CitizensReport – Citizens Report https://citizensreport.org a digital channel commited to health & medical rights. Tue, 13 Feb 2024 03:12:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.25 https://citizensreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/cropped-cr-icon-1-32x32.png CitizensReport – Citizens Report https://citizensreport.org 32 32 Suicide risk study shows rises with quick repeat deployments https://citizensreport.org/2018/04/23/suicide-risk-study-shows-rises-with-quick-repeat-deployments/ Mon, 23 Apr 2018 19:32:11 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=12263 The Risk of Suicide in U.S. Soldiers With the rise of suicide in the U.S., it is something that must be brought to attention quickly. Specifically, the rise of suicide has increased from U.S. soldiers that are deployed with six months or less between rotations. It is hard enough for a family to have little […]

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The Risk of Suicide in U.S. Soldiers

With the rise of suicide in the U.S., it is something that must be brought to attention quickly.

Specifically, the rise of suicide has increased from U.S. soldiers that are deployed with six months or less between rotations.

It is hard enough for a family to have little to no time to spend with their loved one who served as a veteran to the U.S. Army.

It is hard to imagine the pain and hardship of the lack of preparation and the amount of time we give veterans to spend at home or to recoup from their deployments.

Regarding the hardship, something that must be discussed is how long we should give our soldiers before we deploy them again?

It is a matter of life and death for the soldiers that serve our country to consider the pressures that are being put on them in such a short amount of time.

Families that have to cope with the early deployment of their loved ones also have to cope with the possibility that their loved on deployment might suffer from the stress and anxieties that come from not having time to bond or prepare psychologically.

It is human nature to bond and have relations with peers and families.

Being prepared for what may come in future deployments seems to be key amongst the psychology of soldiers.

They need time to adjust to the amount of time that they may be gone on deployment. They also need time to recoup the loss of time they have spent with their family.

The clause is a matter of preparing our loved ones for future back to back deployments by talking about their concerns and struggles.

To support the troops of the U.S., there needs to be a reconsideration of how much stress we are putting on the individuals that serve our country. If it is a matter of life and death, we must reconsider those individuals life when it comes to the risk of suicide. One life makes an immense difference in support of the troops.

To prevent the of suicide risk within the deployment of our soldiers something that must be considered is giving veterans time to recoup at home while also time to spend with their pack within the U.S. army before they are stationed or deployed in another country.

Suicide risk is a serious ordeal, and we can give soldiers time and preparation order for them to regain their strength to be able to deploy again without the risk of suicide.

It is a huge risk to keep sending U.S. soldiers back to deployment with the risk of suicide in the U.S.

Giving our soldiers time and preparation before deployment will make a significant difference for their health and suicide risk.

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Is marathon running bad for you? https://citizensreport.org/2018/04/23/is-marathon-running-bad-for-you/ Mon, 23 Apr 2018 19:24:01 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=12260 Is marathon running bad for you? Marathons are races of at least 26 miles or 42.195 kilometers. The are conducted to raise money for charities and organizations as well as just for sport. They can be a fantastic way to keep your body in shape and healthy. There are also marathons for people in wheelchairs […]

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Is marathon running bad for you?

Marathons are races of at least 26 miles or 42.195 kilometers. The are conducted to raise money for charities and organizations as well as just for sport. They can be a fantastic way to keep your body in shape and healthy. There are also marathons for people in wheelchairs and with other handicaps. Some runners become addicted the “runners high” they experience, and experts say it is a great stress reliever. Running and training for a marathon improves physical strength, cardiovascular health, and mental stability, but can running marathons be bad for you? Heart, a British medical journal reported that excessive exercise and cardio work-outs could nullify the benefits obtained by moderate exercise.

Hydration

One of the trickiest and most deadly risks of marathon running is staying hydrated. Runners often feel fine, when suddenly they will pass out while running or keel over in pain. There seem to be no warning signs or tell-tale physical trigger. New runners often make the mistake of hydrating before the run with diet soda or some drink containing aspartame or artificial sweetener. Some sports drinks can help if they contain electrolytes but plain water or specifically manufactured runners drink is the best option. If you get over-heated, you’re dehydrated, and it won’t be long before you are out of the race.

