Community Safety

Boston – A 2008 law requiring all cigarettes sold in Massachusetts to be “fire-safe” appears to have resulted in fewer residential fires, according to a new study from Harvard University.

Melbourne, Australia – When a child exhibits stroke signs, parents may delay calling 911, meaning the child has less time to receive treatment that could help prevent permanent damage, according to a new study from the Royal Children’s Hospital and Murdoch Childrens Research Institute.

Washington – The use of electronic devices while driving remained relatively unchanged in 2012 from 2011, according to a recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis.

Rosemont, IL – People looking to burn calories fast with a high-intensity interval training program should start gradually to help avoid injury, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons cautions.

Boston – Older adults taking painkillers prescribed by multiple doctors may be more likely to suffer drug-related complications, according to a new study from Harvard University.

Toronto – Children may be more likely to incur injuries from inflatable “bounce houses” than mechanical amusement rides, suggests a new study from Ryerson University.

Joensuu, Finland – Sustaining a moderate amount of weight loss could help prevent the progression of obstructive sleep apnea – or even eliminate it, indicates a new study from the University of Eastern Finland.

Atlanta – A downward trend in child fatalities in motor vehicle crashes can be further improved if every child is safely restrained, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cleveland – Most U.S. adults may be misinformed about heart disease despite it being the top killer of both men and women, according to a recent survey.

Augusta, GA – Consuming too much sodium – regardless of calorie intake – may cause obesity and inflammation in young people, suggests a study from the Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University.