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It's Hunting Season: Keep Safety in Your Sights

TUESDAY, Dec. 5, 2023 (Healthday News) -- Hunting season has begun in many parts of the United States, with millions of Americans heading into the woods in hopes of bagging a big buck.

But with the season comes tragic accidents.

“Every year, within the first 72 hours of hunting season, we see hunting-related injuries,” said

  • Robin Foster HealthDay Reporter
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  • December 5, 2023
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  • Mobile Stroke Units Can Prevent Disabling Strokes

    In some big cities, mobile stroke units can deliver a powerful clot-busting drug to patients as these specialized ambulances speed to the hospital.

    Now, a new study shows these units deliver anti-clotting treatment a median of 37 minutes faster than when traditional ambulances drive stroke patients to the ER. And that extra time gives stroke victims better chances of averting the stroke o...

    Kids Still Getting Injured After Swallowing High-Powered Magnets

    Despite warnings and public education campaigns, kids continue to suffer injuries from swallowing small but strong magnets, according to a new study.

    Children are also inserting high-powered, rare-earth balls into their ears and noses, even in households where parents fully understand the dangers of the toys, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

    “High-powered, ra...

    'Boarding' Patients for Days, Weeks in Crowded ERs Is Common Now

    When Hannah, a California marketing professional, showed up at her local emergency room in March 2023 for a pregnancy-related complication, she wasn't prepared for what happened next.

    “I arrived at 2 p.m. and finally saw the obstetrics team at midnight,” she recalled.

    After an exam, doctors scheduled her for a procedure on the following day, but there wasn't a room available. �...

    Surgeons Seeing More 'Mutilating' Hand Injuries With New Utility Terrain Vehicles

    A popular type of off-road vehicle known as a “side-by-side” has been linked to high rates of severe hand injuries, according to a new study.

    Side-by-sides are utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) designed to carry more than one passenger and heavy loads. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are usually made for one driver going off-road.

    "

  • Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
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  • October 3, 2023
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  • Black Patients More Likely to Be Physically Restrained During ER Visits

    It seemed to some that patients of color were being restrained in the emergency room more often than others, so researchers decided to investigate.

    While physical restraints can be used to keep staff and patients safe, they may also cause injury to the patient, including aspiration, physical trauma and psychological harm.

    A new study bears out what the team from Baylor College of Me...

    Kids' ER Visits for Mental Health Crises Rise When School Term Begins

    While the start of the school year can give kids and teens the chance to reconnect with friends and enjoy school sports and activities, it can also trigger stressors that send many to the emergency room for mental health woes, a new report shows.

    Among children aged 5 to 17, emergency department visits for depression, suicidal thoughts, stress and substance abuse increased significantly i...

    Helping Undocumented Immigrants Find a Primary Care Doc Lowers ER Costs: Study

    Helping undocumented immigrants in the United States connect with primary care doctors could be a money-saver, substantially reducing emergency department use and lowering health costs, a new study finds.

    The findings are from a New York City program that helped arrange medical appointments from May 2016 to June 2017 for undocumented immigrants with limited incomes.

    The data showed ...

    Earthquakes Are Unpredictable: Plan Ahead to Lower the Danger

    When an earthquake struck the center of Morocco earlier this month, killing nearly 3,000 and injuring thousands more, no one was expecting it.

    That sudden rapid shaking of ground as the rocks underneath the earth shift can happen anywhere, but higher-risk areas in the United States include Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington and the entire Mississippi River Valley....

    ChatGPT Equals Doctors in Diagnosing Emergency Department Patients

    Emergency medicine doctors someday might rely on consultation from artificial intelligence (AI) programs like ChatGPT to help them quickly and accurately diagnose patients' ailments.

    A new study found that ChatGPT performed about as well as human doctors in diagnosing patients, when both are given the same set of clinical information.

    “In the end, they were pretty comparable,” s...

    In Public Spaces, Women Less Likely to Get CPR If Cardiac Arrest Strikes

    CPR could save your life if you suffer cardiac arrest in a public place, but you're less likely to receive it if you're a woman, a new study finds.

    The findings were presented Monday at the European Emergency Medicine Congress, in Barcelona.

    “In an emergency when someone is unconscious and not breathing properly, in addition to calling an ambulance, bystanders should give CPR. Thi...

    R.A.P.I.D.O. : Acronym & Campaign Helps Spanish Speakers Recognize a Stroke

    The American Stroke Association is promoting the acronym R.Á.P.I.D.O. as a way to raise awareness among Hispanic Americans about stroke symptoms and the need for quick action.

    Every second counts when someone has had a stroke, the association (ASA) points out. Calling 911 immediately can be the difference between life, death or long-term disability.

    A survey showed that only 39% of...

    Web Searches for 'Self-Managed Abortion' Rose After Dobbs Decision

    When some U.S. states made abortion illegal after the Supreme Court overturned the longstanding Roe v Wade in June 2022, women in those areas increased their searches for self-managed abortions.

    To come to that conclusion, researchers from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) analyzed Google search results regarding self-abortion.

    “We found an increased number of searches in...

    Red Cross Appeals for Donors During National Blood Shortage

    The American Red Cross said Monday that it urgently needs blood donations because the national blood supply has dropped nearly 25% since early August.

    Back-to-back climate-related disasters have hampered blood collection efforts, and a summer shortfall has made the shortage worse.

    Patients in need of transfusions as part of cancer and sickle cell disease treatments face the potentia...

    Booming Sales of Legal Marijuana Linked to More Car Crashes

    Emergency room visits for injuries related to driving under the influence of cannabis skyrocketed in Canada after the drug was legalized there, a new study reports.

    In October 2018, Canada became the second country to nationally legalize recreational or nonmedical cannabis for adult use.

    While known cannabis-involved emergency department (ED) visits for traffic injuries were still ...

    Opioid OD Rescue Drug Narcan Will Reach Drug Store Shelves Next Week

    Narcan, a lifesaving medication that reverses opioid overdose, will be available on U.S. drugstore shelves and online starting next week.

    People who want to carry Narcan, the nasal spray version of naloxone, will be able to find it at Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart and CVS for a suggested retail price of $44.99 for a box of two doses, the drug maker reported Wednesday.

    T...

    Need Quick Help Learning CPR? Don't Rely on Alexa, Siri

    If you need quick directions on performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an emergency, don't rely on Alexa, Siri or another voice assistant.

    A new study finds the directions provided by these AI (artificial intelligence) helpers are inconsistent and lack relevance.

    “Our findings suggest that bystanders should call emergency services rather than relying on a voice ass...

    It Only Takes a Bite of a Marijuana Edible to Send a Child to the Hospital

    Brightly colored "edibles" can be tempting for young kids and are more widely available now that many U.S. states have legalized cannabis for recreational and medical use.

    Unfortunately, it doesn't take much of an edible to make a small child very sick, new research finds, which may explain an uptick in hospitalizations of kids poisoned by cannabis.

    “There are many studies de...

    Canadian Wildfire Smoke Caused Spikes in Asthma-Related ER Visits Across the U.S.

    Smoke from Canadian wildfires sent high numbers of people suffering from asthma attacks to America's emergency rooms this spring and summer, according to two new reports.

    From April 30 to August 4, 2023, smoke from out-of-control wildfires in Canada increased emergency room visits for asthma by 17% over average, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ...

    Sepsis Almost Killed Jake Tapper's Daughter, Alice. Now, She's Working to Keep Others Safe

    Alice Tapper felt deathly ill, suffering from severe abdominal pain, a 102-degree fever and vomiting.

    Emergency room doctors found that Alice -- the daughter of CNN anchor Jake Tapper -- had a rapid pulse of 135 beats per minute and a very high white blood cell count, indicating her body was fighting off a...

    Bystander CPR, Defib Use Saves Lives Even If Ambulance Arrives Quickly

    Bystander aid using CPR and a defibrillator can be critically important for saving lives when someone has a cardiac arrest -- even when an ambulance arrives quickly, say researchers.

    A new study finds that when a bystander uses a defibrillator, on top of CPR, on someone who has had a cardiac arrest, that patient's 30-day survival improves, even when an ambulance takes just two minutes to ...

    'Time Is Brain': More Americans Waiting Longer for Best Care After Stroke

    When people suffering a stroke need a transfer to another hospital, time is of the essence. But a new study finds that most Americans in that situation face delays.

    The study, published recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association, looked at the issue of "door-in, door-out"...

    With Marijuana's Legalization, Cannabis Poisonings Are on the Rise

    In recent years, the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana has become the new normal across much of North America.

    The problem: New research finds that as legalization has spread, so have cases of cannabis poisoning.

    “We did a systematic review of published studies reporting on what happened to the rates of poisoning after legalization or decriminalization,�...

    Dementia Patients Wind up in the ER 1.4 Million Times a Year, Study Shows

    Emergency rooms can be a frightening place for people suffering from dementia, yet each year 1.4 million Americans with Alzheimer's or other dementias wind up in crowded, noisy ERs, a new study finds.

    Dementia is responsible for nearly 7% of all ER visits for those older than 65, often because of accidents or mental health crises, researchers determined.

