15 Sleep Problems Babies Will Never Grow Out Of

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Any seasoned parent will say that as a parent to a newborn, there's not much sleep. In fact, the only person who will be doing much sleeping in the house is the baby. The good news is that typically, newborns sleep at least 14 to 17 hours a day, which is more than half a day that is dedicated to sleep.

The bad news is that a newborns napping schedule can be super unpredictable. Either way, sleep is an important part of a baby's growth and development. It is doubly as important to them as it is to the rest of us when it comes to energy and basic cognitive functioning. Even while sleeping, babies are developing habits and behaviors that will follow them into adolescence and adulthood. The sleeping patterns and habits of babies are important because it sets the tone for their future sleeping habits and health. Having a regular napping schedule, proper sleeping form, and no lights can all contribute to healthy sleeping habits.

Good sleep habits could help combat issues with insomnia, nightmares, SIDS, and even obesity. Developing good sleeping patterns not only helps a baby sleep well, but sets them up for a successful future. Parents who monitor their children's sleeping habits are able to tell when something is off and get their child back on track before permanent damage is done. Below is our list of bad sleep habits that babies probably will not grow out of and how parents can avoid them.

15 Napping At Random Spots Throughout The Day

We all need to take naps. It's recommended that teens and adults get a quick nap in (less than 30 minutes) every day. We don't really need much more than that or else it could negatively impact our sleeping schedules. Babies on the other hand need naps. They need them longer and more frequently, because naps actually contribute to a healthier sleep schedule.

Babies start out sleeping through most a day, up to 16 hours, but they wake frequently to eat and poop, of course. The first year of life is especially critical to a baby's sleeping habits, because they evolve so much in the course of a year. Babies who don't develop regular napping times are more likely to have sleep problems as they get older. It is recommended that parents develop regular napping schedules as not to disrupt the baby's natural flow of naps and sleep at night.

14 Sleeping At Irregular Hours Every Week

Parents usually have to build their sleep schedules around their babies, and sometimes it works the other way around. Many kids develop bad sleeping habits due to a lack of consistent sleeping hours each week. It's often due to having more lax sleeping schedules on the weekend when the kids don't have school or the parents don't have to go to work.

Babies can develop similar sleeping problems due to daily changes as well. If a parent has something to do on the weekends, the baby might begin to form his/her sleep schedule around that. The problem is that it can begin to interfere with how the baby sleeps or naps during the week. The best thing to do is work around a baby's sleep schedule, because changes will naturally occur as they get older and start school. If parents start their children out young with healthy sleep schedules, they are less likely to stray from good sleeping routines when they get older.

13 Waking Up Too Early

Babies that start to develop sleeping problems may develop issues with waking up at the right time and falling asleep at the proper times. It seems weird, but waking up early and going to bed late are actually synonymous to one another. Restlessness is the key component that links the two together.

Babies that don't have set sleeping schedules may fall asleep late and experience restlessness throughout the night causing them to wake up at the most unglorified hours. Other times, babies may be taking naps that are too long during the day or getting a head start on sleep too early in the afternoon that leads to them waking up super early in the morning or in the middle of the night. Parents can begin to implement ways to combat their child's restlessness or try to find a way to get their sleeping schedule back on track. These types of issues can follow a child past childhood and well into adulthood.

12 Falling Asleep Too Late

Again, falling asleep late and waking up early are peas of the same pod when it comes to bad sleeping habits. Both are a result of restlessness. There are a few things that contribute to late sleepers though and a few changes that can be made to combat the problem.

Some of the issues that cause late sleeping are listed in this article. The biggest issue with late sleepers is what they do before they go to bed. Pre-bedtime rituals should aid in preparing a baby for sleep, but sometimes babies can be engaged in activities that stifle their ability/want for sleep at bedtime. Some of these things include playing with toys or electronics before bed and drinking or eating sweets that are full of caffeine (all listed below). Whatever the vice is, it has to be stopped in order for the baby to return to a normal sleep schedule.

11 Sleeping With The TV Or Tablet On

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Today's kids grow up in an era where technology rules everything. Their parents, siblings and friends are consumed by it. It is no doubt going to be apart of their daily lives. Many children enjoy playing with tablets, phones or other electronics. There are all sorts of wonderful programs and educational games out there designed for babies and children to play with.

But, it's not so wonderful around bed time. A baby with a tablet is likely a happy baby. He or she is likely enthralled in the different colors and lights, trying to figure out what it all means. They can play with a phone or tablet for hours on end and start to develop an affinity for them. This can become a problem when it comes to good sleeping habits, because some children may wish to sleep with their tablet, phone, tv or other device on. Studies have shown that even when a baby has their eyes closed the blue-tinted light emitted from a device like a TV or tablet signals to the brain that it isn't time to sleep.

10 Sleeping With Some Form Of Light Source

In the above point, we mentioned how light can inhibit sleep. This doesn't just occur with tablets or phones, it can happen with night lights too. Babies are not the only humans whose sleep is affected by light at night. Kids and adults both have a hard time sleeping in the presence of light. Unfortunately, it's a habit that many of us develop when we're young. Sometimes, it's before we can even speak.

Our bodies respond to light or the lack there of by secreting two different kinds of hormones. Light triggers the release of cortisol which tells our bodies to stay alert. Darkness can trigger the release of melatonin, a hormone that is released when it is time to sleep. There are many companies and manufacturers who design night lights and lamps specifically for babies and young children, but they don't need the light. Even the smallest amount of light can inhibit a baby's sleeping patterns. It's best not to keep a light on in the room during bed time, because this habit can follow the child well into adulthood.

9 Drinking Caffeinated Beverages Or Eating Sugary Foods

Some babies enjoy a drink of juice or some light snack before bed. Some kids even get into the habit of drinking liquids before bed that they can't go to sleep without their bottle or sippy cup. It honestly seems quite harmless to give a baby something to eat or drink before bed, but this type of behavior can develop into bigger problems for the child.

Beverages like soda and some kinds of juice are loaded with sugars and caffeine which are natural inhibitors to sleep. A baby that has juice or a sugary snack before bed will likely be restlessness and wake up throughout the night. Furthermore, a baby who goes to bed with bottle or snack in hand is likely to develop a slight dependency on their bottle of juice or snack in order to go to sleep. These habits can spiral well into adulthood and can even lead to problems with health and obesity.

8 Sleeping On The Sides

Many studies suggest that it is healthier for a baby to sleep on his/ her back. Babies who sleep on their stomachs are at a higher risk of developing respiratory problems and SIDS. Babies who are put to sleep on their sides will likely roll over onto their stomachs at some point during the night. Once a child is able to roll between different positions on their own, it is safer for a baby to sleep on their stomach or side, but before that, it could be pretty detrimental with lasting effects.

In adults sleeping on the belly has actually been shown to help improve sleep apnea. Babies that sleep on their sides or stomachs are at risk of developing respiratory issues as they aren't able to breathe properly while in this position. Babies who don't roll onto their stomach may tend to stick with the side position which can lead to other problems as adults. Sleeping on the sides can cause digestive problems or put a strain on certain organs.

7 Developing Bad Pre-sleep Habits

Bad pre-sleep habits can come in a variety of forms from late night snacking, to playing games or watching TV. It is important that a baby understands how to develop good pre-sleep habits that will follow them into adulthood. Babies that play with phones or tablets before bed will probably be less enthused about bed time, especially when it means the electronics have to be taken away. Similarly with television,it can be hard to go to sleep when you're in the middle of your favorite show.

The best way to combat some of the issues with sleep is to develop habits that prepare the baby for bedtime. Make sure the bed is only being used during naps and sleep, not for games or other activities. Parents can limit the use of TV or electronics before bed or even cut them out completely in the late afternoon or night when the baby is about to go to sleep.

