Researchers at the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health at the Mailman School of Public Health are the first to report an association between early childhood exposure to the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) and an elevated risk for asthma in young children. BPA is a component of some plastics and is found in food can liners and store receipts. Results appear in the March edition of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. "Asthma prevalence has increased dramatically over the past 30 years, which suggests that some as-yet-undiscovered environmental exposures ...

Washington, D.C.—Drug companies spent nearly $84 million marketing pharmaceuticals in the District of Columbia in 2011, including an outlay of nearly $19 million for gifts given to physicians, hospitals and other health care providers, according to a report by researchers at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services (SPHHS). The report notes that 12 physicians in the District received gifts (including consulting payments) that totaled more than $100,000 apiece that one year alone. "There is nothing inherently wrong with such gifts," ...

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center and colleagues have found that healthy adolescent females have predetermined expectations for becoming parents in the future, but have concerns about fertility and childbearing should they develop a life-threatening illness, such as cancer. The study appeared in the February issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health. According to the researchers, this study helped further validate a tool that seeks to understand teenage girls' hopes and feelings about reproduction, especially when fertility is threatened by cancer. The participants ...

The myth of altruism and generosity surrounding Mother Teresa is dispelled in a paper by Serge Larivée and Genevieve Chenard of University of Montreal's Department of Psychoeducation and Carole Sénéchal of the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Education. The paper will be published in the March issue of the journal Studies in Religion/Sciences religieuses and is an analysis of the published writings about Mother Teresa. Like the journalist and author Christopher Hitchens, who is amply quoted in their analysis, the researchers conclude that her hallowed image—which does ...

Credit card debt expected to rise in 2013 Article provided by The Law Office of Lauren Clark, L.L.C. Visit us at http://www.laurenclarklaw.com During the recent recession, many Americans imposed austerity measures on themselves. As a result, credit card debt declined. However, recent data indicates that many have become comfortable taking on more debt. According to a report issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, credit card debt rose by $2 billion in the third quarter of 2012, even as the total debt held by Americans dropped by $74 billion. Data from ...

Bankruptcy may be an option that can help you get out of debt Article provided by The Law Offices of William D. Black Visit us at http://www.billblacklaw.com Many Arizona residents who feel overwhelmed by debt are reluctant to file for bankruptcy. However, bankruptcy might be the best way out of a difficult financial situation, leaving a debtor in a position to make a new start. Many opt for bankruptcy Bankruptcy was a route taken by over 1.2 million Americans in 2012, according to the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts. In Arizona, 28,514 bankruptcies were filed in 2012, ...

Lax oversight of oil and gas sites leaves workers and neighbors at risk Article provided by Gilde Law Firm Visit us at http://www.gildelawfirm.com A report from ProPublica, a nonprofit investigative journalism organization, highlights the danger presented by the network of oil and gas pipelines across the U.S. and under-supervised frackingsites. It appears there are simply not enough regulators to thoroughly inspect oil and gas operation sites, exacerbating the risk of harmful explosions and other dangers associated with oil and gas production. According to statistics ...

Wisconsin owners must pay when dogs cause harm Article provided by The Law Offices of John V. O'Connor, LLC Visit us at http://www.jvoconnor.com/ Many Wisconsin residents have found pets to be lovable creatures and a great joy to their owners. Unfortunately, cats and dogs have a down side. Whether defending their territory, acting out of self-protection or for some other reason, these animals may bite, and the resulting injuries can be severe. Bites are serious A recent incident made headlines in a Midwest city, when a dog got loose from the two young boys ...

Does the Fourth Amendment permit DNA collection from arrestees? Article provided by The Davis Law Firm, LLC Visit us at http://www.davisfirmllc.com A case that is currently before the United States Supreme Court could potentially affect New Jersey's law regarding the collection of DNA evidence. Specifically, the case questions whether the Fourth Amendment allows states to collect and analyze DNA from people arrested and charged with serious crimes. According to South Jersey Times, approximately 25 states and the federal government have passed laws that require ...

Want to start a new business? Ask these questions first Article provided by Collis, Smiles + Collis, LLC Visit us at http://www.collislaw.com Many people dream about starting a business and becoming their own boss. However, entrepreneurship takes a lot more than just a good idea. Starting a business can be a financially risky prospect. It is important to make sure you think carefully not just about your willingness and ability to make your idea a success before starting out but also about the planning necessary to comply with legal requirements in connection with ...

What recovery? Credit card debt, arrearages expected to increase Article provided by Law Office of Kevin J. Magorien Visit us at http://www.kevinmagorien.com It seems that the recent signs of economic recovery have done much to loosen many Americans' purse strings after several years of austerity. According to a recent report issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, credit card debt rose by $2 billion in the third quarter of 2012, although the total debt held by Americans dropped $74 billion overall. The credit bureau Transunion also reached a similar finding. ...

Lawsuit claims Wal-Mart violated various Illinois, federal labor laws Article provided by Billhorn Law Firm Visit us at http://www.billhornlaw.com/ This October, twenty plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit against Wal-Mart and two of its staffing agencies, claiming the companies violated state and federal labor laws. The lawsuit prompts a closer look at the protections granted to workers under Illinois law and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The allegations against Wal-Mart and its staffing agencies Wal-Mart and two of its staffing agencies, Labor ...

Issues facing divorcing couples Article provided by Robert J. Moraitis, P.A. Visit us at http://www.rjmpa.com When a couple decides to get married, they think about the life that they are going to create together. They talk about the things that they have in common or the dreams that they share. They may discuss where they want to live or how many children they will have. However, many couples never discuss what would happen if the marriage did not work. When the relationship starts to fall apart, the soon-to-be ex-spouses realize some of the potentially difficult ...

