Emergency Preparedness: Are You Covered?
On May 19, 1980, one of the most powerful and destructive events ever to hit the Northwest took a sturdy grip upon much of the state and many states to the East. The massive Mt. St. Helens eruption left a mountain's worth of
This Family Portrait Can Save Lives
Blue eyes. Blond hair. Killer smile. Killer genes? Who we are is in large part determined by what we inherit from the spin of the roulette wheel of our parent’s genetic make-up. That individualistic cocktail, part essence of mom’s, part essence
Fighting Colds: Do Alternative Medicines Work?
With school now in session and summer coming to a close, the incidence of colds is increasing. As a parent, your first reaction might be to reach for an over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicine. But there are other helpful—and
Parenting with MS
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, approximately 2.3 million people worldwide are affected by MS. The disease has proven difficult to track, which has likely caused this number to be significantly lower than the actual number of cases. In
Babies and Young Children at High Risk of Poverty
On Tuesday, the U.S. Census Bureau released its annual collection of data on poverty, income, health insurance coverage for 2013. As in past years, the numbers confirm the disturbing trend that young children continue to be the age group most
Combat Common Household Dangers
Last month I wrote about the dangers lurking behind every corner of the Internet. As an attorney who dedicates my practice to representing those injured by the negligence of others, I am much more familiar with physical conditions that daily present
Crybaby Café: Help for Reluctant Nursing
More babies are starting life with nature’s perfect food. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 75 percent of American newborns are now breastfed. That’s good news; breastfeeding has amazing benefits for both mom and baby. But when
Protection from Online Dangers
Full disclosure. As a personal injury and wrongful death attorney, I don't deal with "online safety" issues all that much--unless of course you count my safety blog Make Safe--that just so happens to be housed online. Despite my legal naivety, as a
Fourth Annual “Chalk the Walks” Event Promotes a Positive Frame of Mind
Once again, on the 3rd Tuesday in August, local sidewalks will be full of colorful, uplifting sentiments as people spend a little time chalking messages of inspiration, joy and love in an effort to make others smile. Messages like: "Always
Baby Clare: A Hot Car Story (Nightmare)
Let me tell you the story of what happened to 7-month-old baby, Clare. June 2001. Tuesday. Perry, Iowa. Dennis Engholm, 38, and Kari Engholm, 34, prepare to leave their upper-class home for work. Dennis works for Iowa State University. His wife Kari