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February 13, 2012
Binyamin Rose: Back to the Bunker: How a life-risking act by a Christian family during the Holocaust saved a family and built a thriving community a world away
Menachem Wecker: Business Schools Teach Real Estate Despite Troubled Housing Market
February 10, 2012
Lisa M. Krieger: Man with defibrillator demands access to his own heart's information
David G. Savage: Why activists may not be in a hurry to have High Court rule on alternative marriage
February 9, 2012
Laura McMullen: 10 Least Expensive Public Schools for Out-of-State Students
Kimberly Palmer: How to actually enjoy -- relaxing, financially -- your vacation
February 8, 2012
Warren Richey: Why momentous Prop. 8 ruling might not satisfy gay-rights groups
Menachem Wecker: Though Controversial, LL.M.'s Can Lead to Specialized Legal Jobs
The Kosher Gourmet byDana Velden: Going to the bother of making soup? You know it better be good. This CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP certainly is! And it's a cinch to make, too (Includes techinques and serving secrets)
February 7, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney, Jr.: Caught off-guard? President's Super Bowl interview with Matt Lauer gives those who need a reason not to vote for him, a darn good one
Suzanne Bohan: Leaping lizards! Tiny reptiles advancing robot design
February 6, 2012
Jonathan Tobin: Iran Threatens Israel With Destruction, But the New York Times Doesn't Hear It
Jeffrey Fleishman: In newly democratic Egypt, tens of democracy activists jailed, to stand trial; their groups are 'threatening the stability of the homeland'
Julie Deardorff : Researchers say antioxidants may not be that effective and could do more harm than good
Mark Clayton: How did Anonymous hackers eavesdrop on FBI and Scotland Yard?
February 3, 2012
Edmund Sanders : Israeli official says Iran is creating missile that could reach East Coast of US
Victoria Kim: Immigrant-smuggling ring used black drivers to avoid racial profiling
February 2, 2012
Jim Carney: Wrong number call may have saved her life
Reza Kahlili : Ex-CIA spy in Iran's Revolutionary Guard: What Obama doesn't grasp about striking deals with Tehran
Tina Susman: For woodchuck rescuer, every day is Groundhog Day
February 1, 2012
Brian Bennett: US officials see increasing threat of domestic attack from Iran
Emily Brandon: How to Take Advantage of New 401(k) Fee Disclosures
January 31, 2012
January 30, 2012
Paul Richter and Ramin Mostaghim: Misreading Teheran's limits -- deadly and economically devastating as they may be -- is a risk administration, Europe seem willing to take
Suzanne Bohan: Warning: Nap-deprived tots missing more than sleep, study finds
Meg Handley: Banks Revamping Rewards Programs to Woo Customers
January 27, 2012
Caroline B. Glick: Obama: Of course I intend to prevent a nuclear holocaust . . . in a few months
Yochonon Donn: In liberal New York City, fervently-Orthodox Jews may soon be getting a district to call their own
Jeannine Stein: An inflated ego and thinking you're 'all that' doesn't just make others sick of you, it can make you ill
Katy Hopkins: New budget rules may affect how much money you get for college
January 26, 2012
Ed Koch: To the New York Times, calling for the murder of Jews by those capable of having their incitement taken seriously isn't news
Jeannine Stein: Mental illness struck one in five U.S. adults in 2010: Report
January 25, 2012
Richard Simon: House passes two bills endorsing the use of religious symbols at military memorials
Fred Weir: Putin: Multiethnic Russia cannot survive as a US-style 'melting pot'; must find its own way
Susan Johnston: 5 Sneaky Coupon Strategies Consumers Should Watch Out For
January 24, 2012
Carol Clark: The price of your soul: How your brain decides whether to 'sell out'
Caroline B. Glick: America lost most in 'Arab Spring'. Sadly, many voters still don't grasp the extent
Warren Richey: Drug criminal scores win in GPS ruling from conservative-leaning high court
Erika Bolstad: Black conservatives gather to talk about gaining strength
January 23, 2012
Melissa Dribben: Jewish voters to play a key role in Florida's Republican primary
Jordan Rau: In quest to grow, Catholic hospital system will announce this morning its break from church
Ali Safi: U.S. envoy gives Taliban terms for peace talks
January 19, 2012
January 18, 2012
January 17, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney Jr.: No-kidding red lines: U.S. response to an Iranian nuke may be bluster, but Israel's won't be
David G. Savage: They sued their principals after slandering them online --- now the cases are headed to the Supreme Court
David Francis: Where to Invest in 2012: With stocks expected to rebound, opportunity abounds for investors
January 13, 2012
Ben Lynfield: Israeli lawmakers move to annex Jewish Judea, one museum at a time
Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz: Thriving through touch: Gentle massage helps older people with low mobility improve in mind and body
January 12, 2012
Warren Richey: Landmark Supreme Court ruling a 'resounding win' for religious groups
Warren Richey: Supreme Court says no to new rule on eyewitness testimony
John Fauber : Statins found to raise diabetes risk in postmenopausal women
Katy Hopkins : Consider This Before You Pay for an Online Degree
The Kosher Gourmet by Joseph Erdos: This mushroom and barley soup has an intense -- almost nutty -- flavor that mixes robust with Middle East. It has creaminess without cream
January 11, 2012
Shari Roan: Millions of atrial fibrillation sufferers at risk for devastating, but preventable, stroke
Tom Hussain: Pakistan -- recipient of more than $21 billion in civilian and military aid -- speeds pursuit of Iranian pipeline, defying US
David G. Savage: High court signals it won't be loosening TV's 'indecency' rules
Stephen Ceasar: Oklahoma's Islamic law amendment can't go into effect, court rules
January 10, 2012
Reza Kahlili: From an ex-CIA spy: US must exploit new split in Iran's Revolutionary Guard
Karen Kaplan: Study: Nicotine replacement products ineffective when used in real-life situations
January 9, 2012
Michael Doyle: Put through legal hell over dream home, couple fought back hard --- all the way to Supreme Court
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Jewish World Review
Sept. 18, 2007
/ 6 Tishrei 5768
Recalls: What to do next
By
Vicki Lee Parker
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | (MCT)
Most parents shuddered at the news over the past few months that millions of toys thought to be tainted with lead and other toxic metals had been recalled.
