Recent Blog Posts
Choosing Christmas gifts for kids
1. Choose age appropriate toys by reading the age label on the toy. For children younger than 3, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking. In particular avoid deflated or broken balloons, small parts or small balls. 2. Scooters and other riding toys – Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast,… Read More »
Havana Coal Power Plant – Permanently Closed
The Havana Coal Power Plant permanently closed its doors last week and 25 News shared how that impact is hitting the small community and workers. Despite long-standing economic issues, the workers and community were given less than four months notice when Vistra announced plans to close four of their cleanest burning plants in the… Read More »
Baby Sleep Cribs Recalls
- Fisher-Price Recalls Rock ‘n Play Sleepers Due to Reports of Deaths
- Kids II Recalls All Rocking Sleepers Due to Reports of Deaths
- Fisher-Price Recalls Inclined Sleeper Accessory Included with Ultra-Lite Day & Night Play Yards Due to Safety Concerns About Inclined Sleep Products
- Dorel Juvenile Group USA Recalls Inclined Sleepers Due to Safety Concerns About Inclined Sleep Products
Electronic Records – Rx Errors
The rate of doctors selecting the incorrect dosage for prescription medications has been increasing as the rate of electronic health records (EHRs) grows. So be alert when you receive your meds from the pharmacy.
Cost of Drugs Could be Reduced
From the Governing journal: “A year after calling proposals allowing Americans to import cheaper drugs from Canada a “gimmick,” Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said the federal government is “open for business” on such a strategy. Secretary Azar announced a preliminary plan Wednesday, July 31st, to allow Americans to import certain lower-cost drugs… Read More »
Beware of Cyberattacks
The New York Times reports, “Big banks like Capital One, the victim of a recent attack that captured the personal information of over 100 million people, are a target for digital troublemakers. … A single weak spot is all savvy hackers need. And they often find them. Already this year, there have been 3,494 successful… Read More »
The Illinois Better Government Association reports
When Illinois’ income tax rate jumped a record 67% earlier this decade, critics warned it would drive away the wealthy who invest in businesses and jobs. Instead, IRS data show, the better off flourished. Similar arguments are now being raised by opponents of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s push for a new and steeper tax hike… Read More »
New Illinois Transportation Budget to Benefit Illinois Bicyclists
July 1, 2019 is a notable day in the history of transportation in Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law a bill that puts $45 billion toward state construction projects. Within that $45 billion is $50 million annually toward projects for pedestrians and bicyclists. This is a massive victory by the Active Transportation Alliance,… Read More »
Various Factors’ in Illinois Prison Population Decline
While the state’s prison population has fallen roughly 20% since February 2013, the reason can be attributed to such factors as local police and prosecutors, as well as shifting policies at the legislature and department of corrections, according to NPR Illinois. “[T]he idea that there’s a single state policy that guides prison utilization isn’t… Read More »
Hot Weather Injury Risks for Nursing Home Patients
Even for residents who are sedentary, spending time outdoors or being active indoors in small amounts can help decrease recovery times and promote independence. However, during the summer months when temperatures sometimes skyrocket into the dangerous digits, elderly who travel outdoors or are without the appropriate indoor cooling areas can become especially at risk… Read More »