Archive for the ‘ Uncategorized ’ Category

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29
Nov

New Study Attributes PTSD In Soldiers To Inner Feelings Of Guilt

November 29, 2011

A study by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) has collected data that shows the main reason returning soldiers suffer from mental health disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is because of internal conflicts and feelings of shame and guilt.

KSDK News reported last week that the study pulled its data from nearly 2, 600 returning Marines and Sailors. Researchers found that the soldiers were more scarred by their own inner moral dilemmas than by the actual sights of combat. Most servicemen reported what is referred to as “survivor’s guilt.” This is a feeling of guilt and shame for living through an attack in which others died, or for witnessing/participating in the accidental killings of innocent civilians.

The idea of “moral injuries” is fairly new to the world of psychiatry, but is under close examination by the VA due to the fact that half of all men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan that are being treated have been diagnosed with PTSD. Symptoms can include nightmares, numbness to the world, mood swings, violence, and suicide.

The only way to overcome the disorders, says psychiatrist, researcher, and retired Navy Captain, Bill Nash, is for the soldiers to forgive themselves.

The Missouri Veterans Benefits Attorneys with Cofman Townsley are here to help any veteran get the benefits they deserve for serving their country. We are available to answer any question you may have about your case by filling out a free initial consultation form.

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8
Nov

Missouri Prepares For Emergency Alert System Test

November 8, 2011

With the nation preparing for the testing of the National Emergency Alert System (EAS) tomorrow, officials in the state of Missouri are hoping residents will take the opportunity to update their emergency preparation kits. According to ABC 8 News, the system test will commence in Missouri at 1:00 PM Wednesday.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced in a June press release that it had partnered with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) in an effort to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the EAS. Although the system is tested weekly and monthly at local and state levels respectively, an assessment of the entire system has never been done. The agencies hope the testing will show areas for improvement.

In an effort to operate a faster and smoother chain of communication, President Barack Obama has delegated what is normally his task of activating the system to the director of FEMA.

Missouri officials have asked their residents to use the warning as a reminder to check for expired items, such as food, batteries, and medical supplies, in your home’s emergency preparation kit. They say you should stock pile enough supplies to survive without food or power for three days.

The Missouri Personal Injury Lawyers with Cofman Townsley would like to hear from you. What goes into your emergency preparation kit? Will the testing of the EAS be beneficial? Tell us what you think by posting to our Facebook page.

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25
Oct

Missouri Gets Approval For Special Medicaid Funding

October 25, 2011

It was announced last week that Missouri received federal approval for special Medicaid funding to benefit community mental health care facilities and to coordinate care for the mentally ill and those suffering from substance abuse issues. According to KY 3 News, Missouri is the first state in the nation to receive this special funding under the president’s new healthcare law.

What the state is calling the “Home Health Model” will take effect on January 1, 2012, at which time, the US Department of Health and Human Services says the state will receive the enhanced funding in order to provide better care for those suffering from chronic conditions. The Missouri Department of Mental Health hopes the program will provide a better patient experience and better results than traditional care.

Patients suffering from the following chronic conditions will qualify for the program:

  • Serious Mental Health Condition
  • Asthma
  • Substance Abuse Disorders
  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular Disease- including Hypertension
  • Overweight (BMI>25)
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Smokers- as it puts you at risk for a chronic condition

Missouri HealthNet must cover those who are eligible for the program. Participants must suffer from one serious and persistent mental health condition, two chronic conditions, or one chronic condition while being at risk for a second.

The Missouri Social Security Benefit Lawyers with Cofman Townsley hope the new program offers better care to the citizens of Missouri who are in the most need. If you have been denied for social security benefits, contact us now for a free evaluation of your case.

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18
Oct

Professional Baseball Considering Ban On Smokeless Tobacco

October 18, 2011

With the St. Louis Cardinals competing in this year’s World Series of Major League Baseball (MLB), city health officials are urging players and their union to consider abstaining from using smokeless tobacco on the field and in front of cameras. According to The Associated Press and Channel 5 News, four United States Senators are backing the plea, as well as calling for a permanent ban on the product’s use during games.