Heart Health

Running long distances puts incredible stress on the heart. High-intensity exercising, lasting more than 2 hours, can seriously damage the heart. Several years of this type of exercise on a regular basis the tissues of the heart can thicken and even form scar tissue. Another issue with the heart evolves by hydrating with diet soda or drinks with aspartame or artificial sweetener. High intake of these products can cause pulmonary hypertension.

Improper Training

Runners who do not properly rain before the marathon are at a higher risk of injury and irreparable damage. No one without proper training can just wake up one day and run a 26-mile marathon. It can take years of training the body to endure the heavy challenge of a constant run. Conditioning the body by deep stretches, resistance, and endurance training, and progressively longer runs. People who are obese, unfit, have poor endurance or a physical handicap may have to train harder and longer.

According to medical experts, marathon runners do not experience the joint, tendon, and muscle issues that were previously thought. As long as proper training is conducted. Training teaches the body to adapt to the activities and allows the joints and muscles to become more adept at the task. People of all ages use marathon running as a way to stay young and healthy as well as contribute to a good cause. Medical experts agree that helping others through a charitable endeavor can greatly reduce depression, anxiety, and stress.

While all these dangers of marathon running can cause serious damage, running one or two marathons a year while perfectly trained can be a health benefit. It can bring communities together and even help you meet new people.

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High school parents should be concerned about ‘Juuling.’ https://citizensreport.org/2018/04/22/high-school-parents-should-be-concerned-about-juuling/ Sun, 22 Apr 2018 17:22:53 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=12257 What Is Juuling? Why Is It Dangerous? Juul is a premium brand of e-cigarette that is often called the iPhone of vaporizers. Unfortunately, the product has become popular among high schoolers, and this is a dangerous trend. The product can be quite addictive. However, many teens have the misconception that premium brands of vaporizers are […]

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What Is Juuling? Why Is It Dangerous?

Juul is a premium brand of e-cigarette that is often called the iPhone of vaporizers. Unfortunately, the product has become popular among high schoolers, and this is a dangerous trend. The product can be quite addictive. However, many teens have the misconception that premium brands of vaporizers are safe to use. You have to make sure that the vape products you’re trying is safe and legit like the ones at the best delta 8 disposables online!

These are some of the most serious vaping dangerous associated with this product:

1. Additives In The Products Could Be Harmful

Many people have a misconception that the products do not contain additives, but this couldn’t be any further from the truth. In fact, there are numerous artificial additives in the product. Some of the additives may have dangers that have not been discovered yet, such as carcinogenic properties.

2. E-Liquids Often Contain High Doses Of Nicotine

The only difference in the nicotine dosage of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes is that electronic cigarettes give a measured dose of nicotine. However, the nicotine dosage in electronic cigarettes can be as high as conventional cigarettes. This means that they have the same addictive potential as cigarettes. This can e juice expire if not used right away after being bought in the vape shop. However, if someone becomes addicted to nicotine, they often suffer from withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop consuming it. These are some of the most common nicotine withdrawal symptoms:

Irritability
Headaches
Dizziness
Anxiety
Difficulty concentrating

Each pack of e-liquid contains as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes. This is the equivalent to 200 puffs of a cigarette.

3. Some Teenagers Are Unaware That They Contain Nicotine

An astonishing 37 percent of teenagers are unaware that these products contain nicotine. Some even identify using Juul e-cigarettes as different than vaping. In fact, around 25% of teenagers do not consider using them to be vaping. They even have their own name for using them. They refer to it as Juuling instead of vaping.

4. The Products Have An Appealing Scent

Many teenagers avoid starting a nicotine habit due to an aversion to the smell of cigarettes. However, this is not a concern of teenagers who are considering using these electronic cigarettes. This is because these products have sweet flavors like mango and creme brulee. As a result, teens may be more likely to use them and become addicted to nicotine as a result.

5. Juul Can Be Easily Concealed

The products are extremely small, and they can easily fit in pockets. In fact, they have an appearance that is similar to a thumb drive. Not only does this make teenagers more likely to try them, but it makes it more difficult for adults to know if they are using them.

6. Nicotine May Impede Brain Development

High schoolers have brains that have underdeveloped regions that are responsible for impulse control and risk assessment. If these areas of the brain never fully develop, an individual may continue to make poor decisions as an adult. It also may increase teenagers’ risk of developing a mental illness in adulthood.

7. They Are Bad For The Entire Respiratory System

Electronic cigarettes can cause progressive damage to the tissue in the lungs. Also, they can irritate other regions of the respiratory system, such as the nose. While they might not appear to be as “harsh” as tobacco smoke, the progressive damage to the respiratory system that can occur from using them can be similar.

8. The Risks Have Not Been Thoroughly Studied By The FDA

E-cigarettes are not FDA regulated. Not only does this mean that the risks have not been fully studied, but it also means that the FDA does not consider using them is a safe way to attempt to quit smoking cigarettes. Furthermore, the lack of regulation means that there are no ways to know for sure what is in a vape juice. Therefore, there could be vaping dangers that haven’t even been discovered.

9. It’s Bad For The Cardiovascular System

It is thought that nicotine is damaging to both the heart and blood vessels. This effect is likely to be a particularly serious concern for teenagers who already suffer from heart problems. Nicotine intake has been shown to increase an individual’s risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Vaping is a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, as it doesn’t involve burning tobacco and producing harmful tar and carcinogens. Find your ideal vaping companion with E-Cigs from E-Zigaretteria. As a Swiss online leader, we prioritize quality and customer satisfaction above all.

10. High Schoolers Who Use Electronic Cigarettes Could Become More Likely To Make Other Poor Decisions

Teenagers who begin using electronic cigarettes might become more inclined to try other substances, such as alcohol or even illegal drugs. This could result in addiction and could even be life-threatening. If you or a loved one is facing legal problems associated with illegal drugs, it’s important to talk to this attorney as soon as possible.

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Is Diet Soda Killing Us? https://citizensreport.org/2018/04/21/is-diet-soda-killing-us/ Sat, 21 Apr 2018 17:24:27 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=12251 Is Diet Soda Killing You? Millions of people drink diet soda daily. It has quickly become one of the most popular beverages in the entire world. One could say it is addictive! Research is being done on these sodas that may surprise many people. One of the ingredients in these drinks, aspartame, is an artificial […]

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Is Diet Soda Killing You?

Millions of people drink diet soda daily. It has quickly become one of the most popular beverages in the entire world. One could say it is addictive! Research is being done on these sodas that may surprise many people. One of the ingredients in these drinks, aspartame, is an artificial sweetener that has been used for decades in sodas and beverages for those who are looking to cut out sugar. The problem is that this sweetener may be worse for drinkers than sugar itself.

Aspartame is an additive in most diet sodas. It is a sweetening agent that has been used in food and beverages. Recent research suggests that this sweetener may be causing terrible health problems that will eventually cause death in those avid diet beverage consumers.

Products with Aspartame

There are many products that contain this artificial sweetener. Many diet drinks, sugar free breath mints and gums, flavored waters, sugar free cereals, sugar free condiments, and more all contain this sweetener. Millions of people are ingesting it everyday without being aware of the side effects.

Side Effects of Drinking Diet Soda

There are many side effects of drinking too much diet soda and one of the major ones is the high risk of various types of cancers. Research is now showing a huge increase in cancer for people who have had too much artificial sweetener. The increase is over 300%! Cancers such as liver cancer, lung cancer, brain cancer, and breast cancer have been connected with this sweetener, yet people continue to drink these beverages.

This sweetener is also associated with making cases of diabetes even worse. Many diabetics drink this sugar free drinks because of their sugar levels, but the fact that these drinks is making them worse is a huge concern. Studies have been done for over 15 years stating that the cases of diabetes in these soda consumers have gotten worse because they drink them everyday. Those who did not drink them everyday showed little or no change. For these beverages to be something that doctors started to recommend, this is a scary thought for those with diabetes.

Another side effect of these sugar free drinks is that they can cause horrible mood swings and even trigger anger and violence in people. Sounds crazy right? But the research has shown that drinking these beverages has lead to mental problems and even depression. Many doctors blame the withdrawal symptoms of the sweetener.

By looking at this research, it is safe to say that drinking these sodas can cause health problems. These sodas could be slowly killing the world one drink at a time.

