Jun 01, 2008 - 02:51 PM

For anyone dieting, fat may seem like the enemy; but in fact, fat is vital to your health. Certain types of fat contain vitamins and compounds that help regulate blood pressure and heart rate. While too much fat can lead to obesity and heart problems, adequate amounts of the right kinds of fat actually can be beneficial.

The nutrition label heading for fats features subheads listing the types of fats that are in each product. Knowing which fats are good and which are bad can be difficult to determine. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, offers this clarification:

Saturated fats	Saturated fat can increase LDL and risk of heart attack. It is solid or waxy at room temperature, which causes artery-blocking buildup. This fat is found in animal products such as red meat, poultry and whole milk and also in tropical oils such as palm and coconut.
Trans fat	Beginning in 2006, FDA required trans fats to be listed separately on food labels. Trans fat is created by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil to solidify it, which prevents products from spoiling quickly. Found mostly in prepackaged and fried foods, this fat actually increases your LDL or "bad" cholesterol, while also lowering your HDL or "good" cholesterol. It is important to note that if a product contains less than 0.5 grams of fat, the nutrition label will list "0 grams." So while a product may list "0 grams trans fat," if the ingredient list includes "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated oil," trans fats are present. This is one reason why it is important to be mindful of serving sizes.
Unsaturated fats	These healthy fats help lower your LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, which can clog arteries, leading to heart disease and stroke. Monounsaturated: This type of fat is found in olive oil, avocados and nuts. Polyunsaturated: This fat is found in vegetable oils and soy. Omega-3 fatty acids: A type of polyunsaturated fat, omega-3s are found primarily in seafood and flax. They have been found to decrease the risk of coronary disease and stabilize heart rate and blood pressure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cautions that any type of fat is high in calories and recommends that adults limit their fat intake to 20-35 percent of their total daily calories. To avoid additional calories, substitute polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats for saturated fats and trans fats. Jun 01, 2008 - 02:19 PM

U.S. hospitals are ill-prepared to handle emergencies stemming from terrorist attacks and natural disasters, a congressional committee concluded on May 7.

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held a two-day hearing into hospitals' lack of emergency surge capacity.

The hearing was specifically related to the Department of Health and Human Services issuing Medicaid regulations that will reduce federal funds to public hospitals.

Committee chairman Rep. Henry Waxman, D-CA, presented results from a committee survey of 34 Level I trauma centers – hospitals equipped with a full range of specialists and equipment available 24/7 – in seven major cities. The survey examined hospital operations on March 25 in order to determine real-time capacity of the trauma centers' emergency rooms and found that none had the capacity to respond to an attack on the scale of the March 11, 2004, commuter train bombings in Madrid that killed 177 and injured more than 2,000.

Some cases were worse than others. For instance, in three of the trauma centers surveyed in Los Angeles, overcrowding would be such an issue that the hospitals would have to turn away new patients. In Washington, D.C., there were no available treatment spaces due to severe overcrowding.

"If a terrorist attack had occurred in Washington, D.C. or Los Angeles on March 25 when we did our survey, the consequences would have been catastrophic," Waxman said in a statement.

The hearings included testimony from doctors and experts in the medical field. "To those of us who work in the front lines of the medical care system, it is irrational to believe that an emergency care system that is already overwhelmed by the day-to-day volume of acutely ill patients would be able to expand its capacity on short notice in response to a terrorist attack or natural disaster," said Roger Lewis, M.D., Ph.D., of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, CA, in a statement.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt also testified at the hearing. Leavitt said in a statement that his department is "working diligently to improve our nation's emergency preparedness and medical surge capacity, and we have made extensive funding available to hospitals through the states specifically toward this end."

Jun 01, 2008 - 02:16 PM

A new government report seeks to curb the number of volunteer firefighter deaths by providing information on various programs and strategies.

"Emerging Health and Safety Issues in the Volunteer Fire Service" (.pdf file) was created by the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Volunteer Fire Council. It highlights the various occupational health and safety issues facing the volunteer firefighter community.

For example, 50 percent of all volunteer firefighter deaths are due to heart attacks – 11 percent more than that of career firefighters, according to the report.

"The volunteer fire service has distinct issues related to health and safety that need to be specifically addressed," NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg said in a statement. "We lose too many volunteer firefighters in line-of-duty deaths."

The report recommends implementation of a health, wellness and safety initiative for volunteer firefighters that includes:

• Interventions for lowering cholesterol and blood-pressure levels
• Increasing physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Benchmarks that include measureable goals and objectives

Jun 01, 2008 - 02:14 PM

The Department of Homeland Security has released preliminary results (.pdf file) from a 2007 national exercise that tested terrorism preparedness and response among top officials.

Top Officials 4, also known as TOPOFF 4, was the fourth exercise in a congressionally mandated series and involved more than 23,000 participants from the local, state and federal levels, as well as the private sector. The event – conducted between Oct. 15 and Oct. 29 – focused on prevention, incident management and public information in the lead-up to, and fallout from, a fictional radiological attack.

Among the preliminary findings from the drill, based on observations from participants, were:

• Government departments and agencies lacked "critical information" at times during emergency management.
• Private-sector participants reported difficulty integrating into some of the responses.
• Public information officers had difficulty obtaining information on response activities.

The report listed several recommendations for improvement and corrective actions. DHS said it considered the exercise successful in making improvements from previous exercises, and the report highlighted several strengths observed during the drill.

Jun 01, 2008 - 02:11 PM

Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Substituting fruits and vegetables for higher-calorie foods also can be part of your weight-loss strategy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while everyone's needs are different depending on age and activity level, most adults need between 3 and 5 cups of fruits and vegetables a day. So what counts as a cup? Below are some examples:

1 small apple
1 large banana
8 large strawberries
1 medium grapefruit
2 or 3 medium plums
1 medium potato
12 baby carrots or 2 medium carrots
1 medium pear
2 large stalks of celery
1 cup cooked greens or 2 cups raw
10 broccoli florets
1 large ear of corn
1 large sweet potato

May 01, 2008 - 05:58 PM

Local, state and federal emergency response to last year's fatal bridge collapse in Minneapolis was commendable but left room for improvement, a new report (.pdf file) states.

When the 40-year-old interstate highway bridge spanning the Mississippi River unexpectedly collapsed Aug. 1, several agencies responded to assist in rescue attempts. More than 100 vehicles fell; 13 people were killed and 121 others were injured.

The U.S. Fire Administration examined the agencies' response to the disaster, finding that interagency training and planning led to an "excellent working relationship" and "outstanding" cooperation between departments. The report noted that the City of Minneapolis was as "well-prepared as any local jurisdiction could be to handle a major incident." For years, the report said, the city had invested in disaster preparedness that included interagency radios, FEMA training and the pursuit of federal grant money for equipment.

Problem areas, the report found, included:

• Lack of an initial unified command post by police and fire departments
• Initial confusion as to which agency was the lead
• Failure by some rescuers to keep their own safety in mind

Most of these concerns, along with several others listed in the report, have been corrected by the jurisdictions involved, USFA said.

May 01, 2008 - 05:56 PM

FEMA has made modest to moderate improvements in some areas since the 2005 hurricane season but is still ill-prepared for a catastrophic event, officials said at a hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Richard L. Skinner testified (.pdf file) April 3 that FEMA performs well in responding to "garden variety" or noncatastrophic disasters, such as the California wildfires. But, he said, several more steps must be taken before FEMA is prepared to handle another Hurricane Katrina-level threat.

"[FEMA] still has much to do to become a cohesive, efficient, and effective organization to prepare for and respond to the next catastrophic event," Skinner said. Of nine key areas, a report from the Inspector General said FEMA has made moderate progress in five areas, modest progress in three and limited progress in one.

Ranking committee member Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-ME, praised FEMA's progress, but noted that "effective implementation of our comprehensive reforms is essential if FEMA is to learn the lessons of Katrina and to prepare for even worse disasters."

Committee Chair Joe Lieberman, I-CT, suggested the agency's limited improvements were linked to shortfalls in staff and financial resources, highlighting the IG report's stance that "additional substantial funding increases for FEMA are still necessary."