The latest came Sept. 4, when Mattel recalled about 800,000 toys, including 675,000 accessories for Barbie dolls.
Many parents are unnerved by the cost and headaches associated with determining whether their child is in danger of lead poisoning.
Certainly, when it comes to our children's safety, price is not the first thing to consider. But a number of parents in Philadelphia have sued, saying Mattel should pay for blood tests and lead-test kits.
I applaud their effort, but given the speed at which the wheels of justice spin, I doubt parents will wait to see what a judge has to say about it.
When it comes to our children, especially toddlers, it's easy to overreact. But don't, said Dr. Courtney Mann, director of WakeMed Children's Emergency Department in Raleigh, N.C.
"Since chronic lead poisoning typically requires long, regular exposures, parents should not panic if their child has been playing occasionally with a toy recalled due to lead paint," she said.
However, lead poisoning can be serious. Lead is a heavy metal that, when ingested by children, can cause developmental delays and behavior problems. In cases involving acute, large amounts, lead can cause seizures, or even death.
Mann said that younger children, especially those 3 years old and under, are more at risk of lead poisoning.
"The younger you are, the more susceptible your brain is to the toxins found in lead," she said. Still, if an older child has played with one of the recalled toys, parents should call their doctors to determine whether a blood-lead test is necessary, Mann said.
Symptoms of lead poisoning include irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, sluggishness, abdominal pain, vomiting and constipation.
Metal magnets are just as dangerous. Tiny magnets have become common in toys, helping children to dress little dolls and build structures. When these magnets fall off a toy, small children might put them in their mouths. If several are swallowed, the tiny magnets are strong enough to twist little intestines into a knot. If you suspect that has happened, take your child to the hospital immediately.
Even if you don't feel your child is in immediate danger, you should check to see whether you own any recalled toys. To get a list of recalls, go to the Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov. You can also check www.recalls.gov and www.mattel.com.
If you have some of these toys and you suspect your child has been exposed to lead, contact your pediatrician. Consumers should take the recalled toys away from children and contact Mattel at (800) 916-4997 or www.service.mattel.com to find out how to return or dispose of the product. Most pediatricians will treat it as a regular doctor's visit and might charge for a quick blood test. Check with your doctor and insurer to find out what's covered.
For peace of mind, some parents might decide to take the extra step of testing all of a child's toys for lead and other toxins. The U.S. Health and Human Services Department, however, doesn't recommend home tests, because they can sometimes be unreliable. If you get a positive reading from a home test, remove the toy from your child's play area and contact your doctor.
Home testing can also be costly and time-consuming.
I called four local before finding a test at Ace Hardware & Home Center in Cary, N.C. The salesman said the $7.99 kit can test toys until one tests positive. He also said that he had only one package left and wasn't sure when the next shipment would be in.
Many companies sell lead testing for toys online. To help parents sort through the differences, The Wall Street Journal tested several kits. To see what it found, go to www.wsj.com and type "testing toys for lead" in the search field and select the story by that name from Aug. 30.
Once you complete your testing and your child is safe, be sure to hold on to your receipts; perhaps Mattel will decide to pay for the lead tests after all. If not, and the judge allows a lawsuit against Mattel to move forward, you might eventually be able to join a class-action lawsuit and get a refund on recalled toys.
Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in in the media and Washington consider "must-reading". Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
Vicki Lee Parker is a columnist for The News & Observer. Comment by clicking here.
Previously:
Do your homework before home repairs
To tip or skip it: Gratuity must be earned
Advice is free, if you look
Hire a cleaner who won't clean you out
Teach children smart money tips that will keep them busy all summer long
Warning: Don't trust the ATM
Reasons to beware of We Buy Homes
Too wise to fall for a scam
Untethering cell phone from carrier
Re-check your credit card rewards
Treasure might be buried in medical bills
Tax-time saving tip: Free filing is available
College money is waiting; don't procrastinate
Extended warranties rarely worthwhile
Too busy for tax planning? It'll cost you
© 2007, The News & Observer Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
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