Blog

Update on bicycle accident earlier this summer

Oct 31, 2012

Each day in Pittsburgh, motor vehicles are involved in a wide variety of different accidents. While they often involve other vehicles, other times, walkers or bikers are struck. Collectively referred to as pedestrian accidents, the injuries to those individuals can be catastrophic, sometimes even resulting in death. Earlier this year a Pittsburgh cyclist learned this firsthand. He was riding his bicycle down a hill on Liberty when a Jeep hit him and the continued on...

Fungal Meningitis Outbreak Toll Now 28 Dead, 363 Sickened

Oct 30, 2012

Three more deaths occurred that are linked to the current outbreak of fungal meningitis, bringing the total number of illnesses to 363 and 28 deaths across 19 states. Two died in Michigan and another in Tennessee. The fatalities occurred after a second specialty pharmacy in Waltham, Massachusetts was also shut down because of sanitary reasons. The outbreak of fungal meningitis is linked to contaminated steroids that were distributed to 23 states by the New England...

Monitoring heart rate may help prevent truck accidents

Oct 29, 2012

Individuals who drive for a living face many unique work-related hazards. One of the leading causes of commercial truck accidents continues to be driver fatigue. In an effort to prevent car and truck accidents caused by overly tired drivers, one company has invented new technology that measures and detects variations in a driver's heartbeat. Each year, an estimated 1,550 deaths are attributed to accidents caused by fatigued drivers. Another 71,000 individuals are injured in car...

Ohio cracks down after meningitis outbreak

Oct 29, 2012

After a deadly outbreak of fungal meningitis, linked to a Massachusetts pharmacy, continues to spread, the state of Ohio is closely watching pharmacies that mix the drugs for individualized prescriptions on site. The state is checking all of the pharmacies statewide that custom make compound prescriptions. There are 17 pharmacies in the state of Ohio that will be inspected by officials. Specialty pharmacies are usually inspected at least one time every three years or so...

Ohio reports 2 more cases in meningitis outbreak

Oct 29, 2012

13 illnesses in the state of Ohio have been linked to the current outbreak of fungal meningitis. The two additional cases come from Clermont and Warren Counties. Other cases have been reported in Hamilton, Morrow, Marion, Franklin and Crawford Counties. The outbreak is being linked to contaminated vials of methylprednisolone acetate, injected steroids, which were distributed by the compounding pharmacy out of Framingham, Massachusetts. The New England Compounding Center is responsible for shipping out around...

RI has 1st case of fungal meningitis in outbreak

Oct 29, 2012

Rhode Island has reported its first case of fungal meningitis. The current outbreak of fungal meningitis is being linked to a compounding pharmacy located in Framingham, Massachusetts. The New England Compounding Center is responsible for shipping out around 17,000 vials of contaminated methylprednisolone acetate, steroids used for pain. The woman who was hospitalized after receiving an injection of the steroids said she had received the shot at Ocean State Pain Management of Woonsocket on September...

Accident involving bus of tourists claims life of 1

Oct 26, 2012

Chartered buses serve many purposes throughout the nation. It is not uncommon for them to be used in tourism to transport a large group of people from site to site. Earlier this month, one of these buses being used to get visitors from "Sin City" to the Grand Canyon, was involved in a fatal accident. As many residents of the Pittsburgh area visit that portion of the country each day, at any given time it...

Fatal accident in New Stanton blamed on deer

Oct 26, 2012

Drivers in the Pittsburgh area are most likely aware of the dangers deer pose to drivers this time of year. They come either alone, or in groups, bounding out of fields and wooded areas straight into traffic. While a deer can dart out in front of a vehicle at any time of the year, it is especially probably during the season of autumn. Sadly, a motor vehicle accident resulting from deer running into the path...

Design of sunscreen dispenser could lead to burns

Oct 26, 2012

In recent years the use of sunscreen by individuals of all ages has been touted to protect the skin of young and old alike. In addition to the short term effects of preventing skin irritation and discomfort due to sunburns, it also has positive effects long-term. Consistent use will reduce signs of premature aging and may even keep some from developing skin cancer, certain forms of which can be fatal. Accepting this to be true,...

Hospitals respond to NE Compounding scare

Oct 26, 2012

A Bibb County woman is the first confirmed fungal meningitis case in Georgia. The current outbreak of fungal meningitis is being linked to tainted steroids–methylprednisolone acetate–that were distributed by a compounding pharmacy in Framingham, Massachusetts. The New England Compounding Center is responsible for the contaminated drugs and has currently stopped all production and recalled all of their products. Over 17,000 vials were shipped out to 23 states. There are over 300 cases and more than...