May 01, 2008 - 05:54 PM

The Federal Communications Commission announced requirements for wireless carriers that choose to participate in an alert system designed to send emergency messages to subscribers.

Adopted April 9, the First Report and Order (.pdf file) lays out technical requirements for the transmission of emergency messages to the public in compliance with the Warning, Alert and Response Act.

The Commercial Mobile Alert System will send text messages regarding presidential alerts, imminent threat alerts, and child abduction emergency or Amber Alerts to subscribers who register for the service.

In related news, a coalition of counties in southeast Pennsylvania and Philadelphia launched an emergency text alert system for the region. ReadyNotifyPA will allow local officials to send e-mail or text messages to cell phones and other wireless devices during emergencies.

May 01, 2008 - 05:52 PM

The final two pieces of a vast oceanic system designed to detect tsunamis were recently put into place, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced.

The last of the 39 tsunami-detection buoys of the U.S. warning system were deployed in the South Pacific off the Solomon Islands in early March. The deep-ocean assessment and reporting stations provide NOAA forecasters with real-time data about any tsunami that could potentially strike U.S. states or territories.

This is one of several upgrades NOAA has made to its tsunami warning system since the devastating Indonesian tsunami in 2004.

May 01, 2008 - 05:50 PM

The U.S. Fire Administration released four reports examining various fire situations as part of its Topical Fire Report Series.

The topical series explores the various facets of fires in the United States by highlighting specific fires or risks, coupled with findings and data.

The newly released reports include:

• Residential Building Electrical Fires (.pdf file) examines the causes and characteristics of such fires to help residents take necessary action to prevent them.
• Fire Risks in 2004 (.pdf file) offers specific data relating to fires from that year.
• Fire Risks to Children in 2004 (.pdf file) and Fire Risks to Older Adults in 2004 (.pdf file) explore factors that influenced fire risks to which these two age groups were exposed in 2004.

May 01, 2008 - 05:45 PM

A recording of a March 5 Webcast providing information about the government's playbook for responding to disasters is available.

During the Webcast, FEMA representatives discussed the National Response Framework, which became effective March 22. The NRF outlines how first responders across various levels of government will work together during all types of disasters.

May 01, 2008 - 05:42 PM

The Federal Communications Commission's auction of a valuable piece of broadband spectrum intended for a public safety network failed to meet its $1.3 billion minimum reserve price.

D Block is a 10-megahertz part of the 700 MHz spectrum. The winning bidder for D Block must agree to enter into a partnership with the Public Safety Spectrum Trust to help build a nationwide interoperable network for first responders. Under the partnership, PSST would have priority access to the spectrum during emergencies.

The auction of the 700 MHz spectrum closed March 18. When D Block failed to meet its reserve, the FCC de-linked it from the other blocks offered during the auction. This allows the FCC to move forward with licensing the successfully auctioned blocks of the spectrum.

An FCC statement said the agency "remains committed" to fulfilling the goal of D Block, but it will not immediately re-offer the block in another auction and is considering options for its licensing.

May 01, 2008 - 05:40 PM

Citing the unpredictability of earthquakes and the devastation they can wreak, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program released its strategic plan to reduce such risks.

More than 75 million people live in urban areas that have a moderate to high risk of earthquake, program officials said, citing a National Research Council report. NEHRP is a federal interagency program; it operates under the National Institute of Standards and Technology and includes FEMA, the National Science Foundation and the U.S Geological Survey.

The strategic plan outlines the program's goals for the next four fiscal years: to further understand an earthquake's impact, to develop measures to reduce an earthquake's impact on individuals and society, and to improve the dissemination of earthquake information to emergency responders and the community.

The report was released April 15, days before a magnitude 5.2 quake occurred in the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone of southeast Illinois, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The April 18 quake was felt as far north as the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and as far south as Georgia, but only minor structural damage was reported near the quake's epicenter, USGS stated.

May 01, 2008 - 05:22 PM

May 01, 2008 - 11:00 AM

A newly released report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention praised state governments' emergency preparedness plans, but cautioned there is much more to do.

"Public Health Preparedness: Mobilizing State by State" is CDC's inaugural report on states' capacities for responding to health hazards and emergencies. The report noted several areas in which states have made strides since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the later anthrax attacks, including:

• All states have emergency response plans.
• The number of public health laboratories has nearly doubled.
• All states now participate in an alert system that quickly exchanges public health information.

Despite the improvements, the report noted several challenges that must now be overcome, such as dispensing medicines and vaccines more quickly and increasing the number of qualified employees in specific public health fields.

"As a nation, we are better prepared today to respond to public health threats, but the reality is that these efforts must be ongoing," said Richard Besser, M.D., director of CDC's Coordinating Office for Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response.

Apr 01, 2008 - 03:15 PM

More than twice as many firefighters as civilians suffered fire-related injuries in 2004, but the numbers have continued a downward trend, according to a new report (.pdf file) from the U.S. Fire Administration.

In 2004, 36,880 firefighters were injured during fireground activities, compared with 17,875 civilians, the report said. The number of firefighters injured in fireground activities over the last 10 years, however, has dropped nearly 14,000 since 50,640 were reported in 1995. This downward trend is consistent with overall firefighter injuries.

More than 89 percent of all fire-related firefighter injuries occurred on structure properties, with 76 percent of those occurring on residential property. Most of the injuries firefighters suffered (52 percent) did not result in lost work time. Less than 2 percent of injuries were severe or life threatening.

The 29- to 39-year-old age group experienced the most injuries and the highest injury rate, and the upper and lower extremities suffered the most frequent injuries. 

Apr 01, 2008 - 03:13 PM

Beginning this month, all new passenger trains will have to meet a new standard for emergency systems aimed at improving safety and response in emergency situations, Federal Railroad Administration officials said.

A final rule (.pdf file) issued Feb. 1 includes requirements for emergency window exits and access for emergency responders, roof access for responders, and intercom systems for emergency communication. FRA officials said two-way communication systems will allow passengers to make more timely reports of suspicious items or activity. 

A number of rail incidents over the years have highlighted the need for the enhancements, officials said. Among those was an April 2002 collision between a freight train and a standing Metrolink passenger train near Placentia, CA. Two people died and numerous people were injured on the passenger train. Investigators noted that although it was not a contributing factor in the fatalities and injuries, the force of the collision blocked the rear end door and rear stairway.

Apr 01, 2008 - 03:11 PM

A draft document (MS Word doc) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines actions first responders should take to prevent bloodborne pathogen exposure among themselves and those wounded in mass-casualty events.

The Israeli health ministry has discovered tissue from suicide bombers that tested positive for the hepatitis B virus, to which a bombing victim had been exposed. Other terrorist bombings occurring throughout the world have highlighted the need to formulate methods for first responders in how to implement disease prevention measures among the wounded after such attacks, CDC said.

The draft document provides recommendations for the use of immunization and post-exposure prophylaxis for bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B and C, and HIV among those wounded in a bombing or other mass-casualty events.

Apr 01, 2008 - 03:01 PM

Eleven universities were selected as "Centers of Excellence" by the Department of Homeland Security to lead safety and security research.

The universities will partner to form five Centers of Excellence, which will study:

• Border security and immigration (University of Arizona at Tucson and University of Texas at El Paso)
• Explosive detection, mitigation and response (Northeastern University in Boston and the University of Rhode Island in Kingston)
• Maritime, island and port security (University of Hawaii in Honolulu and Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ)
• Natural disasters, coastal infrastructure and emergency management (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Jackson State University in Jackson, MS)
• Transportation security (Texas Southern University in Houston, Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, MS, and the University of Connecticut in Storrs)

Additionally, each school will receive a $2 million grant each year for a period of four to six years. The selected academic institutions will "provide scientific expertise, high-quality resources, and independent thought – all valuable to securing America," said Jay M. Cohen, undersecretary for the department's Science and Technology Directorate.

Apr 01, 2008 - 02:58 PM

Railway experts and other transportation officials told members of Congress Feb. 11 that a successful evacuation plan in times of national emergency must take into account special-needs populations, identify technically skilled personnel and involve coordination from all levels of government. 

