The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Retailers, not importer, recall Buckyballs and Buckycubes high-powered magnet sets due to ingestion hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with six retailers, is announcing the voluntary recall of all Buckyballs and Buckycubes high-powered magnet sets sold by these companie.

The commission continues to warn that these products contain defects in the design, warnings, and instructions, which pose a substantial risk of injury and death to children and teenagers.

The commission has received 54 reports of children and teens ingesting this product, with 53 of these requiring medical interventions.

Imported by Maxfield & Oberton LLC, Buckyballs and Buckycubes consist of sets of numerous, small, high-powered magnets. These sets vary in the number of magnets included and come in a variety of colors. Individual magnets in the set are about 5 millimeters in diameter. Individual magnets in Buckyballs are spherical and individual magnets in Buckycubes are cube-shaped.

About three million sets of Buckyballs and Buckycubes have been sold in U.S. retail stores nationwide and online since 2010 for between $5 and $100. 

The commission is advising consumers that they should take the high-powered magnet sets and all associated individual magnets away from children and teenagers and contact the retailer from which they purchased the product to obtain instructions for a remedy:

• Barnes & Noble at 855-592-2993 or online at www.barnesandnoble.com and click on “Product Recalls.”

• Bed Bath & Beyond at 800-462-3966 or online at www.bedbathandbeyond.com and select “Safety and Recalls” under Customer Service, then click on Recall Information.

• Brookstone at 866-576-7337 or online at www.brookstone.com and click on “Recall Information” under Shop Brookstone.

• Participating Hallmark retailers at 800-425-5627 or online at http://www.hallmark.com/recall-product/.

• Marbles the Brain Store at 877-527-2460 or online at www.marblesthebrainstore.com.

• ThinkGeek, at 888-433-5788 or online at www.thinkgeek.com/buckyballs/index.shtml.

These retailers have agreed to participate because Maxfield & Oberton has refused to participate in the recall of all Buckyballs and Buckycubes, the commission said. 

In July 2012, the commission staff filed an administrative complaint against Maxfield & Oberton Holdings LLC after discussions with the company and its representatives failed to result in a voluntary recall plan that the commission staff considered to be adequate to address the serious hazard posed by these products.

This type of legal action against a company is rare, as the commission has filed only four administrative complaints in the past 11 years.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

At last: Obama administration offers proposals to stop gun violence

After 12 people were killed and 58 wounded at a movie theater in Aurora, Colo., on July 20, 2012, I wrote an article about how America needs to figure out why these mass killings are occurring and stop them.

It was heartbreaking that at a very violent Batman movie, a gunman killed and wounded so many innocent people. I called for action on gun control, mental health programs, violent images aimed at children, and hatemongering.

Not much discussion on these issues was occurring then. However, that all changed when 20 students and six teachers were murdered by a gunman at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012.

Yesterday, President Obama issued a list of items that his administration or the Congress can do to curb gun violence. I applaud the president for finally acting on this issue, and I support most of the suggested options.

Among those that I think are most needed that Congress must approve:

• Require universal background checks for all firearm sales.

• Reinstate and strengthen the ban on assault weapons.

• Limit ammunition magazines to 10 rounds.

• Provide $10 million to CDC for additional research on relationship between video games, media images and violence.

• Give $150 million to school districts and law enforcement agencies to hire school resource officers, school psychologists, social workers and counselors.

• Provide $50 million to help 8,000 more schools train their teachers and staff to create safer and more nurturing environments.

• Provide $55 million for new initiative (Project AWARE) to make sure students get treatment for mental health issues.

• Provide $25 million for state-based strategies supporting individuals ages 16-25 with mental health or substance abuse issues.

• Provide $25 million to offer students mental health services for trauma or anxiety.

• Provide $50 million to train 5,000 additional mental health professionals serving children and young adults.

Action the Obama administration can take without congressional approval:

• Direct the Centers for Disease Control and scientific agencies to conduct research into the causes and prevention of gun violence.

• Launch a national campaign to promote common-sense gun safety measures.

• Review and enhance safety standards for gun locks and gun safes.

• Direct attorney general to review gun safety technologies.

• Launch a national dialogue about mental illness.

• Finalize requirements for private health insurance plans to cover mental health services.

• Ensure that Medicaid recipients get quality mental health coverage.

With Congress deadlocked on so many issues, it’s discouraging to see that the most important items on the list require congressional approval.

See The Washington Post article, “Obama’s Gun Control Proposals,” for the entire list of the president’s proposals.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Under Armour chin straps for football helmets due to laceration hazard

By Rita R. Robison

Under Armour Inc. is recalling about 541,000 UA Defender Chin Straps.

The metal snap that connects the chin strap to the helmet has sharp edges, posing a laceration hazard when the user’s metal snap comes into contact with another player, Under Armour and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

Under Armour has received six reports of injuries that required stitches.

The recall involves all UA Defender Chin Straps. They were sold in the following colors: white and black, red, midnight, navy, and royal.

The chin straps have a hard nylon shell, a padded chin area, and a plastic strap with “Under Armour” printed on it. The chin straps have metal clasps that tighten the straps and attach them to the helmet.

Manufactured in China, the chin straps were sold at Sporting goods stores and Under Armour outlet stores nationwide and at www.underarmour.com from January 2008 through September 2011. The cost was about $20.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chin straps and contact Under Armour for a free replacement, the company and commission advise.

For additional information, contact Under Armour toll-free at 888-823-0343 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.underarmour.com.

For details on other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Bravo Sports Disney-brand Pogo sticks due to fall and laceration hazards

By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Bravo Sports is recalling about 159,000 Disney-brand Pogo sticks.

The bottom rubber tip attached to the pogo stick frame can wear out prematurely, posing a fall hazard to consumers, Bravo Sports and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement. Also, the end caps on the handlebars can come off, exposing sharp edges. This poses a laceration hazard to consumers.

Bravo Sports and the commission have received 82 reports of the bottom tip wearing out on the pogo sticks, including five reports of injuries. A 9-year-old girl suffered a skull fracture and chipped a tooth. Another 9-year-old girl cut her lip and chin, requiring stitches. Other injuries included scrapes, hits to the head, and teeth pushed in.

Consumers can visit the search page on SaferProducts.gov to view incident reports about Bravo’s recalled pogo sticks.

The recall includes pogo sticks in various colors. The models included in this recall are the Disney Hannah Montana Pogo Stick, the Disney/Pixar Toy Story Cruising Cool Pogo Stick, the Disney/Pixar Cars Pogo Stick, the Disney Princess Pogo Stick, and the Disney Fairies Cruising Cool Pogo Stick. The pogo sticks have Disney labels between the handlebars. The manufacturing date codes between 01/01/2009-022CO and 11/30/2010-022CO are on a clear label on the stem of the pogo stick near the foot pedals.

Manufactured in China, the pogo sticks were sold at Burlington Coat Factory, Kmart, Kohls.com, Target, and Toys R Us from February 2009 through June 2011 for about $20.

Consumers should immediately stop using the pogo sticks and contact Bravo Sports for a full refund, the company and commission advise.

 For additional information, contact Bravo Sports toll-free at 855-469-3429 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT or visit the firm’s website at www.bravopogorecall.com.

For details on other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Top 10 tips for celebrating Easter

By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Whether you’ll be celebrating with just your family or inviting a crowd, here are tips for having an Easter that’s terrific:

1. Planning and organizing

Keep it simple. Use plastic eggs to avoid mess and waste. Plan a simple menu or arrange a potluck. For more suggestions, see “Top 10 Tips for a Great Easter.”

2. Decorating

Choose pastel colors, yellow and green, for example, that complement each other for your table. Select or create a tall dramatic arrangement. See “Top 10 Tips for Easter Tables" for more ideas.

3. Easter eggs

Use natural items such as onionskins, beet juice, spinach leaves juice, and turmeric for dying Easter eggs. For details, go to “How to Dye Easter Eggs Using Natural Materials.”

4. Memories

Make a list of your favorite Easter memories. Ask your family or your guests to share their memories, too. Visit “What’s Your Favorite Easter Memory?” for ideas.


5. The hunt

Select safe places to hide the Easter eggs. Mark the area of the hunt with flags or tape so that children spending a lot of time searching areas where there aren’t any eggs. Visit “Top 10 Tips for an Easter Egg Hunt” for more suggestions.

6. Safety

Separate age groups so that the large kids aren’t knocking over smaller children. Or enforce a no running rule. Visit “10 Safety Tips for Easter Egg Hunting” for more ideas.

7. Non-sugar treats

Select stickers, small age-appropriate toys, and dried fruit to put in plastic Easter eggs rather than candy. Go to “Ideas for Non-sugar Easter Treats” for additional suggestions.

8. Activities

Take a walk in the park or go to a beach. For other ideas, see “Top 10 Fun Things to Do With Your Kids This Easter.”

9. Family traditions

Follow your favorite family traditions. Attend a church service, go to your favorite quiet spot in the great outdoors, or visit a nursing home.

10. Green Easter

Think of ways you can “green” your Easter such as using real grass clippings or recycled paper in Easter baskets, buy Easter baskets you can use for many years, and look for farm raised eggs. See “Green Tips for Easter Sunday” for more information.

Whatever your plans, have a wonderful Easter celebration.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What are your favorite winter activities?

 

During the cold winter weather, I like curling up with a good book, drinking a hot cup of tea, or inviting friends to play Pictionary, Pinochle, or Rummy.

When it’s cold, dark, and maybe snowing, what do you like to do?

