Volvo recalls over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 MY vehicles over fuel system issues

Volvo is recalling certain vehicles sold in the US;because the fuel pump can develop cracks in the fuel pump flange when exposed to certain climate conditions, particularly hot climates, over time and in combination with varying fuel quality.

Owners of these models may notice fuel smell and/or a fuel leak which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

If one has a model number affected by the recall, a dealer will inspect the fuel pump installed and replace it with a part of a modified design - free of charge - starting in January 2010. Owners may call Volvo at 866-637-3774. 

Vehicles affected:
Vehicle Make / Model / Model Year(s):

VOLVO / S60 2001-2004
VOLVO / S80 2002-2005
VOLVO / V70 2001-2004
VOLVO / XC70 2001-2004
VOLVO / XC90 2003-2005

FDA Investigates Radiation Overdose at Hospitals

More than 300 patients may have received an overdose of radiation from a special type of CT scan used to image the brain.

The Food and Drug Administration says the radiation overdoses occurred at three hospitals in Los Angeles and one hospital in Huntsville, Ala. FDA says there could be many more cases at hospitals nationwide as the investigation unfolds.

The scan in question is called a "perfusion CT." After an injection, a brain scan is taken to examine blood vessels. Perfusion CT is typically done to diagnose a stroke or aneurysm.

Patients at the four hospitals who received excess radiation, were exposed to the equivalent of several thousand X-rays instead of the three-eight times the expected radiation dose.

The FDA has sent alerts to hospitals and health care facilities nationwide that perform these specialized CT scans, asking them to double-check the machines in order to assure that they are configured correctly.

They Knew and Failed to..New Report Details Corporations that Skirt Responsibility and Shun Consumer Safety to Save Money

Every day there is another recall or warning of a product that turned out to have design flaws or unexpected problems, for example: a drug with a unanticipated side effect, a toy with a sharp piece that can injure a child, etc. These recalls and warnings are so frequent that consumers are no longer surprised.

However, what would surprise consumers is the fact that sometimes those who are responsible for these dangers know about the problem and do nothing about it. It may be hard to believe that anybody would cover up a products danger and then market that product to the very people it is likely to kill or injure – but that is what happens time and time again.

Last month, at the U.S. Chambers Institute for Legal Reform annual summit – an event dedicated to championing corporate misconduct and evading accountability – a report was released detailing true stories of corporations that knew their products were dangerous, yet failed to protect consumers.

“They Knew and Failed To” details numerous examples of medical devices, prescription drugs, and other consumer products that remained on the market after critical safety concerns had been raised within the company, while using all means necessary to avoid being held accountable for their misconduct.

In one example, police officer Tony Zeppetella of Oceanside, Calif. had paid $313 to “upgrade” his standard bullet proof vest. The Ultima body armor Zeppetella had purchased was widely used by law enforcement, military personnel, and even worn by the President and Mrs. Bush.

Unfortunately, Zeppetella was shot and killed on a routine traffic stop in June 2003, when a bullet penetrated his vest.

Second Chance, the manufacturer, had known as early as 1998 that heat and sunlight caused the material to degrade, making the vests penetrable. Internal corporate memos from 2001 revealed an executive at the company had recommended notifying customers about the products’ defect, saying, “Lives and our credibility are at stake.” It was not until September 2003 that the company eventually recalled 130,000 vests, three months after Zeppetella was shot.

The company had known for FIVE years there were problems with their vests, but failed to notify consumers, putting law enforcement and service members’ lives at risk.

“While most businesses act in good faith to serve their customers and communities, unfortunately some corporations recklessly put lives at risk for the sake of profit,” said American Association for Justice President Anthony Tarricone. “While front groups like the Chamber stage events practically celebrating corporate misconduct, this new report convincingly illustrates the importance of holding wrongdoers accountable.”

To read the full report, click here. For more information, please call 877-MESSALAW.

Toyota to replace 3.8M gas pedals

Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it will replace accelerator pedals on 3.8 million recalled vehicles in the United States to address problems with the pedals becoming jammed in the floor mat.

As a temporary step, Toyota will have dealers shorten the length of the gas pedals beginning in January while the company develops replacement pedals for their vehicles, the Transportation Department and Toyota said. New pedals will be available beginning in April, and some vehicles will have brake override systems installed as a precaution.

Popular vehicles such as the Toyota Camry, the top-selling passenger car in America, and the Toyota Prius, the best-selling gas-electric hybrid, are part of the recall. It includes the 2007-10 model year Camry, 2005-10 Toyota Avalon, 2004-09 Prius, 2005-10 Toyota Tacoma, 2007-10 Toyota Tundra, 2007-10 Lexus ES350 and 2006-10 Lexus IS250/350. 

Toyota, the world's largest automaker, announced the massive recall in late September and told owners to remove the driver's side floor mats to prevent the gas pedal from potentially becoming jammed.

To fix the problem, Toyota and the government said dealers will shorten the length of the accelerator pedal on the recalled vehicles and in some cases remove foam from beneath the carpeting near the pedal to increase the space between the pedal and the floor. They said owners of the ES350, Camry and Avalon would be the first to receive notification because the vehicles are believed to have the highest risk for pedal entrapment.

Toyota plans to install a brake override system on the Camry, Avalon and Lexus ES350, IS350 and IS250 models as an "extra measure of confidence," Toyota and NHTSA said. The brake override system, commonly called a "smart brake," will ensure the vehicle will stop if both the brake and the accelerator pedals are applied simultaneously.

Toyota also plans to make the brake override system standard equipment throughout the Toyota and Lexus lineup starting with January 2010 production of the ES350 and Camry. Most new models will get the equipment by the end of 2010.

Dealers will be instructed on how to modify the pedals before the end of the year and will begin shortening the accelerators in 2010. New replacement pedals are expected to be available for some models beginning in April and will be provided even if the vehicles have already received a modified pedal under the recall.

The automaker and government regulators have been discussing a potential fix for several weeks. In late September, Toyota announced the recall and told owners to remove driver's side floor mats and not replace them until the company had determined a remedy for the problem. The automaker said unhooked floor mats or replacement mats stacked on top of the originals could lead to stuck accelerators.

In early November, Toyota issued a statement saying NHTSA had confirmed "that no defect exists in vehicles in which the driver's floor mat is compatible with the vehicle and properly secured." But in a rare rebuke, NHTSA accused Toyota of releasing misleading information about the recall, saying removing the mats did not "correct the underlying defect." Toyota said it was not the company's intention to mislead anyone.

If a vehicle accelerator pedal becomes stuck and a driver can't dislodge it, Toyota advises drivers to press on the brake with both feet and then shift the vehicle into neutral, which will disengage the transmission. The automaker says drivers should continue braking until the vehicle comes to a stop.

A driver can also try shutting off the engine or turning the key to the "ACC" position on the ignition. Drivers will not lose control of the steering or the brakes. But once the vehicle is turned off the driver won't have the benefit of power brakes or power steering. For vehicles that have a start/stop button for the engine, drivers are advised to hold the button for three seconds to turn it off.

For more information, owners can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331 or the NHTSA hot line at 888-327-4236

Elmo and a dinosaur make bad toy list

So far this holiday season, five products made the list for containing lead or "potentially toxic chemicals."

This list includes a Touch and Feel Cloth Book called "Big Rex and Friends" from Priddy Books. The PIRG (Public Interest Research Groups) said that a red dot on one of the pages contains lead. Likewise, a metal charm that comes with the Alligator Cell Phone from the Claire's retail chain also contains lead, the organization said.