The discussion took place during a hearing in New Orleans before members of the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials. The subcommittee reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of intercity passenger rail use during evacuation prior to and after the events of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. Approximately 100,000 people were not evacuated prior to Hurricane Katrina, resulting in the deaths of 1,300 people, officials said. In many cases, evacuation was not possible due to a lack of access to a vehicle, officials added.

Railway experts said a successful evacuation railway plan will have to take into account several critical components, including transportation, shelter, supplies, security, and vulnerable populations such as the elderly, low-income individuals and the disabled.

Apr 01, 2008 - 02:57 PM

What's a whole grain? According to the Department of Agriculture, it's a grain that still has its outer covering, which contains the grain's fiber and many of its vitamins and minerals. In addition to being low in fat, whole grain breads and cereals are good sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals and protein.

By contrast, refined grains have been milled, a process that removes the bran and germ. This gives grains a finer texture and improves their shelf life, but it also removes dietary fiber, iron and many B vitamins. Products often made with refined grains include:

• Corn and flour tortillas
• Crackers
• Grits
• Pasta
• Pitas
• Pretzels
• Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals
• White bread
• White rice

USDA offers the following tips to help you introduce more whole grains into your diet.

• Check the label: If it doesn't say "whole grain" or "whole wheat," it's not the real thing.
• Choose whole grain varieties of bread, muffins, bagels and rolls.
• Choose a whole grain hot cereal, such as oatmeal, or a cold breakfast cereal that provides at least 4 grams of fiber per serving.
• Choose whole wheat varieties of pancakes or waffles.
• In recipes that call for flour, replace at least half the white flour with whole wheat flour.
• Eat whole wheat noodles, brown rice or bulgur (cracked wheat) at least twice a week.
• Try higher fiber cracker varieties, such as whole rye crackers, whole grain flatbread or multigrain crackers.
• Once a week or more, try a low-fat meatless meal or main dish that features whole grains.

Apr 01, 2008 - 02:55 PM

Mar 18, 2008 - 02:49 PM

Mar 17, 2008 - 02:44 PM

The effects of fatigue and sleep debt on professional drivers have long been a major issue in the transportation industry, but some experts are growing more concerned that economic demands and people's lifestyle choices are increasingly making it a problem for all drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 4 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes are caused by drowsy driving. That amounts to at least 1,500 deaths and 71,000 injuries each year, in addition to an estimated $12.5 billion in lost productivity and property loss.

Despite this, companies and employees still do not seem to make sleep a priority in their daily activities, experts say. Part of the reason could be that people still do not understand how the sleep-wake cycle can influence every aspect of a person's life – occupationally, physiologically and socially. Other factors contributing to the problem include financial and economic constraints and personal lifestyle choices, which include recreational activities or family obligations that take away from the time a person should be sleeping.

The sleep-wake cycle

The sleep-wake cycle, which equates to about eight hours of nocturnal sleep and 16 hours of daytime wakefulness in humans, is controlled by both sleep homeostasis and circadian rhythms. Homeostasis is the process by which the body maintains a steady state of internal conditions such as body temperature and blood pressure. Circadian rhythms, which affect body temperature, hormone levels and sleep, occur over a 24-hour period and are driven by internal 24-hour rhythms.

According to the Washington-based National Sleep Foundation, daytime alertness and memory are impaired by the loss of eight hours of sleep, and getting three, five or less than seven hours of sleep a night for seven consecutive nights can significantly impair alertness and motor performance.

In addition, remaining awake for 22 of the prior 24 hours impairs cognitive performance to a degree comparable to the impairment induced by a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10 percent, according to the Sleep Research Society, based in Westchester, IL. Studies also show that fatigue and sleep debt can cause depression and anxiety.

The following tips can help you combat fatigue by getting a good night's sleep:

• Turn off lights and close blinds to make your bedroom dark before going to sleep. Do this at the same time every day.
• Develop a relaxing sleep ritual.
• Block or mask outside sounds.
• Lower your thermostat before going to bed.
• Maintain or improve your overall health.
• Know the side effects of your medications.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol several hours before bedtime.
• Unplug the telephone in your bedroom.

Mar 01, 2008 - 10:26 AM

People are waiting longer for emergency treatment in hospitals across the country, a Harvard Medical School study suggested. Analyzing data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, researchers found that the median emergency room wait time increased 36 percent between 1997 and 2004.

Half of patients seeking emergency care were required to wait 30 minutes or more before seeing a doctor – an increase from an average 22 minutes in 1997, according to the study, which was published in the journal Health Affairs (Vol. 27, No. 1).

Wait times grew for those with both minor and major injuries. The study found that in 2004, half of patients suffering a heart attack had to wait 20 minutes or more before being examined, as opposed to the median eight-minute wait in 1997.

Those patients triaged as "emergent" saw the median wait time increase from 10 minutes in 1997 to 14 minutes in 2004. The longest wait times were recorded in urban hospitals – where 80 percent of care was sought.

The report noted that while emergency room visits increased between 18 and 26 percent between 1994 and 2004, the actual number of emergency departments decreased between 9 and 12 percent during that time.

Mar 01, 2008 - 10:23 AM

The Department of Homeland Security will see a boost from President Bush's proposed fiscal year 2009 budget, but some individual programs may suffer.

Bush requested $50.5 billion (.pdf file) for DHS – up 6.8 percent from FY 2008. Included is $215 million to FEMA to implement Phase II of the Vision initiatives, which include improving emergency communications and meeting Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act requirements. FEMA also will receive $2.2 billion, mostly in the form of grants, in support of local and state partners in homeland security. This is down $1 billion from 2008.

Also decreasing was the U.S. Fire Administration's budget from $43 million to $41 million. Harold A. Schaitberger, president of the New York-based International Association of Fire Fighters, criticized Bush's budget.

"Once again, Bush has proposed eliminating or drastically reducing funding for important programs that make our neighborhoods, our citizens and our country safer," he said in a statement. Schaitberger pointed out that there was no increase in the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (known as FIRE grants) from the $300 million Bush proposed in FY 2008, and that funding would be eliminated for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Act grant program. Bush had attempted to cut funding for the SAFER Act in FY 2008, but congressional action secured $190 million for the program and increased FIRE Act funding to $560 million from Bush's proposed $300 million.

Mar 01, 2008 - 10:21 AM

A draft document (MS Word doc) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines actions first responders should take to prevent bloodborne pathogen exposure among themselves and those wounded in mass-casualty events.

The Israeli health ministry has discovered tissue from suicide bombers that tested positive for the hepatitis B virus, to which a bombing victim had been exposed. Other terrorist bombings occurring throughout the world have highlighted the need to formulate methods for first responders in how to implement disease prevention measures among the wounded after such attacks, CDC said.

The draft document provides recommendations for the use of immunization and post-exposure prophylaxis for bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B and C, and HIV among those wounded in a bombing or other mass-casualty events.

CDC is accepting comment on the draft until Feb. 22.

Mar 01, 2008 - 10:19 AM

The U.S. Fire Administration launched a campaign aimed at eliminating deaths from fires caused by smoking materials.

About 1,000 people are killed each year in smoking-related fires – the No. 1 cause of preventable fire deaths, according to USFA. The Smoking & Home Fires Campaign is asking smokers to "Put it out. All the way. Every time" to ensure that smoldering cigarettes never get the chance to start a fire. The majority of smoking-related blazes begin on a bed, on furniture or in trash when cigarettes are not completely extinguished.

"It just takes a few seconds to light up – and a few seconds to make sure that cigarette is really out," U.S. Fire Administrator Gregory B. Cade said in a statement.

Mar 01, 2008 - 10:17 AM

The Department of Homeland Security on Jan. 22 released a nationwide guide for government and community response to disasters.

The National Response Framework replaces the original National Response Plan. It defines the roles and responsibilities among local, state and federal officials to ensure effective planning and response to emergencies.

DHS officials said the newly released document was designed to be more streamlined. "The key to the framework is that it is a simple, straightforward guide for senior officials and emergency responders so they can plan, prepare for, and respond to all-hazard disasters and emergencies," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said.

Mar 01, 2008 - 09:45 AM

With rural areas experiencing a fire death rate nearly twice the national rate, a new report focuses on what can be done to address the issue.

"Mitigation of the Rural Fire Problem," released by the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association, examines the differences of rural fires and provides implementation strategies for reducing fires in small communities.

"As communities with fewer than 2,500 residents have a per capita fire death rate almost twice the national rate, this is an important life safety effort," U.S. Fire Administrator Gregory B. Cade said.

Smaller communities often have less income and, therefore, fewer resources to battle fires. The report suggested rural communities would benefit from safer products and safety devices such as smoke alarms.

Mar 01, 2008 - 09:44 AM

Come April, all new passenger trains will have to meet a new standard for emergency systems aimed at improving safety and response in emergency situations, Federal Railroad Administration officials said.

A final rule (.pdf file) issued Feb. 1 includes requirements for emergency window exits and access for emergency responders, roof access for responders, and intercom systems for emergency communication. FRA officials said two-way communication systems will allow passengers to make more timely reports of suspicious items or activity. 

A number of rail incidents over the years have highlighted the need for the enhancements, officials said. Among those was an April 2002 collision between a freight train and a standing Metrolink passenger train near Placentia, CA. Two people died and numerous people were injured on the passenger train. Investigators noted that although it was not a contributing factor in the fatalities and injuries, the force of the collision blocked the rear end door and rear stairway. The National Transportation Safety Board issued a recommendation letter following its investigation into the collision, urging FRA to adopt emergency procedures for windows and multiple-level passenger railcars.

Mar 01, 2008 - 09:42 AM

The United States has made "significant progress" on preparing for public health emergencies, but several critical gaps are still present, according to a new study.

The Washington-based nonprofit Trust for America's Health released its fifth annual report on state-by-state health preparedness, titled "Ready or Not? Protecting the Public's Health from Disease, Disasters, and Bioterrorism."

"The improvements in state preparedness are encouraging, but the job of preparing the United States for major health emergencies is not nearly done," said Jeff Levi, TFAH executive director.

Areas of concern noted in the report include:

• 7 states have not purchased their share of antivirals to stockpile for pandemic influenza as requested by the federal government.
• 13 states lack adequate plans to distribute emergency vaccines, antidotes and medical supplies.
• 21 states do not provide sufficient legal protection from liability for health care volunteers responding to an emergency.

Feb 01, 2008 - 12:34 PM

Firefighter deaths were up slightly in 2007 from previous years, but some areas saw improvement, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Fire Administration.

A total of 115 on-duty firefighter deaths were reported in 2007 – nine more than 2006. The number of deaths from heart attacks and strokes, the longtime leading cause of firefighter death, remained unchanged from 2006 at 54. However, the percentage of heart attacks and strokes representing overall deaths decreased: 47 percent in 2007 compared with 51 percent in 2006.

South Carolina had the most firefighter fatalities in 2007 with 11, including nine lost while battling a June 18 sofa warehouse blaze in Charleston. Of the total, 64 percent of firefighters died while performing emergency duties in 2007 – up from 57 percent in 2006.

The number of firefighters killed while battling wildland fires – 10 – is a dramatic drop from 22 in 2006, 19 in 2005 and 21 in 2004.

The figures released in the provisional report are subject to change when the final report is released in early June.

Feb 01, 2008 - 12:32 PM

The Department of Homeland Security has awarded $33.7 million in funding for first responder equipment and training in small communities.

The funding, available through the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program, is intended to assist law enforcement and emergency responder agencies with needs in various categories, including personal protective equipment and interoperable communications equipment.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said the funding would help smaller communities "develop tools and capabilities that they may not otherwise be able to afford."

Feb 01, 2008 - 12:30 PM

Emergency responders across the nation have come together in an effort to improve the safety and speed of clearing vehicle crashes from roadways.

Nineteen organizations – including the International Association of Fire Fighters, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Towing and Recovery Association of America – announced the launch of the National Unified Goal for Traffic Incident Management (.pdf file). The goal is focused on improving communication and coordination at crash scenes in order to quickly clear the roadway.

The organizations involved also are asking motorists to slow down and move over when approaching crash sites to help prevent injuries to first responders.

"Vehicle-related incidents account for roughly 20 percent of firefighter deaths. A growing number of those deaths are firefighters who are struck at the scene while helping others," International Association of Fire Chiefs Executive Director Mark Light said. "It is a problem we share with all roadside responders, and together we need to work toward a solution."

The goal was developed by the National Traffic Incident Management Coalition, which is facilitated by the Washington-based American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Feb 01, 2008 - 12:27 PM

The U.S. Fire Administration launched a new campaign aimed at eliminating deaths from fires caused by smoking materials.

About 1,000 people are killed each year in smoking-related fires – the No. 1 cause of preventable fire deaths, according to USFA. The Smoking & Home Fires Campaign is asking smokers to "Put it Out. All the Way. Every Time" to ensure that smoldering cigarettes never get the chance to start a fire. The majority of smoking-related blazes begin on a bed, on furniture or in trash when cigarettes are not completely extinguished.

"It just takes a few seconds to light up – and a few seconds to make sure that cigarette is really out," USFA Administrator Greg Cade said in a statement.

Feb 01, 2008 - 12:26 PM

It begins all of a sudden and seemingly out of nowhere – a slight pain begins on one side of your head, gradually building into an intense throb. Previously unnoticed lights and sounds are now piercing, their intensity causing the pain to build to a nearly intolerable level. A wave of nausea sweeps over you and you know this is no ordinary headache – this is a migraine.
Although doctors do not know what causes the brain condition that leads to migraines, progress has been made in the development of medications for treating and preventing attacks.

Diagnosing a migraine

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, offers a checklist to help differentiate a migraine headache from other types. In order to be diagnosed as a migraine, a headache must meet two of these requirements:

• One-sided
• Pulsating
• Moderate to severe intensity
• Aggravated by routine physical activity

The headache also must:

• Last between 4 and 72 hours
• Have no underlying medical cause
• Not be attributable to any other condition

Additionally, migraines are always accompanied by either an increased sensitivity to light and sound or by nausea and occasional vomiting.

Oftentimes migraines occur with "auras" – unusual sights or sensations just prior to the migraine attack. Auras can include flashes of light, numbness in the face or fingers, or speech or movement problems. Auras usually last less than an hour and are followed by headache symptoms.

In most people – 8 out of 10, according to Mayo Clinic estimates – migraines strike without auras. Some sufferers report these headaches being preceded by more vague clues such as moodiness or a loss of appetite.

Treatment options: Weighing pros and cons

The Chicago-based National Headache Foundation recognizes two basic types of migraine medication: acute, which is taken as needed when migraine symptoms appear; and prophylactic, which is a preventive medication taken daily.

Acute medications are available in many forms, including nasal spray and injections for people who experience vomiting during their migraines. The medication should take effect in about two hours. It is important when taking acute medications not to take too much – the body can become dependent on some types of these drugs.

Preventive medicine is recommended for people who experience two or more debilitating headaches per month or who take acute medication as often as twice a week. However, prophylactics do not relieve symptoms on the spot and often require two to three months of consistent use to become fully effective.

According to the Mayo Clinic, although they have not been adequately tested, some alternative therapies may be effective in treating migraines. Some commonly used alternative therapies include acupuncture, hypnosis, massage, yoga, and certain dietary supplements such as magnesium and riboflavin.

Tracking your triggers

The American Council for Headache Education in Mount Royal, NJ, recommends keeping a "headache diary" to track when migraines occur as well as any possible triggers that may have led to the attack. Factors could include foods, scents, weather, menstrual cycle, sleep, stress, changes in mood or physical activity.

While it is impossible to completely avoid all possible triggers, tracking the severity of your migraines and when they strike can help with treatment and prevention by revealing potential trends in your migraine patterns.

Migraines are a very individual experience. It is important for you to have as much information as possible about your specific condition to help your doctor come up with the best treatment plan for your unique condition.