6 Night Terrors

Everyone has nightmares at some point in their life. It can happen after watching something scary on TV or witnessing a traumatic event. Dreams and nightmares are the brain's way of processing things that we've seen, heard or thought about during the day whether good or bad. Bad dreams, can have a way of disrupting our sleep schedules and even make it impossible to get any rest afterward.

For babies, it's the same idea. Bad dreams can cause a baby to wake up in the middle of the night and not be able to sleep well afterward. Recurring nightmares can be the result of some sort of trauma and should be addressed with a doctor. But, when a baby or child is continually suffering from nightmares, it can cause them to become restless which can lead to even more problems with nightmares due to the brain's hyperactivity. It can disrupt their sleeping schedule for a long time and even extend into childhood if not addressed properly.

5 Tossing And Turning A Lot During Sleep

Most of us are not able to stay completely still during sleep. We move around to make ourselves more comfortable or as a result of a dream that we may be having. But, there are some people whose movements during sleep are extreme. We've seen pictures of couples and families in bed where someone's foot ends up in the other person's face. (Yeah, it can get that bad!) It's certainly no fun for others, but it may be highlighting some deeper issues with sleep problems.

Tossing and turning is a habit that people may form as babies and it follows them into adulthood. Sometimes it can stem from the lack of comfortableness. Maybe there isn't enough space; it's too cold or too hot for a good night's sleep. Maybe it's just a general restlessness. Ultimately, it's a sign that something within the baby's sleeping environment is making it hard for them to get comfortable and sleep well.

4 Snoring

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Many babies and many people tend to sleep with their mouths wide open. The vibrations of the throat muscles as they breathe leads to snoring. Snoring can sometimes be harmless, but it can become a problem as a child gets older and enters into adulthood.

The best position for babies to sleep is on the back. This is true for children under one year of age. Sleeping on the back prevents many of the respiratory issues that a baby could face if they slept on their stomach. As adults, lying on the back can increase a person's chances of snoring because of gravity pulling the throat muscles down towards the back of the neck. Snoring may not present problems in a baby's ability to breathe during sleep, but it could lead to issues when the baby becomes an adult. A good way to help with snoring when a child gets older is to have them sleep at an elevated level where their head is supported.

3 Waking At Odd Hours In The Night

Babies that develop issues with restlessness or become dependent on certain items during or before bedtime may have issues with staying asleep during the night. Kids who eat or drink late at night or throughout the night are more likely to have to use the bathroom at some point during the night.

It could make it a lot harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. This could extend into childhood and cause even more problems when the child starts attending school. It can contribute to a pattern of restlessness that could be hard to get rid of once it is started. The best way to avoid this is by determining what could be triggering the odd waking hours. If it's food or juice, parents should probably avoid giving their child food before bed. If it could be due to a medical condition, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with the child's healthcare provider.

2 Sharing A Bed Or Room With Parents Or Another Family Member

This can be a super hard habit to kick, especially for parents who start out co-sleeping with their baby. When a baby is co-sleeping or starts to develop a habit of needing to sleep with someone in order to rest, it could start having a negative impact on the baby and the person who shares the same sleeping quarters with the child.

Some babies become may get used to sleeping with mom or dad or even sharing their bed or room with a sibling. When or if this pattern is threatened, it can become really difficult to get the baby to start sleeping alone. Parents who have babies or young children that sleep with them also know the troubles that can with co-sleeping because it can be hard to get any rest while sharing space with a young child. Babies who aren't broken out of co-sleeping early could develop a dependency on their mom, dad or other family to sleep, and it could become increasingly harder to break them free of this habit.

1 Not Being Able To Fall Asleep Quickly 

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There are many different things that could cause a baby to have a hard time falling asleep quickly. Some of the factors listed above like caffeine, co-sleeping, pre-sleep rituals, and lights are all reasons why a baby might be having trouble getting the sleep that they need. If it isn't kicked, this is a habit that could follow a child into adolescence and adulthood.

There's a big difference between lying down for a nap or sleep and actually being able to fall asleep. Research has shown that it usually takes a person about 7 minutes to fall asleep. This process is similar for babies. If it seems to be taking a baby longer than 10 minutes to get to sleep, then it is important to find the cause of their restlessness. A bad start at sleep could potentially be the beginning of other sleep problems and waking during the night.

Sources: HuffingtonPost.com, SleepForKids.org, TodaysParent.com, WhatToExpect.com, RaisingChildren.net

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Source: 15 Sleep Problems Babies Will Never Grow Out Of

New Starbucks CEO asserts ‘we’ve turned a corner’ on problems crimping sales growth

Beset by disappointing sales growth in the U.S. due in part to continuing congestion in stores from mobile order-and-pay customers, Starbucks on Thursday reported second-quarter sales that fell below Wall Street expectations.

Comparable sales — or sales at stores open at least a year — grew just 3 percent in the U.S. for the quarter ended April 2, the same as the previous quarter and down from 7 percent in the same quarter last year.

Transactions — the number of purchases — fell, though the average amount per purchase grew.

Kevin Johnson, in his first earnings call with investors as Starbucks CEO, argued that the tough first half of the fiscal year is setting up a "narrative of 2017 as a year of two halves."

"We are confident we've turned a corner," he said.

Starbucks executives said the sales numbers were beginning to look better by later in the quarter, with comp sales up 4 percent in March and continuing to accelerate in April.

Executives said they've been training store employees, and boosting staffing during peak hours, to deal with stores they say are overcrowded with customers waiting to pick up their mobile order and pay for beverages.

They're also testing a "digital order manager" that allows baristas to see on a tablet the status of all orders for the store — whether in-store, drive-through or mobile order and pay. The barista can check off on the tablet when a mobile order and pay order is ready and the digital manager automatically sends a message to the customer's phone.

Newly introduced food, such as sous vide egg bites and gluten-free breakfast sandwiches, also contributed to accelerating sales growth, while the Unicorn Frappuccino helped drive store traffic, the company said.

The company also touted its continued expansion in China, where comp sales grew 7 percent in the quarter.

Teavana mall stores, however, were a drag on sales. Executives sounded ominous when talking about the future of some of those stores.

Starbucks bought Teavana for $620 million in 2012 and currently operates 350 Teavana mall stores.

On Thursday, Starbucks executives said many of those stores have been reporting negative comp sales and losses, affected by decreasing foot traffic and malls. The rate of decline was worse than expected through the quarter, with further drops expected at the stores doing most poorly.

"We're investigating options for those at-risk stores," said Starbucks chief financial officer Scott Maw.

Longtime CEO Howard Schultz, now the company's executive chairman, took part in the conference call, acting as closer and trying to reassure investors that after a tough first half of the year, "the best is in front of us."

For the quarter, Starbucks posted earnings of 45 cents per share on sales of $5.29 billion.

Wall Street analysts were expecting earnings of 45 cents on sales of $5.41 billion, according to a Reuters consensus estimate.

Starbucks shares were down nearly 5 percent, to $58.40, in after-hours trading Thursday evening.

Source: New Starbucks CEO asserts 'we've turned a corner' on problems crimping sales growth

Wasted: America's other drug problem

Every week in Des Moines, Iowa, the employees of a small nonprofit collect bins of unexpired prescription drugs tossed out by nursing homes after residents died, moved out or no longer needed them. The drugs are given to patients who couldn't otherwise afford them.

But travel 1,000 miles east to Long Island, New York, and you'll find nursing homes flushing similar leftover drugs down the toilet, alarming state environmental regulators worried they'll further contaminate the water supply.

In Baltimore, Maryland, a massive incinerator burns up tons of the drugs each year — for a fee — from nursing homes across the Eastern seaboard.

If you want to know why the nation's health care costs are among the highest in the world, a good place to start is with what we throw away. Across the country, nursing homes routinely toss large quantities of perfectly good prescription medication: tablets for diabetes, syringes of blood thinners, pricey pills for psychosis and seizures.

