads, oven mitts, and pan holders near the stove/oven and always use them when handling pots, pans, and bake ware.
- Use a safety hook to help slide the baking rack to more easily retrieve hot foods.
- Only operate the microwave when there is food inside.
- Unplug small appliances when not in use.
- Keep a fire extinguisher near the stove but make sure that you know how to use it and that it is properly charged.
- Smoke alarms should be in every room in your home and in working order. Don’t forget to replace the batteries annually!
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MorePreventing Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents
Slips, trips, and falls are the number one reported general industry accident causing personal injury, second only to car accident injuries. In fact, the Bureau of State Risk Management has labeled “slips, trips and falls” as one of the top five causes of workers’ compensation claims in recent years. Falls are also one of the second-leading cause of unintentional non-work related injuries and deaths in the United States, causing approximately 8.9 million visits to the emergency department and 25,000 deaths annually.
Adults aged 55 and older are more prone to falling and experiencing personal injuries than those in younger age groups. The number deaths from falling among those 65 and older are four times the number of fall deaths among all other age groups.
Slips, trips, and falls can cause a huge variety of personal injuries from small to very serious including decreased mobility, back and hip pain, head injuries, back injuries, broken bones, cuts and lacerations, and sprained muscles.
Slip, Trip and Fall Defined
Slip– A slip happens when there is too little traction or friction between the shoe and walking surface, which most commonly causes the person to fall backward.
Trip-A trip happens when a person’s foot connects unexpectedly with an object in their way or a drop in walking surface, and causes them to be thrown off-balance. A trip most often results in a person falling forward.
Fall-A fall occurs when a person is too far off-balance.
Common Hazards that Lead to Slips, Trips, and Falls
There are many situations that may cause slips, trips, and falls including weather conditions such as ice, snow, rain, or mud, insufficient lighting, wet or slippery spots, greasy or polished floors, loose flooring, shifting floor tiles, uneven or torn carpeting, uneven hard walking surfaces such as potholes in parking lots, clutter, electrical cords, open desk drawers and filing cabinets, and loose, irregular surfaces such as gravel.
Common Locations for Slips, Trips, and Falls
Curbs, ramps, doorways, parking lots, lawns, hard-wood flooring, areas with heavy traffic, cluttered walkways, un-guarded heights, ladders, stairs, uneven sidewalks, and unstable work surfaces all have the potential to cause significant injuries from slips, trips, or falls.
Most slip, trip and fall accidents are actually preventable when general precautions, awareness, and safety measures are applied. The number one way to prevent slip and fall injuries is to be aware of where you are going and pay attention to your walking surface. If you see or experience a slip, trip, or fall you should report it, even if it’s minor. It could prevent someone from experiencing a more serious injury in the future.
Tips on Preventing Falls
- Secure lose electrical or phone cords away from traffic areas
- Remove small throw rugs or at least use non-skid mats to keep them from slipping
- Remove tripping hazards (clutter) from stairs and walkways
- Repair damaged steps and walkways as needed
- Never stand on a wheeled chair, table or other surface
- Clean up all spills as soon as they occur
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MoreFood Allergy Reactions
Approximately 15 million Americans have food allergies that can cause mild to severe reactions; some allergies can even cause life-threatening anaphylaxis. One in every 13 children has a serious food allergy, which equals two children in every classroom. As the school year starts, many parents of children with food allergies will be concerned about keeping their child safe from the allergens that can cause a reaction, most commonly peanuts and tree nuts in classrooms. A reaction to a food allergy can range from a mild response such as an itchy mouth all the way to anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially deadly reaction. Being informed about food allergy facts and statistics can help better prepare parents to handle their child’s food allergies and give a realistic perspective on the dangers of an allergic reaction.
According to a study released in 2013 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies among children increased approximately 50 percent between 1997 and 2011 without a known reason. These eight foods are responsible for 90 percent of food allergies: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Even trace amounts of a food allergen can cause a reaction such as peanut oil left of a desk.