The PIRG also identified a Collector's Series toy duck that has lead paint on its face and body. The organization said that the manufacturer of this toy was unknown, but that it was purchased at a Dollar Tree store.

Two toys were identified containing "potentially toxic" chemicals known as phthalates, including Pretty Princess Puppy Purse from Claire's and the Elmo Lunch Bag from Sassy.

"Choking is obviously the biggest issue," said Jonathan Samet, publisher of thetoyinsider.com, an industry observer. He said that he didn't want to minimize PIRG's warnings, but the noise warnings did not concern him as much as choking and lead.

The PIRG also listed several toys deemed "excessively loud" at close range, meaning that they match or exceed 85 decibels within 25 centimeters of the toy, presenting a risk of hearing loss.

The organization pegged the loud toys as the Kota and Pals Stompers Triceratops from Playskool, the Secret Saturdays Cryptid Claw from Mattel, the Laugh & Learn Learning Phone from Fisher Price and the Bright Lights Phone from VTech.

Infant Entrapment and Suffocation Prompts Stork Craft to Recall More Than 2.1 Million Drop-Side Cribs

More than 2.1 million drop-side cribs by Stork Craft Manufacturing are being recalled, the biggest crib recall in U.S history, following reports of four infant suffocations.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said late Monday the recall involves 1.2 million cribs in the United States and almost 1 million in Canada, where Stork Craft is based. Sales of the cribs being recalled go back to 1993.

 

The CPSC said it is aware of four infants who suffocated in the drop-side cribs, which have a side that moves up and down to allow parents to lift children from the cribs more easily. The agency also said there have been 110 incidents of drop-sides detaching from the cribs.

 

The Stork Craft cribs have had problems with their hardware, which can break, deform or become missing after years. CPSC said there can also be problems with assembly mistakes by the crib owner. These problems can cause the drop-side to detach, creating a dangerous space between the drop-side and the crib mattress, where a child can become trapped.

 

This is the second big recall this year for the company. It recalled about 500,000 cribs in January because of problems with the metal brackets that support the mattress.

Major retailers in the United States and Canada sold the recalled cribs including BJ's Wholesale Club, J.C. Penney, Kmart, Meijer, Sears, USA Baby, and Wal-Mart stores and online at Amazon.com, Babiesrus.com, Costco.com, Target.com, and Walmart.com from January 1993 through October 2009 for between $100 and $400.

In the Stork Craft recall, the manufacture date, model number, crib name, country of origin, and the firm's name, address and contact information are located on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board. The firm's insignia "storkcraft baby" or "storkling" is inscribed on the drop-side teething rail of some cribs.

For more information contact 1-877 MESSALAW.

Vicks nasal spray recalled after bacteria found

The Procter & Gamble Co. has recalled some 120,000 bottles of Vicks Sinex nasal spray after the company found bacteria in samples during routine testing.

The product has been recalled voluntarily after small amounts of the B. cepacia bacteria was found at the German plant where it's made. No illnesses have been reported yet, but the bacteria could harm people with chronic lung problems or weakened immune systems.

Three lots of the spray sent to stores in the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom are being recalled.

The bacteria were found in a small amount of the U.S. lot after it shipped, and the company is testing samples from the U.K. and German lots produced from the same raw material mixture in Gross Gerau, Germany.

P&G says consumers should not use the medication.

The U.S. Centers for Disease control says on its Web site that the bacteria pose "little medical risk to healthy people."

Lot numbers are on both outer cartons and the bottles inside. The numbers of the affected lots are:

In the U.S.: 9239028831

In the U.K.: 9224028832

In Germany: 9224028833

Fire and burn hazards prompt recall of gas grills sold at Lowe’s stores

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of the “Perfect Flame SLG Series Gas Grills” sold at exclusively at Lowe’s nationwide from September 2005 through May 2009.

The recalled grills are lg series “Perfect Flame” brand outdoor propane or natural gas grills. The burners can deteriorate causing irregular flames and the lids of some models can catch fire posing fire and burn hazards to the consumer.

The model numbers can be found in the compartment under the cooking chamber. The model numbers affected by this recall are listed below:

Consumers should immediately stop using the grill and contact SLG Sourcing to receive free replacement burners and, depending on the model of the grill owned, a free replacement lid. For additional information, contact the firm toll free at (888)840-9590.

Merry (early) Christmas Noah Biorkman!

Recently there was a heartbreaking story about a 5 year old, Noah Biorkman, who was battling his last stages of cancer and was not going to make it to Christmas.

Noah was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma in February 2007. He went into remission in August 2007. In September 2008, Noah relapsed with lesions in his right arm and right leg. After going through six different trials, the cancer continues to spread.

His parents, Diana and Scott, wanted to make sure he would see the holiday one last time before cancer claims his life. They are celebrating Christmas this weekend. Noah loves to open mail and his parents asked friends and family to send early Christmas cards to celebrate.

The media caught wind of the story and now thousands of people from across the country and around the world have sent Noah gifts and cards. Messa & Associates wanted to reach out to Noah and sent a big box of Christmas cards wishing him and his family the merriest Christmas of them all.

When Noah opens an angel Christmas tree ornament, the reporter asks him what it means to him. "I'm going to heaven," Noah responds. "I'm going to be an angel."

To see the story, check out Noah's Video

If you would like to send a card, please forward to:

Noah Biorkman
c/o Scott Biorkman
3480 Petoskey Way
Milford, Michigan 48380 USA

Stroller company announces major safety recall

Maclaren is recalling at least 1 million umbrella strollers because of a potential hazard to children's fingers. A side hinge mechanism poses the risk of cutting or amputating a child's fingers when the stroller is being opened or closed.

The voluntary recall applies to all Maclaren strollers sold in the U.S. since they were introduced in 1999.

The affected models include Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller. The strollers, which are manufactured in China, are sold nationwide.

Maclaren is providing consumers and retailers free repair kits which will cover a joint on the faulty hinge mechanism.

Consumers should stop using the strollers immediately and contact Maclaren by calling (877) 688-2326.

Two deaths possible in ground beef recall

An outbreak of food-borne illness, linked to dangerous bacteria in ground beef, sickened 28 people and caused at least one death, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC said a New York adult with underlying medical conditions had died and another possibly related in New Hampshire was under investigation. State officials attribute the New Hampshire death to the E. coli bacteria.

Over the weekend, Fairbank Farms of Ashville, New York recalled over 545,000 lbs of ground beef products.


A potentially deadly bacteria, E. coli, can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and in severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, the elderly and people with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

The Fairbank Farms beef was produced in mid-September and probably labeled for sale before the end of the month and went to retailers in eight states including Trader Joes, Price Chopper, Lancaster and Wild Harvest. The ground beef packaged under the Fairbank Farms name was distributed to stores in Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and was likely repackaged for sale.

The federal agency says each package of ground beef carried the number "EST. 492" on the label. 

Overheating Halloween Flashlights Recalled

More than 600,000 Halloween flashlights sold at Target stores nationwide in August & September are being recalled from overheating and burning.

The recall was announced on Thursday, October 28th, just days before kids head out for trick-or-treating. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission includes a three pack of mini flashlights as well as a second set of flashlights with stencils that project six different Halloween images.

Consumers are asked to bring the Chinese-made flashlights back to any Target store for a full refund. The flashlights can overheat and melt, posing a risk of burns. Eight incidents were reported, including one child who was burned.

