NAP Blog
Posts for: August, 2012
Warning! Swallowed Magnets are Dangerous!
Source: North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Neteios
Powerful, rare earth (neodymium) magnets are widely available in consumer and industrial products including desk toys, office toys, childrens' toys, office supplies, jewelry, pain relief products, and machines and tools.
These magnets usually are small in size and round in shape, like BBs or ball bearings. Magnet ball brand names include BuckyBalls™ and Neocube™. Though intended for adult use, they are difficult to keep out of the reach of children because they are shiny and attractive to toddlers. They are also used by “tweens” and teens to mimic body piercing jewelry. Extremely powerful magnetic attractions are produced by these.
When more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnetic force can bring two pieces of intestine tightly together, and make holes in the intestines. Magnet ingestion can lead to bowel injury, blockage or severe infection. There are over 200 documented cases of children swallowing these magnets. Most require emergency procedures for removal and some require major surgery.
What can parents do?
· Keep tiny ultra-powerful magnets out of the reach of infants and toddlers
· Educate your older children and teens about the risks of swallowing these magnets. These magnets are not children’s toys.
· If your toddler or child swallows these magnets, immediately call your doctor or go to the emergency department
Bumbo® Baby Seat Voluntary Recall
Source: http://recall.bumbousa.com/
August 15, 2012 – Bumbo International Trust is conducting a voluntary recall to add a restraint belt and new warnings to the Bumbo® Baby Seat. Infants can maneuver out of or fall from the seat, posing a risk of serious injuries. Working closely with the CPSC, Bumbo has determined that the potential safety issue can be readily corrected in the home by adding a restraint belt. In addition, Bumbo is providing a new warning sticker for consumers to attach to the seat to re-emphasize existing warnings against use of the seat on any raised surfaces.
Consumers should stop using their Bumbo Baby Seats immediately, and complete the order form to obtain a free Repair Kit. The kit includes a belt with a new warning sticker, installation instructions, proper use instructions and a new warning sticker. There is no need for consumers to return the Bumbo Baby Seats.
Consumers should take the following actions in conjunction with this voluntary recall:
- Install and always use the restraint belt.
- Apply the new warning sticker over the existing warning on the back of the Bumbo Baby Seat.
- Follow all usage instructions and never use the Bumbo Baby Seat on any raised surface.
- Discontinue use of Bumbo seat cover accessories that interfere with installation of the restraint belt.
For more information, visit http://recall.bumbousa.com/
Ludlow on high alert for West Nile: Horse in town tested positive, no human cases
Source: www.wwlp.com
The West Nile virus is spreading faster than it has in previous summers in the U. S. The number of cases is now nearing 700, with nearly 30 deaths reported. Western Massachusetts is on high alert after a horse in Ludlow was tested positive for the virus.
Climate experts say the mild winter and rainy spring created the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed. But this season's drought has also added to the problem. Mosquitoes get the virus from birds; and since there have been fewer water sources recently, both mosquitoes and birds have been co-existing closer together than usual. As a result, it's been easier for humans to become infected.
Here are some tips on how you can protect yourself:
- Experts recommend using insect repellant whenever you're outdoors.
- Drain areas of standing water (i. e. bird baths or kiddie pools).
- Make sure your windows and doors have well-fitting screens.
- Stay inside at dawn and dusk--that's when mosquitoes are most active.
It's important to note that most West Nile victims have no symptoms and recover quickly.
Baby Seats Recalled for Repair by Bumbo International Due to Fall Hazard: Consumers should order free repair kit. Click on this link for the full article - http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12247.html
August 14, 2012 - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Members Issued New "XXS" ID Number - BCBS of Massachusetts is upgrading their computer system during 2012 and 2013. Because of this upgrade, approximately 40,000 members recently received or will receive updated ID cards with a new prefix of XXS. To ensure timely and accurate claims processing, please remember to present your most current insurance card at every visit. Claims submitted with an outdated alpha-prefix will be denied by Blue Cross Blue Shield and may result in patient balances.
