Category: News

With the many food recalls we see on the news, E. Coli and salmonella have become familiar causes of foodborne illnesses. While these bacteria are widely talked about, they are not the only ones we should be concerned with.

Listeria infections occur in a similar way to salmonella—by eating food contaminated with the listeria monocytogenes bacteria. This bacteria is commonly found in processed meats like hot dogs and deli meats, soft cheeses, smoked seafood and raw or unpasteurized milk products. In a recent blog post, Very Well Health discusses the risks, symptoms and preventative measures to take when dealing with listeria. Some of the most important things to note include:

• Those at high-risk for severe infection include pregnant women, newborns, those with weakened immune systems and older adults
• Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions
• Make sure all food is properly washed, fully cooked, and stored at proper temperatures to avoid bacteria growth
• Certain high-risk groups, like pregnant women, should avoid some foods altogether, such as hot dogs or sausages unless properly cooked to 160℉, feta cheese, brie, queso blanco and refrigerated smoked seafood unless thoroughly cooked

While many people may come in contact with listeria and experience mild symptoms or none at all, those at high-risk for complications should take extra precautions when handling food. Most listeriosis cases can be treated with antibiotics. However, anyone who is at high risk for listeriosis complications, that experience flu-like symptoms, should seek immediate medical attention.

Read the full article here.

Taking care of a loved one can become an overwhelming task that may lead to high levels of stress. While your job as a caregiver is important, too much stress can be harmful to both you and your loved one.

Common symptoms of caregiver stress include social withdrawal from friends, anxiety, exhaustion, sleeplessness, irritability and lack of concentration. Too much stress can be a threat to your health, and it’s important to take necessary measures to reduce stress where possible. In a recent blog post, Alzheimer’s Association lists some tips to manage caregiver stress, including:

• Know what community resources are available, like adult day programs, in-home assistance or meal delivery services that can help manage daily tasks
• Get help and find support through online communities, counselors or local support groups
• Engage in some form of physical activity every day, like gardening or going for a walk
• Use relaxation techniques that help relieve stress, like meditation, breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation

Through the ups and downs of caregiving, it’s important to always find time to take care of yourself. Small steps like eating healthy and getting enough rest will help your body recover and be able to manage stress properly. By making your own health a priority and taking care of yourself, you can become the best caregiver you can be.

Read the full article here.

Professional truck driving requires many deadlines, rules and regulations to follow while on the road. Long haul commercial vehicles are required to have an electronic logging device that tracks on-duty driving time. While paper logbooks were previously the primary logging system, they still often used as back up.

There are strict rules surrounding logbooks, placing limitations on driving hours in a single day or week and required break times every eight hours. In a recent article, Chron uncovers important driving log facts that truckers should be aware of, including:

• Attempting to hide your logging device can result in legal penalties
• Always pay attention to detail and record any on-duty activities that take place
• Honest reporting of on-duty driving time can help reduce truck accidents that kill 4,000 people each year

It’s important to ensure your driving logs are consistently being updated to report all driving activity. By staying on-track with driving logs and remaining within the legal time limitations, you will be able to remain safe on the roads without the risk of penalties.

Read the full article here.

Terrell King, the son of Timothy Swink, has hired the services of Brown Chiari as he seeks answers into his father’s recent death.

Timothy passed away at just 60-years-old from what his family believed was related to his battle with Huntington’s Disease. That is, until Terrell received his father’s death certificate. The death certificate stated that Timothy had actually suffered from sepsis shock, as a result of an epidural abscess and osteomyelitis, a rare bone infection.

Up until his passing, Timothy was residing in the former Emerald South nursing home. Terrell remembers checking in on his father back in June, shortly after the death of former resident William Strasner, and discovering the deplorable conditions of his father’s living space.

Now Terrell is seeking answers and demands accountability.

Mike Scinta, a Brown Chiari attorney, spoke with WIVB earlier this week, stating that the significant thing to note in this case is that conditions didn’t change, with all the events happening at Emerald South previously no real changes were made within the facility.

Grand Healthcare took over Emerald South in December and has stated that they are working on improvements to patient care but have declined to comment further.

Watch the full story here. 

Making the decision to place a loved one into an assisted living facility is often a difficult choice. However, because of advancements in technology and medical equipment, it’s becoming more feasible than ever to benefit from at-home senior care.

Since everyone’s needs are different, at-home care may not be the best choice for everyone. An individuals ability to provide self-care is often used to determine if assisted living is the better choice, taking into consideration their ability to walk, bathe, dress, eat and use the bathroom. In a recent article, Aging.com provides tips and things to think about when making this decision, including:

• Determine how much help both you and your loved one needs
• Take into consideration the costs of at-home care versus an assisted living home
• If you’re loved one is living alone, assisted living may provide more opportunities for socialization
• Keep in mind that at-home care will not take care of important tasks that need to be met, like housework, cleaning, grocery shopping and home maintenance

Although making the decision for your loved one can be stressful, learning more about your options is a great first step. Since this is such an important choice for everyone involved, make sure you weigh the pros and cons of each scenario and be confident in the decision you make.

Read the full article here.

While getting behind the wheel of your car may seem like a normal, everyday task, it may be the most dangerous thing you do all day. In fact, car accidents are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Depending on your location and the roads you travel, the stakes may be even higher.

