Motor vehicle accident deaths rise for trucks, decline overall
Drivers in Iowa may be safer on rural roads than urban ones. This was one of the findings of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which released its most recent Fatality Analysis Reporting System Data on Oct. 3. Overall, fatalities from motor vehicle accidents were down by 2 percent after a rise in 2015 and […]
Boredom for truckers can lead to poor decision-making on the road
Driving for a long period of time can be a monotonous experience. Especially for those stuck driving on the highway, road hypnosis could pose a real risk. Staring at the same scenery and listening to the hum of traffic can make someone who might otherwise be awake and alert feel sleepy and groggy. If you […]
Precautions that may minimize medication errors at pharmacies
For most people in Iowa, getting a prescription filled at a local pharmacy is a fairly routine act. However, a study referenced in a leading pharmaceutical journal suggests that dispensing mistakes could be responsible for just over 20 percent of medication errors than may adversely affect patients. While stats like this may be understandably alarming […]
Smartphone use linked to increase in car crashes
Iowa residents and many other Americans own smartphones, and smartphone use has been linked to an increase in motor vehicle accidents. According to research by Motus, smartphone ownership has increased from 55 percent in 2013 to 77 percent in 2017. During that time, car accident rates have increased by 12.3 percent. Mobile workers are partially […]
Roadway safety in the rain
Rainy season can be a dangerous time for drivers in Iowa. When roads are slick and visibility is low, the effects of negligent drivers can be magnified. Drivers may encounter thunderstorms, heavy rain and flooding. When the weather is acting up, drivers may need to be additionally cautious in order to avoid a disaster. One […]
Iowa dog owners are responsible for vicious attacks and bites
When a dog attacks a human, tragedy can result. Certain breeds of dogs have very strong jaws and may be capable of inflicting severe damage on the human body. Even small dogs can cause pain and disfiguring injuries, depending on where they bite their victim. Some dog attacks actually prove fatal, especially when victims are […]
Researchers caution test could wrongly indicate metastasis
Some Iowa men with prostate cancer may undergo prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography imaging to determine whether the cancer has metastasized. While this is a popular test, a study that appeared in the September issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine cautions that it may misidentify benign tissue, leading to a misdiagnosis. The test […]
Possible sources of medication errors that may be overlooked
The widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is one of several efforts meant to provide added protection for patients in Iowa and the rest of the country. Nevertheless, there are some possible safety risks associated with how medication is prescribed and handled that may not be on everybody’s radar. With EHRs alone, it’s estimated […]
Electronic control modules hold evidence after truck accidents
A commercial truck accident is usually a devastating experience for all parties involved, often leading to tens of thousands of dollars in property damage, medical bills and lost income. Even those who are fortunate and survive a truck accident with little physical damage may still suffer severe psychological damage that affects them for the rest […]
Tech startup developing software to stop serious surgical errors
Current medical procedures often separate patients in Iowa from surgical safety protocols. To help get patients more involved in the clinical steps prior to surgeries, a surgeon with 38 years of experience founded SafeStart Medical. The cloud-based system, which uses mobile applications, asks patients to review the administrative steps that create surgical plans. Patients and […]