The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Jobs, midlife challenges, 20-somethings, travel, shame, and 401(k) are the topics for this week’s Best of Boomer Blogs

Sarah Cornell of Blue Blinds Media is the host for this week’s Best of Boomer Blogs #309.

The boomer blog roundup is a collection of like-minded blogs cooperating to share their best stories of interest to the Baby Boomer Generation.

With spring gardens abloom and vegetables being planted, boomer bloggers are writing about job hunting, midlife challenges, what’s wrong with 20-somethings, air conditioned tours in Dubai, how you may perpetuate your own shame, age related-risks for dehydration, and the importance of consumers reviewing their 401(k)s if they're on automatic pilot.

In addition to my blog, other members of the Best of Boomer Blogs are: The Midlife Crisis Queen, Sightings Over 60, Arabian Tales and Other Amazing Adventures, So Baby Boomer, Blue Blinds Media, and Tao Flashes.

Be sure to check back next week to see what baby boomer bloggers are thinking and writing about.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Watch out for charity fraud, home repair scams, and price gouging following tornadoes in Oklahoma

Photo: Ks0stm

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt Tuesday issued a warning for Oklahomans and donors around the country to beware of charity fraud and scams following the severe storms in Oklahoma.

“For those folks around the country who want to donate funds to help families in Oklahoma, please be alert and only donate to reputable relief charities such as the Salvation Army or the Red Cross,” Pruitt said. “The first scam we typically see after devastation like this is charity fraud. We have more than 30 investigators in the field to help Oklahomans avoid scams, fraud, and price gouging as communities work to recover and rebuild.”

Investigators for the Attorney General’s Office ask that consumers who suspect charity fraud or experiences price gouging at gas stations, grocery stores, rental car companies, or hotels to call the agency’s hotline number immediately at 405-521-2029.

Over the next few weeks, criminals will shift focus to scams involving clean-up, removal, home repair, and tree trimming, he said.

“Home and business owners will want to quickly repair their property, but we urge them to be cautious and patient and to use reputable contractors,” Pruitt said. “We ask that residents pay particular attention to criminals known as ‘travelers’ who go from one community to the next to take advantage of vulnerable Oklahomans.”

Pruitt cautioned Oklahomans to be wary of repair services and contractors who:

• Solicit for work door-to-door.

• Offer discounts for finding other customers.

• “Just happen to have” materials left over from a previous job.

• Accept only cash payments.

• Pressure you for an immediate decision.

• Ask you to pay for the entire job up-front.


The Attorney General’s Office suggests the following tips for choosing a qualified contractor or repair service:

• 

Ask for referrals from people you trust.

• Try to do business with local companies.

• Request to see proof of certification and insurance.

• Check out the repair service with the Attorney General’s Public Protection Unit and the Better Business Bureau.
  

• Ask for customer references.

• Get written estimates from several companies.

• Don’t do business without a written contract.

• Get all guarantees, warranties, and promises in writing.

• Agree on start and completion dates, and have them in the contract.


For more tips and resources, go online to www.oag.ok.gov/oagweb.nsf/Consumer, or call the Public Protection Unit at 405-521-2029.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What consumers need to know about sunscreen as more ‘fun in the sun’ days approach

The vast majority of sunscreens available to the consumer aren’t as good as most people think they are, but a handful of products rise above the rest.

Those are the findings of the Environmental Working Group, which recently released its 7th annual Sunscreen Guide that rates the safety and effectiveness of more than 1,400 sunscreens, lotions, lip products, and makeups that advertise sun protection.

The EWG researchers found that only 25 percent of products on the market in 2013 offer strong and broad UV protection and pose few safety concerns.

Protection from clothing and shade

“The best advice for concerned consumers is to use sun-protective clothing, stay in the shade to reduce intense sun exposure, and schedule regular skin examinations by a doctor,” said Sonya Lunder, senior research analyst at the EWG.

Lunder said consumers should use the EWG’s guide to find the best sunscreens for skin that isn’t protected by clothing.

“Despite an increasing awareness of the sun’s risks, rates of melanoma – the deadliest skin cancer – have tripled over the past 35 years, with an annual increase of 1.9 percent per year since 2000,” she said.

Sunscreen protection weak

Part of the reason for the increase may be the decades of deceptive marketing claims by sunscreen manufacturers, EWG researchers said. 