 Here’s a list of winter’s best traditions from the Huffington Post:

• Hot chocolate
• Chestnut roasting
• Snow forts and fights
• Warm blankets
• Books
• Sledding
• Warm stove warmth
• Snow days
• Sipping soup
• Paper snowflakes
• Ice skating
• Skiing and snowboarding
• Fuzzy clothes
• Games
• Snowmen and angles

Best wishes surviving the winter weather. It was harsh here in the Pacific Northwest in November and the East Coast and California, too, have taken a beating.

            Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Top three safety tips for children’s toys this holiday season

Although new toy safeguards have contributed to a decline in toy recalls since 2008 and toy-related fatalities decreased in 2009, toy-related injuries are increasing, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

In 2009, about 186,000 emergency room-treated injuries occurred related to toys with children younger than 15. This is up from 152,000 injuries in 2005.

Often these injuries involved cuts and bruises on the child's face and head.

The commission offers these safety tips:

1. Which toy for which child – Always choose age appropriate toys.

2. Gear up for safety – Include safety gear whenever shopping for sports-related gifts or ride-on toys, including bicycles, skates, and scooters.

3. Location - Be aware of your child's surroundings during play. Young children should avoid playing with ride-on toys near automobile traffic, pools, or ponds. They also should avoid playing in indoor areas associated with hazards such as kitchens and bathrooms and in rooms with corded window blinds.

Additional safety steps include:

• Scooters and other riding toys – Helmets and safety gear should be worn properly at all times and be sized to fit.

• Small balls and other toys with small parts – For children younger than age 3, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.

• Balloons – Keep deflated balloons away from children younger than 8 years old to avoid choking or suffocation on deflated or broken balloons. Discard broken balloons at once.

• Magnets – For children under age 6, avoid building or play sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.

After the gifts are open:

• Immediately discard plastic wrappings or other packaging on toys before they become dangerous play things.

• Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.

• Supervise the charging of batteries. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to young children. Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any mechanism to prevent overcharging.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Bravo Sports trampolines due to fall hazard

  

About 160,000 Bravo Sports trampolines are being recalled.

Incorrectly assembled trampolines can allow the top rails and legs to bend or break during normal use, resulting in partial collapse of the trampoline.

Bravo has received 247 reports of top rails bending or breaking during normal use. Four injuries have been reported due to the bending and breaking of trampolines.

The recall involves AirZone and Variflex trampolines with model numbers 137083 (with wheels), 137536, 137683, 138088, 138467, 138472, 138489, 139275, 139283, 139284, 139300, and 139706. The model number is found on the safety label sewn to the pad cover. The units are 12 feet, 13 feet, and 14 feet and come in blue, yellow, and red.

Manufactured in China, the trampolines were sold at Sporting goods and mass-market retail stores nationwide and on the Internet from January 2007 through September 2010 for between $200 and $400.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled trampolines, advises the company. They should contact Bravo Sports for instructions on how to inspect the trampoline for top rail damage and to request revised assembly instructions. Bravo Sports will replace top rails and legs damaged due to assembly errors at no charge.

For more information, contact Bravo Sports at 877-500-2459 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.airzonevariflex-recall.com.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Commission.

For details on other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Olympia Food Co-op Harvest Dinner a fall delight

Yesterday, the Olympia Food Coop celebrated the fall harvest with its Sixth Annual Harvest Dinner.

It was great fun. The co-op provided main dishes and halibut burgers. Co-op members brought salads and vegetable dishes. The nice thing was there were few desserts.

Another great thing; There were no paper plates or plastic silverware. Co-op staff washed dishes throughout, real dishes and silverware.

Kids bobbed for apples and played other games. A band played. And the best thing, the sun came out after I’d been there about an hour.

I hope you enjoy my photos.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

How to you know if you’re addicted to video games?

Recently, I tried out a few games of Chess on the computer. However, I didn’t enjoy getting beat almost all of the time by the computer.

So, when I saw my grandchildren playing Hearts, I thought I’d try it. Years ago, I played Hearts with my friend from high school and her husband. They were very competitive and quite the card players.

In the last few days, I’ve been playing Hearts all the time. I’ve played 24 games and won five, a rate of 20 percent wins.

When I got up this morning, rather than checking my blog stats, the first thing I did was play Hearts. I’m not getting very much else done.

Am I addicted to video games?

Here are the top five signs you need help with gaming or Internet addiction from Video Game Addiction.com:

1. You feel really happy when you're online or when you're playing games, but as soon as you have to stop, you get angry or upset.
2. You think about going online or playing when you are supposed to be focusing on other things, like doing school work or having dinner with your family.
3. You spend more time with your keyboard or controller than physically hanging out with your friends.
4. Your friends or parents ask what you spend all your time doing, and you lie about it or laugh it off, but inside you know they may have a point.
5. You get up in the middle of the night to check your e-mail or your MySpace comments because you're having a hard time sleeping.

Well, I’m not in trouble yet with video games. However, I could be addicted to blogging…

See Video Game Addiction.com for other information about gaming and Internet addiction.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist