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Levinson and Stefani

Why the Tyrann Mathieu wake up call shouldn’t be a wake up call

July 29, 2015 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Tyrann Mathieu took part in a public service announcement for PETA about the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car.
Tyrann Mathieu took part in a public service announcement for PETA about the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car.

Heat stroke continues to be the leading cause of non-highway-related deaths for kids ages 14 and under.

It didn’t take long for third-year NFL star Tyrann Mathieu to call it quits. Just eight minutes total. The Arizona Cardinals cornerback recently participated in a public service campaign for PETA, locking himself inside a sweltering SUV for the better part of eight minutes in 90-degree heat. After 480 seconds, the social experiment was over; Mathieu was out the door and looking visibly shaken at how hot the temperature registered. For the record, it reached upwards of 120 degrees, hot enough to bring an elite athlete to his knees. Afterward, in an interview with ESPN, Mathieu said he was pleased at the attention the video had garnered, calling it a “no-brainer” to participate. He also said that he was “extremely surprised” at the reaction, an acknowledgement of how quickly word had spread on social media and elsewhere. Even more surprising might be the surprise.

Mathieu’s video, which currently has been seen by more than 2 million people on YouTube and shared over 69,000 times on Facebook, was meant as a reminder to pet owners, specifically, though it could just as easily have applied to parents with young kids. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has said that heat stroke is the leading cause of non-highway-related deaths for kids ages 14 and under. On average, close to 40 children die in hot cars each year from heat-related deaths after being trapped inside motor vehicles. Just last week a woman was videotaped smashing the window of parked car to retrieve an infant that had been left inside with no ventilation. That video also went viral. Here in the Chicago suburbs, a seven-month-old was left inside a hot car for two hours before being rescued. The baby could have ended up a statistic.

If you take the word of Jan Null, a researcher at San Jose State University, the average number of child heatstroke fatalities every year since 1998 is 37. Of the 637 child heatstroke deaths since ’98, 53% of children were “forgotten” by the caregiver.

Venture over to KidsAndCars.org and you’ll see a fact sheet with even more distressing news:

  • Cracking the windows does not help slow the heating process OR decrease the maximum temperature
  • 80% of the increase in temperature happens in the first 10 minutes
  • Children have died from heatstroke in cars in temps as low as 60 degrees
  • A child’s body overheats 3-5 times faster than an adult body
  • In an overwhelming majority of child vehicular heatstroke deaths, it was a loving, responsible parent that unknowingly left the child

The Mathieu video is significant on several fronts, but perhaps it shouldn’t be. These social experiments provide an initial shift in safety awareness, and understandably so, but the fact remains: these cases happen too often and too frequently. It shouldn’t take a public service campaign, boasting a high-profile celebrity, to bring the consequences back to the fore. Lawyers continuously litigate these types of safety cases involving parents, caretakers and others who act negligently. It’s tragic because it’s avoidable.

One of the world’s best athletes can only stand up to eight minutes of intense heat. It’s pretty obvious that it’s much more dangerous for an infant, a child or even a pet. We don’t need a viral video to tell us what we already know.

 

 

 

 

Non-profit spotlight: Forever Kids Foundation

July 24, 2015 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

The Forever Kids Foundation was started by three mothers who were disturbed by the severe underfunding of pediatric cancer research.
The Forever Kids Foundation was started by three mothers who were disturbed by the severe underfunding of pediatric cancer research.

The anatomy of a non-profit

Deb Bertram remembers the moment that nearly changed her life. Her then 14-month-old son had been experiencing discomfort so they booked an appointment at the doctor’s office. The news was disconcerting: His white blood cell count was low. It was consistent with what doctors had seen in cases involving leukemia. The doctor assured her it was simply one of many variables. Nevertheless, the next half an hour after leaving the doctor’s office was unbearable.

“I remember calling the doctor and saying, ‘If you think this is leukemia you need to tell me now,’” Bertram recalls. It turned out her son had pneumonia. “It was such a miniscule drop in the bucket [in comparison to leukemia]. That fear of the possibility is just shaking. For parents it becomes a living nightmare. For 30 minutes I got a glimpse of what it would be like to have my life taken away.”

That memory stays with Bertram, founder and president of the Forever Kids Foundation, a local non-for-profit that partners with several organizations dedicated to pediatric cancer research. Bertram and her friend, Cortney Kinzler, founded Forever Kids in 2013. Bertram talks about that first meeting with Kinzler to discuss how they might do something unique. It didn’t take long. They talked frequently about wanting to help kids battling cancer, something they had seen up close on separate occasions, either through lens of a family friend or through the eyes of a neighbor’s child. They were also shocked to learn that pediatric cancer research is often underfunded — either by way of federal subsidies or private donations.

“It’s really on the shoulders of these families to raise money and it’s a very difficult battle,” says Bertram. “These kids are experiencing treatments that are decades old, and they often have side effects because of the toxins. We hope that in their lifetime there will be better outcomes.”

To improve those outcomes, the Foundation hosts several events during the year to raise money for other organizations, including the Make Your Mark, The Mark Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation, which will be the beneficiary of one of Forever Kids’ most popular annual events. In less than two weeks, the Foundation hosts the 3rd Annual FORE! Kids Golf Outing at the Seven Bridges Golf Club (1 Mulligan Drive, Woodridge, IL) on Monday, August 3. Like last year, the event includes 18 holes of golf, dinner and a silent auction to cap off a fun-filled day of good food and entertainment. New this year: a special live performance by Jon Conover following the day’s round.

Forever Kids has extended the registration deadline to accommodate any last-minute sponsors. In just three years, The Forever Kids Foundation has raised more than $15,000 for pediatric cancer research, and this year’s outing will host the most golfers yet. Bertram says that next year’s goal is to take over the course entirely with Forever Kids golfers while adding a few wrinkles to improve annual registration, and grow the organization each year. The next step, says Bertram, is to establish a Board of Directors.

“It’s a learning process for us too. Every other moment is dedicated to making those calls when we can. I bring my kids with me when I have to. Every available moment is really working on the Foundation and working to make people’s live better.”

A partner organization in 2014, Levinson and Stefani is once again a sponsor in 2015, providing our namesake to one of 18 holes available for sponsorship. We hope you’ll join us in the battle against pediatric cancer. The Forever Kids Foundation is currently accepting registration for sponsors, golfers, and dinner guests. For more information on the outing, visit foreverkidsfoundation.org or call (847) 502-6775.

Next up: Mark your calendars for October 24 when the Forever Kids Foundation hosts a zombie scavenger hunt, complete with a two-hour tutorial from professional makeup artists on how to make yourself look extra zombie-ish.

 

No formal recall for dangerous IKEA drawers?

July 23, 2015 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

When there's a recall, we're on top of it.
When there’s a recall, we’re on top of it.

Consumer Product Safety Commission says “safety alert”

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Swedish furniture conglomerate IKEA have issued a safety repair program for IKEA’s MALM 3- and 4-drawer chests and two styles of MALM 6- drawer chests, and other chests and dressers, following the deaths of two children in 2014.

According to a statement from the CPSC, buyers are being offered free repair kits to prevent tendencies for tipping over, which has already proven fatal. In response to the deaths, IKEA issued a safety campaign dubbed “Secure it!,” even though some are now saying the furniture has been recalled.

The statement from the CPSC and earlier reports from other news outlets did not categorize this latest issue a recall, instead opting for a safety alert and detailing the components of “Secure it!,” which IKEA had hoped would raise awareness of securing furniture to walls, per IKEA instructions. The less formal approach has IKEA offering to replace tip over restraints and anchoring kits for free, as opposed to halting production.

But USA Today and Mother Jones are now reporting that IKEA has officially recalled millions of drawers and chests, following the safety alert issued Wednesday by the CPSC, warning consumers to stop using IKEA children’s chests and dressers taller than 23.5 inches and adult chests and dressers taller than 29.5 inches, unless secured to the wall.

Recall or not, the old adage applies: buyer beware.

 

 

 

 

Here’s what happens when hackers infiltrate your car wirelessly

July 23, 2015 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

WIRED Senior Writer Andy Greenberg struggles to control his Jeep Cherokee, no thanks to some crafty hackers.
WIRED Senior Writer Andy Greenberg struggles to control his Jeep Cherokee, no thanks to some crafty hackers.

You could end up in a ditch like Andy Greenberg. Or worse.

Stop us if you’ve heard this before. Two computer engineers have successfully infiltrated the Wi-Fi connection of a Jeep Cherokee remotely, drawing intense interest from lawmakers, according to an article and video published on Tuesday by WIRED magazine.

The video—produced by WIRED reporter Andy Greenberg—shows cyber experts controlling the Jeep from a remote location, even while being driven by Greenberg. The simulated stunt is part of an ongoing project developed by hackers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek. The engineers have been working on cyber automotive infiltration for the past two years. Their efforts have seemingly entered a new level control.

In 2013, Miller and Valasek managed something similar. Again with Greenberg behind the wheel (this time in a Ford Escape and Toyota Prius), the duo dismantled the brakes and took the reigns of the steering wheel, among other things, from the backseat of the car while using their laptops, which had been plugged into the car’s diagnostic port.

Now it appears Miller and Valasek have gone one step further, upping their capabilities to directing the vehicle from a different location via a wireless connection. They tested the technology with Greenberg as their Guinea pig. Long story short: Greenberg ended up in a ditch after Miller and Valasek killed the controls of the Jeep as Greenberg was driving on the highway.

The experiment has apparently piqued the interest of Washington legislators. According to various news outlets, including NPR and CBS News, senators Ed Markey and Richard Blumenthal have already introduced a new automotive security bill to the floor. Markey had previously taken note of Miller and Valasek’s work in 2013.

The success of Miller and Valasek’s hack is bringing up new concerns of vehicle vulnerability, and you can be sure we’ll be following up as the story picks up steam. In the meantime, you can watch Greenberg’s ditch adventure here.