The mini flashlights have a key ring at the bottom. They were sold for $1 and came in three packs containing orange, green and black flashlights. The packaging is orange and purple and reads "Mini Flashlights (3 Pack)" printed on the front and "DGI", "Made in China" and "DPCI# 234-02-1813" on the back.

The other flashlights are of a standard size and have a black handle and an orange top. They came with six stencils that project the images of a pumpkin, ghost, spider, cat, witch and skull and cross-bones. "Flashlight with Stencil" is printed on the front and "Tien Hsing," "Made in China" and" 234 02 1838" is printed on the back of the packaging. Those flashlights sold for $2.50.

For more information, consumers can call Target weekdays between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern Time at (800) 440-0680.

Is junk food as addictive as drugs?

A diet of burgers, chips & cake will program your brain into craving even more foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat - according to a new research.

Over the years these junk foods can become a substitute for happiness and will lead bingers to become addicted.

Researchers believe it is one of the first studies to suggest brains may react in the same way to junk food as they do to drugs.

What do you think?

Popular treatment in kids may cause sucicidal thoughts

A new report from Australia is raising alarms about potentially dangerous side effects of drugs used to treat ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). The report states that 30 children have had suicidal thoughts (some attempting suicide), while taking drugs for ADHD.

This caused the National Health and Medical Research Council in Australia to upgrade the guidelines for prescribing ADHD drugs, such as Ritalin. A 7-year-old boy taking Ritalin attempted suicide, and an 8-year-old had hallucinations that spiders were crawling all over him, reports " The Sydney Morning Herald." The same "Herald" article reported that serious reactions from ADHD drugs had doubled within three years in Australia.

ADHD drugs are closely regulated in the United States, but are widely prescribed for kids. Ritalin, Adderall and other drugs used to treat ADHD are stimulants, which are thought to reduce hyperactivity and help children focus.

However, they come with risks - this is where the controversy ensues. Known side effects for kids include decreased appetite, problems falling asleep, tics and dampened emotional reactions (often called a "flat" feeling). Since these drugs are stimulants, there are also cardiovascular risks. For some kids, many pediatricians recommend that you have an EKG for your child before he or she takes one of these drugs.

Even though the suicide risk from any ADHD drug is rare, if a drug changes your child’s personality in any way, you stop it. 

H1N1 to do (and don't do) list

While Swine flu vaccines are finally out this month, the onslaught of information is making it pretty hard - and scary- to figure out what you should be doing right now.

Although some people have already been vaccinated, it could be weeks before you even get a chance at the shot, so what happens now?

Here are some tips of what to do, and not to do to, to help you through the flu season.

1. Look up local flu outbreaks
Since 40% of people get most of their news through the internet, take the time to check out local flu activity on th online version of your local newspaper, or websites like Google Flu Trends.

2. Don't Panic
 For most people, H1N1 infection is generally mild and can be cured with time, bed rest and fluids. However, the virus is serious, particularly for those in high-risk groups. High risk people, whether adults or children, had underlying conditions like chronic heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems due to disease or chemotherapy treatment. With that being said, H1N1 will feel like seasonal flu for most people.

3. Stay Home
If you are sick with symptoms like fever, aches, stuffy nose and chills? It's possible you may have Swine flu. Its best to just stay home and get better before it may worsen.

4. Wash your hands
It may seem like the most simple thing ever, but washing your hands with soap and water or using a alcohol rub can help.

5. Be Prepared
If you are not immunized already, you might have to be patient as it may take some time for everyone who wants the Swine flu vaccine can get it. In the meantime, be prepared if you or a loved one gets sick. Cover your mouth if you are sneezing or coughing, stay home if you are sick and see a doctor if the symptoms get worse.

Foods to Fight Swine Flu

Preparing for Fall's flu season, especially with Swine Flu (H1N1), a flu shot and endless hand sanitizer might not be enough. Considering strengthening your immune system's ability to fight viruses by adding certain foods to your diet.

The American Diet Association believes by exercising, getting enough rest and following a healthy diet, can boost one's immune system. Here are a few items that can help boost your immune system:

Garlic
Chopping garlic releases allicin, a sulfer-containing compound that houses a potent antioxidants, which protects cells from free radicals that can damage them, making it harder for cells to fight disease.
Adding fresh garlic to sautéed vegetables would be a great idea.

Yogurt and Kefir
Embracing certain kinds of bacteria can actually help your immune system. Yogurt (look for cartons that say they contain "live, active cultures") and kefir, a fermented milk drink made with kefir grains, all have probotics or "good" bacteria. 

Brazil Nuts
These large nuts are rich in zinc, a mineral known to improve the number of infection-fighting T-cells that also has antioxidant properties. Zinc deficiency has been linked to decreased response to vaccination and impaired immune cell function, especially in the elderly. But don't overdo it: A few of these provide enough zinc for the day.

Tea
Tea is rich in polyphenols, chemicals found in plant foods that act like antioxidants to protect cells.

Lean Protein
Low amounts of protein have also been found to impair the immune system and have negative effects on T-cells.

Citrus Fruits
Pink grapefruits, oranges and mangoes, are all rich in the antioxidant vitamin C, something our bodies don't produce or store on their own.

Eating these items can boost your immune system and could prevent sickness, but is not a substitute for seeing a doctor, or proper medication. If one is having flu-like symptoms, see a doctor immediately. 

Ford Recalls 4.5M from Defective Switch

Ford Motor Cor. said Tuesday, October 13, 2009, it will add 4.5 million older-model vehicles to the long list of those recalled because of a defective cruise control switch could cause a fire.

 

The recall covers 1.1 million Ford Windstar minivans that had a small risk of fire due to internal leaking from the switches.

The remaining 3.4 million vehicles are Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models. Even though there has been no reports of fire with those models, they are included in the recall because they use the same switches.

Ford advises owners of all vehicles covered by the recall to park them outside until they are mailed instructions by the end of the month on how to get repairs.

The recall covers the following model years: 1995-2003 Ford Windstar; 2000-2003 Ford Excursion diesel; 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 Ford F-Super Duty diesel; 1992-2003 Ford Econoline; 1995-2002 Mercury Mountaineer; 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 Ford Ranger; and 1994 Ford F35 Motorhome vehicles.

Toyota Recalls 3.8 million Cars over Floor Mats

Toyota is recalling 3.8 million vehicles in the United States due to a removable floor mat that could cause accelerators to get stuck and lead to a crash. This is the largest-ever US recall Toyota has had.

The recall will involve popular models such as the Toyota Camry, the top-selling passenger car in America, and the Toyota Prius, the best-selling gas-electric hybrid.

Toyota is still working on a remedy to fix the problem; however, in the meantime owners should take out the removable floor mat on the driver’s side immediately and not replace it.

If the floor mat were to get stuck under the accelerator pedal, it may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop a vehicle which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

So far the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received reports of 102 incidents in which the accelerator may have become stuck on the Toyota vehicles involved.

It was unclear how many led to crashes but the inquiry was prompted by a high-speed crash in August. A California family was driving in their Lexus and the vehicle hit speeds of 120 mph because the accelerator was stuck, they had no brakes and they couldn’t stop the car. They called 911, but ended with someone telling people in the car to hold on and pray, followed by a woman’s scream.

NHTSA investigators determined that a rubber all-weather floor mat found in the wreckage was slightly longer than the mat that belonged in the vehicle.

The recall will affect 2007-2010 model year Toyota Camry, 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon, 2004-2009 Toyota Prius, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra, 2007-2010 Lexus ES350 and 2006-2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350.