Feb 01, 2008 - 12:19 PM

Feb 01, 2008 - 12:11 PM

Americans live in a world of 24/7 restaurants and supermarkets that offer prepared meals. Because most establishments do not offer patrons control over portion size and food preparation, making healthy choices can be difficult. According to the National Restaurant Association's 2008 Restaurant Industry Forecast, which was released in December, 76 percent of American adults say they are trying to eat more healthy entrees when dining out. The National Institutes of Health recommends looking for these key words on menus to help you make better choices:

• Steamed
• Broiled
• Baked
• Roasted
• Poached
• Lightly sautéed or stir-fried
• Garden fresh

NIH also suggests asking if the restaurant will:

• Trim visible fat from poultry or meat
• Serve fat-free (skim) milk rather than whole milk or cream
• Leave all butter, gravy or sauces off a dish
• Serve margarine rather than butter with the meal
• Serve salad dressing on the side
• Accommodate special requests
• Use less cooking oil when cooking

Jan 03, 2008 - 12:13 PM

Emergency responders across the nation have come together in an effort to improve the safety and speed of clearing vehicle crashes from roadways.

Nineteen organizations – including the International Association of Fire Fighters, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Towing and Recovery Association of America – announced in November the launch of the National Unified Goal for Traffic Incident Management (.pdf file). The goal is focused on improving communication and coordination at crash scenes in order to quickly clear the roadway.

The organizations involved are also asking motorists to slow down and move over when approaching crash sites to help prevent injuries to first responders.

"Vehicle-related incidents account for roughly 20 percent of firefighter deaths. A growing number of those deaths are firefighters who are struck at the scene while helping others," International Association of Fire Chiefs Executive Director Mark Light said. "It is a problem we share with all roadside responders, and together we need to work toward a solution."

The goal was developed by the National Traffic Incident Management Coalition, which is facilitated by the Washington-based American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Jan 02, 2008 - 01:45 PM

New reports from the U.S. Fire Administration examining fire department responses to a variety of emergency calls found wireless communications has slowed response times, and more than 10 percent of calls were false alarms.

Part of the Topical Fire Report Series, the Fire Department Fire Run Profile (.pdf file) and Fire Department Overall Run Profile (.pdf file) examined 2004 data from USFA's National Fire Incident Reporting System.

The overall run profile noted that, due to advancing technology such as cell phones and voice-over-Internet protocol that are not at fixed locations, determining a call's origination has become more complex – thus delaying responses.

Emergency medical service and rescue calls accounted for 55.2 percent of all calls received, the profile found. False alarms and false calls were second, accounting for 11.5 percent of the total. Calls about fires made up 8.2 percent of the overall run total. Of those, the fire run profile noted 41.6 percent were for fires in structures, followed by outside (35 percent) and vehicles (16.8 percent).

On average, the demand for fire services was lowest in the morning and rose during the day, peaking between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. March and April saw the most fire runs, accounting for 10.1 percent and 10.2 percent, respectively, of the yearly total.

Aid between fire departments on calls, whether offering or receiving, was relatively low – nearly 90 percent of all calls were not aid-related. However, aid plays a vital role in some situations, such as terrorism or natural disasters, and both profiles recommended a more detailed analysis of the types of aid given and received.

The Topical Fire Report Series is designed to examine specific facets of the fire problem in the United States through the data collected by the National Fire Incident Reporting System, which is charged with collecting fire department data from agencies across the county.

Jan 02, 2008 - 01:42 PM

Working overnight soon will be listed as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a London-based branch of the World Health Organization.

The agency is basing its decision on a number of previous studies indicating women working overnight shifts were more prone to breast cancer, men working overnight are more prone to prostate cancer, and animals that have their light-dark schedules reversed develop more tumors.

Some scientists believe working overnight increases cancer rates by disrupting the body's natural circadian rhythms and impeding the development of melatonin – a tumor-suppressing hormone that is produced at night.

According to the agency, the link between third-shift work and the development of cancer was first proposed in 1987 by a researcher at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington. An exact tie-in has not been conclusively identified, and the connection has been met with skepticism by some who attribute rises in cancer incidence to other factors in workers' lives.

Jan 02, 2008 - 01:41 PM

Jan 02, 2008 - 01:39 PM

The number of on-duty firefighter injuries jumped more than 4 percent in 2006 from the previous year, a new report from the National Fire Protection Association states.

According to the report, which was published in the November/December issue of NFPA Journal, 83,400 firefighter injuries were recorded in 2006, compared with 80,100 in 2005. The number of injuries to firefighters has risen the last two years since a low of 75,840 in 2004. The general trend of firefighter injuries, however, has been in decline since 1981, when 103,340 injuries were recorded, statistics show.

In 2006, more than half of all injuries to firefighters (44,210) occurred during fireground operations, where injuries have increased yearly since 2002. As with total injuries, fireground injuries have been in general decline since 1981, when 67,500 were recorded. The report attributed this to a similar trend of fewer fires over the last 25 years.

The vast majority of fireground injuries in 2006 were the result of strain, sprain or muscle pain (46.7 percent). Burns and smoke or gas inhalation were much less common at 6.9 percent and 5.6 percent, respectively. Strains, sprains or muscle pain also were the leading cause of nonfireground injuries (56.7 percent) and total injuries (51.4 percent).

Collisions involving emergency vehicles numbered 16,020 – the highest total in more than 15 years. In these collisions, 1,250 firefighters were injured, the report showed.

Of the total injuries, less than 20 percent (15,950) resulted in lost time.

Dec 01, 2007 - 10:49 AM

At least 522 lives can be saved annually in the United States and Canada by the widespread placement of automated external defibrillators, according to heart experts at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.

Researchers said their findings support the broad deployment of battery-powered AEDs in public spaces where large gatherings occur, such as senior care facilities, hospitals, sports stadiums, community centers, shopping malls, airports, and the lobbies of large hotels and office buildings. More than 300,000 Americans die from sudden cardiac death, researchers said.

The researchers presented their findings Nov. 5 at the American Heart Association's annual Scientific Sessions conference in Orlando, FL.

Dec 01, 2007 - 10:47 AM

Despite recent disasters and billions of dollars spent on preparedness, the U.S. health care system remains ill-prepared for a large-scale natural or man-made disaster, according to a new report from PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The New York-based accounting firm's Health Research Institute interviewed policy makers, nearly 250 health care executives and practitioners, and 1,000 adults to determine what gaps exist in the health care system if a terrorist attack, pandemic or extreme weather incident were to occur.

The study called current disaster planning "sporadic and disconnected," noting that public health workers and hospitals rarely work together. Primary care physicians were the least likely to receive training for a disaster, the study said, with only 20 percent of those surveyed saying they were "well prepared" for such an event. The report also noted that the federal government and state governments do not have requirements for hospitals to maintain certain capacity levels in the event of a disaster, and hospitals in several communities do not have enough beds to handle a surge of patients.

Among several recommendations to improve preparedness were planning for alternate areas to care for patients, improve capacity levels in hospitals and plan for delivering care in unconventional locations.

Dec 01, 2007 - 10:43 AM

Federal agencies should make greater use of pandemic flu preparedness advisory panels composed of public and private-sector officials, a report (.pdf file) from the Government Accountability Office advises.

The advisory panels were organized after the 2006 launch of the National Infrastructure Protection Plan, which addresses 17 critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, telecommunications and transportation. According to GAO, the private sector owns 85 percent of the nation's critical infrastructure.

The GAO report said the government and councils largely have focused on sharing information and developing sector-specific responses to address all hazards rather than on pandemic-specific activities. The report concluded that because an outbreak could happen at any time, discussions on pandemic preparedness should occur now to allow enough time and resources to adequately plan and prepare.

Dec 01, 2007 - 10:42 AM

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality recently recommended expanding the capabilities of poison control centers, nurse advice lines, drug information centers and health agency hotlines to assist people in the event of public health emergencies such as biological attacks, food contamination and pandemic influenza.

“Adapting Community Call Centers for Crisis Support: A Model for Home-based Care and Monitoring," released Oct. 26, contains strategies and tools designed to help centers respond to callers concerned about their health risks. The report also offers information on how centers can collect disease surveillance data, assist with sorting calls according to urgency, assist with monitoring or contacting persons quarantined at home, and help provide instructions to callers on how to take dispensed drugs.

