Every day over 500 children die on the world’s roads and thousands are injured. Help Save Kids Lives Now! with road safety. Visit www.savekidslives2015.org/ and sign the declaration.
Author: Marianne Halterman
-
National Influenza Vaccination Week
December 7 – 13, 2014 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. This message is from Sylvia Mathews Burwell, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). For more information about influenza, please visit www.flu.gov/.
As we near the end of autumn, many of us begin preparing for the holiday season, but there’s something else we need to prepare for as well: flu season. This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week, a time to highlight the importance of getting our flu vaccine.
From missed work and school, to doctor’s visits or worse, the flu can take a big toll on your family. This season has already brought reports of serious illnesses, hospitalizations and even deaths. Thankfully, there are easy ways to fight the flu.
Take the time to get a flu vaccine and make sure you take everyday precautions against the spread of germs. Although some of the flu viruses this season are different than what’s in the vaccine, vaccination can still offer some protection and is the most important step to preventing infection from the most common flu viruses. CDC also recommends antiviral medications, as a second line of defense against the flu. Treatment with antiviral drugs is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications or people who are very sick with flu and work best when started within two days of the beginning of flu symptoms.
No one wants the aches, soreness and fatigue that can come with the flu, especially during the holiday season! So, get your flu vaccine and find out more about how to protect yourself and your family at CDC.gov and Flu.gov. However, if you do get sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home from work or school, so you don’t make the people near you sick, too. Everyday preventative actions like covering your cough, staying away from sick people and washing your hands often are particularly important this time of year as well.
Be well,
Secretary Burwell -
Dream On Me Recalls Incredible Play Yards Due to Strangulation Hazard
Recall Date: December 9, 2014
Recall Number: 15-043
Recall Summary
Name of Product: Dream On Me Play Yards
Hazard: The play yard’s rails can collapse, presenting a strangulation hazards to young children.
Remedy: Repair
Consumer Contact: Dream On Me toll-free at (877) 201-4317 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday or online at www.dreamonme.com and click on the Recalls tab for more information.
Recall Details
Units: About 10,000
Description: The recall includes Dream On Me Incredible two-level deluxe adjustable height play yards with model number starting with 436A, 436B, 436G, 436O, 436P and 436R. The play yards, made with a steel, powder-coated frame base with rolling, hooded casters, have a fabric and mesh covering that comes in a variety of colors. The play yard includes a changing top, a toy bar with soft toys for entertainment, a side pocket for storage and a carrying case. “Dream On Me” is printed on the bottom left-hand side outside of the product. The model number is printed on a label attached to the play yard’s mattress. The play yard can be folded for storage.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled play yards and contact Dream On Me to receive a free repair kit.
Sold online at: Amazon, Kohls, Toys R US, WalMart, Wayfair and other online retailers from March 2010 through January 2014 for about $60.
Importer: Dream On Me, of South Plainfield, N.J.
Manufactured in: China
-
Leatherman Recalls Children’s Multi-Tool Due to Laceration Hazard
Recall Date: November 20, 2014
Recall Number: 15-035
Recall Summary
Name of Product: Leatherman® Leap™ multi-tool
Hazard: The lock mechanism on the optional knife blade can inadvertently release the blade, posing a laceration hazard.
Remedy: Replace
Consumer Contact: Leatherman toll-free at (888) 212-2438 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.leatherman.com and click on Safety Recall under the Support section at the bottom of the page for more information.
Recall Details
Units: About 8,000 in the U.S. and 400 in Canada
Description: This recall involves the Leatherman Leap multi-purpose tool that was designed for users age nine and up. The multi-tool has a green, blue or red plastic casing with two screws, one on each handle of the tool. It consists of combination needlenose and regular pliers, wire cutters, wood saw, ruler, tweezers, soda bottle opener, optional 420HC (high carbon stainless steel) knife blade, scissors, phillips screwdriver, and small and medium slotted screwdrivers. The words Leatherman and LeapTM appear on one side of the multi-tool.
Incidents/Injuries: None.
Remedy: Consumers should not install the optional knife blade or should immediately stop using the multi-tool with the installed optional knife. Consumers should contact Leatherman for a free replacement multi-tool, including shipping.
Sold at: Bass Pro Shop, Cabela’s and retailers nationwide, including knife and sporting goods online stores, from August 2014 through September 2014 for about $54.
Manufacturer: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc., of Portland, Ore.
Manufactured in: United States
-
Graco Recalls 11 Models of Strollers Due to Fingertip Amputation Hazard
Recall Date: November 20, 2014
Recall Number: 15-032
Recall Summary
Name of Product: Aspen, Breeze, Capri, Cirrus, Glider, Kite, LiteRider, Sierra, Solara, Sterling and TravelMate Model Strollers and Travel Systems
Hazard: The folding hinge on the sides of the stroller can pinch a child’s finger, posing a laceration or amputation hazard.
Remedy: Repair
Consumer Contact: Graco Children’s Products at (800) 345-4109 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.gracobaby.com and click on the “Help Center” at the top and Recall and Safety Notifications for more information.
Recall Details
Units: About 4.7 million in United States, about 202,000 in Canada, and about 10,300 in Mexico
Description: This recall includes eleven Graco and Century-branded strollers with model names Aspen, Breeze, Capri, Cirrus, Glider, Kite, LiteRider, Sierra, Solara, Sterling and TravelMate. All models are a single-occupant stroller with an external sliding fold-lock hinge on each side and a one-hand fold release mechanism on the handle. Strollers with a manufacture date from August 1, 2000 to September 25, 2014 are included in the recall. Model numbers and the date of manufacture are printed on the white label located at the bottom of the stroller leg just above the rear wheel.
For a complete list of all model names and numbers included in the recall, click here: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2015/Graco-Recalls-11-Models-of-Strollers/
Incidents/Injuries: Graco has received 11 reports of finger injuries including six reports of fingertip amputation, four reports of partial-fingertip amputation and one finger laceration.
Remedy: Contact Graco immediately for a free repair kit. Repair kits will be available from the firm at the beginning of December 2014. While waiting for a repair kit, caregivers should exercise extreme care when unfolding the stroller to be certain that the hinges are firmly locked before placing a child in the stroller. Caregivers are advised to immediately remove the child from a stroller that begins to fold to keep their fingers from the side hinge area.
Sold at: Target, Toys R Us, Walmart and other retail stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Walmart.com and other online retailers from August 2000 through November 2014 for about $40-70 for the stroller and about $140-$170 for the Travel System.
Manufacturer: Graco Children’s Products, of Atlanta, Ga.
Manufactured in: China
-
Philips Healthcare Recalls Children’s Medical Ventures Gel-E Donut / Squishon
Recall Date: November 14, 2014
Recall Summary
Children’s Medical Ventures, a Philips Healthcare business, today announced that the company has issued a recall of all Gel-E Donut gel pillow and Squishon 2 gel cushion products due to potential mold contamination of the products. This action follows a previous recall for these products announced in May 2014. Refer to the table below for a listing of recalled model numbers and quantities, which were manufactured and distributed between July 2012 and August 2014. The model number is printed directly on the product.
[ultimatetables 7 /]
Customers are being asked to discontinue use and dispose of all Gel-E Donut gel pillow and Squishon 2 gel cushion products in their facility, even if mold is not visible. Following these actions, customers will be asked to return a reply form indicating that these actions have been completed. Customers will be given credit for all products scrapped.
Consumer Contact: Phone: (770) 510-4681 or (770) 510-4684
Recall Details
In May 2014, Children’s Medical Ventures initiated a recall due to mold contamination of some products, which occurred during the manufacturing process. The mold types detected on the products have been identified as types which are commonly found in indoor and outdoor environments. There is potential for the mold to be transferred to patient environments once the outer pack is opened. There is the possibility of fungal infection should patients come in contact with the mold, which could be superficial or invasive and life threatening.
At the time of the initial recall, Children’s Medical Ventures implemented a process intended to reduce the presence of viable mold on the products prior to shipment. Since then, Philips has received one new report of the presence of mold on product. Because the process to eliminate the potential for mold growth has not been fully effective, the company is announcing this new recall.
The Children’s Medical Ventures Gel-E Donut gel pillow and Squishon 2 gel cushions are intended to help support an infant’s head or body in a hospital environment. The products are intended to be used in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU), and neonatal care centers.
Countries where affected devices have been shipped include the United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Reunion, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand and United Kingdom.
Customers who have questions about the recall or require further information or support concerning this issue, may contact their local Philips representative at (770) 510-4681 or (770) 510-4684. Distributors outside of the U.S. should contact their local Philips representative.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
- Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.