Will Virginia governor sign bill to toughen texting-while-driving laws? Article provided by Cranwell, Moore & Emick P.L.C. Visit us at http://www.cranwellmoorelaw.com/ The Virginia legislature has passed a bill by a healthy majority in both houses that would toughen current texting-behind-the-wheel laws. The measure now sits on Republican Governor Bob McDonnell's desk for his consideration. According to media reports, the governor's office has not revealed whether he will sign it, rather that he will "review" it and has some concerns. Current law Currently, ...

Arlington police cracking down on distracted driving Article provided by Law Offices of J. Kent McAfee, P.C. Visit us at http://www.onelegalplace.com Police in Arlington, Texas are cracking down on distracted driving. It isn't what one may think, however; they are cracking down on their own distracted driving. Police officers are afforded a lot of technology in their vehicles, including radios, cell phones and computers. This can lead to more distractions than the average driver would have, and this technology has in fact led to problems. Reviewing and updating ...

Back in business? Credit card debt on the rise Article provided by Ambrogio, Pletter & Associates, LLC Visit us at http://www.ambrogiopletter.com/ During the recent recession, consumer fears about the economy changed the way that Americans spend and save, encouraging consumers to slash their total credit card debt load. However, according to a recent report issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, it seems that old habits die hard. The report found that domestic credit card debt increased by $2 billion in the third quarter of 2012. This finding was ...

Discrimination against female workers at religious institutions Article provided by Kennard Law P.C. Visit us at http://www.kennardlawelpaso.com/ Whether it takes on more subtle and insidious forms or continues to be overt acts of hostility, discrimination against female workers by the religious institutions that employ them continues to persist in the United States. In fact, it may very well be on the rise. The discriminatory tactics have evolved in response to a whole host of recent activities that center on women's reproductive rights. These tactics highlight ...

Texas Officials Crack Down on Drunken Driving Over Holidays Article provided by Gray Granberry & Jones, Attorneys at Law Visit us at http://www.texascrimelawyers.com The Fourth of July, Labor Day and New Years Eve are holidays that are often associated with parties and celebrations. Unfortunately, sometimes partaking in too much holiday cheer and driving home can lead to a holiday spent under arrest for driving while intoxicated, or a DWI. Many states increase the presence of police officers patrolling the streets during these holidays in an attempt to remove ...

Income taxes: Common small-business deductions Article provided by Law Offices of Connie Yi, PC Visit us at http://www.connieyilaw.com If you run a small company, you may have the opportunity to lower your taxes. A careful analysis of your business can help determine the tax status of various expenditures. The goal is to understand what business expenses are deductable. Solid tax preparation begins at the event of the expense. In other words, it is important to track costs as they occur. You will benefit the most from keeping receipts and records of all expenditures ...

Uncovering hidden assets during a Texas divorce Article provided by The Pinak Law Firm, PLLC Visit us at http://www.pinaklawfirm.com According to statistics from the National Endowment for Financial Education, a startling 31 percent of people who combine assets with a spouse or partner admit to having been deceptive about money. Of those, 58 percent say they hid cash from a spouse or partner, 15 percent say had secret bank accounts, and 34 percent say they lied about their debt, income or other financial circumstances. Many people who conceal assets from a spouse ...

Parking concerns, driver inattention plague San Francisco cyclists Article provided by The Law Offices of Linda Ross Visit us at http://www.lindarosslaw.com Collisions between cyclists and motorists are an increasingly common problem on San Francisco's streets. In fact, injury collisions involving cyclists in the city are the highest they have been in 10 years. Fortunately, injured cyclists are able to hold motorists accountable in the event that a driver's negligence causes a collision. 2011: a tough year for San Francisco cyclists There were 630 injury collisions ...

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13: which is right for you? Article provided by The Law Offices of Elkins & Freedman Visit us at http://www.elkinsfreedman.com If you are having difficulties paying your bills, you are not alone. With the economy slowly recovering, there are many others in your situation. You may be considering bankruptcy as a solution to your problem. If so, it is helpful to know your options. There are two types of bankruptcy that you could file: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, many of your debts are discharged, meaning that you ...

Silent hybrid cars pose threat to pedestrians Article provided by Bart Durham Injury Law Visit us at http://www.bartdurham.com Many drivers enjoy the benefits of hybrid and electric cars. Better gas mileage with hybrids, a lower carbon footprint and a quieter ride are a couple of reasons why these remain popular among motorists. However, for pedestrians, these vehicles may pose an extra risk. At speeds under 18 mph these cars do not use gasoline, making for a very quiet ride. While nice for the driver, nearby pedestrians may not be alerted to the usual sounds ...

Custody and the holidays Article provided by Herbert W. Laine, P.C. Visit us at http://www.chesapeakelawoffice.com Holidays are a time of tradition and celebration, but often they can also prove to be a time of stress and headaches for divorced families. Creating a schedule for seeing children during the holiday season can be a difficult battle, but when parents work together and think about the best interest of the children, compromise can be reached. Difficult decisions for parents and children It is no surprise that the holidays would lead to difficult ...

Maintenance: payer, recipient spouses can seek modifications Article provided by Jennifer Anntoinette Rivera & Associates Visit us at http://www.riverafamilylaw.com When Colorado couples reach the end of a marriage, there will be many issues to resolve. If one spouse made significantly more money than the other, or if perhaps one spouse gave up a career and income in order to raise the children, the income disparity between former partners may be addressed in the form of spousal support or maintenance -- also known as alimony. Maintenance may be agreed upon ...