While you can’t control the actions of other drivers, you can do your part in practicing defensive driving. In a recent article, Trusted Choice lists 20 tips for staying safe on the roads, including:

• Expect other drivers to make mistakes
• Always use your blinkers
• Stay out of other drivers blind spots
• Inflate your tires properly for safer handling

It’s important to always be aware of your surroundings, from the weather conditions to other drivers. By following a few simple safety precautions behind the wheel, you can do your part in keeping yourself and others safe on the roads.

Read the full article here.

A home provides a sense of comfort and security for many people. As our bodies change with age, certain parts of the home may become riskier for falls or accidents. Some of the main areas to look out for include bathrooms, doorways, kitchens and stairways.

Once you’ve located specific problem areas, there are many quick and easy changes that will make these spaces safer. In a recent blog post, AgingCare lists easy home additions that enhance safety, help with mobility or add comfort, including:

• Walk-in showers or tubs to reduce the risk of slipping and falling
• Handrails in hallways or bathrooms to add support and reduce the risk of falling
• Non-skid strips and decals in areas that may be slippery, like bathtubs, hallways and kitchen floors
• Stairlifts for those with mobility issues  

Everyone’s safety needs are different and unique to their situation. However, there are plenty of potential home improvements that will add comfort and security for your loved ones. If renovations need to be made that are too difficult to tackle on your own, make sure you find a professional to help with a solution.

Read the full article here.

Companies that manufacture and sell medical devices have a duty to run proper tests to ensure their products are working safely before they reach the customer. When companies fail to do this, the results can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.

When a company discovers that one of their devices is not working properly and may be violating FDA law, they have the option to correct the problem or completely remove the products from the market. If you are currently using a medical device, whether it be an implant or a drug, you should always keep an eye out for recall lists and be ready to take action. You can find the current recall list on the FDA website here.

Keeping track of product information and documenting your experience is important when handling defective devices. Here are a few pieces of information you should know before reporting a defect:

• Brand name, classification and product code (if known)
• The model or identification number of the device
• A detailed description of any symptoms or side effects you have experienced from the recalled device, including injuries or illnesses

If you or a loved one have experienced the effects of a defective medical device, it’s time to take action. Contact Brown Chiari’s office to evaluate your claim.

Read the full article here.

According to the World Health Organization, a majority of the diseases that elderly people suffer are from an improper diet. It’s common for many seniors to lack essential micronutrients as they age, but it can lead to a variety of health issues, including osteoporosis and diabetes.

There are a number of age-related challenges that may hinder the elderly community from getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, including decreased sensitivity, medication side effects and physical difficulties. In a recent article, Aging.com discusses the foods that seniors should be eating to ensure they are getting balanced nutrition. Some of these foods include:

• Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids like tuna, salmon and flaxseed
• Calcium-rich foods like dairy products and leafy green vegetables
• Foods high in fiber like nuts, brown rice and fruits
• Potassium-rich foods like bananas, prunes and potatoes

It’s important to make sure each meal is balanced and full of foods that will benefit your body. Ensuring you’re getting the proper nutrients your body needs will have a major impact on your health as you age and reduce the risk of future health complications and diseases.

Read the full article here.

While E. Coli is often not reported because it has very similar symptoms to gastroenteritis, (the stomach flu) it should not be taken lightly. In fact, E. Coli infects 73,000 people and causes 61 deaths per year.

Luckily, E. Coli is not spread as easily as the stomach flu and there are a number of ways to prevent contamination. In a recent article, Everyday Health talks about different preventative methods to stop the spread of E. Coli, including:

• Thoroughly wash all produce prior to eating
• Make sure all meat is cooked thoroughly
• Do not consume unpasteurized foods or beverages, including juice, cider, dairy products and raw milk
• Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom, changing a diaper or touching any animal whether they be from a farm or petting zoo.

One of the best ways to avoid the spread of E. Coli is understanding the symptoms and knowing when you have a serious infection. Some of these symptoms include severe diarrhea, nausea, intense stomach cramping, fatigue and low-grade fever. Keep in mind that some people do not experience symptoms until days after they have come in contact with the infection. Taking the proper measures to prevent future infections is the best way to avoid E. Coli from reaching you.

Read the full article here.

Valentine’s day isn’t just about romance – it’s also the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones. As a caregiver, it may be difficult to think of activities that you and your loved one can enjoy together. Regardless of your age, there are plenty of fun and festive ways to spend the special day.

With the holiday coming up, Care.com put together a list of easy, fun and unique ways to make the day special for everyone, including:

• Write your loved one a heartfelt message
• Make them a tasty treat
• Look through old photos together
• Rent their favorite movie

Making the most out of the holiday is a great way to show your loved one how important they are. Putting in a little time and effort will go a long way in showing your love this Valentine’s day!

Read the full article here.

If you’ve filed a workers compensation claim, you may be asked to complete an independent medical examination. This exam is conducted by a physician who will give you an expert opinion on your injuries and make clarifications for your case. The doctor will solidify any proof you need for your workers’ compensation, including if your injury is actually work-related, whether any medical treatments are necessary and if/when you can return to work.

Independent medical examinations can have a significant impact on your case, so it’s important to be prepared with information and questions. In a recent article, NOLO talks about what you should do before, during and after the medical examination to ensure you will receive the best results for your case, including:

• Learn the information your company has already provided the medical examiner
• Be familiar with your medical history
• Review how the accident happened before arriving at the examination
• Be honest about your symptoms and do not exaggerate them

After the examination, make sure you write down any important information about your visit, like any tests or questions the doctor may have asked. By properly preparing yourself and following a few guidelines during the examination, you will be on the right track for getting the most out of your workers’ compensation case.

Read the full article here.