Nerve damage is one of the many medical problems caused by diabetes, meaning patients are often unable to feel pain when they injure themselves or develop a foot blister or sore. These injuries can turn into ulcers, essentially open wounds on the feet, and could develop serious infections. Diabetic ulcers often lead to amputation. According to…
Everyone wants a new pair of sunglasses to look great, but before settling on that new pair of shades, consumers should consider their eye health and how well those sunglasses protect against the sun’s harmful rays. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), six factors are most important when shopping for sunglasses: Protection from…
California continues to expand its efforts to combat the opioid addiction crisis with a boost of federal funding and a program model from an unlikely East Coast source. The latest component of the state’s medication assisted treatment plan for opioid addiction is called the Hub and Spoke System, which is based on a similar, highly…
Good news came recently for those currently in the physical therapy field or are preparing to be. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, the employment of physical therapists is expected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is considerably more robust than the average for all occupations, Forbes reported…
The latest issue of Consumer Connection, the Department of Consumer Affairs’ quarterly magazine, is now available! In the cover story of the spring issue, we look at the state’s battle against wildfires and how homeowners can be a part of the solution. Also, we cover the growing problem of preschoolers being expelled, the nuts and…
What’s nearly as inevitable as death and taxes? Electronic device upgrades. And one precaution that is critical before moving on from a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer is wiping your data from the device. Whether donating, selling, or simply passing a device to a family member or friend, a factory reset is the minimum…
As the new year approaches, so do new laws that will affect the lives of Californians. Here’s a sampling of legislation signed in 2018 by Gov. Jerry Brown (laws not taking effect Jan. 1 are noted): Doctor Disclosures—SB 1448 (Hill): When doctors in California are placed on probation for things such as ethical violations, substance…
Nearly 48 million people are sickened nationwide every year by food contaminated with harmful germs, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates. While most people know that handling animal products carefully is necessary to prevent illness, washing meat and poultry is not recommended. However, washing fruits and vegetables is recommended and can help consumers…
Tired of the jolt to your system when you “spring forward” and “fall back” because of time changes? California voters will have the chance to make daylight saving time year-round when they go to the polls in November. Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 807 in June to put the initiative on the ballot that…
The American Cancer Society has updated its colorectal cancer screening guidelines, most notably lowering the recommended age to begin testing to 45 instead of 50. The recommendation for people of average risk comes in the wake of research by the American Cancer Society (ACS) that shows that colorectal cancer (which includes both colon and rectal…