    "While dementia is thought o...

    EMS Crews May Not Always Follow Guidelines When Dosing Kids: Study

    Less than half of all children treated by emergency medical services receive the right amount of medication during out-of-hospital emergencies, a new study found.

    In some cases, these incorrect doses can have serious consequences.

    “If you don't give the appropriate dose of the anti-seizure medication for a patient with an ongoing seizure, the seizure will not stop,” said study c...

    Danger Afoot: U.S. Pedestrian Deaths at Highest Level in 41 Years

    More than 7,500 people were killed last year after being struck by vehicles while walking along or across U.S. roadways — the most pedestrian deaths in more than four decades, according to a new report.

    This sobering trend was not surprising to experts who track the numbers. But they were dismayed by the consistent increase — up 77% since 2010.

    “This is unacceptable. It's real...

    Is Child's Tummy Pain a Serious Concern? Poll Finds Many Parents Unsure

    Kids get a lot of tummy aches.

    How a parent responds to it can vary, just as the causes can, according to the University of Michigan Health's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, which looked more closely at the issue.

    About 1 in 6 parents said their child has tummy pain at least monthly, according to the poll, but many don't call the doctor. One-third...

    This Summer, Could You Spot the Signs of Heat Illness?

    Heat illness can be deadly, so it's essential to recognize the warning signs and know what to do as the summer season gets into gear.

    “Heat illness tends to happen when the body is unable to regulate its temperature due to overexertion or extended periods of time in high temperatures,” said Dr. Maria Carmenz...

    ER-Based Pharmacies Could Improve Kids' Care, Pediatricians' Group Says

    When parents rush their kids to an emergency room in the dead of night for an asthma attack or high fever, they are often discharged with a prescription. The problem is, there may be nowhere to fill it promptly.

    Now, a new report fro...

    Are ERs Safe? Patients, Nurses and Doctors Say No in New Survey

    Emergency departments aren't perceived as safe for professionals or their patients, according to an international survey from the European Society of Emergency Medicine (EUSEM).

    More than 90% of emergency professionals surveyed said they felt at times the number of patients exceeded the capacity the emergency department (ED) had to provide safe care. Overcrowding was a problem, they said...

    Opioid Overdose Survivors Face Higher Odds for Death in Following Year

    Surviving a trip to the emergency room for an opioid overdose dramatically increases a patient's odds of dying in the year after, U.S. health officials reported Tuesday.

    Of nearly 287,000 emergency room visits in 2016, more than 8,300 were for opioid overdoses. Of these, nearly 500 patients were dead from a drug overdose in the following year and 400 died from other causes, according to a...

    Steroid Hydrocortisone Alone May Not Cut Death Risk From Septic Shock: Study

    A new study finds that while hydrocortisone on its own may not prevent death from sepsis, it can improve survival when combined with other steroids while eliminating the need for vasopressor drugs.

    Vasopressor medications help raise blood pressure when it's so low that you can't get enough blood to your organs. Doctor often deliver these drugs via an IV.

    “For the first time, the e...

    Even Preschoolers Can Help Save a Life, Heart Experts Say

    If you're old enough to dial 911, you're old enough to be a lifesaver.

    Building lifesaving skills can start as young as age 4 and be expanded over the years, the American Heart Association and others advise in a new scientific statement.

    Children can be adept at t...

    ER Visits by Teens in Mental Health Crisis Have Declined: CDC

    There's a glimmer of good news when it comes to the mental health of America's adolescents: Visits to U.S. emergency departments for psychiatric troubles declined among kids aged 12 to 17 by the fall of 2022, compared to a year prior.

    Overall, mean weekly adolescent emergency department (ED) visits for mental health conditions fell by 11% last fall, compared to higher levels in the fall o...

    Spring, Summer Is Peak Time for Dogs Biting Kids

    In the spring and summer, everyone races outside with their dogs to enjoy the warmer weather, but a new study suggests there is a downside to that.

    More children are bitten by dogs in those months, according to researchers at Nemours Children's Health.

    But a dog bite isn't inevitable: It's possible to keep both dogs and children safer, and to provide proper care if the unfortunate d...

    Asthma, Lower Grades, Homelessness: How Climate Change Will Harm America's Kids

    Children are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of climate change, a new report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows.

    Climate change can affect learning, physical health and housing security, which can last throughout the child's life, according to the report.

    “Understanding health risks to children is critical for developing effective and equitable strategie...

    Income a Factor in Whether You Get Lifesaving ECMO Breathing Support: Study

    New research suggests that gender and money matter when it comes to getting a last-resort treatment after mechanical ventilation.

    Funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the study found that certain groups are more likely to receive advanced pulmonary support through ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation).

    Who is more likely to get it? Men, those with higher incomes an...

    Devastating Tornadoes Leave Hazards in Their Wake: Tips to Stay Safe

    Tornadoes bring with them many dangers, but perhaps not so evident are the risks from colorless and odorless carbon monoxide (CO) from generators used to temporarily restore power.

    With parts of the United States expecting another round of severe weather, the Consumer Product Safety Commission offers tips to avoid CO poisoning or fires in the aftermath of a major storm or tornado.

    C...

    Baby First Aid Kit: The 15 Items You Really Need

    You just had a baby and you want to be ready for any infant emergency that might arise.

    Wondering what items should be in your baby's first aid kit? Here are 15 essentials that you should have on hand once you bring your baby home, recommended by the experts at

  • Kirstie Ganobsik HealthDay Reporter
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  • April 4, 2023
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  • FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Nasal Spray for Opioid Overdoses

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved the over-the-counter use of a nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose.

    Research has shown that wider availability of naloxone (Narcan) could save lives as the opioid epidemic rages on in this country.

    “The FDA remains committed to addressing the evolving complexities of the overdose crisis. As part of this work, t...

    Cardiac Arrest During Childbirth Is Rare, But Some Women Face Higher Risks

    It's extremely rare, but the number of women suffering cardiac arrest during childbirth is rising in the United States as older, less healthy women have babies, a new study finds.

    One in 9,000 women hospitalized during delivery has a cardiac arrest -- a higher rate than previously known, researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say.

    "We did the study, b...

    Post-Hurricane Period Is Dangerous for People With Dementia

    Hurricanes not only disrupt the communities they affect, they also pose an increased risk of death for people with dementia.

    This heightened risk could owe to disruption in their normal routines, changes in their living environment or even changes in access to caregiving or medications, a University of Michigan researcher said.

    "The important message is that older adults with dement...

    More Than 3 Million 'Calico Critters' Toys Recalled After Choking Deaths to 2 Kids

    Calico Critters animal figures and sets that were sold with bottle and pacifier accessories are being recalled due to a choking hazard.

    Epoch Everlasting Play has recalled more than 3.2 million of the toys, the

  • Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
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  • March 9, 2023
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  • Is Your Tap Water Too Hot? Scalding Burns Send Thousands to ER Each Year

    A water heater set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit can release water from the tap hot enough to cause a second-degree burn in about nine minutes.

    Turned up to 130 degrees, that injury happens in just 25 seconds. At 140 degrees, it only takes three seconds, according to a new study that tallied the personal and financial costs of scalding injuries in the United States.

    Researchers led by ...

    FDA Panel Says Opioid Overdose Antidote Safe to Sell Over-the-Counter

    A nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose should be sold over-the-counter, two expert panels to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended Wednesday.

    Research has shown that wider availability of naloxone -- brand named Narcan -- could save lives as the opioid epidemic rages on in this country.

    The FDA advisors voted unanimously in favor of making the drug easier to ...

    FDA Panel Considers Making Opioid Antidote Drug Available Without Prescription

    A nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose may become available for easier over-the-counter purchase.

    U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisers are meeting Wednesday to discuss making generic naloxone hydrochloride available without requiring interaction with a pharmacist, CNN reported.

    Approval could happen later this year. Research shows that wider availability of...

    Kids Visiting ER in Mental Crisis Often Get No Follow-Up

    A growing number of U.S. kids are landing in hospital emergency rooms for a mental health crisis. Now a new study finds that many do not get follow-up care after they're discharged.

    Experts said the findings, published Feb. 13 in the journal

  • Amy Norton HealthDay Reporter
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  • February 13, 2023
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  • Lessons From a Wildfire on How to Save Pets' Lives

    In the wake of natural disasters like wildfires that have destroyed whole communities with alarming speed, some folks are focused on the beloved pets left behind — and how to save others in the future.

    More than 1,000 pets died in the Marshall fire on Dec. 30, 2021, in Boulder County, Colo., according to

    This Super Bowl, Keep Little Hands From Tip-Over TVs

    Watching the big game on a big TV? Keep safety in mind if young children are around.

    Seven of 10 fatal furniture tip-over incidents in children involve a falling television, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns.

    Its latest report on furniture-related tip-over incidents turned up an annual average of 19,400 tip-over injuries treated in emergency rooms from 2019 to...

    Poll Finds Nearly Half of Americans Unprepared for Medical Emergency

    A medical emergency can happen at any moment. Will you be prepared?

    Nearly half of American adults will not, according to a new poll from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and Morning Consult.

    About...