The lawmakers and health officials from the host cities of St. Louis and Arlington, Texas, all sent separate letters to the MLB player’s union leader, Michael Weiner, on  Tuesday. Those letters claimed that when players use tobacco on the field, they are not only putting their own health at risk, but they are putting the health of children who watch them at risk because their celebrity status makes them a heavy influence on a child’s mind. They asked that players abstain from using smokeless tobacco during the series and on camera.

No response has been received from the players union.

Smokeless tobacco has long been linked to health risks, such as mouth, and throat cancers. More common concerns coming from the products use though is gum recession, hypertension, heart disease, and oral sores.

The Missouri Personal Injury Lawyers with Cofman Townsley would like to hear from you on our Facebook page as to whether you agree or disagree with the tabacco ban for players.

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27
Sep

St. Louis Philanthropist, Bob Cassilly, Killed In Bulldozer Accident

September 27, 2011

Many St. Louis citizens are mourning the loss of an integral part of the city’s fabric, Bob Cassilly, after he was killed in a bulldozer accident yesterday. According to stltoday.com, Cassilly was known around town for his many philanthropic contributions, but most importantly, as the founder of City Museum.

KSDK 5 News reported that emergency responders received a call of an “industrial accident” at the site of Cassilly’s newest project, Cementland, just after 8:15 Monday morning. Cementland was Cassilly’s latest project at the site of the old Missouri Portland Cement Co., which would be a park featuring statues and landscapes made of cement. Workers told police they found him in the cage of a bulldozer unresponsive. Cassilly had suffered serious trauma and rescuers pronounced him dead on the scene. Authorities say they believe the bulldozer slid down a hill and rolled several times.

St. Louis Police and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are investigating the accident.

Today, friends and family remembered the philanthropist, artist, and friend. Curator of architecture and a close associate of Bob’s for more than 40 years, Bruce Gerrie, said, “ Bob lived a life of excitement…He went out as he was.” The Mayor of St. Louis, Francis Slay, added, “ The city has lost some of its wonder. RIP Bob Cassilly.”

The Missouri Accident Attorneys with Cofman Townsley would like to send their condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Cassilly. He will forever be remembered for his contributions to the city of St. Louis.

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20
Sep

Defibrillators May Save the Lives of Young Athletes

September 20, 2011
Throughout the late summer months every year, as high school athletic programs begin training, we hear of athletes dying from sudden cardiac arrest. Experts say that having better access to life saving devices such as defibrillators may be the best way to protect our child athletes from this danger.
KSDK 5 News reported that in 2006, a 15-year-old Lincoln County teen died on the basketball court of his school after suffering sudden cardiac arrest in the middle of a game. His mother said the school had an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), but had it locked away in an office. She says the device could have saved her son’s life.
In 2010, a 13-year-old boy suffered an attack and fell on the gym floor at Francis Howell Middle School. The boy had a heart defect that had gone unnoticed throughout his life until the event occurred. His life was spared because the school had an AED on hand that was used to shock his heart back into rhythm.
Dr. Jennifer Silva with the St. Louis Children’s Hospital says having these devices handy at school are the best way to protect your children. Also, she states that if you suspect your child may be suffering from a heart defect, there are tests, like electrocardiograms, that can be administered.
The Missouri Personal Injury Lawyers with Cofman Townsley encourage parents to ask teachers and coaches if their school has an AED on hand. Also discuss the symptoms and dangers of sudden cardiac arrest with your student athlete.

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6
Sep

Four Die On Missouri Waterways Over Labor Day Weekend

September 6, 2011

Labor Day weekend for many means a chance to get away to the lake or river for a few days of fun on the water. However, fatality numbers from years past show that the extra traffic on area bodies of water, mixed with an increase in alcohol consumption, can lead to a rise in the number of deaths. This year proved no different on Missouri’s waterways, with a total of four deaths over the holiday weekend.

KSDK 5 News reported two men died after being involved in a three-boat crash on the Osage River Saturday. Four other people were hospitalized in connection with the accident.

On Sunday, a 22-year-old Kansas City, Kansas, man drowned in Smithville Lake. Witnesses said he was attempting to swim across a cove in the lake when he began to struggle. The man went under the water and never surfaced again.

Finally, on Labor Day, the body of a 93-year-old man was found in the Lake of the Ozarks. Investigators stated the man fell off a dock while fishing and drowned.