The EWG believes that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration should require companies to stop selling high-SPF sunscreens – above 50+ – which account for one in seven products on the market. As a result of misleading and confusing marketing claims, consumers frequently misuse sunscreens and spend more time in the sun than they should, putting themselves at greater risk, according to the EWG.

In addition, until recently, sunscreens provided little protection from the sun’s ultraviolet A rays. Sunburns are caused mostly by short but intense ultraviolet B rays. Longer UVA rays, which penetrate the body more deeply, inflict more damage and may contribute to or cause cancer. 

The FDA’s current definition of “broad-spectrum” still results in inadequate UVA protection, according to the EWG.

In 2011, the FDA issued long-awaited sunscreen labeling standards promised since 1978. Under the new rules, companies are now prohibited from making misleading advertising claims such as “sunblock,” “waterproof,” and “sweat-proof.” The FDA also set the first-ever standards for sunscreens that claim to provide broad-spectrum protection.

However, the agency now allows most sunscreens on the American market to make claims that they help lower the risk of skin cancer and sun-related skin aging.

The FDA still hasn’t issued final rules on excessively high SPF claims, potentially harmful chemical ingredients, and sunscreen sprays that may be dangerous when inhaled.

The EWG’s analysis of 750 beach and sport sunscreens found that the new FDA rules haven’t led to dramatically better sunscreens than those offered in previous years.

Standards stronger in Europe

While nearly every sunscreen on the market meets the new FDA rule for broad-spectrum protection, that standard is so weak that half of the sunscreens on the American market couldn’t be sold Europe, where the safety and effectiveness rules are more stringent.

European sunscreen makers voluntarily comply with European Union recommendations that a product’s UVA protection and SPF be coordinated so that the UVA protection is at least one-third as strong as the SPF.

EWG’s top four things not to bring to the beach or pool or on vacation

• No sprays. While easy to apply, these popular spray sunscreens may pose serious inhalation risks and may not fully cover skin. About one in four sunscreens in EWG’s database is a spray.

• No super-high SPFs, above 50+. Products with high SPF values provide little additional skin protection and may contribute to consumer misperception and misuse. About one in seven sunscreens has an SPF value greater than 50+.

• No vitamin A or retinyl palmitate. Vitamin A is touted for its anti-aging effects on skin. But retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A added to almost one in four SPF-rated sunscreens, makeups, and moisturizers, could speed development of tumors and lesions on sun-exposed skin, according to a government study.

• No oxybenzone. Commonly used in sunscreens, oxybenzone penetrates the skin, gets into the bloodstream, and acts like estrogen in the body. It can trigger allergic reactions. Data are preliminary, but studies have found links between oxybenzone and health problems. Nearly half of all beach and sport sunscreens in EWG’s 2013 guide contain oxybenzone.

I hope your days in the sun are safe as well as fun.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Optimus infrared quartz radiant heaters due to fire hazard

Optimus is recalling about 355,000 portable infrared quartz radiant heaters.

The heater design can fail to prevent ignition of nearby combustible materials that come in contact with the unit, posing a fire hazard to the consumer, according to the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

This recall involves two models of Optimus infrared quartz radiant heaters with model numbers H-5210, produced in 2011 and H-5211, produced in 2012.

The model number and the year of production are located on a label on the back of the heater. The recalled heaters are white and are approximately 12-inches wide by 13-inches tall by 6-inches deep. “Optimus” is printed on the top left of the heater. The control knob is located on the top right side of the heater.

No injuries have been reported.

Manufactured in China, the heaters were sold at Best Buy Market Place, Family Dollar, Heartland, Northern Tool,  Rite Aid, and other stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, ebay.com, and Walmart.com from October 2011 through December 2012. The cost was between $25 and $30.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled heaters and contact Optimus to request a free replacement heater, the company and the commission advise. Consumers have the option of a comparable ceramic heater or new model quartz radiant heater, model H-5510, which will be available after August 2013.

For more information, call Optimus Enterprise Inc. at 888-672-5832 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or go to www.optimusent.com and click on “recall.” Consumers can also e-mail the firm at return.optimus@gmail.com.

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

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Louisville Slugger OneX Fastpitch softball bat due to injury hazard from breakage

Hillerich & Bradsby Co. is recalling about 13,000 Louisville Slugger OneX Fastpitch softball bats.

The bat’s barrel can separate from the handle during use and strike people nearby, according to the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

About 170 bat handle separations have been reported to the company. The company said a barrel from a broken bat hit a player in the shin.  

The recalled bats include all OneX style bats. The composite bat has a white and grey shell with blue and yellow lettering. “Louisville Slugger oneX” appears twice on the barrel, in yellow in one place and in blue lettering on the other side.  The “X” is yellow in both places. 

Manufactured in China, the bats were sold nationwide at sporting goods and other retail stores and were distributed to college amateur competitive softball teams from about May 2012 through February 2013 for about $350.  

Consumers should immediately stop using the bat and contact Hillerich & Bradsby for a free replacement bat and the choice of an additional free item, the company said.

For details, call Hillerich & Bradsby at 800-282-2287 from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or go to www.slugger.com and click on Recall.

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

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Target Giada De Laurentiis lasagna pans due to laceration hazard

Target Corp. is recalling about 148,700 Giada De Laurentiis ceramic 9 by 13 inch lasagna pans.

The pan can break causing sharp edges and posing a laceration hazard, Target and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

Target has received 39 reports of the pan or its handles breaking or cracking during normal use, with cuts and lacerations occurring in six of those cases.

The recall involves Giada De Laurentiis-branded ceramic lasagna pans. The cream-colored pans are 9 by 13 inches in size, and they were sold individually and as part of a six-piece set.  The bottom of the pan is stamped “Giada de Laurentiis for Target.”

Manufactured in China, the pans were imported by Wilton Industries Inc. and Target Corp. The pans were sold in Target stores nationwide and on Target.com from January 2009 through October 2012 for about $22 for individual pans and between $35 and $50 for the six-piece sets.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled lasagna pans and return them to any Target store for a full refund, Target and the commission advise. Consumers who purchased the pan as part of the six-piece set should return the lasagna pan only.

For details, call Target at 800-440-0680 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit www.target.com, click on Product Recalls at the bottom of the page, and then select Home & Kitchen. 

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

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Consumers responsible for the deaths in Bangladesh clothing factories? No, no, no

Photo: Sharat Chowdhury

I was outraged yesterday when I heard twice on the news that consumers are responsible for the 350 deaths that occurred this week when a building in Bangladesh collapsed where five clothing manufacturing factories were located.

The comments, one made by a representative of the clothing industry in an National Public Radio story, said consumers are responsible because they want to buy cheap clothes and the only way that clothing manufacturers can do this is keep cutting and cutting the costs of production.

I don’t think so. Clothing manufacturers have the responsibility to provide a safe workplace for workers. One news report I heard said cracks started appearing in the walls, but workers were told nothing was wrong and they should keep working in the building.

Six people, two of the factory owners and four others, have been arrested, according to a Huffington Post article. Others are being sought in the tragedy.

 I think the American companies that contact with these factories overseas, and consumers, too, need to pay more attention the safety conditions for workers in overseas factories.

However, for the clothing industry to try to “get ahead of the story” by blaming the deaths on consumers is ridiculous.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Get rid of old, unwanted prescription drugs at today’s Take-Back Day

Today is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted, unused prescription drugs.

In the five previous Take-Back events, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners have collected more than two million pounds of prescription medications, removing them from circulation.

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day offers a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of these drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of these medications.

Getting rid of these drugs is important so they are kept away from toddlers, who could accidentally inject them, and teens and young adults, who could abuse them.

Click here to locate a collection site near you.

There is no charge to participate and the drop-off is anonymous.

You can also call the DEA’s Call Center at 800-882-9539 if you need assistance.

For details about National Take-Back Day, visit http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/index.html.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

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

After Boston: Make sure you’re prepared for emergencies

If you’re looking for something positive to do after the Boston Marathon tragedy yesterday, you can make sure you and your family are ready for emergencies.

Baby boomers, age 49 to 67, can look over this list and see what actions are needed. Do you have:

• An emergency plan?

• Emergency equipment including a battery-operated radio and emergency supplies for your car?

• Medical insurance?

• Ways to retrieve financial information?

• A will?

• A living will?

Consumers often put off being ready for emergencies, although we never know when they’ll occur.

It’s best to be prepared.

See my article “Boston Tragedy Reminds Us to Be Ready for Emergencies” for resources to help you get ready for emergencies.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist