The FDA has announced a voluntary recall of acetaminophen caplets by Perrigo Company. Pills being screened through a metal detector showed that some had metal fragments embedded in them. The discovery was made by the company during quality control procedures and was caused, apparently, by the premature wearing out of a machine used in the manufacture of the caplets.

The FDA states that it is not expected that serious injury or complications will arise from the consumption of the pills, but someone swallowing an affected caplet might experience stomach discomfort and minor cuts and scrapes to the mouth or throat.

Perrigo Company makes the 500mg acetaminophen caplets that are packaged and sold as store brands by many major chains, among them Wal-Mart and CVS. A full list of the stores to which the product is distributed is available at this FDA web page. Batch numbers of the approximately 11 million bottles affected by the recall can be found here.

The recall only affects the 500mg dose. If you think you may have some of the contaminated pills, discontinue use immediately. Lower dosage acetaminophen pills are not affected and are safe to consume.

Transportation is an important factor in everyone’s life. But for older adults, it is an essential part of independent living. Being able to go to doctor’s appointments, do the grocery shopping or go to the bank is something that many take for granted. But for seniors who do not drive or have transportation, a ride can be hard to come by.

Transportation systems across the country offer low and discounted fares to seniors as well as some special accomodations such as low-floor vehicles, that make it easier and more affordable to travel.

In addition, many communities have transportation service programs for seniors that can be called upon for rides to essential appointments and for necessary errands.

The AARP website has a State-by-State Guide to Transportation Assistance that seniors can access to find out what services are available in their area.

Just because you don’t drive or can’t use public transportation does not mean you cannot get where you are going. Check out the transportation guide and find the ride in your area.

A study conducted by researchers at the Université Laval in Quebec found that using an activated-carbon water filtration system on tap water significantly reduced some types of contaminants that were not removed in other ways, such as boiling the water.

Specifically, haolacetic acids or HAAs, which are by-products of disinfecting the water with chlorine, were not eliminated by boiling the water or storing it in the refrigerator. However, use of a carbon-activated home water filtration unit reduced the concentration of HAAs by 66%.

HAAs do not alter the smell or taste of tap water but are suspected of increasing the risks of certain types of cancer.

Using an activated-carbon filtering pitcher significantly reduces chemicals in tap water

An article in the Elder Law Journal of the Illinois College of Law suggests that the Federal government needs to address and regulate health and care issues at Assisted-living Facilities, or ALF’s.

Nursing homes are subject to federal guidelines because they receive Medicare and Medicaid funds. But ALF’s are typically viewed as residential rather than health care facilities and are paid for with private funds. Residents are those who canot live independently but do not require continual nursing care.

Assisted-living facilities offer meals for residents, social activities and housekeeping services in addition to assistance in self-care such as taking medications. But due to there being no federal guidelines regarding training of staff or inspections, the level of care can vary.

The article states that federal laws and guidelines have improved the quality of care for residents in nursing homes and the same must be done for assisted-living facilities.

By 2020, the number of elderly Americans needing long-term residential care is expected to double from 7 million to 14 million.

Federal government needs to take closer look at assisted living facilities