10 Worst States for Lead Poisoning in Children – Are Your Children in Danger?

November 15, 2019 by Leave a Comment

For most people, lead poisoning is something we hear about in the news and then forget about the next day. But in a recent study, more than 350,000 children in the US were afflicted with lead poisoning in just one year alone–many without their parents knowing until it’s far too late. What level of exposure are your children facing and what can you do about it? Learn about the symptoms and long-term effects of lead poisoning in children and how you can best protect those you love.

See our full study to find out exactly where your state lies in the mix: 351,454 Children Lead Poisoned Across America

worst water

 

*New Your City is not included within New York’s data due to a lack of reported data.

**All other states not listed above did not have sufficient data to complete state summaries.

Filed Under: parenting, safety Tagged With: ,

Speaking out against LGBTQ bullying #SpiritDay

October 18, 2019 by Leave a Comment

stand up to bullying

Paper Mill Playhouse and the company of Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz support “Spirit Day 2019” in the attached image.  This year’s Spirit Day (Thursday, October 17) is a means of speaking out against LGBTQ bullying and standing with LGBTQ youth, who disproportionately face bullying and harassment because of their identities. Pledging to “go purple” on Spirit Day is a way for everyone to visibly show solidarity with LGBTQ youth and to take part in the largest, most visible anti-bullying campaign in the world.  Feel to use this image on your websites, social media and broadcast. Photo by Emma Rhyner.

Paper Mill Playhouse, recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award, presents the New Jersey premiere of Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz with a book by Marc Acito, musical adaptation & additional music by David Libby and conceived by and additional lyrics by Tina Marie Casamento. Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz  will run through Sunday, October 27, 2019, at Paper Mill Playhouse (22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ). Directed and choreographed by Tony award nominee Denis Jones, Orchestrations by Larry Blank and David Libby with music direction by Lawrence Yurman, the principal cast features Ruby Rakos (Billy Elliot) as Judy Garland/Frances Gumm, Tony Award nominee Max Von Essen (An American in Paris, Paper Mill’s The Baker’s Wife) as Frank Gumm, Olivier Award-winner Lesli Margherita (Matilda, Dames at Sea) as Ethel Gumm, Karen Mason (Mamma Mia!, And the World Goes ‘Round) as Ma Lawlor/Kay Koverman, Stephen DeRosa (Into the Woods, HBO’s Boardwalk Empire) as Louis B. Mayer, Michael Wartella (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Tuck Everlasting) as Mickey Rooney, and Colin Hanlon (ABC’s Modern Family, Paper Mill’s Benny & Joon) as Roger Edens.

Before she burst onto the big screen as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Judy Garland was a young vaudeville trouper named Frances Gumm. In this highly anticipated new musical chronicling Garland’s early career from vaudeville baby to MGM teen star in the making, the road to Oz is paved with adversity. At its heart a story of love between a father and daughter, featuring such legendary songs as “Over the Rainbow,” “You Made Me Love You,” and “Everybody Sing,” Chasing Rainbows is a poignant coming-of-age tale about “the little girl with the big voice,” who went on to become one of the world’s most beloved entertainment icons. The show has already earned praise from Liza Minnelli, who said, “My mother said that her biography is in her music, and now a talented creative team is using that music to tell the story of her early years and her extraordinary rise to fame.”

Tickets available at www.PaperMill.org.

Filed Under: charity/notforprofit, education, health, safety, theater Tagged With: , , , , ,

Safety Tips for Women Working at Night

September 3, 2019 by Leave a Comment

There are some late nights working when you are acutely aware that you’re alone. Sometimes you just have a gut feeling that makes you feel unsafe: That customer who has been having outside your vape shop for the last half hour but isn’t doing anything, for example, or the fact that the parking lot is very poorly lit. As a woman working alone at night, what are some precautions that you can take to protect yourself?

Emergency Apps

Thankfully as technology has grown, so has the ability to connect with emergency response teams. There are many good-quality and highly-rated apps that you can download onto your phone for an added security measure. One that is quite effective is called Circle of 6, a clever app that allows you to select a “circle” of six contacts. You can discreetly send preset messages to these six contacts if you feel unsafe, which are things like “Come and get me. I need help getting home safely” with your GPS coordinates included.

Install a Bell on the Door

Tried, tested and true: This oldie-but-goodie immediately alerts you if someone has entered the workplace. Whether you have a fancy electronic noise or a simple string of jingle bells tied to the doorknob, any noise can help you be more aware of your surroundings.

Close Curtains

Brightly-lit windows are like spotlights on a dark night. When night falls, close the curtains and lock doors that no longer need to be open. These simple tricks make you less of a target to people looking for trouble.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

Surrounding shops can play a big part in keeping each other safe. Meet the people who work near you and develop a “buddy system” when walking out to your cars at night. Similarly, work out an emergency plan in case one of you needs help and have the authorities on standby.

Have Your Keys and Phone Ready

Before you exit your place of business and head to your car, pull your keys out of your purse and get your car key ready, and have your phone in your other hand. Fumbling with your keys and digging through your purse makes you vulnerable and a target to potential predators.

Life as a woman can sometimes be very scary. Take precautions at night when you’re working to protect yourself. You can never be too careful, especially if you’re feeling uncomfortable and unsafe.

Filed Under: safety Tagged With:

3 Tips on Burglary Deterrence by Locksmith Bradford

July 17, 2019 by 1 Comment

A home burglary is costly and unsettling. You can prevent this loss and trauma, by applying these locksmith Bradford security enhancement tips below in your home

The deadbolt did bring a marked decrease in burglaries since its advent in the 60s. These crimes, however, are still uncomfortably common. As a locksmith in Bradford, I have noticed that a large number of these crimes are not forced entries. Sometimes all a burglar needs to do to access your home is crawl in almost as if you left them the front door key. To protect your house you do not need to build a suburban Fort Knox.

You just need to address the common security issues that most property owners and renters neglect. If you are familiar with the most common ways of home protection, you are halfway there.  When a home is burglarized, the loss of property is hurtful and costly. However, some of the stolen items are replaceable.

The high costs of break-ins

The most pervasive loss, nevertheless, is the loss of sense of security and peace you had in your house before the break-in. It can become mentally draining and stressful to live with the fear of a recurrence. There are also the insurance and police reports to address.

As per police data, most burglaries happen around the holidays between November till January. Most of them also occur during the day when everyone is away. Below are some of the best ways of not only controlling access to your home but maintaining your property as well to deter burglars.

The best burglary prevention tips from locksmith Bradford

  1. Lock up
    As obvious as this tip is, the neglect of it is the cause of easy, walk-in crimes. You have probably left home for work, only to come home later to find the door open. When in a hurry it is easy to forget to close that window or lock the door. Security experts say 23% of all break-ins occur through your first-floor windows.  A more substantial part of the burglaries, 34% to be precise, however, happen through the front door. Besides double-checking on the thumb latch and deadbolt locks, ensure that they are also solid. If they are too old, or lack maintenance, invest in robust and pick resistant locks. 
  2. Get a live-in furry friend
    Locksmith Bradford also recommends an alarm system. An 80 pound Bordeaux Mastiff can make a perfect living alarm and friend. While a sophisticated thief will get around an electronic alarm system, a dog is more unpredictable. The burglar might hesitate to get into the house because they do not if the dog will bite or not. Most burglars, therefore, avoid a home with a dog.  You will also be doing a good deed if you adopt from a pet shelter. You should keep it in mind, however, that a dog has its cost and responsibilities, but it pays back with love and security. Alternatively, a wireless alarm kit is much better than nothing at all.
  3. Hide your valuables
    Being a locksmith Bradford, I have to respond to my clients immediately after they discover a break in. Most are usually looking for enhanced door locks. At times all you need to do to keep these thieves out is to hide your valuables better. If your 60-inch flat screen TV is visible from the sidewalk, someone will want it. Use curtains for privacy. Hide the gifts during the holiday season to lower the temptation of a break in.

While this is not a comprehensive list, it is a start to a safer home. Try these tips, and you will not be sorry.

Filed Under: home, safety Tagged With: ,

What To Do When There’s An Accident

March 19, 2019 by Leave a Comment

On a list of things that could happen to ruin your day, an automobile crash has to rank towards the top. Most of the time, they arise out of nowhere with little to no warning. Most are minor, yet some can be utterly catastrophic. Car crashes can and do happen to everyone. Whether you are on vacation, commuting, or just taking a leisurely drive, a crash can happen. 

It’s helpful to know a few things that can make what happens after an accident go a little more smoothly. Make sure you know what to do after a car accident not your fault, not sure, or when you are at fault. 

Before the accident

Believe it or not, there are steps you can take to prepare for a crash before it happens that can make the entire ordeal a little less stressful. These include:

  • Remove potential flying objects
  • Print out your states DMV Crash checklist
  • Have a first aid kit

Remove anything from your vehicle that could turn into a projectile. Remember that loose objects in your vehicle travel at the same speed as you do. In the event of a crash, the objects will continue moving at driving speeds until it strikes something to make it stop. For example, say your child left a marble in the back seat. You’re driving down the highway at 60 mph. It’s setting harmlessly in the back seat then you are struck by an oncoming vehicle. It launches forward at 60 mph and strikes you in the back of the head. Not so harmless anymore is it?

The DMV accident guide can help you to organize your thoughts after a crash so that you don’t forget anything in the ensuing chaos.

The first aid kit should contain bandages and sterile wipes at a minimum but can consist of more should you so choose.

Immediately following the crash

Stay safe! The last thing you want to do is to put yourself in any more danger. Reconstitute yourself and become aware of your surroundings. If you are on a busy freeway, stay in your vehicle until it is safe to exit. Check yourself; see if you have any injuries. With all the adrenaline coursing through you it is very common not to know that you are injured until minutes later. Check on any passengers that were traveling with you. Call 911 to inform the police and get an ambulance en route, if needed.

What to do next

After you are safe and first responders are on the way, you are going to want to start collecting information if you are able. Start by taking pictures and exchanging insurance information. NEVER ADMIT FAULT. Be polite, but saying it was your fault isn’t going to help the situation any. It is not your job to determine who is at fault; admitting fault could cause you unnecessary financial burden. Make sure you write down anything that could become important such as your speed or what you noticed just before the accident. Take note of anything that the police may need for their report.

Contact your insurance company and answer any questions they have and follow all instructions. It is imperative that you answer their questions thoroughly as this information can become crucial if you are taken to court. Your insurance company will be able to assist you in making sure that you have covered all of your bases.

On the thought of court, make sure to call your lawyer. Hiring a good attorney can be critical in saving you from financial harm. If you do not have an attorney already, I suggest that you begin researching and trying to find a good one. Besides being sore or recovering from the crash, an attorney should be at the forefront of your thinking. Always be honest and open with your attorney. No attorney can help you if they do not have all the necessary information.

As stated earlier, a car crash is never pleasant. There is nothing about an accident that makes you say “hmmm, now that sounds fun! I think I’ll crash today!” But taking steps to be prepared for a crash before it happens and knowing what to do after is sure to ease the headache that is a car crash.

Filed Under: safety Tagged With: , ,

What You Need To Know About Medical Malpractice

March 14, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Medical malpractice is the term used for when a medical professional neglects to provide the appropriate treatment to a patient, and this results in injuries or harm to the patient, or even results in them dying. This is usually the result of the medical professional giving subpar treatment to the patient or omitting to take the appropriate action for a patient’s best interests. However, there are a variety of factors at play when it comes to malpractice and in determining whether or not a lawsuit can or should be brought. Because of that, it’s worth looking at what’s generally involved in medical malpractice and what’s typically involved in a lawsuit. As Oxford Online Pharmacy notes, it’s always worth knowing whether or not medical malpractice has occurred before trying to launch a lawsuit.

What’s Involved In Medical Malpractice?

In the majority of legal definitions of medical malpractice, it’s defined as when a hospital, doctor or other medical professional doesn’t provide a certain standard of care. While a medical professional is normally not held liable for any harm that comes to a patient, they are liable if this harm was a direct result of a deviation in quality of care. This would be in comparison to any similar situations that these medical professionals may have dealt with. Because of that, medical professionals and institutions will be held legally responsible for these injuries. However, for a medical malpractice lawsuit to be viable, a few factors must be taken into account.

