Family Safety & Health Archives - Safety+Health Magazine

Study finds dramatic increase in kids swallowing water bead toys

S+H Staff — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:25:38 +0000

The rate of reported water bead ingestions among young kids soared more than 6,500% over a recent five-year period, according to the results of a recent study. The toys are made from superabsorbent material that can “swell to hundreds of times their original size when exposed to fluids,” Nationwide Children’s Hospital says. If swallowed, they […]

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Study finds ‘alarming’ correlation between speeding and cellphone use

S+H Staff — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:52:24 +0000

How closely linked are speeding and cellphone use behind the wheel? Closer than researchers from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety originally thought. “Until now, safety experts believed drivers used their cellphones most at slower speeds,” IIHS President David Harkey said. “But data from safe-driving apps show that, in free-flowing traffic, the opposite is true.” IIHS […]

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Lower kids’ risk of lead exposure: new resources from EPA

S+H Staff — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:12:08 +0000

Did you know that children 6 and younger are most susceptible to the effects of lead – and that kids’ bodies absorb more lead than adults? The toxic metal can be found in many places around the home, including toys, furniture, and food or beverage containers. It can lead to brain and nervous system damage, […]

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Don’t use these extension cords, consumer safety agency warns

S+H Staff — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:47:01 +0000

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers that “male-to-male” extension cords pose a serious risk of electrocution or fire. In a press release, the CPSC says it’s “secured the removal” of the cords from major e-commerce platforms, including Walmart, eBay and AliExpress. It advises consumers to stop using these products and dispose of them […]

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NSC asks drivers to make safe choices this Memorial Day weekend

S+H Staff — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:31:30 +0000

New estimates from the National Safety Council indicate 393 people may die in motor vehicle-related crashes over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, prompting the nonprofit to urge drivers to put safety first. Over the same holiday period two years ago, 38% of fatal crashes involved an alcohol-impaired driver, compared with 30% for all of 2024. […]

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Safety on the driveway

Kevin Druley — Fri, 15 May 2026 13:00:59 +0000

When the weather gets warm, driveways can be busy places – especially for kids. Shooting hoops and riding bikes. Drawing with chalk and playing other games. With so much going on, it’s important to remember that injuries can happen. Here, experts offer advice on how to help keep everyone safe in the driveway. Watch behind […]

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Don’t share prescription meds

Jennifer Yario — Fri, 15 May 2026 13:00:36 +0000

A muscle relaxer or strong pain reliever for a friend who’s hurting. A sedative for a family member who gets nervous on airplanes. Offering your prescription medications to other people may be well-meaning – but it’s a bad idea. Prescription meds are “tailored to an individual’s medical history, other medications, allergies and physical characteristics,” said […]

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The safe way to thaw frozen food

S+H Staff — Fri, 15 May 2026 13:00:32 +0000

Meal prepping for the week? Don’t forget to leave enough time to safely thaw anything you pull out of the freezer. The NSF, an organization that develops public health standards “that help protect the world’s food, water, consumer products and environment,” says you should use one of three methods: In the refrigerator. Put the packaged […]

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Help older adults stay cool during high heat

S+H Staff — Fri, 15 May 2026 13:00:31 +0000

Too much heat can be dangerous for anyone, but it’s especially true for older adults. Heat and humidity place greater stress on our bodies the older we get. And too much time spent in the heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, even for seniors who are fit. The temperature – inside or outside – doesn’t […]

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Soothe baby’s teething pain

S+H Staff — Fri, 15 May 2026 13:00:23 +0000

When a baby begins teething, it can be a stressful time for both child and parent. Teething pain typically starts anywhere between 3 to 10 months old, HealthyChildren.org says, which notes that fussiness, drool, an increase in biting toys and a rash around the mouth are all signs of a teething baby. HealthyChildren.org recommends parents […]

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