For more information, consumers can contact Toyota at (800) 331-4331 or Lexus at (800) 255-3987.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game: A Boy's Dream Turned into a Nightmare

Luke Holko, 4 years-old was at a Mahoning Valley Scrappers baseball game with his parents, Chad & Nicole Holko, when he was struck by a line-drive foul ball.

Luke's grandmother had given the family of three tickets to the game, and they were thrilled to get to Eastwood Field and see they were sitting on the front row just behind first base.

They settled into their seats and looked toward home plate, only to squint into the setting sun.

A few innings later, the sun was down and so was their guard. A friend took some pictures of their night out. Luke mugged it up for the camera then told his mom he was getting sleepy and wanted to go home.

A minute later, Ben Carlson stepped to the plate. He's a 6-foot-3, 230-pound first baseman, and all that size and strength laid into a pitch.

Nicole never saw the ball. Chad barely did, then he felt his son go limp in his lap.

Chad cradled him and ran to the concourse yelling for help. An ambulance was on site and whisked them all to the hospital. The blow had knocked part of Luke's skull toward his brain. The pressure was building and he was not stable.

Luke's condition has improved from critical to serious but stable. Doctors say he's in a "locked-in" condition, where he has some knowledge of what's going on and has limited response.

Most patients in that condition can only blink their eyes, but Luke is moving his arms and legs. The other day, he squeezed his mother's hand. One can only believe in miracles and hope for Luke to get well soon.

But one can only wonder that there are about 40 foul balls per game. That means the average major league team sends more than 3,000 baseballs into the stands every year.

Multiply that by 30 big-league teams, then 176 minor-league ones. Throw in batting practice and spring training, and you have millions of foul balls every year.

So of all the ballparks and line drives in the world, how did the dark stars align to single out a little 4-year-old boy?

For more information, check out Luke's page which his mother set up for constant updates on his health: www.helpluke.com

Frigidare Top Load Washers Recalled

Frigidaire is recalling to repair top load washers, 3.1 cubic foot front load washers and laundry centers. The drain pump may haven been manufactured improperly and in certain circumstances could create a fire hazard.

If your product is affected, stop using it IMMEDIATELY and call Frigidaire at 1-800-734-4519 or check out their website at www.laundrypumprecall.com to confirm whether your model is affected and to arrange for a service technician to replace the affected pump.

If you purchased your washer at Sears, call Sears at 1-888-549-5870.

Vaccine Helps Prevent HIV Infection

An experimental vaccine has prevented infection with the AIDS virus for the first time ever. The vaccine cut the risk of becoming infected with HIV by more than 31 percent in the world’s largest AIDS vaccine trial of more than 16,000 volunteers in Thailand.

Even though the benefit is modest, it’s the first evidence that there could have a safe and effective preventative vaccine.

Details of the $105 million study will be given later in October.

This is one little step that could lead to a large impact. Every day, 7,500 people worldwide are newly infected with HIV; two million died of AIDS in 2007, UNAIDS estimates.

Walmart Recalls 4.2 million DVD Players

Walmart has recently recalled 4.2 million of its Durabrand DVD players because the circuit boards can overheat and start fires.

The Chinese-made DVD players were selling for $29 exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide.

If purchased, Walmart is urging customers to return for a full refund immediately.

Taking alli for weight loss? Might want to think again..

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating reports of liver damage in patients taking alli, the only nonprescription weight loss drug approved by the agency.

The FDA has received over 30 reports of liver damage in patients taking alli and Xenical, the drug’s prescription version. Of those cases, 27 were hospitalized and six suffered liver failure.

The FDA says it has not established a direct relationship between the weight loss treatments and liver injury, and advised patients to continue using the drugs as directed, but to “consult their health care professional if they are experiencing symptoms.” Symptoms of liver failure include fatigue, nausea, fever and vomiting.

Regardless, using alli probably isn’t the best way to slim down. With all the negative side effects (Gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain), good old-fashioned healthy eating and exercise sounds far more appealing!

Driving while ‘Intexticated’?

It’s illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving in many states, but not texting while driving. Momentum, however, is gathering to stamp out the practice. By January, New York and eight other states will have joined the list when laws awaiting enactment go into effect.

Utah’s legislature has taken one of the toughest stances, passing a law that imposes a penalty of up to 15 years in prison on texting drivers who cause an accident that kills someone.

In New Jersey, text driving is a primary offense for all drivers. But according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, a bill, that would fine drivers $100 if they are caught texting as part of a more serious driving offense, was passed by the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Many states allow drivers to talk on a cell phone as long as they are using headphones or wireless headsets, so it’s not enough for an officer simply to see a driver holding a phone. He or she has to have some way to know that the driver was reading or writing a text, as opposed to using the phone for an allowable reason, like following driving directions, a service commonly available on modern handsets.

One of the difficulties of enforcing the texting while driving law is being able to determine whether someone is texting or dialing a number. The question is, how can one prove if they are texting or dialing a number? It is easy to delete a text message in seconds, or just hit the end key and it will be gone by the time one has been pulled over.

But advocates say that it IS possible to prove that a driver was texting even if officers never saw it. It is a laborious process, by obtaining a subpoena for the driver’s cell phone records to pinpoint the time a message was sent or received.

Numerous localities have text-driving bans, some limited to novice drivers or vehicles passing through school zones. But the practice is prohibited statewide in only 10 states according to the Governors Highway Safety Association, an organization of state highway officials that endorsed nationwide prohibitions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded that in 2002, a quarter-million accidents and 955 deaths could be attributed to drivers’ use of cell phones, either texting or talking.

It was not until August that the first large-scale research on sending text messages while behind the wheel appeared. That study, by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, concluded that the risk of an accident was four times greater for a driver typing out a text message than for a driver dialing a cell phone – and more than 23 times greater than for a driver who wasn’t distracted by a phone at all.

Did you know that one in four Americans are sickened by food-borne illnesses, such as E. coli, each year?

Federal Health officials believe 80 people in 31 states are sickened by cookie dough contaminated with a deadly bacteria, E. coli O157:H7.

Linda Rivera, from Las Vegas, Nevada, was eating spoonfuls of the Nestle cookie dough in May 2009 and has been hospitalized since. Her health started to downturn 7 days after eating the cookie dough. Her kidneys shut down and she went into septic shock. The doctors had to remove part of her colon, which has become contaminated. Soon, her gallbladder was inflamed and had to be excised. Shortly after, her liver stopped functioning. Now, Linda cannot speak. It is unclear exactly what is causing her loss of speech, although the toxin produced by the E. coli O157:H7 bacteria can attack the brain.

The impact of the infection has been especially severe for Rivera and nine others who developed a life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome. A 4-year old girl from South Carolina had a stroke and is now partially paralyzed.

Last week, packages of the cookie dough returned to supermarkets after a two-month absence as the company scrubbed their production plant, bought new ingredients and started making dough again.

In July, the House approved legislation that would give the Food and Drug Administration broad new powers and place new responsibilities on food producers. The bill would speed up the ability of health officials to track down the source of an outbreak and give the government the power to mandate a recall, rather than rely on food producers to voluntarily pull tainted products from the shelves.

Toyota Recalls 95,700 Vehicles over Cold Weather Braking Concern

Toyota has begun working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 95,700 vehicles with a brake issue that could lead to poor stopping at low temperatures. The recall involves 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corolla and Matrix models and 2008-2009 Scion xD models with the 1.8-liter engine, and only customers in 19 cold weather states are eligible for the recall.