The use of the telephone to provide information and support disease control measures likely would be favorably received by the public and would assist public health agencies in the management of crises, according to the report.

Dec 01, 2007 - 10:41 AM

It's said to help lower blood pressure; cut the risk of heart disease; decrease pain; and promote alertness, well-being and relaxation. Can chocolate really play a role in good health?

Research presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2002 found chocolate could be good for us; the point has been debated ever since.

One study found a substance in cocoa helps the body process nitric oxide, a compound critical for healthy blood flow and pressure. Another showed that flavonols in cocoa prevent fat-like substances in the bloodstream from oxidizing and clogging the arteries, and make blood platelets less likely to stick together and cause clots. Chocolate also contains many substances that act as stimulants, such as theobromine, phenethylamine and caffeine, which, by themselves, have been found to increase alertness and attention. Researchers also have found that consuming chocolate increases stimulating effects and leads to increased mental performance.

Dark chocolate is the real hero because it contains the greatest amount of flavonoids, which are antioxidants believed to help the body resist damage caused by free radicals – a main cause of heart disease – according to researchers at the University of Cologne in Germany. However, Melissa Ohlson, a nutritionist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, said many other foods contain flavonoids. "The flavonoids in chocolate are prevalent in tons of foods, such as berries, apples, tea and peanuts," she said. "Chocolate is not something that is going to save you, but it can help." She went on to explain that dark chocolate is really the only type of chocolate that has these benefits. When cocoa is processed into chocolate products, it goes through several steps to reduce its naturally bitter taste. The more chocolate is processed, the more flavonoids are lost. She said the bitterness of dark chocolate directly correlates with the amount of flavenoids – the more bitter the better.

Of course, there is a catch. Remember, everything in moderation. "Saturated fat and calories can lead to weight gain, which can lead to obesity, diabetes and all sorts of other problems," Ohlson said. "An ounce a day would be fine. Pay attention to your balances: calories in and calories out."

Dec 01, 2007 - 10:39 AM

Dec 01, 2007 - 10:28 AM

A bill seeking sweeping medical care and compensation for those affected by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York was introduced in the House.

Reps. Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler, both D-NY; and Vito Fossella, R-NY, on Sept. 17 introduced the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (H.R. 3543) (.pdf file), designed to ensure medical care for thousands of Americans exposed to toxins from the World Trade Center attacks.

If passed, the act would reopen the Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund for those who became ill after the 2003 deadline, and would offer medical monitoring and treatment to ill area residents, workers, school children, and anyone who assisted in the recovery and cleanup efforts at ground zero.

"This bill's gathering momentum is recognition that the heroes of 9/11 have waited far too long for the care and compensation they deserve," the representatives said in a joint statement.

Other items of the bill include:

• Amending rules to allow responders who arrived on scene after the first 96 hours to be eligible for the compensation fund if they become ill or were injured as a result of their work at the attack site
• Requiring the federal government to research the extent and severity of World Trade Center illnesses
• Establishing and funding the Coordinating Centers of Excellence to collect and analyze data, and to develop medical monitoring and treatment protocols

In related news, a new study on New York firefighters who responded to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks has suggested use of inhaled corticosteroids may prevent respiratory illnesses. A week after the attack, New York City Fire Department Deputy Chief Medical Officer and study author David Prezant and his colleagues handed out anti-inflammatory inhalers – commonly used to treat asthma – to 2,708 city firefighters, 158 of whom completed the four-week treatment.

The study showed the treated group had "significantly greater" declines in respiratory symptoms and a small improvement of lung function. The research was presented Oct. 24 in Chicago at CHEST 2007, the 73rd annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians.

Nov 02, 2007 - 12:22 PM

A new report details sleep deprivation and how to mitigate its effects among some first responders.

Released by the U.S. Fire Administration and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, “The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Fire Fighters and EMS Responders" features a review of previous fatigue studies – including those involving the transportation and medical training fields.

"The research can apply to any busy station, volunteer or career, with any of the traditional schedules," said Chief Steven P. Westermann, IAFC president.

The report notes that long work hours are associated with chronic sleep loss, and sleep deprivation can increase the risk of errors in tasks requiring alertness. Chronic sleep loss can lead to depression and stress, and is associated with musculoskeletal problems and a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

To combat these ill effects, the report suggests leading a healthy lifestyle; maximizing the ability to achieve adequate sleep; and working with personnel, families and management to structure work hours to best meet both professional and employee health needs.

Nov 02, 2007 - 12:11 PM

Lessons learned from Sept. 11 and Hurricane Katrina on protecting the safety and health of first responders have been applied to the Department of Homeland Security, a DHS official said.

In Sept. 20 testimony before the House Committee on Homeland Security, DHS Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jon R. Krohmer discussed how his department has advanced the health and safety of responders in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks and natural disasters. "We have learned a great deal from those events, both in terms of how we protect our first responders and in the long-term management of those involved," he said.

Among the measures taken:

• Establishing an Office of Component Services to optimize health-related services and consultations for various DHS agencies
• Hiring an occupational medicine physician, who will help develop plans for medical and psychological assistance for personnel during and after deployments
• Hiring a director of emergency medical services, who will work to ensure proper medical support services are in place for operational personnel

Also in September, the department released new guidelines (.pdf file) designed to organize national efforts to strengthen effective responses to emergencies.

The "National Preparedness Guidelines" provide an approach to prioritizing preparedness efforts across the country. The "Target Capabilities List" describes the collective national capabilities required in the prevention, protection and recovery from terrorist attacks or major disasters.

According to DHS, the documents would focus policy and planning for all levels of government and the private sector to become more prepared for major incidents.

Nov 02, 2007 - 11:15 AM

The application period for FEMA's 2007 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants opened Oct. 22.

According to FEMA, the grants, part of the agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grants, are awarded for projects that target high-risk populations and mitigate high incidences of death and injury by enhancing the safety of both the public and firefighters.

Applications are being accepted until 5 p.m. EST, Nov. 30.

Nov 02, 2007 - 11:07 AM

Sometimes it seems as though everyone in America is on some type of diet. Yet, obesity is at a dangerously high level and seems to be climbing. What can people do to keep themselves healthy while fighting the fat? The name of the game is portion control.

If you think, when eating at a restaurant or even when eating prepackaged food, that one package or one plate is one serving, think again. Portion sizes of many popular restaurants and packaged foods have significantly increased during the past 20 years, especially when compared to their sizes when they were first introduced, according to the American Dietetic Association in Chicago. For example, when Coca-Cola was introduced in 1916, the serving size was 6.5 ounces. Today consumers can choose from 8, 12, 20 or 34 ounces. A serving of french fries at McDonald's in 1955 was 2.4 ounces. Today the 2.4-ounce size is still available but is considered a small. Consumers also can choose the medium at 5.3 ounces or the large at 6.3 ounces.

Researchers from New York University in 2003 compared portion sizes to federal standards, finding that most common portions exceeded standard sizes by as much as eight times. The researchers also found that portion sizes of many foods and beverages today are two to five times larger than when they first became commercially available.

Portions of some foods exceed the serving sizes recommended on the package's food label. The nutrition label lists the number of calories per serving, but some individually wrapped items contain 2.5 or more standard label servings. Nutrition label serving sizes are based on – but not necessarily equal to – the amount of food customarily eaten at one time as reported from nationwide food consumption surveys, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Right-size your meal

So what is the correct serving size for healthy eating? While it can be difficult to visualize a half-cup or 3 ounces, let alone "one serving," some everyday comparisons can help you figure out healthy serving sizes.

• A teaspoon of margarine is the size of the tip of your thumb to the first joint.
• 3 ounces of meat is the size of a deck of cards.
• 1 cup of pasta is the size of a tennis ball.
• Half of a medium bagel is the size of a hockey puck.
• 1.5 ounces of cheese is the size of three dominoes.
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter roughly equals the size of a pingpong ball.

Once you get a feel for serving sizes, you can compare them to the amount you actually eat and make the necessary modifications for a healthy diet.

Nov 02, 2007 - 10:46 AM

Nov 02, 2007 - 10:40 AM

The Department of Homeland Security touts its follow-up to the National Response Plan as more user friendly.