At a time when anger over soaring drug costs has perhaps never been more intense, redistributing discarded drugs seems like a no-brainer. Yet it's estimated that American taxpayers, through Medicare, spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on drugs for nursing home patients — much of which literally go down the tubes.

"It would not surprise me if as much as 20 percent of the medications we receive we end up having to destroy," said Mark Coggins, who oversees the pharmacy services for Diversicare, a chain of more than 70 nursing homes in 10 states. "It's very discouraging throwing away all those drugs when you know it can benefit somebody."

No one tracks this waste nationwide, but estimates show it's substantial. Colorado officials have said the state's 220 long-term care facilities throw away a whopping 17.5 tons of potentially reusable drugs every year, with a price tag of about $10 million. The Environmental Protection Agency estimated in 2015 that about 740 tons of drugs are wasted by nursing homes each year.

This is, of course, part of a bigger problem. The National Academy of Medicine estimated in 2012 that the United States squanders more than a quarter of what it spends on health care — about $765 billion a year.

On a recent Wednesday in Des Moines, Ami Bradwell, a certified pharmacy technician, popped open the lids of several 31-gallon bins full of prescription drugs. In each were hundreds of what are known as "bingo cards" filled with rows of pills in sealed bubbles.

"Metformin — for diabetics," Bradwell said, holding up a card of large white pills. "It's not crazy expensive, but it's in high demand."

She held up an entire box of the anti-nausea drug Ondansetron. It goes for about $5 a pill, according to the website drugs.com. "Expensive."

Another card had three large pills stuffed in each chamber, a find Bradwell called "a 'jackpot' card. You can't live without it because it's a seizure medication."

Bradwell works for the nonprofit SafeNetRx. Each week the group takes in dozens of bins full of such drugs, as well as boxes mailed in from across Iowa and several other states — pharmaceutical trash that exists because, for convenience and cost, long-term care pharmacies often dispense nursing home patients' medications in bulk, a months' worth at a time.

Should a patient die, leave or stop taking the drug, what's left is typically tossed. The drugs have already been paid for, by Medicare in most cases, so there's little incentive to try to recycle them. In some states, such reuse is against the law.

Some of the cards Bradwell examined that day were missing only a few pills. One card had been thrown out even though it only lacked one of its 31 doses of oxybutynin, which reduces muscle spasms of the bladder. The remaining 30 are worth more than $13.

"There are literally millions of dollars of prescription medications thrown away every day in this country," said John Forbes, an Iowa pharmacist who dispenses SafeNetRx's recovered drugs to his low-income patients.

Although most states technically allow some leftover drugs to be recycled, Iowa is one of the few rescuing a significant percentage of the drugs from destruction. The state funds the program for about $600,000 a year, said SafeNetRx CEO Jon Rosmann, who calls it a "common sense" solution. In fiscal 2016 the program recovered and distributed drugs valued at about $3.4 million. This year it's on pace to top $5 million.

Forbes, who is also an Iowa state representative, said there are additional savings when low-income patients have access to the drugs they need. Patients who don't take their drugs "end up in the emergency room," he said, "which will wind up costing our health care system way more money."

At SafeNetRx, the drugs are sorted and organized in a 1,500-square-foot room lined with shelves stacked with bins of drugs. In the center, folding tables hold hundreds of bingo cards, sorted alphabetically by generic drug name, from the blood pressure drug acebutolol to the antipsychotic ziprasidone. None of the medications are controlled substances, though those may be included in the future.

Pharmacy officials say there may be a million dollars' worth of drugs in this small room. The 30 mg syringes of the blood thinner Enoxaparin are used by patients for weeks before and after heart surgery. They can go for $13 per dose.

One box contains scores of doses of Spiriva, inhalation capsules for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that would sell for about $18 each. The antipsychotic Abilify runs about $46 per pill.

The biggest ticket items are the cancer drugs. They are typically donated directly from patients or their families. Those can run $8,000 or more per month.

The cancer drugs are passed on to people like Amber Judge, a patient advocate at Medical Oncology and Hematology Associates, a cancer clinic in Des Moines. Judge is accustomed to patients coming into her office in a panic. They've just learned they have cancer, only to find out they can't afford the drugs they need to battle the disease. That's when Judge opens one of the file drawers in her office, which are filled with tens of thousands of dollars' worth of the drugs recovered by SafeNetRx.

In one filing drawer she has about 30 boxes of Tasigna, which costs about $100 per pill. In another drawer she has a gallon-sized plastic bag with bottles of Stivarga, about $188 per pill.

The process is similar to patients receiving drug samples at a doctor's office. They leave her office with the drugs they need — for free.

"I give them a month's supply if I have it," Judge said. "They're so thankful. They're incredulous."

In many places in the United States, however, these leftover drugs meet a very different end, one that is not only wasteful, but potentially harmful.

In recent years, scientists have detected something disturbing in the Long Island's aquifer: low levels of pharmaceuticals.

Though consumers have been warned not to flush their drugs down the toilet because sewer waste can contaminate groundwater, many still do it; more worrisome still, flushing remains a common practice at nursing homes in New York and across the country. The effects of such contamination on humans are unclear, but it has been shown to slow the metamorphosis of frogs and increase the feminization of fish.

Three years ago, New York's Department of Environmental Conservation started an annual program, funded by the state legislature, to scoop up unused medications before they were flushed. Even though the pickup service is free to facilities, only two dozen of 169 eligible Long Island nursing homes participated this February, turning over 660 pounds of drugs.

Those valuable medications didn't go into the water supply, but they didn't go to needy patients, either, though such recycling is now allowed in New York. Instead, they went to an incinerator company. Experts, including the EPA, have recommended incineration for getting rid of pharmaceuticals.

Destroying the unused drugs is always going to have environmental implications, said Carrie Meek Gallagher, region 1 director for the department. "It's always a trade-off of what's most harmful. For us, anything getting into the water is the worst solution."

The National Conference of State Legislatures said 39 states had passed laws that allowed the donation of drugs. But almost half of these states with laws lack programs to get the drugs safely from one appropriate user to another, and many of those that do have programs are focused on cancer drugs, the analysis showed.

There hasn't been a lot of public opposition to redistributing the drugs, even among drugmakers. Most concerns circle around logistics, although in Illinois trial attorneys have lobbied against a proposed program, saying it muddies liability issues.

Richard Cauchi, program director for health for the conference of state legislatures, said just passing laws doesn't guarantee success. A state agency or organization needs to oversee the program, encouraging participation and streamlining its administration so it's not a burden for pharmacies and nursing homes.

"It's a lot of work, and from a retail point of view, an expense," Cauchi said. "How do you accept these drugs? How do you confirm their safety? How do you know they meet the proper standards?"

Federal agencies are of little help, each pursuing their own, often contradictory, agendas.

The EPA discourages flushing drugs because they contaminate the water supply. But it doesn't have the authority to prohibit "sewering" the medications. Only local authorities can take that stance. It has, however, proposed reclassifying the unused drugs as hazardous waste, which would then prohibit flushing them.

The Food and Drug Administration says certain medications are so dangerous that they should be disposed of immediately, even if that means flushing them. It even provides a list of drugs recommended for flushing, mostly controlled substances like diazepam, better known as Valium, and the potent painkiller fentanyl.

The Drug Enforcement Administration wants to ensure controlled substances, like narcotic painkillers, aren't diverted to the illegal drug market. It has recommended that long-term pharmacies collect leftover drugs by placing boxes in nursing homes that must be emptied at least every three days, but that creates expense, hassle and potential liability.

Some advocates say the makers of the drugs should be responsible for disposing or recycling them. Scott Cassel, CEO of the Product Stewardship Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of consumer products, said the producers of batteries, electronics, paint and other products are required by law in some areas to pay for the safe disposal of their products. Similar laws require drug makers to pay for the destruction of leftover household drugs in two states and about a dozen counties, but no laws address nursing homes. 