Toyota says the problem may arise when condensed moisture from the positive crankcase ventilation port seeps into the brake system vacuum port and freezes. As ice accumulates, the brake vacuum port could plug up and "power assist to the brakes would gradually decrease and lead to lengthened vehicle stopping distances."

Owners of affected vehicles will soon receive a notice from Toyota, followed by instructions to take the vehicle to a Toyota dealership for no-cost repairs. Dealer technicians will install a newly designed intake air connector that relocates the brake system vacuum port, a one-hour procedure.

No other Lexus, Toyota, or Scion vehicles are involved. Customers with questions or concerns should contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or the Scion Customer Experience at 1-866-70SCION(707-2466).

Black & Decker Coffeemakers Recall

The coffeemakers can overheat and melt, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

This recall involves Black & Decker 8-cup programmable thermal coffeemakers. Model number TCM1000IKT is printed on the rating plate on the bottom of the coffeemaker. They have been sold at Walmart and small retail stores nationwide from April 2008 through July 2009 for between $50 and $65.


The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of 9,800 Black & Decker Thermal Coffeemakers. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Consumer should immediately stop using the coffeemakers and contact Applica to receive a free replacement household product.

For additional information, contact Applica at (866) 699-4595 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.acprecall.com.

Preparing to meet with your Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in an accident (car or other type of accident), or have suffered an injury due to the nonaction, negligence, or actions of another, it is important to see an attorney to discuss your possible claim.

Before you see an attorney, gather documents and other information you may have regarding the incident that caused your injury. Bring this information with you to give your attorney. You may have different types of information depending on your situation, or your attorney may ask you to bring additional information not listed in this checklist.

General information and documentation related to your injury may include:

*Name and address of the ambulance company
*Name and address of the hospital you were taken to
*The dates of the incident that caused your injury
*The dates that you were taken to the hospital/emergency room
*Names and addresses of the doctors that examined you
*Names and addresses of any witnesses to the incident that caused your injury
*Dates you were unable to work due to your injuries
*Name and contact information for your insurance company, insurance agent and any other insurance representatives you have talked to
*A copy of your accident report
*Copies of all written statements
*Applicable insurance policies
*Health insurance documents
*Disability insurance documentation
*Any other documentation, including hospitalization
*Medical Bills
*Receipts for anything you've had to buy or fix because of your injuries
*Documentation of lost wages

Any questions please feel free to call Messa & Associates at 1-877-MESSALAW.

Wii recharging stations recalled

Distributor has received six reports that battery pack can overheat.

About 220,000 Psyclone Essentials and React Wii 4-dock battery recharging stations, manufactured in China and distributed by Griffin International Cos. Inc. of Minneapolis, because the battery pack can overheat.

The company has received six reports of overheating, including two hand burns. The Psyclone Essentials stations were sold at Target, Toys "R" Us and Amazon.com nationwide. The React stations were sold at Best Buy stores nationwide.

Both were available between January 2008 and July 2009. Details: by phone at 888-344-4702; on the Web at www.psyclonegamer.com/Wii4Dock

60 Riders have been killed in Rhino Accidents

Summer is here and that means off-road riding is in high season in many communities.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 60 riders have been killed in Rhino accidents and more than 440 wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits are pending, while Yamaha has settled others.

Many stem from rollovers in which drivers or passengers fell or were flung through the open door space to the ground, then smashed by the 1,100 pound vehicle. Adults and children as young as 3 years old have suffered serious injuries, including amputated limbs and crushed legs, arms or heads.

In March 2009, a free vehicle repair and helmet giveaway was offered to all owners of Rhino model 450, 660 and 700 recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs), in order to enhance stability and reduce the potential for rollover, as well as improve occupant protection.

In order to provide a safer ride, all Rhinos must have half-doors, additional passenger handholds, spacers on the rear wheels, and the rear anti-sway bar removed. Consumers should immediately stop using Rhino ROVs until the repairs are installed by a dealer.

For additional information on the free Rhino repair progarm, contact Yamaha at 800-962-7926 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.yamaha-motor.com.

For more information, please contact one of our personal injury attorneys at 1-877-MESSALAW.

Parents and Caregivers Reminded that Summer Heat Makes It Especially Dangerous to Leave Children in Cars

The risk of a serious injury or death during hot weather is heightened for children left alone in vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warned today. New research shows that for children hyperthermia (heat-stroke) is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle deaths.

“Even with the windows rolled down two inches, it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of a vehicle to reach deadly temperatures on a hot summer day,” said Ronald Medford, Acting Deputy Administrator of NHTSA. “Children should never be left alone in or around a motor vehicle, not even for a quick errand. Any number of things can go critically wrong in the blink of an eye.”

Each year, 262 children under the age of 14 are killed and 115,000 are injured in not-in-traffic incidents on private roads, driveways and in parking lots according to a new NHTSA study. Out of that number, 44 fatalities and 105,000 injuries are the result of non-crashes. These incidents include hyperthermia, strangulation by power windows, carbon monoxide poisoning and more.

Many of the remaining deaths and injuries in not-in-traffic incidents are the result of a vehicle backing over a child that the driver did not see. View new research here.

Safety tips from NHTSA to prevent hyperthermia include:

• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.

• Do not let your children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach them that a vehicle is not a play area.

• Never leave infants or children in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open or with the engine running and the air conditioning on.

• Make a habit of looking in the vehicle - front and back - before locking the door and walking away.

• If you are bringing your child to daycare, and normally it's your spouse or partner who brings them, have your spouse or partner call you to make sure everything went according to plan.

• Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare. Do things to remind yourself that a child is in the vehicle, such as:
-- Writing yourself a note and putting the note where you will see it when you leave the vehicle;
-- Placing your purse, briefcase or something else you need in the back seat so that you will have to check the back seat when you leave the vehicle; or
-- Keeping an object in the car seat, such as a stuffed toy. When the child is buckled in, place the object where the driver will notice it when he or she is leaving the vehicle.

• Always lock vehicle doors and trunks and keep keys out of children's reach. If a child is missing, check the vehicle first, including the trunk.

• If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Warning signs may include: red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, nausea or acting strangely. Cool the child rapidly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

www.nhtsa.gov/KeepingKidsSafe

Kidde Recalls Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms; Can Fail to Warn of a Fire

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Kidde recalled close to 94,000 of the Model PI2000 Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms. An electrostatic discharge can damage the unit, causing it not to warn consumers of a fire.

The firm has received two reported incidents of smoke alarm malfunctions involving electrostatic discharge during installation. No injuries have been reported.
This recall involves Kidde dual sensor smoke alarms model PI2000.

The alarms can be identified by two buttons, “HUSH” and “PUSH AND HOLD TO TEST WEEKLY,” which are located on the front/center of the alarm. The model number and date code are on the back of the smoke alarm. Only date codes 2008 Aug.01 through 2009 May 04 are included in this recall.

Retail, department, and hardware stores and through electrical distributors nationwide from August 2008 through May 2009 for between $30 and $40.

Acetaminophen Poisoning: Increasing Cause of Liver Failure

The number of unintentional, severe cases of liver failure related to acetaminophen poisoning is rising, despite a decade of warnings about the risks of taking more than the recommended dose.

"Acetaminophen poisoning has become the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States," reports a recent study in Hepatology, the official journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

The results of the study have been summarized in a New York Times report and in online news columns.