According to DHS, the National Response Framework incorporates recommendations from the previous plan to improve upon the United States' response to, and short-term recovery from, all-hazard disasters across all communities and government levels.

The framework is considered the "playbook" for the federal coordination of resources and assets in managing disasters, according to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. The draft is open for public comment until Oct. 10.

Oct 03, 2007 - 12:47 PM

Last month marked the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and its impact is still being felt today by World Trade Center responders.

A new study (.pdf file) conducted by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found 926 workers who responded to the 2001 attacks in New York have since been newly diagnosed with asthma. They represent 3.6 percent of the 25,748 responders to the World Trade Center who did not have asthma before Sept. 11.

The diagnosis was "significantly associated" with increased exposure to the Sept. 11 disaster site, according to the study.

Although researchers could not distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate respiratory protection, they found a "moderate protective effect" in using a mask or respirator. Workers who arrived on Sept. 11 and experienced longer delays in using masks or respirators had an increased risk of asthma, the study found.

A separate study conducted by the department found rescue and recovery workers involved in the efforts at the World Trade Center site experienced high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder years after the attacks.

Focusing on 30,000 rescuers, including police officers, firefighters, construction workers and volunteers, the study found about 12 percent of workers overall had PTSD symptoms in 2003 and 2004.

The lowest rate of PTSD was seen in police officers, with 6.2 percent suffering from the disorder, compared with 21.2 percent of volunteers. Higher rates also were seen in those who started work at the site immediately after the attacks and worked for longer periods of time.

Authors of the study, which was published in the September issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry, concluded that disaster training can help eliminate the onset of PTSD and recommended better training and more shift rotations to help reduce the risk.

Oct 03, 2007 - 12:44 PM

A total of 106 firefighters died while on duty last year, a newly released report (.pdf file) from the U.S. Fire Administration states. According to the data, this marks the third year in a row on-duty deaths have decreased: In 2005, 115 firefighters died on duty; 119 died in 2004.

Of the total fatalities for 2006, 29 were career firefighters and 77 were volunteers. Heart attack was the most frequent cause of death for firefighters in 2006, claiming 50 lives. But this figure also has been in decline from the two previous years – 55 and 61, respectively.

Other causes of death included incident trauma (24 deaths), asphyxiation (12) and burns (8). The number of firefighters killed during wildland firefighting rose to 22 in 2006, up from 19 in 2005 and 21 in 2004.

The total figures from USFA stand in slight contrast to those from the Quincy, MA-based National Fire Protection Association, which reported 89 on-duty deaths for 2006 in the July/August edition of NFPA Journal.

Most of the discrepancy stems from USFA following mandates of the Hometown Heroes Act of 2003, which requires inclusion of off-duty fatalities such as heart attacks or other illnesses suffered within 24 hours of being on the job. NFPA does not include these figures, nor does it include deaths that occurred during commuting, according to an association spokesperson.

In related news, fires and fire-related injury rates were at a 10-year low, according to the 14th edition of "Fire in the United States," released by USFA on Aug. 28. In 2004, there were 13.6 deaths per million people – a 29 percent drop from 1995 and half of what it was in the late 1970s. The number of fires has dropped 27.7 percent to 5,280 per million people, and injuries fell nearly 40 percent to 60.9 million, according to the report.

Regardless, U.S. fire rates have remained as some of the highest among other industrial nations and are double that of several European countries, the report said.

Oct 03, 2007 - 12:39 PM

A better university response to the April 16 Virginia Tech tragedy might have saved lives, according to a newly released independent review of the massacre conducted at the request of state Gov. Timothy Kaine, D.

The massacre by university student Seung-Hui Cho began with the double homicide in a dormitory before continuing with the killing of 30 others hours later on the opposite side of the Blacksburg campus. Possibly because of police investigators' false lead on a suspect and a premature conclusion that the double homicide was domestic in nature, the university was slow to inform students and staff about the homicides, the review stated. A message about the first shooting was sent via e-mail nearly two hours afterward and shortly before the second volley of shootings began, but it made no mention of any injuries, let alone deaths.

"Warning the students, faculty, and staff might have made a difference," the review said. "[T]he earlier and clearer the warning, the more chance an individual had of surviving." Despite this conclusion, the review acknowledged that there was no plausible response to the original shooting that could have prevented Cho's "mission of fulfilling a fantasy of revenge."

Additionally, prior to the massacre, Cho exhibited "numerous incidents" that were warning signs of mental instability. But due to misunderstandings of federal privacy laws, various officials – including a health center and university police – did not communicate with one another about Cho.

In all, the review panel made more than 70 recommendations directed at various groups including colleges, mental health providers, law enforcement officials and lawmakers. Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger said the university would evaluate which recommendations in the report could be immediately implemented and which need further study. Since the tragedy, the university has implemented a new alert system for quickly sending information to students and staff.

Oct 03, 2007 - 12:37 PM

What's an easy, convenient way to manage day-to-day stress? Just breathe.

According to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, deep breathing can help you relax by lowering your blood pressure, slowing your heart and respiration rates, and easing muscle tension. Even as little as five minutes a day of deep breathing can calm and refresh you and leave you more alert.

The clinic offers the following instructions to achieve relaxation by breathing:

• Sit in a comfortable chair, feet flat on the floor.
• Close your eyes, or visually focus on something in the room.
• Paying attention to your breathing, inhale slowly through your nose. Visualize your diaphragm moving down to create more space for your lungs to expand.
• Let your lower abdomen relax and expand as it fills with air.
• When your lungs and abdomen are full, slowly let air out through your mouth and allow your diaphragm to collapse.
• Repeat. If your mind wanders, return your attention to your breathing.
• When you are ready to end the session, don't jump out of your chair. Slowly allow yourself to regain a sense of your surroundings until your attention returns fully.

Oct 02, 2007 - 12:35 PM

Oct 02, 2007 - 12:32 PM

Sep 03, 2007 - 01:48 PM

FEMA faces the simultaneous challenges of preparing for the current hurricane season and implementing the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, according to the Government Accountability Office.

In testimony (.pdf file) before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, William O. Jenkins Jr., director of Homeland Security and Justice Issues for GAO, noted that a GAO analysis following Hurricane Katrina showed improvements were needed in leadership roles and responsibilities, development of the necessary disaster capabilities, and accountability systems that balance the need for fast, flexible response against the need to prevent waste, fraud and abuse.

In the short term, Jenkins said, Congress may wish to consider several specific areas for immediate oversight – including evaluating the development and implementation of the National Preparedness System, assessing state and local capabilities, and examining regional and multistate planning and preparation.

Sep 03, 2007 - 01:37 PM

New York state legislators are attempting to override a gubernatorial veto on a bill that would increase compensation benefits for some first responders who were dispatched to ground zero following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Originally vetoed by Gov. Eliot Spitzer, D, the state Senate in late July unanimously repassed S. 3070 and sent it to the state Assembly.

If the veto override is successful, the bill will amend the workers' compensation law to increase benefits for private-hospital employees, emergency medical technicians and paramedics who responded to ground zero. Salary replacement for these disabled first responders would increase to 75 percent of their salary at the time of the disability and would change survivor benefits to family members to reflect that salary increase. A similar bill was vetoed in 2005 by Gov. George Pataki, R.

In related news, U.S. Sens. Patrick Leahy, D-VT, and Arlen Specter, R-PA, wrote a letter (.pdf file) dated Aug. 3 to the Congress-formed World Trade Center Captive Insurance Co. The two senators expressed "serious concerns" about the company's management of funds covering claims of rescue and cleanup workers who developed health problems following the Sept. 11 attacks.

According to the senators, nearly $74 million appropriated to cover claims of injured workers instead has been spent on overhead costs and legal bills.

The letter also indicated the senators were considering a hearing to address the issue.

Sep 03, 2007 - 01:35 PM

A bill that would grant disability retirement benefits to federal firefighters who become ill was introduced in the Senate.

The Federal Firefighters Fairness Act (S. 1924), introduced Aug. 1 by Sens. Tom Carper, D-DE, and John Warner, R-VA, would create a presumption that a firefighter disability or death caused by certain diseases was work-related. Diseases that would be covered include heart disease, lung disease and various cancers.

