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Why Fentanyl is Leading to More Deaths than Ever

Today, America is facing a disturbing opioid phenomenon. Between 2011 and 2016, the rate of fentanyl-overdose fatalities shot up more than 1,000 percent. Starting in 2014, deaths due to fentanyl overdosing began to double, reports CNN. More than 4,223 deaths turned into 8,251 by 2015, and then a whopping 18,335 the following year. So, the question is, why has the death toll for this drug surpassed that of heroin, and who are the main victims? (more…)

Slime Harmful to Children, Say Some

Elmer’s glue, contact solution, food coloring, Borax. Which item doesn’t belong? The answer is: they all belong, but not all in a healthy way. This eclectic group of items is the basic ingredients in homemade slime—the latest kid craze. Kids are making so much slime that many have made a business out of it. According to Parents magazine, some children have begun selling it at school. Most parents support the frenzy, for they would rather their kids play with slime than remote controllers. However, this gooey phenomenon has recently caused some controversy. A key ingredient—Borax—might be more harmful than parents first thought. (more…)

Babies Can Get Addicted Too…

Babies can bring joy and happiness to new parents. But imagine if 72 hours after birth, your baby was constantly in pain and experiencing symptoms like body shakes, seizures, high-pitched crying, diarrhea, and breathing problems. Sounds painful for a newborn baby right? It is. These are all symptoms of a condition called Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) a condition on the rise if a mom takes opioids, antidepressants, or sleeping pills during her pregnancy. Some other dangerous drugs include codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, tramadol, heroin, and benzodiazepines. (more…)

Turkey Products Still Making People Sick

Raw turkey and turkey products remain a source of Salmonella infection in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A recent update by the CDC added 60 new, confirmed cases of Salmonella poisoning to 279 already confirmed cases across 41 states. More than 100 patients have been hospitalized from the outbreak and one has died. (more…)

First lead poisoning documentary to air

Please join us at Zoetropolis for the premiere of the video film, "Now You Know" directed by Alma Felix and Esther Verkouw. The video highlights the story of kids in our community who have been exposed to lead and how their lives will be forever impacted. A panel discussion with concerned local officials will follow the premiere 6:00pm-6:30pm beer, wine, and horderves will be served. The movie will start promptly at 6:30pm. Suggested Donation: $50 (donation can be made via EventBrite or at the door). Proceeds go to furnish Lancaster's first lead-free home for families. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/now-you-know-film-short-premiere-tickets-55604817506?aff=ebdssbdestsearch