Acetaminophen is the most commonly used pain-reliever in the US, with 36% of Americans ingesting it at least once each month, according to one . However, taking more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen can lead to fatal liver injury.
Last week, a federal advisory panel recommended banning the popular prescription pain drugs Vicodin and Percocet. The reason: the pills contain the over-the-counter pain reliever acetaminophen, which has been linked to liver damage.

For regular users of acetaminophen, the ingredient in Tylenol and many cold medications, the news was troubling. Should we all toss acetaminophen from our medicine cabinets?

The answer is no. When used as directed, the drug is harmless. But acetaminophen is now in so many products that it is relatively easy to take more than the recommended daily limit, now four grams. In a study, about 50% of liver failure cases related to acetaminophen poisoning were unintentional, while the other half resulted from attempted suicide.

Child dies after being locked in car at daycare for over 6 hours

A two-year old boy died of hyperthermia after being left alone for 6 1/2 hours in a car outside of a Bucks County day care center, authorities said.

The child had been left in the car by the operator of the center, who took the boy to the facility three times a week since September. However, yesterday she forgot the child was in the back seat while she went inside Fairy Tales Day Care Center. Only returning to her car at 4:45pm to find the toddler unresponsive after being locked in the car with the windows up for over 6 hours.

He was taken into the daycare and 911 was called. An ambulance took him to St. Mary's medical center where he was pronounced dead shortly after. The temperature reached a high of 83 degrees that day.

If you have ever had a similar situation, or know of anyone who had, call Messa & Associates at 215.568.3500 or 877-MESSALAW

Philadelphia doctor under investigation of giving the wrong radiation treatment to dozens of prostate cancer patients

Dr. Gary D. Kao is under investigation of giving the wrong radiation dose to dozens of prostate-cancer patients at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. The U.S. Senate hearing began on June 29, 2009.

Investigations of the brachytherapy program, which is a popular form of radiation therapy, at the Philadelphia hospital found that their team, who performed the procedure, botched 92 of 116 occasions and continued the treatment for a year even though the monitoring equipment was broken. The brachytherapy program at Philadelphia VA, began in 2002, treats prostate cancer without having to resort to major surgery.

Brachytherapy is a popular alternative for patients with early non-aggressive cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate. Physicians permanently implant 80-120 metal seeds the size of rice grains, into the prostate, that release cell-killing radiation over a 10-month period.

Medical Center spokesman Dale Wardan says that the center is giving follow up care to all the veterans who received defective treatment.

If you have ever had radiation therapy treatments at Philadelphia VA Medical Center, and may have a claim, call Messa & Associates at 215.568.3500 or 877-MESSALAW.

Fourth of July Precautions

This weekend our nation with celebrate its independence. Millions of Americans will be attending fairs and parades, hosting barbecues and pool parties, or heading to the seashores and lakeshores. In the midst of our celebration, it's important to remember some safety tips.

Every Fourth of July, thousands of Americans suffer serious injuries due to the use or misuse of unsafe or illegal fireworks. In many states, the use of even the simplest "bottle rocket" is illegal. States such as New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Delaware and Arizona have a ban on all consumer fireworks.

New Jersey, a neighbor to both New York and Delaware, has recently revoked its ban on all fireworks. Maine allows fireworks, but limits them to sparklers. Fun for kids, you may think, but they still have the potential to cause burns. Many people allow children to freely play with sparklers, which can result in anything from a light burn to a severe eye injury.

Other states, like South Dakota, South Carolina, and Tennessee allow most or all legal consumer fireworks to be sold and used throughout the year. Pennsylvania falls somewhere in between. Pennsylvania state law only allows fireworks that don't leave the ground to be sold and used by residents. However, residents from out of state and Pennsylvania residents with a permit can buy any consumer fireworks from an outlet. At the New York and New Jersey borders, police set up sting operations every year to prevent fireworks purchased in Pennsylvania from being transported across the border into New York.

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends taking the following precautions to prevent injuries and keep your Fourth of July happy and healthy.

· Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
· Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
· Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this can often be a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.
· Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don’t realize that there are many injuries from sparklers to children under five. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
· Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back a safe distance immediately after lighting.
· Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.
· Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
· Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
· Light one item at a time, then move back quickly.
· Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
· After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.

If you state prohibits the use of all or certain fireworks, follow the law. It is not worth injury to yourself, your child, or anyone else to illegally use fireworks. Check your local news source for public fireworks displays. These displays are set up with permits and are regulated by the local law enforcement. The best part is these displays will be the most entertaining and the safest, as they are carried out by professional pyrotechnicians.

For more information about fireworks injuries or other burn injuries, please contact Messa & Associates. Our personal injury attorneys are experienced with all types of burn, fireworks, fire, and explosion cases.

Zicam

FDA Warning: Stop Use of Zicam Nasal Products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has advised consumers to stop use of three intranasal over-the-counter cold remedies containing zinc after receiving more than 130 reports of loss of sense of smell (anosmia) associated with the products.
The products are:
Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size

Zicam is the brand name of products from Matrixx Initiatives. The company promotes its Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel by saying that it shortens your cold. Their website says it will "...help you get over your cold three times faster." Matrixx has several other Zicam products for both adults and children that are for flu, allergies, congestion, and sinus problems.

The Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size product has already been discontinued. The maker of
Zicam products, Mattrixx Initiatives of Scottsdale, Ariz., has not recalled these products. Loss of sense of smell can affect one’s personal safety and quality of life. Many people reported to FDA that the loss of sense of smell occurred with the first-time use of the product. Please consult a health care professional if you experience any loss of sense of smell or other problems after using intranasal cold remedies containing zinc, including Zicam products. FDA also requests reporting of these problems to the agency’s MedWatch program.

The health of the men and women in uniform and their families, as well as the health of our retirees and their families, is important to the Department of Defense. These products are sold over-the-counter and DoD has no record of who may have purchased or is using these products.

For more information, please contact Messa & Associates at 1.877.MessaLaw.

Some Precautions to take for Motorcycle Season

Messa and Associates knows that for motorcyclists/bikers the hours of fun and the feeling of freedom while on your motorcycle are not found anywhere else. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania and New Jersey motorcyclists are prone to serious injuries any time they are involved in a motor vehicle crash. Motorcycle riders only have their safety gear to protect them from the impact of colliding with a car, a truck, a bus, or a fixed object, such as a wall, a tree, or a concrete barrier. Serious injuries in a motorcycle crash can include severed limbs, crushed bones, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. The effects of an accident that occurs when riding a motorcycle are of the kind that can leave the rider with injuries that can affect them for the rest of their lives.
It is common knowledge among those who regularly ride motorcycles that many drivers on the road are less observant and less respectful of this form of transportation than more conventional automobiles or trucks. Motorcycle riders are quite simply at a much greater risk of serious accident and injury when on the road than those using other means of transportation.
If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident and the fault is with the driver of another vehicle, you can find a quality of life again. Medical bills for treating a Pennsylvania motorcyclist’s injuries can be very costly, and you may need multiple surgeries and rehabilitation therapy in order to recover. Taking time off from work to heal could lead to lost wages. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer with a successful track record of dealing with insurance companies and highway law can help. You don’t have to resign yourself to the meager compensation offered by an insurance company that fails to recognize the extent of injuries or the necessary recovery costs.
Joseph L. Messa, Jr., of Messa and Associates, has been a motorcycle enthusiast for years. Unfortunately, a few years ago he was involved in a motorcycle accident resulting in serious injury, and takes these cases very seriously. If you are looking to consult a firm and attorney who understands the unique aspects of motorcycle accidents and the challenges faced by victims and their families, please contact Messa and Associates.
2008 NHTSA Motorcycle Accident Statistics
• 103,000 motorcyclists were injured in the United States.
• There were 5,154 motorcycle deaths.