-
Halloween Safety and the NCMEC
For over 30 years, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), based in Alexandria, Virginia, has worked to help bring missing children home. NCMEC distributes information on personal, school, home, playground, cyber safety as well as other safety guidelines for parents, family members, and caregivers of children. They disseminate critical information about what to do when a child goes missing and share posters with photographs of and information about missing children–in English and Spanish–in order to help find the lost. Today, posters of missing and runaway children are shared with poster partners and government child protective service and law enforcement agencies over the Internet to help locate missing children as soon as possible. Amber alerts are broadcast to cell phones to expedite reporting sightings of missing children in a specific locale.
So, if you are a parent or guardian of a child who may go missing, we ask you to report it to the appropriate law enforcement agency and the NCMEC as soon as possible. If you think you have seen a missing child, we ask that you say something to the appropriate law enforcement agency or the NCMEC. The public is urged to call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678), which is the NCMEC’s hotline, immediately if you believe you have seen or have information about a missing child.
The American public owes a debt of gratitude to John and Reve’ Walsh and others who through their own sacrifices, dedicated work and devotion, have furthered the cause of locating missing children. John and Reve’ tragically lost their son, Adam Walsh, when he was only 5 years old in 1981; they subsequently founded the Adam Walsh Outreach Center for Missing Children in Florida, which was then to become the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Below are NCMEC’s Halloween Safety Tips for parents, family members and caregivers:
- Be sure older children TAKE FRIENDS and younger children are accompanied by a trusted adult when ‘Trick or Treating’.
- Accompany younger children to the door of every home they approach and make sure
parents and guardians are familiar with every home and all people from which the children receive treats. - Teach children to NEVER enter a home without prior permission from their parents or guardians.
- Teach children to NEVER approach a vehicle, occupied or not, unless they are
accompanied by a parent or guardian. - Make sure all children wear reflective clothing and carry a glow stick when out at dusk and at night.
- Make sure children are able to see and breathe properly and easily when using facial masks. All costumes and masks should be clearly marked “flame resistant”.
- Teach children to NEVER approach a home that is not well lit both inside and outside.
- Teach children to stay alert for any suspicious incidents and report them to their parents, guardians, and/or the proper authority.
- Teach children if anyone tries to grab them to make a scene; loudly yell, “This person is not my father/mother/guardian,” and make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.
- Consider organizing or attending parties at home, in schools, or in community centers as a good alternative to “Trick or Treating.
(The Halloween Safety Tips are c. 1990 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), under a grant No. 2007-MC-CX-KOO1 awarded by The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs.)
Bechildsafe.org would like to add to these that parents and caregivers make sure that children’s Halloween costumes do not drag the ground so that a child could easily trip and to make sure that their costumes are not so heavy or cumbersome that it could impede their ability to move freely.
Bechildsafe.org wishes everyone a Happy and very SAFE Halloween!
-
Nutek Disposables, Inc. Recalls Baby Wipes Due to Potential Bacteria
Oct. 25, 2014 — MCELHATTAN, PA — Nutek Disposables, Inc. of McElhattan, PA has initiated a nationwide voluntary product recall at the retail level of all lots of baby wipes that it manufactured under the brand names Cuties, Diapers.com, Femtex, Fred’s, Kidgets, Member’s Mark, Simply Right, Sunny Smiles, Tender Touch, and Well Beginnings, because some packages may contain bacteria. These wipes were distributed by Nutek prior to October 21, 2014 to the following retail stores: Walgreens, Sam’s Club, Family Dollar, Fred’s, and Diapers.com.
After receiving a small number of complaints of odor and discoloration, Nutek conducted microbial testing that showed the presence of a bacteria, called Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia), in some of these products. Soon after, on October 3, 2014 the company initiated a voluntary withdrawal of lots that had tested positive for the bacteria, as well as other baby wipes in the surrounding time frame. After some additional lots were tested, as a precautionary measure, Nutek believed it was a prudent decision to withdraw all its baby wipe products.
B. cepacia poses little medical risk to healthy people. However, people who have certain health problems like weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis, may be more susceptible to infections with B. cepacia. If you believe you have a weakened immune system or chronic lung disease and you have used one of the affected wipe products, you should call your doctor promptly for medical advice.
As of October 3, 2014, the date of the original withdrawal, the company had received only one report of irritation. Numerous reports of complaints have since been received by the company that include rash, irritation, infections, fever, gastro-intestinal issues, and respiratory issues, though these reports have not been confirmed to be related to the use of these products.
The company has not identified the cause of the problem, but is continuing to investigate. In the interim, Nutek has stopped shipping baby wipes manufactured at the facility.