Coggins, who leads the pharmacy services for the Diversicare chain, said people in the nursing home industry would like to do something about the waste. But their options are dictated by laws and regulations, and there's been a lack of investment in cost-effective solutions like the one in Iowa.

About half the states where Diversicare operates allow the donation of unused drugs, but the programs required too much work sorting and inventorying the drugs without any reimbursement, he said. "It's like people have created legislation and it's a feel-good thing, but nobody's come back to see why it's not working."

Diversicare avoids flushing drugs whenever possible, Coggins said, but it still occurs sometimes. The organization has switched to a product called Rx Destroyer that chemically deactivates the medication so it can be put in the trash, he said, but even that is controversial because it goes into a landfill.

In many nursing homes, flushing is just part of the routine.

"Oh my goodness, it's so sad," said Jennifer Ramsey, a nurse who formerly worked as a house supervisor for a nursing home in South Haven, Mississippi. Once a month she and another nurse would gather all the unused blister packs of medication, she said, piles of them, probably worth tens of thousands of dollars. Then they would pop the pills one by one into the toilet.

"You would spend almost your whole eight-hour day doing it," Ramsey recalled.

Ramsey now works for the nonprofit Good Shepherd Pharmacy in Memphis. In Tennessee, the law requires nursing homes to destroy unused drugs on site. Good Shepherd's founder is pressing to change the law so the drugs can be saved and donated.

In March, state Rep. Cameron Sexton, a Republican whose wife is a pharmacist, introduced a bill that would allow unexpired medications to be donated in Tennessee. "Unfortunately, we don't have a process set up to do that so all these drugs have to be destroyed," he said.

Perhaps the most graphic way to see the waste firsthand is a visit to the Curtis Bay Medical Waste facility on the south side of Baltimore, home of the largest incinerator of its kind in the country.

Here Curtis Bay's fleet of trucks delivers load after load of unused, unexpired drugs from hundreds of nursing homes and other facilities and clinics up and down the East Coast. Drugs also come from medical waste companies like SteriCycle and Daniels Sharpsmart. In 2015, 204 tons of non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste came from the Daniels location in the Bronx, according to records filed in New York. Such waste includes not only drugs tossed by nursing homes, but also those from hospitals, doctors' offices and other facilities.

Inside Curtis Bay, the drugs are processed and destroyed in an area the size of several hockey rinks. A conveyor belt about 15 feet off the ground snakes through the facility loaded with hundreds of boxes of pharmaceutical and medical waste — all leading to the two incineration chambers.

On a recent visit, the chamber was over 2,000 degrees, a heat that could be felt from 20 feet away.

From a platform above the incinerator's maw, you can watch as thousands of dollars of potentially lifesaving pills and medications tumble, box by box, into the steaming opening. Then they are shoveled into the blaze.

Experts say incineration is the least environmentally objectionable end-of-life option for unused drugs. But it's also the most expensive destruction method — from 50 cents to a dollar per pound, paid for by the facilities themselves — which is why many nursing homes resort to flushing.

Nursing homes save the disposal fees in Iowa, because they can donate them to SafeNetRx, where they benefit needy patients like Max Armstrong.

The 82-year-old suffers from multiple chronic conditions — emphysema, congestive heart failure and more. The ailments were manageable until 2015, when he suffered blood clots in his leg and lung. Doctors put him on the generic blood thinner warfarin, but it "almost killed me," he said, so he switched to Xarelto, a newer brand name drug that costs about $700 a month.

The total tab for the Xarelto and the other 14 medications Armstrong must take each month would cost at least $1,200, according to his daughter. Armstrong, whose savings took a hit during the financial crisis, lives on $1,158 a month in Social Security.

It's "stupid" to throw away drugs that can keep so many other people healthy, Armstrong said. "There's a lot of people out there in this world who need help."

Published: April 28, 2017 — 4:00 AM EDT

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Source: Wasted: America's other drug problem

Starbucks gives baristas new tablets to manage congestion caused by mobile order-ahead service

Starbucks continues to roll out new strategies to help combat congestion at stores caused by its mobile order-ahead service.

The company, which met expectations for its quarterly earnings report that posted today, gave an update about the issues around Mobile Order & Pay (MOP), a program that lets customers order with their smartphone via Starbucks' app and skip the line.

The problem, as Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz detailed on the company's earnings call in January, is that the increasing number of MOP orders creates congestion inside stores for mobile order-ahead customers trying to pick up their coffee and food at hand-off stations. This not only affects customers who are picking up items, but also potential customers who may notice the in-store traffic and end up not purchasing anything.

In response, Starbucks said in February that it would add dedicated stations for mobile order-ahead customers, distinct from existing in-store registers.

Kevin Johnson. (GeekWire photo/Kevin Lisota).

Earlier this month, the company also opened a new store at its Seattle headquarters that only accepts orders placed on a mobile device.

Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson, who took the helm earlier this month from Schultz (who remains active at the company), discussed more changes on the company's earnings call on Thursday.

Johnson said Starbucks is implementing "three waves" of improvements to reduce in-store congestion caused by MOP. The first, which he said is largely completed, includes additional training and reallocation of employee roles, as well additional labor at peak hours in select stores. Johnson said this has resulted in higher customer service feedback and increased peak transactions.

The second wave, Johnson said, is related to a new "Digital Order Manager," or DOM, a tablet-based device that gives baristas at the company's busiest stores visibility on all incoming MOP orders.

"It enables better tracking and real-time order production management," he noted.

Perhaps just as important, Johnson said that these new devices will create "extremely valuable data insiight into the customer experience and operations."

"It will enable us to further optimize store operations, increase throughput, and elevate the customer experience," he added.

There are also new mobile notifications sent to MOP customers, Johnson said, that let them know when their orders are ready.

Finally, the third wave is about how Starbucks is designing new stores and renovating existing ones with a focus on store layout that provides ways to increase throughput.

Adam Bortman, executive vice president of Global Retail Operations and Partner Digital Engagement, added that "we are really happy with the momentum we have in terms of operational improvement around getting better at the MOP experience and in general driving business in this area."

Last quarter, MOP grew to 8 percent of the quarter's transactions, up from 7 percent in the previous quarter.

Source: Starbucks gives baristas new tablets to manage congestion caused by mobile order-ahead service

Battery icon problems on tablet

Hi,

I have a small Windows tablet which I upgraded to Creators Update by doing a fresh install. I had copies of drivers and reinstalled all of them. The only issue is the battery icon.

It shows up in the taskbar, but appears 'empty'. Tap / click on it and the text says '100%' all the time. It doesn't change if plugged in or not. The screen brightness part does work, as does 'battery saver'. It seems it just isn't getting the battery level data.

I already tried disabling and enabling both AC adapter items in Device Manager with no effect. Apart from the icon vanishing and reappearing after a reboot.

There are a couple of Power management items relating to the Intel chipset, also no effect when uninstalled and reinstalled.

I tried enabling the 'old' battery flyout and it shows 'unknown remaining'.

All suggestions are welcome!

Source: Battery icon problems on tablet

The problems with loving our enemies

Bigstock/ChristianChan

In Bath, England, ancient Romans inscribed prayers to the gods on lead tablets, then threw them into the hot springs. It was a bit like a wishing well or a votive offering.

What stands out about the prayers though, is that they were curses. "Imprecatory prayers," we might call them. They wished all kinds of ill on people who had wronged them: blindness, impotence and intestinal parasites, just to name a few. If someone stole your favorite cloak, for example, you might pray for the gods to afflict the thief with boils.

I can't stop thinking about these imprecatory prayers as I've read through the Sermon on the Mount the last several weeks (Matthew 5, 6  and 7). I'm struck by Jesus' opposite response to enemies. If someone wants to take your cloak, he says, give them your coat as well (5:40). Instead of praying for your enemies to be afflicted with boils, pray for their well-being (5:44).

Some people who try to be more holy than Jesus assert that we should have no enemies. But Jesus' words acknowledge what you can expect from enemies: persecution, unjust application of the law, violence, humiliation and defensiveness. Jesus even says that if you are following his way, you will probably make some enemies (5:11).

Another way of saying it is this: You will create enemies simply by loving your enemies. Love always has enemies.

Jesus also says that God will forgive us — and judge us — using the same standards we apply to other people. "You'll receive the same judgment you give; whatever you deal out will be dealt out to you" (7:2), and "if you don't forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your sins" (6:14-15).

I don't think it's quite as transactional as that, but I do think Jesus is trying to get a point across. "What would it be like," Jesus seems to be asking us, "if God treated us the way we treat other people?"

"What would it be like," goes the corollary, "if we treated other people as if they actually bore the image of God?"

So, when I read these pagan curse tablets from 2,000 years ago and compare them to Jesus' words on the Sermon on the Mount, I laugh and I cringe, because I recognize my own anger and revenge fantasies in them. In my heart, I am still fairly pagan myself. Like the Psalmist, I wish that God would "break my enemies' teeth" (58:6). (Ancient dentistry was pretty nonexistent, so broken teeth were a permanent disability).

Jesus' admonition to forgive and love your enemies has its own problems, though. Saying "love your enemies" is particularly fraught because people who are oppressed are often told they should simply love their oppressors more. They should forgive their oppressors, remain silent, never curse or entertain thoughts of revenge, and let the Lord sort it out. Christian smarm admonishes them to turn the other cheek when they are legislated against, publicly shamed, over-policed and crucified. "Your reward is great in heaven," we tell those activists who work for justice in the face of persecution, as if that is the consolation prize for injustice here on earth.

And for those who are abused, Jesus' words are often twisted to suggest that they should stay in relationship with their abusers, or that forgiveness also means reconciliation and a return to the status quo instead of repentance. I believe instead that forgiveness sometimes means releasing all parties to go on their way without being hindered by a return to old toxic relationships — freeing up possibility for a totally different future.

There is still another sticky point about love and forgiveness. As a healthy white-straight-cisgender-Christian-American guy, born in a time and place where the only power I lack is being richer than 99% of the planet (I'm only in the top tenth percentile) it's pretty easy to pity the rest of the population and mistake that for love. From a position of power, "loving your enemies" is pretty easy when they can't really do much to hurt you. Jesus' command only has teeth if the one doing the forgiving feels like they have something to lose. I think that's why Jesus tells us to "come to terms with [our] accuser while we're on the way to court" (5:25). It is not just about our anger, but about the anger we have incurred by hurting others unconsciously or through systemic injustice.

I think we can overcome many of these forgiveness problems by placing Jesus' words in context. Considering Jesus' audience, who were not powerful — and Jesus' death at the hands of the powerful — I think it's a mistake to interpret his words about forgiveness as passivity in the face of oppression and persecution. Jesus said, "Take up your cross." Since the cross was reserved for enemies of the state, his instruction implies that following him means doing the kinds of things that could get you killed as a revolutionary. If we follow Jesus' example, "loving your enemies" clearly does not mean avoiding confrontation with them. Forgiveness does not mean allowing oppressors to go unchallenged by the approaching reign of God.

Forgiveness is not all about sweetness and light. JC acknowledges some harsh realities in the Sermon on the Mount: Enemies exist. There are wolves in sheep's clothing; swine who will not only reject your pearls, but will physically attack you; religious folks who preach well and even work miracles, but wouldn't know Jesus from a hole in the ground; hypocrites and pagans. "Do not be like them," Jesus says again and again in the Sermon on the Mount, violating the holier-than-Jesus trope that there is no us and them.

Rejecting these words of Jesus, I think, returns us to a cynical theology of power, where the only option remaining for those of us who have been wronged is to pray to the gods for revenge upon our enemies: give them pizza burn, cancer, hemorrhoids, Alzheimer's; let them lose property, children, spouses, friends; smite them with natural disasters, wars, and famine — and there are plenty of Christians who hold to this theology.

What a waste of time.

What I hear Jesus saying in the Sermon on the Mount is that instead of simply taking comfort from the promise of an afterlife, let your confidence in God's forgiveness, provision and redemption give you the courage to face what is wrong with the world and overcome it. Even if enemies curse and kill us, they can't stop what God has set in motion. Love will win, as surely as the sun rises and the rain falls. Forgiveness bears witness to the possibility of a new future for everyone — both for us who do wrong and for those who have done us wrong.

Source: The problems with loving our enemies

We're All Tired. But When Could Fatigue Mean a Medical Problem?

When I ask friends how they're doing, "tired" is often part of the response. A 2015 YouGov.com poll found 38 percent of Americans were poorly rested at least four days of the week. Research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from a few years earlier found that 15 percent of women and 10 percent of men said they were "very tired or exhausted" most days or every day of the week.

"It's very, very common," says Susan Hingle, chair of the board of regents for the American College of Physicians and an internist at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

If you're tired all the time, should you worry? It can be hard not to, since a Google search will show you that fatigue can be a symptom of a host of diseases, including serious ones.

Before you go there, consider the most obvious problem, especially if you're young and otherwise healthy: Maybe you're not sleeping enough. The CDC reported last year that one-third of Americans aren't getting seven or more hours of sleep per day. Some studies put that percentage even higher. If you are a woman with children, each kid increases the odds of insufficient sleep by 50 percent, according to a study presented at the recent meeting of the American Academy of Neurology. The study did not find the same result for men with kids.

It doesn't mean you should blow off your tiredness, but it does mean it might be helped by what sleep experts call "sleep hygiene." That means working backwards from the time you need to wake up and setting a bedtime so you get sufficient sleep, then sticking to it. Limit daytime napping if you don't fall asleep until late at night. Cut out the caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime. Exercise regularly. And keep screens — televisions, smartphones and tablets — out of the bedroom if possible, and stop using them an hour or two before bedtime. The light they emit and the stimulation they provide may contribute to sleep problems.

If it doesn't seem to just be a matter of getting an hour or so more of sleep, talk to your doctor. There are a wide range of medical conditions associated with feeling tired all the time, some more serious than others.

"We try to get [people] to define what they mean by 'tired'," says Hingle. For example, are you sleepy during the day? Or has your ability to get around and exercise without becoming exhausted or out of breath changed? John Meigs Jr. a family physician in Centreville, Ala. and president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, says he has a patient who reported a decline in his stamina for turkey hunting from last season to this one. "He couldn't walk," he says. "That's a pretty big change in a year." That kind of exhaustion is a common sign of heart disease, he says, so it's important to get it checked out.

Other potentially serious ailments include sleep apnea, which can cause people to feel tired all the time even if they're getting the recommended number of sleep hours per day, says Hingle. In addition to not feeling rested despite sufficient sleep, symptoms include snoring or gasping for air at night. Sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart disease and needs to be taken seriously, so bring it up with your doctor. According to the American College of Physicians, treatments for sleep apnea can include weight loss, if appropriate, or a CPAP device.

One condition many people have heard of is chronic fatigue syndrome, which is a serious disease that leads to more than everyday tiredness. According to the latest definition, it includes profound fatigue that lasts for at least six months, cognitive impairment and total exhaustion after even minor exertion. Those symptoms require medical attention. The Institute of Medicine estimates between 836,000 and 2.5 million Americans suffer from the disease.

Some people may be tired because they're anemic from losing blood, says Hingle. That might happen in women who have heavy menstrual periods, which can occur around menopause. A physician may advise you to take iron supplements, but you should be checked out to rule out any other causes of anemia. Colon cancer can also produce blood loss in the stool that leads to anemia, so for some people the resulting tiredness can be an early indication that they need to be tested for the disease.

There is no medical evidence supporting a diagnosis of "adrenal fatigue," a term that has been used to describe a group of symptoms including tiredness, according to the Endocrine Society.

Type 2 diabetes can also produce fatigue, though it would be unusual for that to be the only symptom, says Hingle. (You'd likely also be peeing a lot and thirsty all the time.) Same with hypothyroidism; it may make you tired, but you'd also probably notice changes in your skin and hair, as well as constipation, she says. Fatigue is also linked to depression and anxiety, so if you're experiencing signs of those, or have noticed your sleepiness comes on the heels of stressful life events, talk to a physician, says Meigs.

Katherine Hobson is a freelance health and science writer based in Brooklyn, N.Y. She's on Twitter: @katherinehobson.

Source: We're All Tired. But When Could Fatigue Mean a Medical Problem?

C.O. Truxton, Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Phenobarbital 15 mg Tablets, USP due to Labeling Error on Declared Strength

Bellmawr, New Jersey, C.O. Truxton, Inc. is voluntarily recalling lot 70952A of Phenobarbital Tablets, USP, 15 mg, to the consumer/user level. The manufacturer received a confirmed customer complaint that a bottle labeled as phenobarbital 15 mg was found to contain phenobarbital 30 mg tablets.

This mislabeled product could expose the consumer or their pet(s) to potential overdosing that can cause severe intoxication which may lead to cardiogenic shock, renal failure, coma or death. C.O. Truxton, Inc. has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.   

The product is indicated for use as a sedative or anticonvulsant and is packaged in 1000 count bottles, NDC 0463-6160-10, UPC 7 0463616010 6, lot number 70952A, expiration date 11/17. The 15 mg Tablet is debossed with "West-ward 445" on one side and blank on the reverse side; the 30 mg Tablet is debossed with "West-ward 450" on one side and scored on the reverse side. The product was distributed Nationwide in the USA to Physician & Veterinarian Treatment Centers.

C.O. Truxton, Inc. is notifying all customers on record who purchased the affected product via US Mail which includes a recall letter, recall response form and is arranging for full credit returns, replacements, etc. of all recalled product. Consumers/distributors/retailers that have recalled product should stop using the product and return their product to their place of purchase.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact C.O Truxton, Inc. by phone at (856) 933-2333, Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm (EST).  Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online, by regular mail or by fax.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

###

Source: C.O. Truxton, Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Phenobarbital 15 mg Tablets, USP due to Labeling Error on Declared Strength

New Research:Tablets Cause Sleep Problems In Children

US Vice President warns North Korea 'era of strategic patience is over' The investment bank calculates that Chinese tour groups account for around 0.5 percent of South Korea's gross domestic product. The U.S. government has deployed the Theater High-Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system to help protect its ally.

Ready to hit back with nuclear attacks, North Korea warns US "However, North Korea has a habit of showing off new concepts in parades before they ever test or launch them", Hanham said. North Korea has a habit of fueling tensions to increase the rewards it might extract from the outside world if it desists.

Five injured in clash between protesters in Srinagar Reports of protests came from Shopian, Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara and Ganderbal districts besides the Kashmir University. Soon after, protests broke out in nearby Womens College and other colleges in the city and elsewhere in the valley.

NazFamily Hosts Large-Scale Easter Egg Hunt The Peterborough YMCA's annual Easter event featured facepainting, a bouncy castle, games, and arts and crafts. And after kids filled their baskets with Easter eggs, they got to turn in them in for some fun prizes.

Rusia tendría en su poder al "padre de todas las bombas" Se espera que ese grupo insurgente, que tiene muchos más combatientes que el EI en el país, anuncie pronto el inicio de su ofensiva de primavera.

Man Livestreams Murder On Facebook Stephens later posted another video of himself talking on the phone about at least 13 other murders he claimed to have committed . Stephens claimed he "snapped" over a woman, and said he would continue to kill people until she called him or he was caught.

Ex-Wings coach Scotty Bowman saw Jackie Robinson play in minors A stellar athlete, young Robinson excelled not only in baseball but was a lettered athlete in football, track and field. On Saturday, the Dodgers revealed it, on the 70th anniversary of Robinson making his Major League Baseball debut.

"Cancilleres de la OEA verán esta semana la situación en Venezuela" — PPK Además nuestro Gobierno inició las consultas con los países de la OEA para la aplicación de Carta Democrática Interamericana. La resolución fue adoptada por consenso de los 21 países presentes, con cuatro abstenciones.

Canada introduces bill to legalize marijuana by July 2018 Sales by mail or courier through a federally licensed producer would be allowed in provinces that lack a regulated retail system. Some have argued that the timeline of legalisation by mid-2018 is overly ambitious, suggesting that 2019 is a more likely date.

Russia, Qatar call for Syrian ceasefire reinforcement, chemical attack probe USA officials said they were investigating the possibility that Russian Federation was involved in the chemical attack. "He will not let go of the chemical weapons while he is leader of Syria", the general said .

Termina votación en referéndum sobre cambio constitucional en Turquía Erdal Aksünger, un portavoz del CHP, declaró a la prensa que su partido impugnará el 37% de las urnas escrutadas, porque hay "mucha manipulación".

On banner night, Cubs nip Dodgers in ninth Rockies 3, Giants 1: Trevor Story hit a two-run homer and five Colorado pitchers combined on a five-hitter in the Rockies' win. The Dodgers lost two of three in both Chicago and Colorado and return home having gone 2-4 on their first trip of the season.

Turkey votes to expand president's powers; critics cry fraud Erdogan branded officials in the two nations as Nazis for not allowing his ministers to campaign for the expatriate vote there. While Erdogan has forged a coalition with nationalists, he has in the past showed considerable pragmatism in his alliances.

North Korea unveils new missiles during military parade According to Reuters , North Korea's defiance about missile and nuclear tests is the root cause of the tension. China has even stopped the import of North Korean coals while it also hindered airline flights to Pyongyang .

Teacher walked off United flight with students after passenger was dragged off United spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said Wednesday that the passengers can take the compensation in cash, travel credits or miles . United personnel had asked for volunteers to give up their seats for four airline employees who were needed in other cities.

Source: New Research:Tablets Cause Sleep Problems In Children

C.O. Truxton, Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Phenobarbital 15 mg Tablets, USP due to Labeling Error on Declared Strength

Bellmawr, New Jersey, C.O. Truxton, Inc. is voluntarily recalling lot 70952A of Phenobarbital Tablets, USP, 15 mg, to the consumer/user level. The manufacturer received a confirmed customer complaint that a bottle labeled as phenobarbital 15 mg was found to contain phenobarbital 30 mg tablets.

This mislabeled product could expose the consumer or their pet(s) to potential overdosing that can cause severe intoxication which may lead to cardiogenic shock, renal failure, coma or death. C.O. Truxton, Inc. has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.   

The product is indicated for use as a sedative or anticonvulsant and is packaged in 1000 count bottles, NDC 0463-6160-10, UPC 7 0463616010 6, lot number 70952A, expiration date 11/17. The 15 mg Tablet is debossed with "West-ward 445" on one side and blank on the reverse side; the 30 mg Tablet is debossed with "West-ward 450" on one side and scored on the reverse side. The product was distributed Nationwide in the USA to Physician & Veterinarian Treatment Centers.

C.O. Truxton, Inc. is notifying all customers on record who purchased the affected product via US Mail which includes a recall letter, recall response form and is arranging for full credit returns, replacements, etc. of all recalled product. Consumers/distributors/retailers that have recalled product should stop using the product and return their product to their place of purchase.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact C.O Truxton, Inc. by phone at (856) 933-2333, Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm (EST).  Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online, by regular mail or by fax.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

###

Source: C.O. Truxton, Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Phenobarbital 15 mg Tablets, USP due to Labeling Error on Declared Strength

For Verizon, Tables Get Turned on Tablets

As growth in the wireless industry began to slow, wireless carriers gave away tablets to juice subscriber metrics. Hundreds of thousands of customers got a free generic Android tablet when signing up for a two-year tablet data plan, which often cost as little as $10 a month.

That decision is coming back to haunt the carriers, as many customers aren't renewing those data plans.

In the first quarter, Verizon Communications Inc. shed 307,000 postpaid customers, driven in large part by tablet declines. Verizon lost 250,000 tablet subscribers in the quarter. During the same period last year, Verizon netted 507,000.

Verizon had expressed optimism about tablet growth. But many consumers have found they don't need a cellular connection for their tablet -- they can either use free Wi-Fi or link to their cellphone's connection to their tablet.

Verizon has said part of the problem was the fact the tablets were free. Charging even a small amount for the device ensures the customer is more likely to actually want it, and therefore less likely to cancel at the end of the contract. It has since curbed the free tablet offer.

Write to Ryan Knutson at ryan.knutson@wsj.com

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 20, 2017 17:53 ET (21:53 GMT)

Source: For Verizon, Tables Get Turned on Tablets

Prascend Tablets for Horses

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Source: Prascend Tablets for Horses

Change submenus hovering colour/change colour of text in contentarea only on phones and tablets

Hi there,

There are two different versions of WordPress. These forums only provide support for sites hosted here at WordPress.com.

If you need support for a self-hosted site using software from WordPress.org, please try posting your question in the WordPress.org support forums.

To learn about the differences between the two versions of WordPress (.com vs.org), please see this guide

Source: Change submenus hovering colour/change colour of text in contentarea only on phones and tablets

New Research:Tablets Cause Sleep Problems In Children

US Vice President warns North Korea 'era of strategic patience is over' The investment bank calculates that Chinese tour groups account for around 0.5 percent of South Korea's gross domestic product. The U.S. government has deployed the Theater High-Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system to help protect its ally.

Ready to hit back with nuclear attacks, North Korea warns US "However, North Korea has a habit of showing off new concepts in parades before they ever test or launch them", Hanham said. North Korea has a habit of fueling tensions to increase the rewards it might extract from the outside world if it desists.

Five injured in clash between protesters in Srinagar Reports of protests came from Shopian, Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara and Ganderbal districts besides the Kashmir University. Soon after, protests broke out in nearby Womens College and other colleges in the city and elsewhere in the valley.

NazFamily Hosts Large-Scale Easter Egg Hunt The Peterborough YMCA's annual Easter event featured facepainting, a bouncy castle, games, and arts and crafts. And after kids filled their baskets with Easter eggs, they got to turn in them in for some fun prizes.

Rusia tendría en su poder al "padre de todas las bombas" Se espera que ese grupo insurgente, que tiene muchos más combatientes que el EI en el país, anuncie pronto el inicio de su ofensiva de primavera.

Man Livestreams Murder On Facebook Stephens later posted another video of himself talking on the phone about at least 13 other murders he claimed to have committed . Stephens claimed he "snapped" over a woman, and said he would continue to kill people until she called him or he was caught.

Ex-Wings coach Scotty Bowman saw Jackie Robinson play in minors A stellar athlete, young Robinson excelled not only in baseball but was a lettered athlete in football, track and field. On Saturday, the Dodgers revealed it, on the 70th anniversary of Robinson making his Major League Baseball debut.

"Cancilleres de la OEA verán esta semana la situación en Venezuela" — PPK Además nuestro Gobierno inició las consultas con los países de la OEA para la aplicación de Carta Democrática Interamericana. La resolución fue adoptada por consenso de los 21 países presentes, con cuatro abstenciones.

Canada introduces bill to legalize marijuana by July 2018 Sales by mail or courier through a federally licensed producer would be allowed in provinces that lack a regulated retail system. Some have argued that the timeline of legalisation by mid-2018 is overly ambitious, suggesting that 2019 is a more likely date.

Russia, Qatar call for Syrian ceasefire reinforcement, chemical attack probe USA officials said they were investigating the possibility that Russian Federation was involved in the chemical attack. "He will not let go of the chemical weapons while he is leader of Syria", the general said .

Termina votación en referéndum sobre cambio constitucional en Turquía Erdal Aksünger, un portavoz del CHP, declaró a la prensa que su partido impugnará el 37% de las urnas escrutadas, porque hay "mucha manipulación".

On banner night, Cubs nip Dodgers in ninth Rockies 3, Giants 1: Trevor Story hit a two-run homer and five Colorado pitchers combined on a five-hitter in the Rockies' win. The Dodgers lost two of three in both Chicago and Colorado and return home having gone 2-4 on their first trip of the season.

Turkey votes to expand president's powers; critics cry fraud Erdogan branded officials in the two nations as Nazis for not allowing his ministers to campaign for the expatriate vote there. While Erdogan has forged a coalition with nationalists, he has in the past showed considerable pragmatism in his alliances.

North Korea unveils new missiles during military parade According to Reuters , North Korea's defiance about missile and nuclear tests is the root cause of the tension. China has even stopped the import of North Korean coals while it also hindered airline flights to Pyongyang .

Teacher walked off United flight with students after passenger was dragged off United spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said Wednesday that the passengers can take the compensation in cash, travel credits or miles . United personnel had asked for volunteers to give up their seats for four airline employees who were needed in other cities.

Source: New Research:Tablets Cause Sleep Problems In Children

Hyland’s homeopathic teething tablets recalled nationwide

× Hyland's homeopathic teething tablets recalled nationwide

Any remaining Hyland's homeopathic teething products are now being removed from store shelves under a major recall.

Two types of the teething products, which previously were linked to the deaths of 10 children, have been recalled, the Food and Drug Administration announced on Thursday.

Standard Homeopathic Company, the Los Angeles-based maker of Hyland's homeopathic teething products, recalled all of its teething tablets and nighttime teething tablets, the announcement said. The FDA concluded that the products have mislabeled the amounts of belladonna alkaloids they contain.

After the FDA warned parents against using homeopathic teething tablets and gels last year, the company had announced in October that it would stop distributing the products in the United States.

Dr. Natasha Burgert, a Kansas City-based pediatrician, said that many parents of her patients have asked her about the latest recall.

"Belladonna is a natural plant that has been used for centuries," she said.

Burgert added that while belladonna can be harmful, "my suspicion is that, when using it in teething tablets at homeopathic doses, the likelihood of a significant reaction is likely low," she said. "However, I think it is appropriate for the FDA be concerned that these homeopathic tablets and regimens are not regulated."

In January, the FDA urged parents not to use Hyland's homeopathic teething products after finding that the products contain varying amounts of belladonna, a toxic substance, commonly known as deadly nightshare, that can be harmful to children.

Ten deaths and other adverse events, such as seizures and vomiting, previously were reported to the FDA and the agency investigated those reports last year.

As part of the recall, parents are encouraged to throw away any teething products they may still have.

"We initiated this recall even after discontinuing production last fall because it is appropriate to do what our regulating agency has formally requested," said J.P. Borneman, chairman and CEO of Standard Homeopathic Company, in the announcement.

"We are committed to maintaining and earning the trust consumers have placed in Standard Homeopathic Company. We have worked for 114 years to build relationships with our consumers. We intend to preserve that tradition of trust," he said.

This isn't the first time that Hyland's teething tablets have been recalled. In 2010, Standard Homeopathic voluntarily recalled the tablets to address concerns with the product's manufacturing process and refine its production, packaging and testing protocols.

At the time, adverse events were reported, but the FDA said that it could not confirm a conclusive link between the events and the teething products.

Hyland's homeopathic teething tablets date back to 1945, when they were introduced to the US market and have been used by millions of children, according to the company's website.

Teething usually begins when a baby is between six and eight months old.

Signs of teething include acting irritable, biting or chewing, drooling, gum swelling and tenderness, refusing food, and sleeping problems.

"Teething is not a medical problem. Teething is natural, it's important, and the vast majority of kids really do great," said Burgert, who is also a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics.

"So, teething isn't something that parents should be worried about or something that need tremendous action plans, however, if they do notice their kids are fussy and biting on things we can address them in many ways," she said.

To ease your baby's teething discomfort, the American Academy of Pediatrics has some suggestions:

Try gently rubbing or massaging the gums with one of your fingers. Teething rings can be helpful, but they should be made of firm rubber. Pain relievers that you rub on the gums are not recommended since they wash out of the baby's mouth within minutes. If your child seems unusually irritable or has a fever, consult your pediatrician. Avoid teething tablets that contain belladonna and gels with benzocaine.

Source: Hyland's homeopathic teething tablets recalled nationwide

Childhood obesity - A growing problem

Last month I mentioned that one-third of the children in the U.S. are obese and that this epidemic of childhood obesity is placing the health of an entire generation at risk.

The basic causes are a lack of physical activity and consumption of too much fast food, soda and high-calorie snacks. So how do we reverse this trend and restore the health and well-being of our youth?

Physical activity is crucial in maintaining a healthy weight and it may overcome some dietary indiscretions (The exact speed you need to run on the treadmill while eating Cheetos to remain weight neutral is 4.2 mph at a 4 percent incline).

Kids don't need a structured exercise routine, they just need vigorous play for at least one hour a day. The biggest detractor from physical play is screen time – TV, video games, smartphones, tablets, etc.

The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends no screen time for children under 18 months of age, no more than one hour/day for kids under 5, and no more than two hours for kids under 12. As technology improves, it gets harder and harder to pry kids (and adults for that matter) away from their screen time.

The most disturbing trend I see are preschool age kids with an iPad watching YouTube videos of other kids playing. No one has ever burned a calorie that way. Excessive screen time not only contributes to obesity, it also is linked to irregular sleep patterns, loss of social skills, behavior problems and violence.

We, as parents, have the ability to control the amount of time our children spend staring mindlessly at these devices and, currently, we are failing them.

Parents also need to take responsibility for what, and how much, their kids are eating. It starts at the grocery store by buying more fruits and vegetables and less chips, crackers and cookies. Avoid fast food and prepare more meals at home.

Discourage eating in front of the TV or tablet, as that leads to faster eating and less awareness of the amount of food eaten. Eliminate soda altogether and greatly decrease juice consumption as they are both very high in calories. Serve kid-size portions at mealtime and never force them to eat beyond the point where they feel full.

Interventions to prevent childhood obesity start early. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy increases your child's risk of obesity. Breastfeeding may lower the risk (as well as it's countless other benefits).

Be a role model. If you need to lose weight, doing so will motivate your child to do the same. Involve the entire family. Eating healthy and staying active is important for everyone and will avoid singling out the overweight child.

Don't focus on weight talk, focus on healthy eating and exercise habits. Be patient and praise success. One to 2 pounds a month, or even just the absence of weight gain, are reasonable goals in most situations. Weight control isn't easy. If it was, everyone would be skinny.

Source: Childhood obesity - A growing problem

10 gadgets that solve some of your most annoying tech problems

Good gadgets are fun novelty items and great gadgets make life more convenient. But the best gadgets are the ones that fix issues, have multiple functions, and keep you safe.

The Komando Shop is full of gadgets, electronics, and accessories that do just that. That's why I decided to hand-pick 10 of those problem-solving devices just for you. And that's not all! Each one has a special offer to go along with it. Keep reading and I'll show you 10 common problems and the gadgets from the Komando Shop that will fix them.Whether it's a road trip or your daily commute, this first set of gadgets are things you don't want to leave home without.

Whether it's a road trip or your daily commute, this first set of gadgets are things you don't want to leave home without.

1. Never get stuck with a dead battery

The moment you get in your car, turn the ignition and nothing happens, you know something's wrong. Your car battery is dead and there's no one around to give you a jump start. What do you do?

With the 12V Jump Starter and Portable Charger, dead batteries will become a thing of the past. Plug the jumper cables into this device to get your car started. And that's not all this handy tool can do! Plug in your phone or tablet and it will revive those batteries too. It has 500 charging cycles, is very compact and has a built-in flashlight. Save $20 when you buy it now for $79.99.

2. Escape from your car in an emergency

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Random Tips How to listen to and delete everything you've ever said to Google

Source: 10 gadgets that solve some of your most annoying tech problems

Standard Homeopathic Company Issues Nationwide Recall of Hyland's Baby Teething Tablets and Hyland's …

LOS ANGELES, April 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Standard Homeopathic Company is recalling all lots of Hyland's Baby Teething Tablets and Hyland's Baby Nighttime Teething Tablets sold in retail stores to the consumer level. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that the medicines have been found to contain inconsistent amounts of belladonna alkaloids that may differ from the calculated amount on the products' labels.

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FDA believes that belladonna represents a serious health hazard to children and that the effects of belladonna are unpredictable. The Agency has stated to the Company, "There is no known safe dose or toxic dose of belladonna in children because of the many factors that affect it."

The Hyland's Baby Teething Tablets and Hyland's Baby Nighttime Teething Tablets were used to provide temporary relief of teething symptoms in children. The recall includes all products that retailers may have had in stock. The Company stopped making and shipping the medicines nationwide in October 2016. This recall ensures the removal of any possible remaining products that may be on store shelves. No other Standard Homeopathic Company/Hyland's products are affected by this recall.

"We initiated this recall even after discontinuing production last fall because it is appropriate to do what our regulating agency has formally requested," said J.P. Borneman, PhD, chairman and CEO of Standard Homeopathic Company. "We are committed to maintaining and earning the trust consumers have placed in Standard Homeopathic Company. We have worked for 114 years to build relationships with our consumers.  We intend to preserve that tradition of trust."

Standard Homeopathic Company is notifying its distributors and retailers by mail and is arranging for the return of all recalled products.  Consumers who have products which are being recalled should discard the product.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Standard Homeopathic Company by calling 1-800-991-3376 (Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time).  Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they believe they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of these products may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

 

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Source: Standard Homeopathic Company Issues Nationwide Recall of Hyland's Baby Teething Tablets and Hyland's …

iPad Pro 2 News: Apple Setting Up iPad Pro 2 To Be Top-Notch Tablet Fit In Hybrid Category To Replace Laptops [VIDEO]

Apple Inc. is said to be adding the finishing touches to the much awaited iPad Pro 2. The tech titan is taking its upcoming iOS tablet consolidation up a notch. Apple is setting up the iPad Pro 2 to be top of the line tablet fit in the hybrid category to replace laptops.

iPad Pro 2 is set to be a top-notch tablet that's going to replace laptops. iPad Pro 2 will feature the best hardware parts that the Cupertino based tech giant has to offer.

The tech titan has shown much interest towards enhancing the functionalities of the highly anticipated iPad Pro 2, so that the device can take the place of laptops easier. Apple will reportedly introduce a new file system that's going to significantly enhance the work productivity levels of the iPad Pro 2. The new file system will come along with more organized filing algorithm just like the way MacOS works, News 4C reported.

Another iPad Pro 2 feature that's going to help the upcoming device to replace laptops easier is the inclusion of the tech titan's Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad. These iPad Pro 2 features were utilized on the iMac and help its users wrapped up their task at a much faster rate.

In terms of other interesting features that might make it to Apple's upcoming iPad Pro 2 include the Touch Bar, reduced bezels and a new Apple Pencil. The new iPad Pro 2 could utilize the new A10X Fusion chip. Although the iPad Pro 2 has no official release date yet, but the upcoming device won't reportedly be released until May or June,  Mac World reported.

Furthermore, it has been said that the new iPad Pro model will not have a headphone port and a physical home button. Nevertheless, the upcoming iPad Pro 2 will include a water resistance feature as well as a 12.9-inch variant.

Watch The Video Here:

Source: iPad Pro 2 News: Apple Setting Up iPad Pro 2 To Be Top-Notch Tablet Fit In Hybrid Category To Replace Laptops [VIDEO]