Urgent Digitek Digoxin Recall

There have been recalls of other digoxin brands since this massive Digitek recall in the spring of 2008. As of May 13th, 2009 the most recent has been a recall on Caraco brand digoxin.A class 1 recall is being issued on all Digitek (digoxin) tablets, which may contain twice the approved level of digoxin.

This March 31 press release from Caraco, a generic pharmaceutical company, states that:
"All tablets of Caraco brand Digoxin, USP, 0.125 mg, and Digoxin, USP, 0.25 mg, distributed prior to March 31, 2009, which are not expired and are within the expiration date of September, 2011, are being voluntarily recalled to the consumer level. The tablets are being recalled because they may differ in size and therefore could have more or less of the active ingredient, digoxin."

Almost a year ago, in late April 2008, all digoxin pills manufactured by Actavis Totowa were recalled due to this so-called "double-dose" manufacturing problem. Those Digitek pills were distributed by Mylan Pharmaceuticals under the Bertek and UDL labels. The existence of double-strength pills pose a risk of digitalis toxicity, which can result in nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, cardiac instability, bradycardia and even death.

15 Cases of Hepatitis at AtlanticCare Regional Medical Center

15 cases of potentially fatal hepatitis C have been reported so far by officials at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus. Administrators from the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center’s City Campus contacted the state this month after learning about the five recent cases of hepatitis C during an annual federally mandated hepatitis C testing of dialysis patients. The testing took place late last month and early this month and revealed that the five became positive for hepatitis C since they began undergoing treatment at AtlantiCare. Reports state that the 15 patients contracted the serious, sometimes deadly, liver disease since 2005 at the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center.



New Jersey health officials indicate that, in 2007, that state saw over 100 acute and 7,000 chronic hepatitis C cases, adding that the Center’s dialysis unit treats between 70 to 80 kidney patients monthly, with patients visiting the center three times weekly for dialysis. Dialysis involves the patient’s blood being pumped into a dialysis machine, where it is filtered and returned to the patient’s body; dialysis machines at the center are inspected once every two years. The hospital maintains it follows “strict guidelines,” that include disinfection and cleaning of the equipment.



The 15 effected patients came out of a group of 245 patients, and the dialysis center has a lower-than-average patient survival rate when compared to the state. The cause of the virus is still unknown as the hospital, the state, and health officials are diligently working to determine the cause and origin of the virus.

Please contact Messa & Associates for more information.

FDA Warns Consumers to Stop Using Hydroxycut

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced its recall for the weight loss pill, Hydroxycut. The FDA is warning consumers to immediately stop using Hydroxy cut products, as these products have been associated with a number of serious liver injuries. Lovate, the distributor of Hydroxycut, has agreed to recall Hydroxycut products from the market.

Liver injury, although rare, was reported by patients at the doses of Hydroxycut recommended on the bottle. Symptoms of liver injury include jaundice, nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, excessive fatigue, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, itching, and loss of appetite.

One death has been reported, along with 23 cases of serious health problems ranging from jaundice and elevated liver enzymes, an indicator of potential liver injury, to liver damage requiring liver transplant. Other health problems reported include seizures; cardiovascular disorders; and rhabdomyolysis, a type of muscle damage that can lead to other serious health problems such as kidney failure.

Hydroxycut products are dietary supplements that are marketed for weight-loss, as fat burners, as energy-enhancers, as low carb diet aids, and for water loss under the Iovate and MuscleTech brand names. The list of Hydroxycut products being recalled by Iovate currently includes:

• regular rapid release caplets
• caffeine-free rapid release caplets
• hardcore liquid caplets
• max liquid caplets
• regular drink packets
• hardcore drink packets
• max drink packets
• liquid shots
• hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
• max aqua shed
• 24
• carb control
• natural

For more information, or if you are suffering from injuries due to this product, please contact our office immediately at 1-866-403-4LAW.

Chinese Drywall Defects Across the U.S.

While Florida seems to be the most effected area, with more than 36,000 homes damaged, it is estimated that more than 300,000 homes across the country may have been built with the defective drywall from China, even if they have not yet experienced problems. The Southeastern United States is the most affected region by these defects due to the humidity and moisture, but states such as Nevada and Arizona have also been listed as having severe problems as well.
Following the 2005 hurricanes, millions of pounds of defective drywall were imported into the U.S. between 2002 and 2007, after the hurricanes caused a shortage of U.S.-made drywall due to the housing boom and construction surge. Houses rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina have also been affected. It is said that building materials may have exceeded 500 million pounds during this four-year period of soaring home prices.
Researchers are still uncertain as to what causes the reaction, but there are several theories as to why this happening. Some believe that fumigants are sprayed on the drywall and material inside it, and claim that the drywall is made with a coal by product that is less refined than what is used in the U.S. The dry wall, which have been linked to strontium and elemental sulfur, release a strong rotten-egg stench, intensifies when exposed to heat and humidity. This can destroy air conditioners, corrode electrical wiring and copper, ruin other appliances, blacken jewelry and silverware, and sicken people. Symptoms include: respiratory irritation, headaches, eye irritation, nose bleeds, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Please contact someone at Messa and Associates for more information.

CVS Now Offers On-Line Client Prescription History

In addition to fulfilling other pharmaceutical needs, CVS now offers consumers an alternative and secure way to fill their prescriptions, and add their medication history to their online medical records directly from CVS.com.CVS and Google Health have recently announced the expansion of its partnership by allowing CVS/pharmacy customers the ability to download their prescription and medication histories to their Google Health Account.
Since May 2008, CVS Caremark has been a Google Health partner, and consumers using CVS Caremark for pharmacy benefit management services can already store, organize, and manage their prescription history information online using Google Health. MinuteClinic, the retail-based health clinic subsidiary of CVS Caremark, can also securely import their visit summaries into their Google Health Accounts.
"We now offer all of our consumers the ability to download their prescription and medication history into their Google Health Personal Health Record, whether they are CVS/pharmacy customers, CVS Caremark plan participants or visitors to our MinuteClinic locations," said Helena Foulkes, Executive Vice President at CVS Caremark. "By enabling patients to download their prescription information directly into their personal health record, we are helping to close the gap in today's fragmented health care system and provide a full view of a patients health." (Source: CVS, April 6, 2009)

Pistachio Recall

The FDA and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are investigating Salmonella contamination in pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc, Calif. Already, many people have been diagnosed with salmonella across the US, and more are expected to occur.
The FDA first learned of the problem on March 24, when it was informed by Kraft Foods that it’s Back to Nature Trail Mix was found to be contaminated with Salmonella. The pistachios were traced to a huge batch of pistachio nuts from the Setton Pistachio Company, which were then sold in large quantities to 36 different wholesalers across the U.S. It is not yet known whether any of the Salmonella strains found in the pistachio products are linked to an outbreak.
The company has stopped all distribution of processed pistachios and will issue a voluntary recall involving approximately 1 million pounds of its products. Because the pistachios were used as ingredients in a variety of foods, it is likely this recall will impact many products. In addition, the investigation at the company is ongoing and may lead to additional pistachio product recalls. So far, 64 products sold fewer than 21 brand names by six companies have been recalled. The most recent recalls are Kraft Planters brand products containing pistachios and Back To Nature brand products containing pistachios. Frito-Lay has recalled its Salted Pistachios (in shell).
The contamination involves multiple strains of Salmonella, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. The FDA is conducting genetic testing of the samples to pursue all links.