Nutek takes the safety of consumers and the quality of its products very seriously and is taking all appropriate steps to address the issue and ensure this does not happen again.
The company is working with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the affected retailers and distributors throughout this process to address the issue.
Consumers who have purchased this product can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-855-646-4351, Monday–Friday, 7 am–7 pm CST and Saturday–Sunday, 9 am–5 pm CST.
Brand Name Retailer Lot Numbers of Product Manufactured by Nutek Cuties Internet and various retailers All Lots Diapers.com Diapers.com All Lots Femtex Family Dollar All Lots Fred’s Fred’s All Lots Kidgets Family Dollar All Lots Member’s Mark Sam’s Club All Lots Simply Right Sam’s Club All Lots Sunny Smiles Walgreens All Lots Tender Touch Various retailers All Lots Well Beginnings* Walgreens Certain Lots± *These lot numbers represent all lots manufactured by Nutek. There may be other lots that are made by manufacturers other than Nutek and that are not subject to this recall. -
Evenflo Embrace 35 two-piece, rear-facing infant child restraints – Buckle may not unlatch
Recall Date: October 16, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14C006000
Recall Summary
Name of Product: Evenflo Embrace 35 two-piece, rear-facing infant child restraints equipped with an AmSafe QT1 buckle
Hazard: A buckle that does not release easily, or possibly at all, may make it difficult to remove the child from the restraint, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a vehicle crash, fire, or other emergency, in which a prompt exit from the vehicle is required.
Remedy: Repair
Consumer Contact: Owners may contact Evenflo’s toll-free number at 1-800-490-7591, or visit their website at www.embracebuckle.evenflo.com.
Recall Details
Units: 202,346
Description: Evenflo Company, Inc. (Evenflo) is recalling certain Embrace 35 two-piece, rear-facing infant child restraints equipped with an AmSafe QT1 buckle. The affected model numbers include: 30711365, 31511040, 31511323, 31511400, 3151198, 3151953, 31521138, 46811205, 46811237, 48111200, 48111215, 48111215A, 48111218, 48111234, 48111235, 48111235A, 48111462, 48411391, 48411391D, 48411392, 48411504, 48411504D, 52911307A, 52921040, 55311138, 55311238, and 55311292 and were manufactured at various times from December 2011 through May 2013. Over time, use of the seat can make the harness buckle difficult to unlatch.
Remedy: Evenflo will notify registered owners and provide a remedy kit, including a replacement buckle and instructions for easy consumer removal of the AmSafe buckle and installation of the newly-designed replacement buckle. The recall is expected to begin on, or about, October 22, 2014.
Notes: Evenflo is conducting a separate customer awareness campaign to address Evenflo Embrace 35 models equipped with an AmSafe QT3 buckle, and that are not subject to this safety recall. Evenflo will, upon customer request, provide a replacement buckle and instructions for installation. Owners should contact Evenflo at the number above for further information. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
-
Sanus Simplicity Television Wall Mounts Recalled by Milestone AV Technologies Due to Impact Hazard
Recall Date: October 16, 2014
Recall Number: 15-008
Recall Summary
Name of Product: Sanus Simplicity SLF5 flat screen television wall mounts
Hazard: The nut securing the television to the main arm assembly can loosen causing the attached television to become detached from the arm assembly, posing an impact hazard.
Remedy: Repair
Consumer Contact: Milestone toll-free at (877) 277-3707 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT Saturday and Sunday or online at www.milestone.com and click on Recall Information at the lower right corner for more information.
Recall Details
Units: About 207,000
Description: This recall involves the Sanus Simplicity model SLF5. The wall mounts are black and made of metal. They are about 30 inches long and 18 inches tall. The center bar of the mount can extend out to about 13 inches. The mounts fit most 37 inch to 80 inch, flat-panel televisions up to 125 lbs. The words АЬSanus Simplici т Э are located on the top left corner of the box the product is sold in and on the instructions manual. The words are not found directly on the product. The model numbers can be found on the product label sticker located on the metal wall plate, under the plastic cover that covers the top horizontal bar.
Incidents/Injuries: Milestone has received two reports of the television becoming detached from the arm assembly. One injury to a shoulder has been reported.
Remedy: The company is contacting consumers and providing a free repair kit. Consumers should follow the instructions to do the repair provided in the letter and contact Milestone if they have any questions or concerns.
Sold exclusively at: Costco from July 2013 to September 2014 for about $125.
Importer: Milestone AV Technologies LLC of Eden Prairie, Minn.
Manufactured in: China