Anaphylaxis Defined
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction and it can happen within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen such as peanuts, shell fish, a bee sting, or even latex. Anaphylaxis causes your immune system to release of flurry of chemicals that can send your body into shock. Most notably, blood pressure drops suddenly and your airways narrow which blocks normal breathing. Others should look for a rapid, weak pulse, a skin rash, and nausea with vomiting although it is possible to have anaphylaxis without a rash or hives.
If you suspect that someone is experiencing anaphylactic shock take them to the emergency room immediately where they will be treated by an injection of epinephrine. If anaphylaxis isn’t treated right away, it can lead to unconsciousness or even death. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can come back after initially subsiding and experts recommend an observation period of about four hours to monitor that the reaction has been resolved.
Food Allergy Reactions Facts and Statistics
- Every three minutes, an American has a food allergy reaction strong enough to warrant a trip to the emergency department. This accounts for more than 200,000 emergency department visits per year.
- Food allergies result in more than 300,000 calls for an ambulance a year for children under the age of 18. Food allergy is the leading cause of anaphylaxis outside of hospital care.
- Teenagers and young adults with food allergies are the age group with the highest risk of fatal food-induced anaphylaxis.
- People with food allergies combined with asthma may be at increased risk for severe/fatal food allergy reactions.
Food Allergy Risk Factors
- A food allergy can begin at any age.
- Allergies are genetic: those whose parents suffer from allergies have a greater chance of developing a food allergy.
- Children with food allergies are 2 to 4 times more likely to have other related conditions such as asthma and other allergies, compared with children who do not have food allergies.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MorePrevent a Road Trip Accident!
Road trips are a classic family vacation; the adventure and freedom of the open road is a huge allure. Nothing, however, can put a damper on a great road trip faster than a car accident. To stay safe, it is important to be prepared and follow some basic safety tips. Planning is a key component to a safe and fun road trip; this includes planning your route carefully, allowing enough time to get there, and ensuring that your car is in good running condition. Driver fatigue is a common problem on long road trips; reasonable rest stops should be built into the road trip plan to avoid putting yourself and others on the road at risk for an accident.
Road Trip Safety Tips
- Before you leave on your trip, have your car serviced and given a full safety check up including:
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- Tires and tire pressure (including your spare)
- Fluid levels
- Lights
- Cooling systems (and fluid levels)
- Belts and hoses
- Brakes
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- Pack jumper cables and tire changing equipment
- Map out your trip in advance to make sure you are comfortable with the route
- Allow plenty of time to get to your destination (include planned rest stops at least every two hours or 100 miles). Do not drive for more than eight hours per day to help limit fatigue and to stave off “road hypnosis”
- Pull over for a power nap if you feel tired
- Share the driving with another responsible driver if possible
- Never drink alcohol or take any drugs that could alter your mental state before or during a road trip
- Try to get a solid night’s sleep the night before you leave
- Avoid long stretches of driving in the middle of the night (or whenever you would normally be sleeping)
- Drive within the speed limit and drive appropriately for the weather conditions, terrain, time of day/night, and level of traffic
- Make sure all passengers wear appropriate seatbelts or child restraints, including pets
- Store all luggage securely so in case of sudden braking it won’t go flying off the roof of the car or hit a passenger in the head
- Avoid driving distractions such as heated conversations and mobile phone use. Have a passenger adjust the radio, do not stare at a map or GPS, and keep your eyes on the road. Distracted drivers are the leading cause of car accidents.
- Always drive defensively; it will help you be aware of hazards and obstacles on the road, as well as others that may be driving recklessly.
- Pack a camera just in case you have an accident so the damage can be documented for your insurance company
These road trip safety tips can help you have an accident free trip. Even if the unexpected happens such as a stalled car or a popped tire, you will be ready to get back on the road in no time.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
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