Coatesville Fire, Ionization Smoke Detectors Blamed for Death of 3 Boys

According to the Philadelphia Daily News, another family has suffered due to defective smoke detectors. Desiree Wylie of Coatesville, PA lost her 11-year-old son and her 2 grandsons due to a house fire. She claims to have had 7 smoke detectors scattered throughout her home, but none were sounding as she woke up and tried to reach the children. The boys' death was due to severe smoke inhalation.

As previously stated, these ionization smoke detectors can mean the difference between life and death. There are 2 types of smoke detectors available to the consumer: photoelectric and ionization. Photoelectric are designed to detect slow, smoldering fires, while ionization smoke detectors are less sensitive to detecting these types of common household fires. These types of alarms are more alert to fast, flash fires, which are not as common, but just as deadly. It has been stated that it is best to own both, photoelectric and ionization smoke detectors, in order to avoid such tragedies.

Kidde Inc., one of the nations largest manufacturer and distributor of smoke detectors, has been accused of misleading consumers about the importance of having both ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors. Messa & Associates is still in the discovery process of the family of 7 who perished in a house fire due to these disturbing consequences. Messa has handled several other cases involving smoke detector defects, including a $3.7 million dollar recovery for the death of a 9-year-old boy in a house fire, and a $1 million dollar recovery for faulty smoke detectors.


Messa & Associates is one of the few law firms through out the country with experience and expertise in these defective smoke detector claims. If you or someone you know has been effected by a similar accident and would like more information regarding these or other matters, please contact our office immediately at 866.403.4LAW or 215.568.3500.

Old Navy Toy Recall

Old Navy Stores recently recalled approximately 40,900 "stuffed creature toys" that have been distributed throughout U.S. and Canada. The stuffed toys, made in the U.S., come in a variety of styles, such as a rabbit, penguin and reindeer. They were sold at Old Navy Stores and on its Web Site from July through February. They have been recalled due to the 2 button eyes that could detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Smoke Detector Defects

Messa & Associates is currently representing the estate of a family of 7, who perished in a house fire due to faulty smoke detectors. The family included 5 children, 2 of whom were twin boys. Evidence shows that the ionization smoke detectors, designed, manufactured, and sold by Kidde Inc., were defective because they failed to sound an alarm despite significant smoke inside the house.
Manufactures have designed two types of smoke detectors: ionization smoke detectors and photoelectric smoke detectors. Despite both of these products being marketed as “smoke detectors” and “smoke alarms”, ionization smoke detectors fail to detect slow smoldering fires, the typical type of home fires that burn very slowly, and fill a home with smoke. These types of fires, which occur in 80% of household fires, commonly occur at night while the family is asleep.
In lieu of this tragedy, we ask that people please use caution and educate themselves when purchasing smoke detectors for your home. If you have any questions, or have been involved in an accident involving defective smoke detectors, please contact our office immediately at 215.568.3500.

Important Facts:

*Annually, more than 17,000 people are injured or die due to home fires.

*Ionization Smoke Detectors- Manufactured by Kidde Inc., are designed to detect fast flaming fires that give off little smoke. Ionization technology does not respond fast or at all to slow smoldering, smoky fires which are the most common types of residential fires. The most common household smoke detector on the market.

*Smokey fires often go undetected by ionization detectors. In fact, the level of smoke in a house can reach a fatal level long before the so-called smoke detectors go off.

*Slow-burning fires account for by far the largest percentage of home fire deaths.

*Photoelectric Smoke Detectors- Designed to detect slow-burning fires, as well as flash fires that the ionization detects. Cost about $20 and the technology has been available for almost 30 years.
Some smoke detectors offer “dual sensors” which means that the smoke detector has both ionization and photoelectric technology.Kidde is aware of this “dual sensor” technology, yet they still manufacture the ionization only smoke detectors to the public.

*Numerous cases are pending across the country for deaths and injuries caused by these ionization smoke detectors.

*Ionization smoke detectors are currently marketed as “smoke alarms” and “smoke detectors” even though Kidde Inc. is aware of the numerous fatalities and injuries across the country, and the fact that these ionization smoke detectors significantly do not work.

*In a recent letter, Kidde Inc., stated that they recommend that, “consumers use both types of smoke alarms in their homes.” With this statement, there still has been no change to the label and packaging of the ionization smoke detector explaining the importance of owning both photoelectric and ionization smoke detectors.

*Some ionization detectors work only on a battery, and are subject to battery failure.

*According to tests performed by the US National Bureau of Standards, the improved photo-electric detectors provide 2 to 3 times more chance of escape than the ionizing type of detector containing Americium. According to an article by G. Blair, in the Journal: Politics and Other Human Interests, 31 January 1978, smoldering fires account for about 75% of all home fires.

Buffalo Plane Crash

Friday, February 13, 2009 by Joseph L. Messa
Airplane crashes can be caused by a multitude of different reasons:
Poor maintenance
Inadequately trained maintenance personnel
Inadequate pilot training
Pilot error
Air traffic controller error
Inadequate safety precautions
Other
Weather Conditions
In each case, there can be several different factors that contribute to a plane crash. The recent tragic crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 is no different. Investigators are not yet sure what caused the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400, a 74-seat turboprop, to crash into a home in Clarence Center, New York, about seven miles outside of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
The plane had taken off from Newark International Airport and was bound for Buffalo Niagara. The National Transportation Safety Board has recovered the flight cockpit voice and data recorders (the black boxes), but the cause of the crash is still under investigation. According to the Associated Press, experts were analyzing data from the black boxes, including statements by crew members about a buildup of ice on the wings and windshield of the plane, Chealander said. A full report will likely take a year.
"We're in the very early stages of the investigation," he said. "The icing and other things are just preliminary focuses."
One aspect of the investigation will focus on the crew, how they were trained and whether they had enough time to rest between flights. Other investigators focused on the weather, the mechanics of the plane and whether the engine, wings and various mechanics of the plane operated as they were designed to.
But authorities have yet to pin that as the cause of the crash, which occurred during a light snow and mist, killing 49 people on the flight and one man in the home.
Ice on wings can cripple an aircraft and has been blamed for several previous plane crashes. Other aircraft in the area Thursday night told air traffic controllers it also experienced icing around the time that Flight 3407 from Newark, N.J., to Buffalo went down. Other flight crews landing at Buffalo Niagara have reported wing icing, though it is not clear at this time if this was a factor in the traffic crash.
All 49 passengers and crew on board the plane were killed when it went down at about 10:20 PM Thursday evening. Another person was killed when the plane struck his home. Two other occupants of the home were treated and released from the local hospital for relatively minor injuries.
Residents were evacuated from the crash area, and people are being cautioned to stay away from the scene, so that evidence will be properly preserved and investigators determine what caused the crash.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an airplane accident, it is in your best interest to seek the advice of the aviation accident lawyers at Messa & Associates for a full evaluation of the details of your case. Their expert advice comes from years of experience helping victims of accidents acquire the compensation that is essential for putting life back together after a tragedy. A consultation is available to you at no charge and at a time of your convenience. Call 1-866-403-4LAW (1-866-403-4529) today to speak with a legal expert about the best ways to restore your life to the quality it had prior to a difficult experience. Messa & Associates will help you overcome the obstacles.
Family, friends, and loved ones of those on the Continental Connection Flight 3407 were directed to Clarence Municipal Center and can call this helpline for further information regarding their loved ones: 1-800-621-3263.