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Marijuana-derived drug for epilepsy gets FDA ‘thumbs up’ https://citizensreport.org/2018/04/21/marijuana-derived-drug-for-epilepsy-gets-fda-thumbs-up/ Sat, 21 Apr 2018 16:51:47 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=12246 First Cannabis-based Medicine Gets FDA Approval Thursday, the UK company, GW Pharmaceuticals made history by becoming the first company to get FDA approval for their prescription cannabidiol medicine. While the FDA is opposed to smoking marijuana to treat an array of chronic conditions, this move opens doors to derivatives of cannabis available at CBDDY for […]

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First Cannabis-based Medicine Gets FDA Approval

Thursday, the UK company, GW Pharmaceuticals made history by becoming the first company to get FDA approval for their prescription cannabidiol medicine. While the FDA is opposed to smoking marijuana to treat an array of chronic conditions, this move opens doors to derivatives of cannabis available at CBDDY for additional treatments.

Desperately Seeking Cures

In the last decade, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved almost 90 drugs for Neurology. None among them were cures, and for many, none of those promising remedies were meaningfully effective, but researchers say this new CBD-based liquid, Epidiolex, is significantly effective in treating seizures, while also other products like cbd topicals can be helpful as well.

Epilepsy, a neurological disease, is a disease of the nervous system, due to an abnormal response of the cerebral cortex to stimuli of various kinds. It is more frequent in children and adolescents until puberty, and may be caused by injuries of the brain, or by an alteration of the function of nerve cells. It’s characterized by sudden seizures, and while it can affect the entire body, these manifestations are usually a loss of consciousness and by sensory, psychic or motor alterations, are mostly localized to an arm, half-face or half-body. Nearly four percent of the U.S. population suffer from epilepsy.

But There Are Hurdles

Although there are always indications of the beneficial effects of marijuana, doctors are reluctant to prescribe it and insurers are unwilling to cover the costs. This is unlikely to change until clinical evidence of cannabis efficacy and safety is in place. Prohibition laws have made it difficult to conduct large-scale marijuana clinical trials in the past, but it’s becoming easier to research cannabis now that pro-pot laws have been passed. There are some who apply for a medical marijuana card to receive an additional discount while ordering online. To learn more, then read more about the process of getting your medical marijuana card on this DocMJ website.

In order to move forward, and have more cannabidiol-based medicines approved, study data is needed to prove their efficacy and safety. “It’s vital for physicians to be sure these medicines are carefully formulated, and quality and quantity remain the same, month after month,” says Dr. Orrin Devinsky, of NYU Langone Epilepsy Center.

GW Pharmaceuticals has already been approved in several European markets for the THC-based drug Sativex, which treats muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis patients. This was their first flagship product which uses a 50-50 mix of CBD and THC, and approved by the UK and 20 other countries. In placebo-controlled clinical trials, Epidiolex reduced seizures by approximately 40 percent in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a rare childhood epilepsy. Patients with Dravet syndrome, another rare form of epilepsy, have also successfully reduced seizures. Try smoking your weed with a thc disposable too. This is impressive because both diseases are highly resistant to existing anti-epileptic drugs.

What’s Next?

In 2015, GW Pharmaceuticals began studies designed to evaluate the effect of Sativex on thousands of cancer pain patients. The worldwide acceptance of CBD and THC based medicines will help pave the way for clinical trials on a wide array of medical issues, and doctors have their eyes set on autism and chronic inflammatory diseases next.

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Blood Filters: Are you at risk? https://citizensreport.org/2018/03/18/dsk_blood-filters-are-you-at-risk/ Sun, 18 Mar 2018 19:19:48 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=12273 Sponsored content.  Disclosures at bottom. It was 1968. Every boy in America was playing with one of the newly released Hot Wheels toy cars, the Vietnam War was in full swing and movie lovers couldn’t stop talking about the latest Hollywood hit: “Planet of the Apes”. Meanwhile in the University of Miami, a cardiovascular surgeon […]

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Sponsored content.  Disclosures at bottom.

It was 1968. Every boy in America was playing with one of the newly released Hot Wheels toy cars, the Vietnam War was in full swing and movie lovers couldn’t stop talking about the latest Hollywood hit: “Planet of the Apes”.

Meanwhile in the University of Miami, a cardiovascular surgeon called Kazi Mobin-Uddin had just developed the newest medical marvel: The blood clot filter (Inferior Vena Cava Filter).

The device was a first of its kind and immediately received high praise by interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons and cardiologists alike.

What is an IVC Filter?

An IVC filter a small retrievable device designed to break up and filter any clots traveling up the body.  It looks like a tiny metal spider and it is implanted directly in the Inferior Vena Cava (one of the largest veins in the body carrying deoxygenated blood from the lower part of the body, back to the heart).

Doctor Mobin-Uddin called it “The umbrella filter” and personally installed 100 of these filters in patients at risk  of life-threatening pulmonary embolism – with what back then was an acceptable mortality rate of 19%.

In 2003, the FDA approved a new retrievable version of the filter and doctors all across the country have installed thousands of these devices at a rapidly growing rate.

In 1979 alone, 2000 filters were installed.

That number grew to 167,000 in 2007.

And the demand exploded to an estimated 259,000 filters deployed in 2012.

Unfortunately, the  effectiveness of the IVC filters and their safety profile is not well established. In fact, they should only be used in select high-risk scenarios.

However, that’s not what’s happening… and the number of reports and horror stories related to IVC filters has also grown at an alarming rate. So much in fact, that by 2010, the FDA started to issue warnings about them.

The problem with IVC filters

Unfortunately, IVC filters have shown a pattern of failures that may cause implanted patients serious health risks and all sorts of life-threatening complications, like:

  • Filter migration
  • Filter fracture
  • Embolization (movement of the entire filter or a part of it to the heart or lungs)
  • Perforation of tissue, vessels and organs (including the IVC, heart and lungs)
  • Cardiac/Pericardial tamponade (pressure caused by collected blood around the heart)
  • Hemorrhage
  • Sudden death

Even more alarming is the fact that in many IVC filter patients, the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are actually increased AFTER the implant of an IVC filter.

The safety concerns over these devices continue to increase, and the FDA recently issued a series of warnings about IVC filters.

An analysis conducted in 2014 by the FDA states that, “the risk/benefit profile begins to favor removal of the IVC filter between 29 and 54 days after implantation”.

And recent studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and the Archives of Internal Medicine, show that most of the problems with IVC filters could be prevented if the filter is removed on time – once the risk of blood clots has passed.

Not only that, but it seems filters are sometimes implanted in inpatients that don’t really need them and simple blood-thinning medication would solve the problem.

Unfortunately, the greed of manufacturers and the indifference of the medical establishment are putting hundreds of thousands of lives at risk.

In short, unsuspecting patients are being put at unnecessary risks.  It. Has. To. Stop.

What can YOU do about it?

If you (or a loved one) has had any complications due to an IVC filter, you may be eligible for financial compensation.

The team at Consumer Alert Services has set up a short online survey to evaluate cases throughout the United States. They provide no-cost, no-obligation review to individuals who have IVC filter implants.

Click the button below and take the 2 minute compensation survey now.


*Citizens Report strives to show you content and advertisements that you find interesting. With some of our advertisers, we receive compensation when you click on a link or advertisement, or send information. We do this so that we can continue providing this publication without having to charge you for access.

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Blood Filters: Are you at risk? https://citizensreport.org/2018/03/15/mob_blood-filters-are-you-at-risk/ Thu, 15 Mar 2018 17:11:36 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=12295 Sponsored content.  Disclosures at bottom. It was 1968. Every boy in America was playing with one of the newly released Hot Wheels toy cars, the Vietnam War was in full swing and movie lovers couldn’t stop talking about the latest Hollywood hit: “Planet of the Apes”. Meanwhile in the University of Miami, a cardiovascular surgeon […]

The post Blood Filters: Are you at risk? appeared first on Citizens Report.

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Sponsored content.  Disclosures at bottom.

It was 1968. Every boy in America was playing with one of the newly released Hot Wheels toy cars, the Vietnam War was in full swing and movie lovers couldn’t stop talking about the latest Hollywood hit: “Planet of the Apes”.

Meanwhile in the University of Miami, a cardiovascular surgeon called Kazi Mobin-Uddin had just developed the newest medical marvel: The blood clot filter (Inferior Vena Cava Filter).

The device was a first of its kind and immediately received high praise by interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons and cardiologists alike.

What is an IVC Filter?

An IVC filter a small retrievable device designed to break up and filter any clots traveling up the body.  It looks like a tiny metal spider and it is implanted directly in the Inferior Vena Cava (one of the largest veins in the body carrying deoxygenated blood from the lower part of the body, back to the heart).

Doctor Mobin-Uddin called it “The umbrella filter” and personally installed 100 of these filters in patients at risk  of life-threatening pulmonary embolism – with what back then was an acceptable mortality rate of 19%.

In 2003, the FDA approved a new retrievable version of the filter and doctors all across the country have installed thousands of these devices at a rapidly growing rate.

In 1979 alone, 2000 filters were installed.

That number grew to 167,000 in 2007.

And the demand exploded to an estimated 259,000 filters deployed in 2012.

Unfortunately, the  effectiveness of the IVC filters and their safety profile is not well established. In fact, they should only be used in select high-risk scenarios.

However, that’s not what’s happening… and the number of reports and horror stories related to IVC filters has also grown at an alarming rate. So much in fact, that by 2010, the FDA started to issue warnings about them.

The problem with IVC filters

Unfortunately, IVC filters have shown a pattern of failures that may cause implanted patients serious health risks and all sorts of life-threatening complications, like:

  • Filter migration
  • Filter fracture
  • Embolization (movement of the entire filter or a part of it to the heart or lungs)
  • Perforation of tissue, vessels and organs (including the IVC, heart and lungs)
  • Cardiac/Pericardial tamponade (pressure caused by collected blood around the heart)
  • Hemorrhage
  • Sudden death

Even more alarming is the fact that in many IVC filter patients, the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are actually increased AFTER the implant of an IVC filter.

The safety concerns over these devices continue to increase, and the FDA recently issued a series of warnings about IVC filters.

An analysis conducted in 2014 by the FDA states that, “the risk/benefit profile begins to favor removal of the IVC filter between 29 and 54 days after implantation”.

And recent studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and the Archives of Internal Medicine, show that most of the problems with IVC filters could be prevented if the filter is removed on time – once the risk of blood clots has passed.

Not only that, but it seems filters are sometimes implanted in inpatients that don’t really need them and simple blood-thinning medication would solve the problem.

Unfortunately, the greed of manufacturers and the indifference of the medical establishment are putting hundreds of thousands of lives at risk.

In short, unsuspecting patients are being put at unnecessary risks.  It. Has. To. Stop.

What can YOU do about it?

If you (or a loved one) has had any complications due to an IVC filter, you may be eligible for financial compensation.

The  team at Consumer Alert Services has set up a short online survey to evaluate cases throughout the United States. They provide no-cost, no-obligation review to individuals who have IVC filter implants.

Click the button and take the 2 minute compensation survey now.


*Citizens Report strives to show you content and advertisements that you find interesting. With some of our advertisers, we receive compensation when you click on a link or advertisement, or send information. We do this so that we can continue providing this publication without having to charge you for access.

The post Blood Filters: Are you at risk? appeared first on Citizens Report.

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How to Outsmart a Burglar and Keep Your Home Safe https://citizensreport.org/2018/01/04/how-to-outsmart-a-burglar-and-keep-your-home-safe/ Thu, 04 Jan 2018 19:09:57 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=12269 In 2014, two Minnesota men were robbing a car repair shop when one of the thieves accidentally pocket-dialed 911. As you can imagine, this butt-dial inadvertently provided dispatch with their whereabouts and intentions—and police apprehended the burglars without a hitch.1 Unfortunately, not all crimes can be intercepted as seamlessly, nor is burglary usually that comedic. To […]

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In 2014, two Minnesota men were robbing a car repair shop when one of the thieves accidentally pocket-dialed 911. As you can imagine, this butt-dial inadvertently provided dispatch with their whereabouts and intentions—and police apprehended the burglars without a hitch.1 Unfortunately, not all crimes can be intercepted as seamlessly, nor is burglary usually that comedic.

To better understand what a burglar looks for, SafeWise consulted Bob, a former thief.

You might be thinking, “Reformed, pfft! Who does this guy think he is?”

Bob’s usually someone you’ve seen before, like a handyman who visited your home for an emergency fix. Bob could also be that person you thought was a surveyor assessing a property, when in fact, he was just a basic burglar casing some houses. And since Bob’s changed his ways, he offered us thoughtful insights and anti-burglary suggestions to help prevent you from falling victim to burglary.