The first of these is that the medical professional didn’t provide a proper standard of care. Federal law requires that medical professionals provide a certain level of care; anything below this could result in the professional facing charges of negligence. The second of these factors is that this negligence results in injury to the patient. Furthermore, the patient must be able to prove that these injuries were as a result of the negligence suffered. Lastly, the patient must be able to show that the injuries have damaging consequences. While this is somewhat vaguely defined, many have come to view it as including the likes of:

  • Disability;
  • Enduring Hardship;
  • Considerable Loss Of Income;
  • Constant Pain; &
  • Suffering.

However, this isn’t to say that not being satisfied with the level of care you received can result in a medical malpractice lawsuit. Having said that, the majority of laws have been written in such a way as to avoid this kind of cases, and any ones that slip through usually don’t have a chance of winning.

Types Of Medical Malpractice

There are a few different types of medical malpractice, as there are a variety of ways that a medical professional can deviate from a standard level of care. These include the likes of misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose, which can often result in a significant amount of suffering or even death for the patient. A failure to act appropriately on test results, or to not order the appropriate tests can also be a key factor in medical malpractice. One of the ones that people may be most familiar with would be objects being left in a patient during surgery, although it may not be as common as you think. Performing surgery on the wrong part of the body has also been shown to be grounds for malpractice; many have also shown that unnecessary or incorrect surgery can also result in malpractice.

What Does A Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Involve?

A medical malpractice lawsuit is no different from any other kind of lawsuit. In this case, the plaintiff is the patient and is suing the defendant, the medical professional. A malpractice lawsuit should typically include a few essential elements to prove that medical malpractice occurred. The first of these is that the medical professional or hospital owed a duty of care to the patient. Second, they must prove that this duty was breached because the professional or hospital did not live up to an expected level of care. Thirdly, they must show that this negligence resulting in some form of injury; in the case of death, the suit would be brought by their estate, who must prove that the negligence resulted in death. In the case of injuries, they must lastly prove that the injuries had some kind of damages, such as disability or loss of income.

Filed Under: health, safety Tagged With: , ,

Top 10 Tips for Driving in Winter Weather

December 12, 2018 by Leave a Comment

As temperatures drop and roads get slippery with ice and snow, even the most experienced of drivers can face challenges. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are over 1.2 million weather-related vehicle crashes across the U.S. each year, with 18% of them occurring due to adverse winter conditions. This year, Rand McNally’s road trip experts have compiled a list of tips to help keep drivers safe and road-ready.

1. Know the meaning of different winter weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). Make sure you know the difference among the various alerts before you hit the road:

a. Winter Storm Warning: This warning is issued when a significant winter weather event occurs, including snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow. The NWS advises against traveling; if you must drive, bring a winter survival kit (see point No. 5) in your vehicle.
b. Winter Storm Watch: This alert means that severe winter conditions may be in effect and could make travel treacherous. You can expect heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice, blowing snow, and poor visibility.
c. Winter Weather Advisory: The advisory is announced when wintry conditions are expected, but conditions are not as hazardous as the warnings or watches. Be alert and careful on the road at all times.

2. Slow down and proceed with caution. If the roads are icy, it can take longer to brake, so make sure you are going at a speed that allows you to maintain traction and avoid skidding. Also, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to stop at intersections. Allow for three to twelve times more stopping distance than in normal dry conditions, depending upon the size of your vehicle.

3. Pull over if it’s too difficult to safely drive, such as in whiteout conditions, or if you’ve had an accident. If you unexpectedly find yourself unable to drive, try to pull over and park your car out of harm’s way. Do not leave your vehicle, sit tight, and wait for help or until the dangerous conditions have passed. You can safely run the heat in your car for 10 minutes every hour to help warm up and keep the battery charged, but ensure that your exhaust pipe is free of snow to avoid any harmful carbon monoxide incidents.

4. Before heading out, be sure to tell a friend or family member your travel schedule and route. This is especially important if you are driving in rural areas or on lightly-traveled roads.

5. Make sure your car is stocked with the proper gear to handle winter driving-related tasks, as well as emergency supplies. The National Safety Council recommends that you have certain items on hand, such as a small shovel; jumper cables; a bag of kitty litter to create traction if you happen to get stuck; a flashlight; a small tool kit; an ice scraper; a first aid kit; matches; blankets; non-perishable, high-energy foods like dried fruits, and water.

6. Regularly check your windshield to ensure that the washer reservoir is full – and stash an extra bottle of fluid in your trunk. Be sure to buy fluid with extra alcohol or de-icer, to ensure that it works at lower temperatures.

7. Keep your gas tank full. Cold temperatures can cause condensation to form on the walls of a low fuel tank; the water may then find its way into the fuel lines, freezing and blocking the flow of fuel to the engine. If this happens, you could find yourself stuck and racking up some pricey repair costs.

8. Check your tire pressure before you leave. When outdoor temperatures drop, so does inflation pressure. Lower pressure can close up the tread and decrease traction, which can increase the likelihood of skidding on snow and ice and getting into an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends checking your tires at least once a month and before long road trips – it only takes a few minutes and you’ll be glad you did. Many cars provide low tire pressure warnings; if you receive such a warning, stop as soon as possible to check your tire pressure.

9. Remember, safety first. Always wear your seatbelt, and make sure that all other passengers in the car are buckled up in the appropriate way based on their age and size. According to the NHTSA, car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13 – so make sure that kids are in the right car seat and that it’s installed correctly.

10. Keep your cell phone charged and keep a spare charger in the car. If something happens, you’ll want to make sure that you have a way to reach someone, including emergency responders if cell service is available.

Severe weather can be challenging for drivers, but it’s manageable if you prepare in advance. That way, you’ll be ready for anything that Mother Nature throws your way.

Filed Under: safety Tagged With: , ,

How do you know if you need new tires on your car?

June 6, 2018 by 1 Comment
  1. Everyone knows that car tires need to be replaced at some point. If you do not replace the tires on your vehicle when necessary, you will find that your car does not handle as it should. You could also be putting yourself, and any passengers you may have, in danger. The problem is that not everyone knows how to tell if the tires on their car need to be replaced.
  2. The big brand models, such as Goodyear tyres, are hard wearing, but you still need to buy new ones at some point, so when should you do this?

Examining the tread on tires

It’s important to examine the tread on your car’s tires on a regular basis; once a month, or more often if possible. If the tread is less than 1.6mm in depth, then you need to buy a new tyre. If the tread is less than 1.5 mm in depth, it’s not legal to drive the car until the tyre is replaced. Not only is it illegal to drive a vehicle with severely worn tires, it’s also very dangerous. The tread helps to keep your car on the road. Once it wears away, you lose that ability to grip the road and you do not have the same level of control over the vehicle.

Checking the sidewalls of tyres

The sidewall of a tire is prone to damage; after all it can take a lot of punishment. There should not be any significant damage to the sidewall, such as bulges, cuts or cracks. If any of these are present, the tire has to be replaced. You may be able to see this type of damage, if it’s obvious. However, there could be damage to the sidewall that is not immediately recognizable but which could be dangerous. If you hit an object hard, such as when you reverse into a curb, there could be internal damage to the tire. For your own peace of mind, it often pays to have the tires on your car checked by a professional, if you have any doubts.

Protecting your tires

If you spot any of the signs we have discussed, it’s time to get the tires on your car replaced. You can make sure that this happens as infrequently as possible be taking certain steps:

  • Keep tire pressures at the recommended level.
  • Drive at or under the speed limit.
  • Keep braking to a minimum; only do so when necessary.
  • Make sure that the wheels of your vehicle are correctly aligned and balanced.

All of these measures can help you preserve the condition of car tires for as long as possible. Make sure that you keep a careful check on the tires, so that you can see when their condition is deteriorating and when they need to be replaced. Doing so helps you to continue to drive safely and legally.

Filed Under: safety Tagged With: ,