The Missouri Boat Accident Lawyers with Cofman Townsley say the best way to protect yourself from drowning is to always wear your life jacket when on a boat, participating in water sports, or are anywhere near water if you cannot swim.

If you have been injured in a boat accident, Cofman Townsley’s team of attorneys can be reached anytime for a free consultation of your case.

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16
Aug

Father and Daughter Killed in St. Charles Fire, Rest of Family in Critical Condition

August 16, 2011

A 27-year-old father of three and his 2-year-old daughter died in a house fire early Tuesday morning that left the man’s wife and two other children critically injured. According to an article released by KSDK News, flames erupted in the kitchen of the St. Charles home, which the family had been renting for about a year, at around 2:45 this morning.

The father placed the initial 911 call reporting the blaze. It is believed that he was overcome by smoke and flames in the home before he could escape. An 11-year-old boy was able to escape the blaze by crawling out of a back window, while the mother of the children and an 8-year-old boy were rescued by firefighters. All three survivors were critically injured and transported to local area hospitals for treatment where their condition is still unknown. Two firefighters were also treated at the scene for exhaustion at the scene.

Investigators are unsure of the cause of the fire at this time and know that the home had smoke detectors installed, but believe some may have not been working properly.

The Missouri Personal Injury Attorneys with Cofman Townsley encourage you to check the batteries on all smoke detectors in your home at least every three months to ensure they are working properly. If you are injured in a house fire, their attorneys may be able to help you settle your case for what you need to care for your injuries. They are available 24-hours a day for a free consultation to discuss your case.

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9
Aug

OSHA Fines St. Louis Company $121,000 for Safety Violations

August 9, 2011

Companies are required by law to provide employees with a safe work environment at all times–when companies violate safety regulations, the fines can be expensive. A St. Louis, Missouri manufacturer, American Pulverizer Co., is feeling pinched in the pocketbook after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fined the company nearly $121,000 for almost forty different safety and health violations.

According to News Channel 5 KSDK, an OSHA inspection began in February of this year after reports of unsafe electrical equipment were made. The company was cited for one repeat offense after not complying with an October 2006 violation from a lack of grounding continuity in some of the electrical equipment, and was also cited for 31 serious violations of code and one other-than-serious infraction.

Serious violations were filed concerning:

  • Heavy equipment safety involving industrial sized cranes and trucks
  • Storage of flammable liquids and gases
  • Lockout and tagout of energy sources
  • Housekeeping violations
  • Machine guarding

The other-than-serious infraction involved bookkeeping related to safety and health at the workplace.

The Missouri Workers’ Compensation Attorneys with Cofman Townsley fight for the rights of those who can no longer work after being injured on the job at no fault of their own. Victims of a hazardous work environment could be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills, future medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. Contact Cofman Townsley immediately for a free consultation of your case

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26
Jul

St. Louis Leads Nation in Heat-Related Death Prevention

July 26, 2011

The city of St. Louis, Missouri, has taken the national lead with a campaign to prevent heat-related deaths in the sweltering days of the recent heat wave. According to Fox 2 Now, St. Louis has spent over 30 years working to reduce heat-related deaths, after 113 people were killed during the record heat wave of 1980.

Referring to a Missouri law requiring heat-related illnesses to be reported, which was passed following the 1980 crisis, acting City Health Director Pamela Walker stated, “We’re still the only state in the country that requires that. Someplace like New York could have lots of people dying of the heat on a day like today, but they won’t know, because it’s not reportable.”

Public health officials went out into communities across the city during the hottest part of the day Friday to check on elderly residents who hadn’t answered earlier phone calls the city made to check on their well-being. Workers found 46 elderly citizens in over-heated living conditions, and provided them with cooling solutions, such as air conditioner offers and city-run heat relief centers. The city has been setting up water and cooling stations at public events as well.

The National Weather Service offers several tips to stay cool through the heat wave:

  • Reduce activity during the heat of the day
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid the sun
  • Eat less meats and protein, as it increases metabolic heat and water loss

The St. Louis Personal Injury Attorneys with Cofman Townsley reminds everyone to stay cool during the heat wave, and encourages citizens to contact local assistance programs if a cool place is otherwise unavailable.

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