A Different Kind of Curb Appeal

Real estate agents aren’t the only ones who are keen to curb appeal: burglars are too. Your curb, yard, and daily behavior can tell burglars a lot about the goodies you’ve got behind closed doors. Below you’ll find a myriad of indicators that detail what a burglar considers to be welcome signs.

  • Landscaping
    Burglars have a fine appreciation for woody front yards and lavish landscaping. You know that large, weeping blue pine you planted out front? Well, it doubles as a hiding spot. Plus, all that money, time, and effort you put into your lawn is an indicator that you’re willing to put money into other items.
  • Hiding Spots
    Thieves love to fly under the radar. Any area that allows them to keep down low is of prime interest. Like your boxwood shrubs—great for keeping out of sight.
  • Windows
    The movies might lead you to believe that thieves use high-tech scopes to see what you have lying around the house, but they actually prefer a more rudimentary method of spying—windows! Windows offer a top-quality view of your valuables and allow burglars to see whether or not you have a home security system or a dog.
  • Toys
    Kids won’t always pick up after themselves, try as you might to get them to. Pricey-looking toys scattered throughout the front yard tell a burglar that you’re willing to spend the extra buck on playthings for your kid but are too busy to pick them up—meaning you’re also likely to leave the house unlocked or forget to arm your security system.
  • Trash
    As the saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Rooting through your trash isn’t the most glamorous approach, but it gives a thief insight as to what you own. Recycling is of particular interest because they can see whether or not you’ve purchased any big-ticket items. Know how to make their pilfering easier? Don’t break down the boxes—that way they know exactly what to look for when they revisit your home.
  • Buildup of Mail
    If you’re leaving town, ask a neighbor to pick up your mail for you. This prevents curious thieves from inviting themselves onto your stoop and into your home.
  • Resident Behavior
    Humans are creatures of habit and routine. Unfortunately, this helps burglars figure out when to strike. They’ll pay attention to when you leave, how long you’re gone for, if you’ve locked the door, and whether or not you unload expensive items in your driveway.

How to Know If You’re Being Targeted

Now that you know what a burglar looks for as they peruse potential houses, we’ll break down what you should look for in a burglar.

  • Odd Vehicles or People
    Be aware of strange vehicles or pedestrians acting out of the norm. Regardless of where you live, be it in a city, on a through-street, or on a cul-de-sac, you ought to keep your eyes peeled for vehicles or people loitering around for no particular reason. Don’t be afraid to call your local, non-emergency police number if you’re worried about something.
  • A Random Request or Handy Work Offer
    What might seem like an innocent request or offer to work can be a means to see the interior of your home. Thieves are true opportunists, and they’ll strike whenever the iron is hot. They want to get an idea of what your demeanor is like too. So be wary should a person come to your door with a work-related offer that’s just too good to pass up or a slightly odd, yet plausible request for assistance.
  • Subtle Changes
    Pay close attention to your home’s surroundings and front and backyards. Any small change can indicate that your house is being cased. Often, a thief will mark the house to see if anyone is home and will alter the mark to remind themselves to revisit that house. These marks can be as simple as an errant spray paint dot on the yard or house itself, a missing welcome mat, or even a miscellaneous item that’s repeatedly left outside of your home. The marks are often indicative of a “house draft.” A house draft occurs when a burglar places an item in front of your house. If you remove the item, you’re home. If you don’t, then burglars see that it’s time to seize the moment.

Items Thieves Look For

Burglars want to spend as little time in your house as they possibly can, which is why they have a list of go-to items. The following items detail what a thief looks for when they’re inside your home—and where they know they can find it!

  • Identity-Related Information
    Remember that passport application you’ve been meaning to mail out? You left it on the dining room table to remind yourself that it needs a stamp. If a thief gets their hands on your sensitive information, they can do a lot of damage.
  • Liquor
    Teenagers aren’t the only ones who raid liquor stashes—thieves often beeline to the liquor cabinet when you’re not home, so be mindful of where you hide that nice bottle of single malt scotch. We recommend leaving out a decoy bottle that’s easy for them to find: simply rinse out an empty bottle of spirits, and refill it with similar-looking liquid.
  • Home Goods and Decorations
    Burglars like a fast steal and an even faster turnover sale. So those decorative plates above the mantle are headed out the door.
  • Cash
    Thieves love cash. It’s impossible to reclaim, and a burglar gets immediate gratification from it. Not to mention, you store it in the most obvious of places—the sock drawer, a small safe, side table, bookcase, or even the medicine cabinet. Speaking of which . . .
  • Prescription Drugs
    These pint-sized items go a long way in terms of usage and resale value. And they’re easy to find—burglars often head straight to the medicine cabinet.
  • Jewelry
    Like you, thieves also value family heirlooms. You’ll need a creative spot to stash them other than the back of your underwear drawer—something like a safety deposit box would be more effective.
  • Tech Devices and Electronics
    This is a bit of a no-brainer. Computers, smart devices, TVs, and other electronic items offer a premium trade-in or resale value, and usually they’re left out in the open.
  • Firearms
    Criminals don’t like messing with a gun safe or locked cabinet, but if they need to go the extra mile for the sake of resale value, they will.
  • Tools
    If a thief can’t get into your house, they’ll try the garage, which likely is laden with tools that will bring in a nice wad of money.

How to Prevent Burglary

Burglars are predictably unpredictable, but there’s a bevy of ways you can proactively protect yourself. Below you’ll find a variety of suggestions to assist in anti-burglary defense.

  • Start a Neighborhood Watch System
    A neighborhood watch system is a resident-run surveillance arrangement that’s intended to thwart crime in your neighborhood. This civilian-based system is a great way to keep your community united and on the same page regarding issues like homelessness, new construction, and general resident safety. Ultimately, multiple eyes on the block mean fewer chances for crooks to steal from you.
  • Invest in a Security System and Cameras
    Give yourself peace of mind with a home security system. Your options vary from indoor or outdoor security cameras (without monitoring services) to well-reviewed security systems.
  • Keep Quiet on Social Media
    Vacation is exciting, but don’t showcase your absence on social media—you never know who is watching.
  • Make Your House Look Lived In
    When you’re out of town, make sure you put a hold on your mail. Put your lights on a timer, or ask your neighbors to intermittently park in your driveway. Give your home a lived-in look and feel.
  • Get a Smart Lock
    If you have kids, lose your keys frequently, or want to automate your home, look no further than a smart lock or deadbolt. Some smart locks allow you to lock or unlock the door from your phone, which is ideal for on-the-go or forgetful folks. It’s also important to hire a commercial locksmith Rockingham to ensure the security of your premises and valuable assets.
  • Don’t Open the Door for Just Anyone
    Don’t feel obligated to answer the door—especially if you don’t know the person. If you prefer to screen your visitors like you screen phone calls, check out our handy guide on smart doorbells.
  • Rely on Man’s Best Friend
    Regardless of how cute Fluffy might be, dogs are a formidable presence—a thief will hesitate to mess with their turf. If you’re dog-less, pick up a “Beware of Dog” sign to hang in your front window or porch.
  • Use Privacy Film
    Line decorative windows with privacy film for added defense against nosy neighbors or thieves. Privacy film keeps inquisitive eyes from seeing your valuables, yet still lets natural light seep through.
  • Close Your Blinds
    Late afternoon light is wonderful, but leaving your blinds raised opens up your home to passersby and therefore thieves.
  • Use Smart Bulbs and Motion Sensitive Lights
    Burglars want to be incognito, and smart bulbs or motion sensitive lights prevent that from happening. Smart bulbs can be controlled from a home security smart hub too.
  • Always Lock Your Doors and Windows
    An unlocked door is an open invitation. If you want to go the extra mile, outfit your windows and doors with motion sensors.
  • Beware of Oversharing
    Be cognizant of who you invite into your home and how much information you share with that person. That friendly handy worker might have ulterior motives.
  • Get a New Hiding Spot
    Burglars know the ole sock drawer hiding spot. Get creative—hide valuables in your kid’s toy basket or the canning supplies cabinet. Or better yet, buy yourself a safe.

While there’s no surefire way to prevent a burglar from casing your house, remaining vigilant and aware and taking precautionary measures will help protect your home and family in the long run. So whether you choose a dog, motion sensitive lights, or a professionally monitored home security service, trust that you’ve made the effort to protect your home from thieves.

The post How to Outsmart a Burglar and Keep Your Home Safe appeared first on Citizens Report.

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