UPDATE: In light if WIRED’s recent article, Chrysler has voluntarily recalled 1.4 million vehicles that may be be vulnerable to hackable software. The company issued a statement earlier today announcing the recall, stating that the company is “unaware of any injuries related to software exploitation…” The company listed several models equipped with 8.4-inch touch screens, the size with which hackers were able to infiltrate. Below is the complete list from the statement:

  • 2013-2015 MY Dodge Viper specialty vehicles
  • 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups
  • 2013-2015 Ram 3500, 4500, 5500 Chassis Cabs
  • 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Cherokee SUVs
  • 2014-2015 Dodge Durango SUVs
  • 2015 MY Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans
  • 2015 Dodge Challenger sports coupes

Is Your Daycare Licensed?

July 17, 2015 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Image from Flickr user Tabitha Blue
Image from Flickr user Tabitha Blue

We’ve talked to our fair share of agitated, frustrated, sad, and angry parents, calling us because their child was injured or mistreated at daycare.  This is very troubling, since so many parents today count on daycares.  Entrusting our children to daycare employees every morning is certainly not a decision to be made lightly.  We have got to trust the daycare will be properly staffed with trained professionals.  We have got to trust the daycare’s building and rooms are safe and free from dangers – particularly those hazards that most impact infants and children, like sharp corners and small toys. We have got to make sure our kids are safe – not bullied, abused, left alone, or neglected – and that our children are looked after responsibly, just like a parent would.  For those of us who work and have young sons and daughters at home, daycare plays such an integral role in our lives – nothing is more important than caring for our children and providing them with a safe environment.

That is why injuries at daycare need to be taken very seriously.  We don’t just have to hope our daycares are trustworthy enough to care for our children.  There are laws and regulations that govern the operation of daycares.  In some states, including Illinois, daycares have to be licensed.  Daycares also should be insured.  If your daycare is operated out of a neighbor’s house, not a business location, that is a red flag indicating you may want to ask whether the neighbor is licensed and insured.  Another red flag is seeing a large group of children supervised by only one or two staff members at the daycare.

To check if your daycare is licensed, visit this website maintained by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

If you remember, partner Ken Levinson recently obtained a $43 million verdict against an unlicensed daycare operation.  That daycare was operated out of a house, and young girl was sexually abused by the homeowner.  Just this week, a four-month old infant child died at a daycare in New York City when he was laid down to sleep at the home daycare, and then found unresponsive.

These are two horrible, very serious cases involving unlicensed daycares.  Plenty of other disconcerting issues arise, though, such as children injured from falling or being pushed or pulled by other children.  Sometimes, a supervisor or staff member should have been paying attention to the children, but wasn’t at the time of injury.  Other times, video surveillance of the daycare shows exactly what happened, and who was where, when.  If your child was injured at daycare, you may have a legal claim against the daycare.  At the very least, it is worth investigating.  Call an experienced child injury lawyer to discuss your options.

Will this July 4 be the Most Dangerous?

July 2, 2015 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Happy Independence Day!
Happy Independence Day! (Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/afunkydamsel/

NBC News reports this Independence Day holiday may be the deadliest in recent memory.  Already, July 4 is a day that sees an above average number of traffic crashes for July (and motor vehicle accidents are more common in the summer, anyway), but coupled with the long weekend, partying, and presumably nice weather, the risk for accidents – fatal and nonfatal – is increased.  So, as you and your friends and families pack your bags and get ready to enjoy the celebratory weekend, The National Safety Council reminds drivers to focus on the safety of their family by following these tips:

  • Buckle Up
  • Slow Down
  • No phones while driving – and especially no texting while driving
  • If you plan to drink, don’t drive – get a designated driver

It goes without saying that staying alert, and driving defensively is especially important over the weekend.

But driving isn’t the only danger that presents itself this time of year.  Of course, what makes the Fourth of July celebration unique are the fireworks, sparklers, firecrackers and other loud – and flammable – devices.  Just as road safety is a leading cause for concern this holiday season, so is fire safety.

The US Consumer Products Safety Commission just released its annual fireworks report from 2014.   In all of that year, approximately 10,500 people went to emergency rooms for firework-related injuries.  Check out CPSC’s Fireworks Safety Education Center for more graphics, safety tips, and other useful information about firework safety. There is also a link to the CPSC photo gallery showing how light fireworks, sparklers, and firecrackers can cause clothing to catch fire and result in serious injuries.

Firework Injuries
Source: US CPSC

As a final point – remember that people are not the only ones celebrating on July 4.  Your pets are often along for the ride – whether an actual road trip, a large party, or just a walk to watch fireworks.  Check out PetFinder’s infographic for suggestions on keeping your pooch protected.  And, if you’re a cat-family, Chicago-based cat rescue Treehouse Humane Society has this primer on how to minimize the scaredy cat in your house.  Both resources will help your pets cope with the inevitable loud noises and crowds of people.

With these tips, hopefully you can focus on having a fun and safe July 4th holiday!

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