A companion bill (H.R. 1142) was introduced earlier this year in the House.

Sep 03, 2007 - 01:33 PM

New research has emerged that indicates audible fire alarms work best for waking the hard of hearing, while alcohol impairs young adults' ability to wake from any alarm.

A study (.pdf file) from the Fire Protection Research Foundation found people with mild or moderately severe hearing loss were awakened more effectively with an audible device than alternative devices, according to the Quincy, MA-based National Fire Protection Association, a foundation affiliate.

Audible alarms with the typical sound level featured on smoke alarms woke 100 percent of hearing-impaired participants, NFPA said. This is compared with bed- and pillow-shaking devices (80 percent to 83 percent) and strobe lights (27 percent).

Another study (.pdf file) showed that adults between 18 and 26 years old were less likely to wake up to an audible alarm if impaired by alcohol.

According to NFPA, both studies found that lower frequency alarms were more effective in rousing the participants.

Sep 03, 2007 - 01:31 PM

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service violated safety standards that contributed to the deaths of five firefighters battling a California wildfire, OSHA said.

An investigation into the Oct. 26, 2006, deaths at the Esperanza fire site near Cabazon, CA, led OSHA to issue the Forest Service a Notice of Unsafe or Unhealthful Working Conditions for "alleged violations of safety standards."

OSHA said the Forest Service failed to comply with three of 10 "standard fire orders" and six of 18 "watch-out situations" from the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations.

The five wildland firefighters were performing structure protection near an isolated, vacant residence when they were overrun by the blaze, according to the Forest Service.

The Forest Service is working with OSHA to prevent future tragedies, OSHA Region 9 Administrator Frank Strasheim said in a news release. A representative from the Forest Service did not return a call for comment.

Sep 03, 2007 - 01:19 PM

Many of us think of stretching in the same way we think about the trailers shown before movies: If we get there in time, great; if not, no big deal. The difference is, if we skip the stretching before and after working out, we could be headed for serious injury.

Taking the time to stretch will do your body good. The benefits of this exercise appetizer are many: reduced muscle tension, stress reduction, improved posture and coordination, reduced stiffness, and delay of muscle degeneration.

According to Wayne Westcott, a fitness researcher at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, MA, and a strength training consultant for several national exercise organizations, there are six principles of stretching that every person should adhere to before beginning any type of exercise regimen.

1. Always stretch within your comfort zone. If it hurts, stop. Stretching should never be painful.
2. Relax! When the body is tense, beneficial stretching is nearly impossible. If you're forcing yourself into a stretch, you could be risking injury.
3. Don't stretch a cold muscle. Stretching cold muscles can do more harm than good, as you can tear your muscles as well as put great strain on your joints. Elevate your body temperature by jogging in place for about five minutes before beginning to stretch.
4. Stretch slowly. No bouncing while stretching. Quick movements or bouncing may trigger a reflex that causes the muscle to contract rather than relax. Always move slowly into and out of a stretching position.
5. Take 30. Pause in the stretching position for 10 to 30 seconds. Maintain the stretched position long enough for muscles to make the desired adaptations.
6. Be consistent. Gain optimum benefits by committing to stretching regularly. Plan to perform 10 to 15 minutes of stretching at the end of every exercise session.

   Sep 03, 2007 - 01:15 PM
   

A bill that would grant disability retirement benefits to federal firefighters who become ill was introduced in the Senate.

The Federal Firefighters Fairness Act (S. 1924), introduced Aug. 1 by Sens. Tom Carper, D-DE, and John Warner, R-VA, would create a presumption that a firefighter disability or death caused by certain diseases was work-related. Diseases that would be covered include heart disease, lung disease and various cancers.

A companion bill (H.R. 1142) was introduced earlier this year in the House.

Aug 22, 2007 - 01:33 PM

Former Bush administration officials gave testimony at an often contentious congressional hearing June 25 about efforts to ensure safety at the World Trade Center site in New York following the Sept. 11 attacks.

Former EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman, and John Henshaw, who led OSHA from 2001 to 2004, answered pointed questions from some members of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, who claimed that officials' public statements after the attacks gave people a false sense of safety. Whitman maintained the government warned first responders working at the site to use respirators, and Henshaw claimed respirators OSHA gave workers often went unused.

Henshaw defended (.pdf file) OSHA's actions and said the agency's 75 staff members who were at the site each day "constantly and consistently recommended and instructed" first responders to wear the appropriate respirators. 

Aug 01, 2007 - 02:41 PM

Fire experts from the National Institute of Standards and Technology were sent to investigate the site of a Charleston, SC, blaze and subsequent building collapse in which nine firefighters were killed.

According to NIST, four experts hope learning about the furniture store and warehouse's collapse will help improve safety for buildings, occupants and emergency responders. The June 18 collapse was the deadliest blaze for firefighters since Sept. 11, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Aug 01, 2007 - 02:40 PM

The workers' compensation deadline for responders to the World Trade Center site during the Sept. 11 attacks and the following months has been extended a year.

New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, D, signed the extension (A. 4940) into law July 3. Those who worked or volunteered in the rescue, recovery and cleanup efforts at the World Trade Center site now have until Aug. 14, 2008, to register with the state's Workers' Compensation Board to reserve the right to file a claim for benefits in the future.

"We want to make sure they preserve their eligibility should they become ill in the future," said Donna Ferrara, board chair. More than 19,000 people so far have registered with the state as responders and volunteers.

Aug 01, 2007 - 02:39 PM

Equipping building stairwells with high-pressure portable fans helps reduce smoke and toxic gases during fires, a new report (.pdf file) from the National Institute of Standards and Technology concluded.

NIST studied 160 experiments conducted using small and large fans in a stairwell of a 30-story office building in Toledo, OH. A similar experiment was conducted in Chicago last year.

According to NIST, the results of the Ohio experiment indicated that positive pressure ventilation techniques (currently used in small homes) will work in tall structures to limit smoke and heat entering a stairwell while pushing out toxic gases.

While built-in pressurized smoke systems have been used by some high-rise buildings since the 1970s to push out smoke, this experiment demonstrated for the first time that portable fans – when used correctly – can yield the same effect, the report concluded.

Aug 01, 2007 - 02:37 PM

It seems just about every package in the grocery store these days boasts some sort of health benefit on the front: light, low fat, high in calcium, good source of vitamin C, reduced calorie, etc.

To prevent arbitrary claims from being plastered on food products, the Food and Drug Administration established strict guidelines on what each claim means. The Chicago-based American Dietetic Association explains the requirements for foods to be labeled with some of the more common claims:

• "Low calorie" – Less than 40 calories per serving
• "Low cholesterol" – Less than 20 milligrams of cholesterol and 2 grams or less of saturated fat per serving
• "Reduced” – 25 percent less of specified nutrient or calories of the food's original variety
• "Good source of..." – Provides at least 10 percent of the daily value of particular vitamin or nutrient
• "Calorie free" – Fewer than 5 calories per serving
• "Fat/sugar free" – Less than half a gram per serving
• "Low sodium" – Less than 140 milligrams per serving
• "High in..." – Provides at least 20 percent of the daily value of specified nutrient
• "High fiber" – 5 or more grams per serving
• "Lean” (found on meat, poultry and seafood) – 10 grams of fat or less, 4.5 grams saturated fat, and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per 3-ounce serving
• "Light” – One-third fewer calories or one-half the fat of the food's original variety
• "Healthy” – Decreased fat, sodium and cholesterol, and at least 10 percent of the daily value of vitamins A and C, iron, protein, calcium, and fiber

While the above claims are regulated by the FDA, other common claims such as "fresh" or "all natural" are not regulated, and therefore meaningless. If you want to be sure you're buying a pesticide-free or "natural" product, your best bet is to look for the Department of Agriculture's "organic" certification seal.

Aug 01, 2007 - 02:34 PM

Aug 01, 2007 - 02:31 PM

Some first responders exposed to toxins during operations following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center have developed cancers typically seen only in older adults, in what one doctor has called a "troubling finding."

The findings could present a "third wave" of respiratory disorders emerging among responders in the aftermath of t