July 2014 Archive

pradaxa side effects
Pradaxa Blood Thinner's Unknown Side Effects

Researchers are demanding answers from the makers of Pradaxa blood thinner after accusations that the drug's manufacturers withheld information about some of its dangerous side effects.

texting and driving
Driving Deaths Down in States with Texting and Driving Laws

Distracted driving accounts for more than 3,000 deaths a year on average, but it seems as if there may be some relief on the way. Research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham shows that these numbers are dropping as more states ban texting while driving.

weed killer effects
Pesticides and Weed Killers Can Stick Around for Years

After a destructive mayfly swarm overtook the Mississippi River and caused three car accidents this summer, pesticides may sound like a great idea to most people. New research may change a few minds, however – stronger pesticide chemicals may linger in a human body for decades.

jeep recall
More Chrysler Problems with Latest Jeep Recall

It's a bit more serious than the vanity lights this time – Chrysler is recalling 792,000 older jeep models for ignition defects. One accident is a confirmed result of the problem.

listeria recall
Listeria Prompts Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe's, Wegmans Recalls

A variety of fruits are being recalled by many major national retailers for a listeria contamination. Wal-Mart, Costco, and Trader Joe's stores across the country are taking peaches, plums, nectarines, and more off their shelves.

Ridesharing Car
PUC Grants Emergency Approval for Lyft, Uber

Today, the PUC unanimously approved emergency temporary authority for these companies to operate in Pittsburgh as they work to comply with safety and insurance standards. But do ridesharing benefits really outweigh safety concerns?

drinking age
30 Years Later, is 21 Still the Right Age for Alcohol Consumption?

In 1984, young adults ages 16-20 accounted for 61% of drunk driving fatalities. Many saw this as a disturbingly high number, including government representatives. Their solution? Raise the minimum drinking age to 21.

caffeine side effects
FDA Warning on Caffeine Powder

One death was enough to prompt the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue a warning on their website about the potentially deadly effects of caffeine powder, a self-proclaimed dietary supplement designed to give consumers the caffeine kick of three energy drinks in one dose.

kia soul recall
Kia Soul Recall Joined by Mercedes, Hyundai

Kia took a hit after 52,000 Souls were recalled for a loss of power steering. Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz posted smaller recalls for transmission and airbag issues, respectively.

Insuring Teen Drivers Comes at Steep Cost
Insuring Teens Comes at Steep Cost

Teenagers see it as a life-defining moment – parents feel it in their wallets. Putting a new driver on an insurance plan isn't cheap, but there may be ways to help ease the blow.

most dangerous roads
Where are the Most Dangerous Roads for Motorcycles in Pittsburgh?

Motorcyclists often ride for a sense of freedom, but at least seven roads in Pittsburgh are putting them on guard.

niacin side effects
Two Studies Call Niacin's Safety into Question

Hundreds of thousands of Americans take Niacin supplements every day to promote heart health, but the damage the drug appears to cause may not be worth its benefits.

gestational diabetes
Hormonal Birth Control Side Effects Linked to Gestational Diabetes

Mothers-to-be may have one more thing to worry about. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report saying that there could be a link between hormonal birth control and gestational diabetes.

top ten characteristics of great attorney
What to Look for When Hiring an Attorney

Statistics show that hiring a personal injury attorney increases your chances of receiving a fair settlement from an insurance company, but the specific attorney you hire can also significantly impact your case. With all of the attorneys out there, how do you know where to start your search for legal help?

jet ski accident
Jet Ski Accident on Allegheny River Draws Attention to Risks

Warnings and statistics may sound unrealistic at times, but Pittsburgh is getting an all too real reminder about the potential dangers of water sports. A Penn Hills resident recently died in the Allegheny River after a jet ski accident.

spray
Spray-On Sunscreen Aggravates Asthma

Parents may want to make the rest of this summer free of spray sunscreen. Consumer Reports and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are looking into the harmful effects of aerosol sunblock on children.

Chrysler recall
Chrysler Catches Plague of Auto Recalls

Chrysler is feeling the pain of American automakers' recent troubles – 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos are in need of repairs after lights on their vanity mirrors have posed fire hazards.

chobani recall
Unlikely Germ Poisons Chobani Yogurt

When consumers think of "food poisoning," they probably cringe at the idea of viruses, bacteria, or even parasites sneaking onto their plates. Chobani Yogurt, however, is battling a new and unusual threat to its customers: Food fungus.

IUD Breast Cancer
IUD Birth Control Could Up Risk for Breast Cancer

The advantage of certain birth control devices may be overshadowed by a scary side effect – a new study suggests that intrauterine devices (IUD) may be linked to a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer.

ADHD Meds May Carry Risk
ADHD Medicine May Cause Heart Problems in Children

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can take certain medications to help control their behavior, but is it worth the risk of a heart attack by middle age?