Happy Spring,

We didn’t have much of a winter here in the Midwest, but it is nice to see that it is now officially spring.  I hope that with the spring season you are having an opportunity to renew your spirits.

It is my hope that this issue of Mother Wit will help you in that process…I wanted to encourage and inspire with  all that has been written with you in mind.

Take a minute or two to enjoy the warmer weather, the longer daylight and this issue of Mother Wit.

Warmly,

Helena

www.amotherswit.com

To Get Your Copy of the March & April 2012 Issue of Mother Wit Click Here!

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Hi,

The month of February is full of wonderful things to celebrate and commemorate. One of the most important is Heart Month.

This issue includes information on ways to help you and your family become heart healthy. There are other tidbits that will encourage you, inspire you and hopefully make you smile.

Take a look at the section that includes words that can be used to describe YOU! Which word or words would you choose.

As always, this newsletter was created with you in mind. Enjoy!!!

Warmly,

Helena
www.amotherswit.com

To Get Your Copy of the February 2012 Issue of Mother Wit Click Here!

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/etiennemille/390234552/

I made it!!!! My first new year’s goals was to publish Mother Wit for January (smile). I know, I know I was MIA during the holidays, I think that I needed to regroup, well really time just got away from me and before I knew it November and December had passed.

I’m back and am very excited about the new year, about the possibilities it holds for you and I!!!  My hope is that this newsletter encourages and inspires you, because as always, I created it just for you. Take a few minutes, kick up your feet and check out what I have for you in this issue of Mother Wit.

Warmly,

Helena
www.amotherswit.com

To Get Your Copy of the January 2012 Issue of Mother Wit Click Here!

October 2011

Can you believe the 2011 is almost over?  Take a few minutes to read this issue of Mother Wit to see what we can do to end 2011 on a high note. This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, don’t forget to remember those who lost their battle with breast cancer and those who are survivors.

If you are in the Chicago area and you need some practical ideas on getting organized, make plans to attend the October Chocolate Therapy for Women  seminar. More information is found in the newsletter.

A lot is going on this month in your life and mine, but take a few minutes, grab your favorite beverage and enjoy this issue of Mother Wit. It was written with you in mind.

Warmly,

Helena
www.amotherswit.com

To Get Your Copy of the October 2011 Issue of Mother Wit Click Here!

An Image of Fall

It seems like I haven’t connected with you in a while. It has been an incredibly busy summer for me and I’m sure that your schedule has been hectic as well.

As always, I am excited to send this issue of Mother Wit to you. I hope that you can take a few minutes of quiet time to read it.   I talk about getting a good night’s sleep, introduce you to another Mom “In the Spotlight”, and share a poem that I hope resonates within you as it did to me.

To Get Your Copy of the August & September 2011 Issue of Mother Wit Click Here!

Enjoy!

Warmly,

Helena

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted 5-0 July 27, 2011, to approve new third party testing requirements for phthalates, through a notice of requirements, to ensure that children’s toys and child care articles meet the federal phthalates limits.

Bravo Sports Recalls Disney-Branded Pogo Sticks Due to Fall and Laceration Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Bravo Sports, of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 159,000 Pogo sticks. The bottom rubber tip attached to the pogo stick frame can wear out prematurely, posing a fall hazard to consumers. Also, the end caps on the handlebars can come off, exposing sharp edges. This poses a laceration hazard to consumers.

Honeywell Recalls Electric Baseboard and Fan Heater Thermostats Due to Burn Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Honeywell International Inc., of Morris Township, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 77,000 electric baseboard and fan heater thermostats. The thermostats can overheat, causing them to melt and smoke. This poses a burn hazard to the consumer.

Strollers Recalled by phil&teds USA Due to Risk of Injury from Brake Failure

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, phil&teds USA Inc, of Fort Collins, Colo., is voluntarily recalling about 7,400 (in the United States) and 1,900 (in Canada) Explorer strollers and 160 (in the United States) and 65 (in Canada) Hammerhead strollers. The brake mechanism on the strollers can fail, posing an injury hazard.

Fisher-Price Recalls to Repair Little People Builders’ Load ‘n Go Wagons due to Laceration Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 208,000 (in the United States) and 2,800 (in Canada) Little People® Builders’ Load ‘n Go Wagons. The back of the wagon’s plastic handle has molded-in reinforcement. This design adds stiffness and facilitates children gripping the handle. The handle poses a laceration hazard if a child falls on it.

Kohler Co. Announces Recall of Shower Doors Due to Laceration Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Kohler Co., of Kohler, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 100 Kohler Purist®, Pinstripe™, Finial® glass shower doors. The hinge panel of the shower door can shatter, posing a laceration hazard.

Prime-Line Products Recalls Child Bathtub Non-Slip Pads Due To Fall Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Prime-Line Products Company Inc., of Redlands, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 8,000 Bathtub non-slip pads. Some pads do not stick to the bathtub surface, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Child Safety Latches and Outlet Covers Recalled by Prime-Line; Screw Breaks Can Allow Unintended Access

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Prime-Line, of Redlands, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 37,000 safety latches and outlet covers. The screws on the safety latches and outlet covers can loosen and/or break. When this happens, young children can gain access to electrical outlets and other potentially hazardous items.

Ross Stores Recalls Acacia Chairs Due to Fall Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Ross Stores Inc., of Pleasanton, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 1,200 Acacia chairs. The chair can collapse when weight is placed on it, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

CPSC Adopts Testing Requirements for Children’s Toys; Stay of Enforcement for Testing Until December 31, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted 5-0 on July 20 to approve new third party testing requirements, through a notice of requirements, to ensure the safety of children’s toys. While the toy industry has had to comply with mandatory toy safety requirements for more than two years, the Commission voted to give manufacturers, importers and private labelers additional time to put a third party testing program into place.

Homelite Recalls Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Attachments Due to Laceration Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Home Depot

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, Homelite Consumer Products Inc., of Anderson, S.C., is voluntarily recalling about 40,000 (in the United States) and 1,200 (in Canada) Homelite surface cleaner attachments. The surface cleaner attachment’s nozzle and spray bar can break and detach, striking and/or breaking the unit’s plastic housing. The broken nozzle, spray bar and/or plastic housing can strike consumers, posing a laceration hazard.

Ski Helmets Recalled by Swix Sport USA due to Head Injury Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Uvex Sports, of Cranston, R.I. and Swix Sport USA, of Haverhill, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 800 Uvex Funride ski helmets. The helmet provides insufficient shock absorption and resistance to penetration, posing a head injury hazard.

Target Recalls Children’s Task Lamps Due to Laceration and Fire Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Target Corporation, of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily recalling approximately 13,000 Circo Children’s Task Lamps. Lamps may overheat, causing the adhesive inside the lamp socket to melt and migrate into the bulb area of the socket. The cooled glue can adhere to the light bulb base and make the bulb difficult to remove which can result in a broken light bulb, posing a risk of laceration to consumers. Melted flammable glue that migrates onto the electrical components of the lamp poses a risk of fire.

CPSC Announces New, Lower Limit for Lead Content in Children’s Products

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted (3-2) that there was insufficient evidence to make a determination that manufacturers of children’s products sold in the United States could not meet a total lead content limit of 100 parts per million (ppm) for a product or product category. The new total lead content limit, which is called for in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), goes into effect on August 14, 2011 for manufacturers, importers, retailers and distributors of children’s products.

Additional Retail Sales Prompt CPSC and Meijer to Reannounce Touch Point Heater Recall; Fire Hazard Posed

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Meijer Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 13,000 Touch Point Oscillating Ceramic Heaters (6,700 were originally recalled in November 2010). The oscillating mechanism in the heaters can short out, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Petzl America Recalls Scorpio and Absorbica Safety Lanyards due to Fall Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Petzl America Inc., of Clearfield, Utah, is voluntarily recalling worldwide about 375,000 Scorpio and Absorbica Shock Absorbing Lanyards. Some lanyards are missing a safety stitch on the attachment loop, which can cause the lanyard to disconnect from the climbing harness, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Diving Unlimited International Recalls Weight Systems Due to Drowning Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, Diving Unlimited International Inc. of San Diego, is voluntarily recalling about 1,454 units (in the U.S.) and 46 units (in Canada) of DUI Weight & Trim System Classic and DUI Weight & Trim System II. Manufacturing defects in the lanyard connecting the handle to the pocket or the cable securing the pocket to the harness can prevent the weight pockets from easily detaching from the harness and releasing the weights when the handle is pulled. This poses a drowning hazard to consumers.

Macy’s Agrees to Pay $750,000 Civil Penalty for Failing to Report Drawstrings in Children’s Outerwear

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Macy’s Inc., of Cincinnati, Ohio, has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $750,000. The penalty agreement has been provisionally accepted by the Commission.

Changzhou Globe Tool Group Recalls Electric Log Splitters Due to Laceration or Amputation Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Lowe’s Stores

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Changzhou Globe Tool Group Co. Ltd., of China, is voluntarily recalling about 20,000 Task Force 5-ton electric log splitters. The electric log splitters have a hydraulic arm that, during use, slides under the handle used to move the machine. The moving hydraulic arm poses a laceration or amputation injury hazard to individuals who place their hands on that handle while the splitter is in operation.

Chanel Recalls Silk Scarves and Garments Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Chanel Inc. of New York, is voluntarily recalling about 120 silk scarves and 34 silk dresses, skirts and blouses. The garments fail to meet the federal flammability standard for wearing apparel, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Mini Stars Building Sets Recalled by Edushape Due to Choking Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Edushape Ltd., of Deer Park, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 18,000 Mini Stars building sets (additional star building sets were recalled in September 2010). Plastic knobs can break from the center of the stars, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Mizuno USA Inc. Recalls Baseball and Softball Gloves Due to Presence of Mold

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Mizuno USA Inc., of Norcross, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 131,000 Mizuno Supreme Series and Ballpark Pro baseball and softball gloves. Some gloves were found to contain a variety of molds that could cause respiratory or other infections in individuals with chronic health problems, or in individuals who have impaired immune systems.

Dollar Tree Recalls Glass Votive Candle Holders Due to Fire and Laceration Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Dollar Tree Stores Inc., of Chesapeake, Va., is voluntarily recalling about 117,000 glass votive candle holders. The glass votive candle holders can shatter while in use, posing a fire and laceration hazard to consumers.

Viking Range Corporation Agrees to $450,000 Civil Penalty for Failing to Report Defective Refrigerators

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Viking Range Corporation, of Greenwood, Miss., has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $450,000. The penalty agreement has been provisionally accepted by the Commission.

CPSC Issues New Drawstring Safety Rule for Children’s Outerwear; Drawstrings at Neck and Waist Present Strangulation Hazard and Other Dangers

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted (5-0) today to approve a new federal safety rule for drawstrings in children’s outerwear. The final rule designates children’s upper outerwear in sizes 2T through 12, with neck or hood drawstrings, and children’s upper outerwear in sizes 2T through 16, with certain waist or bottom drawstrings, as substantial product hazards. Drawstrings can catch or become entangled with objects, such as a car door or playground slide, posing dragging, strangulation entrapment hazards to children.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Sage Creek Organics, of Tarzana, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 600 units of Sage Creek Organics children’s sleepwear garments. The garments fail to meet the federal flammability standards for children’s sleepwear posing a risk of burn injury to children. The garments are being recalled because they do not meet the tight-fitting sizing requirements.

International Vitamin Corporation Recalls Live Better Vitamins Due to Failure to Meet Child-Resistant Closure Requirement

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, International Vitamin Corporation (IVC), of Freehold, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 12,000 units of Live Better One Daily tablets and Live Better Complex Vitamin B50 tablets. The iron supplements are not in child-resistant packaging as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Ingesting multiple iron supplement tablets at once can cause serious injury or death to young children.

Women’s Multivitamins Recalled by GNC Due to Failure to Meet Child-Resistant Closure Requirements

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, General Nutrition Corporation of Pittsburgh, Pa., is voluntarily recalling about 2,500 packages of GNC Women’s Ultra Mega®, Ultra Mega Active, Ultra Mega Energy and Metabolism, and GNC Prenatal Formula with Iron multivitamins. The product contains iron, but does not have child-resistant packaging as required by federal law. If ingested by a child, these vitamins could cause serious injury or death.

Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Roman Shades by The Shade Store

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, The Shade Store, of Port Chester, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 45,000 Roman shades. Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.

Hamilton Beach Recalls Toasters Due to Fire Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Hamilton Beach Brands Inc., of Glen Allen, Va., is voluntarily recalling about 300,000 Hamilton Beach® classic chrome 2-slice toasters. The heating element in these toasters can remain energized indefinitely when an item is placed in the toaster which may ignite the contents, posing a fire hazard if the toaster is near flammable items.

Wm. Wright Co. Recalls Roman Shade Kits due to Risk of Strangulation

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Wm. Wright Co., of Antioch, Tenn., is voluntarily recalling about 48,000 Roman shade make-it-yourself kits. Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the shade, or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.

Cost Plus Inc. Recalls Wooden Animal Drum Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Cost Plus Inc. of Oakland, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 1,000 Wooden animal drums. The paint used on the drum is in excess of the maximum allowable level of 90 ppm, a violation of the federal lead paint standard.

Club Car Recalls Golf Cars and Hospitality, Utility and Transport Vehicles Due to Crash Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Club Car LLC, of Augusta, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 800 golf cars and hospitality, utility and transport vehicles (in November 2010, 5,000 units were recalled for break pedal welds). The brake pedal mounting blocks can crack and separate, resulting in a loss of braking ability. This can result in a crash.

Swing Sets Recalled by Adventure Playsets due to Fall Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Adventure Playsets, of Pittsburg, KS, is voluntarily recalling approximately 240,000 Adventure Playsets Wooden Swing Sets (a number of these products were recalled in November 2009 for a similar hazard, which listed 275,000 playsets in the U.S. and 6,800 in Canada). The wood in the posts of the fort sections on the swing sets can weaken due to rotting, posing a fall hazard.

CPSC Releases Snapshot of 2011 Summer Swimming Season

As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives campaign is releasing its 2011 summer snapshot of the number of drowning and near-drowning incidents across America. Since Memorial Day, there have been 48 drownings and 75 near-drowning incidents in 35 states and territories reported by the media. With such a high number of child drownings and near-drownings, CPSC and campaign partners are calling for added vigilance at pools and spas this Fourth of July weekend and beyond. As part of this call to action, aquatic facilities across America are celebrating Pool Safely Day by making drowning prevention a priority and distributing campaign educational materials to their guests.

Safer Cribs for Babies Available Starting Today; Retailers required to sell only cribs that meet CPSC’s new crib standards

Today marks the day that consumers will see a new generation of safer cribs for sale at local and national retail stores. Safer cribs will mean a safer sleep for babies across the country. On December 15, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously to approve new mandatory crib standards, establishing the most stringent crib safety standards in the world. Starting today, all importers, distributors, manufacturers, and retailers must offer only cribs that meet the CPSC’s new and improved full-size and non-full-size crib standards.

Topson Downs of California Recalls Women’s Dresses Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Topson Downs of California, of Culver City, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 2,100 women’s dresses. The dresses fail to meet the federal flammability standard for wearing apparel, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Rugby Children’s Pain & Fever Concentrated Drops Recalled Due To Failure to Meet Child-Resistant Closure Requirement

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Altaire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., of Aquebogue, N.Y, is voluntarily recalling about 898,000 Children’s Pain & Fever Concentrated Drops bottles. This over the counter medicine contains acetaminophen which calls for child-resistant packaging as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Although the original bottle has child-resistant packaging, a separate dropper unit provided for dispensing the drug to children does not. When in use, a child can access the medicine, posing serious health problems or death if more than the recommended dosage is consumed.

GAMMA Sports Recalls Children’s Tennis Racquets Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, GAMMA Sports, of Pittsburgh, Pa., is voluntarily recalling about 2,000 Quick Kids Junior tennis racquets. The orange grip tape on the tennis racket’s handle contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

American Honda Recalls Portable Generators

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, American Honda Motor Co. of Torrance, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 2,500 portable generator batteries. The hazard labels attached to the batteries used on the generators are printed in Japanese instead of English. As a result, consumers handling the battery may not be able to adequately avoid risks associated with the batteries.

Target Recalls Infant Girls Sandals Due to Choking Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Target, of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 51,700 Circo Aloma infant girls sandals. The decorative plastic flowers can detach, posing a choking hazard.

Britax Recalls B-Nimble Strollers Due to Risk of Brake Failure

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, Britax Child Safety Inc., of Charlotte, N.C., is voluntarily recalling about 20,000 (in the United States) and 800 (in Canada), B-Nimble strollers. An audible click heard when the brake pedal is pressed can give a false impression that the brake is fully engaged when it is not. When the brake is not engaged, the stroller can move unexpectedly posing a risk of injury to the child occupant.

Napa Home & Garden Recalls NAPAfire and FIREGEL Pourable Gel Fuel Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Napa Home & Garden, of Duluth, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 460,000 bottles and jugs Pourable NAPAfire and FIREGEL Gel Fuel. The pourable gel fuel can ignite unexpectedly and splatter onto people and objects nearby when it is poured into a firepot that is still burning. This hazard can occur if the consumer does not see the flame or is not aware that the firepot is still ignited. Fuel gel that splatters and ignites can pose fire and burn risks to consumers.

Celebrating July 4th Safely: Fireworks Big and Small Can Pose Risks, CPSC Urges Caution with Every Use

Sparklers, bottle rockets and small firecrackers may appear harmless due to their size, however, new data released today by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that last year, during the 30 days surrounding July 4, these fireworks sent about 1,900 injured consumers to emergency rooms. CPSC’s statistics show that in 2010 about 8,600 consumers ended up in hospital emergency rooms due to injuries involving legal and illegal fireworks.

Christmas Tree Shops Recall Animated Safari and Aquarium Lamps Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Nantucket Distributing Co. Inc., of Middleboro, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 35,000 animated Safari and Aquarium lamps. Defective wiring in the lamps can cause an electrical short, posing fire and shock hazards to consumers.

MTD Recalls TrimmerPlus Edger Attachments Due to Laceration Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, MTD Products Inc, of Cleveland, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 14,500 TrimmerPlus edger attachments. The steel shaft that drives the edger blade can break during use causing the edger blade to detach. If the blade detaches, it can hit the user or bystanders, posing a laceration hazard.

Only New, Safer Cribs will be Available for Consumer Purchase on June 28, 2011

In less than two weeks, a new generation of safer cribs will be for sale in retail stores across the country. On June 28, 2011, anyone that manufactures or sells baby cribs will be required to meet new and improved crib safety standards approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on December 15, 2010.

Child’s Entrapment Death Prompts Big Lots Recall of Metal Futon Bunk Beds

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Big Lots, of Columbus, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 30,000 metal futon bunk beds. Children behind the futon or in the ladder area of the bunk bed can get entrapped when the futon and its metal frame are lowered from the seated to the flat position. Also, the space between the last rung on the bunk bed’s ladder and the futon mattress is too small, which can allow a child’s body to pass through, but not the head, posing a head and neck entrapment hazard.

Emma’s Garden Polka-Dot Girls’ Dresses Recalled by TJX Due to Choking Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, The TJX Companies, Inc., of Framingham, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 21,000 (in the U.S.) and 2,600 (in Canada) Emma’s Garden Polka-Dot girls’ dresses. The decorative buttons on the front of the dress can detach, posing a choking hazard.

Target Expands Recall of Child Booster Seats Following Additional Reports of Falls

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Target, of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 375,000 Circo Child booster seats (43,000 additional booster seats were recalled in August 2009). The booster seat’s restraint buckle can open unexpectedly, allowing a child to fall from the chair and be injured.

aDOORable Swing Bar Recalled by Sportime Due to Fall Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Sportime LLC, of Norcross, Ga., a subsidiary of School Specialty Inc. of Greenville, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 600 Abilitations aDOORable swing bars. A welded eye hook on the swing bar can break, posing a fall hazard.

General Electric, Sharp Recalls GE Air Conditioning and Heating Units Due to Fire Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, GE Appliances and Lighting, of Louisville, Ky., is voluntarily recalling about 90,600 GE Zoneline air conditioners and heaters. An electrical component in the heating system can fail, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Calphalon Recalls to Repair Contemporary Cutlery Knife Block Sets Due to Laceration Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, Calphalon Corporation, of Atlanta, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 217,000 (in the United States) and 300 (in Canada) Calphalon Contemporary Cutlery Knife Sets. The tips of the 8- inch slicing knife and/or the 8-inch bread knife can protrude through the bottom slot row on the wooden block holder, posing a laceration hazard.

Harbinger Fitness Recalls Ab Straps Due to Fall Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Harbinger Fitness, of Fairfield, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 4,169 Ab Straps. The plastic buckle on the ab straps can break, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

CPSC Announces Grand Opening of New State-of-the-Art National Product Testing and Evaluation Center

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is announcing the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art scientific testing facility in Rockville, Md.

Excite USA Recalls Toy Helicopters Due to Laceration Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Rite Aid Stores

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Excite USA, of Carrollton, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 24,000 Military Copters. The plastic blades of the helicopter can detach during operation, posing a laceration hazard.

Husqvarna Recalls TuffTorq Yard Tractors Due to Loss of Braking Ability

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Husqvarna Professional Products Inc., of Charlotte, N.C., is voluntarily recalling about 1,600 Husqvarna yard tractors with TuffTorq K46LD transaxle. The yard tractor’s transaxle can experience intermittent drive failure, posing a risk of reduced or lost braking ability.

CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Rule for Hair Dryers

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) unanimously approved (5-0) the establishment of a new federal safety rule on hand-supported hair dryers. Hand-supported hair dryers that lack an immersion protection device have been identified by CPSC as posing a substantial product hazard to consumers. The passage of this new rule provides CPSC with more authority to (1) stop shipments of violative hair dryers at U.S. ports of entry, and (2) issue product recalls of violative hair dryers.

Quality Bicycle Products Recalls Civia Bicycle Racks Due to Fall Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Quality Bicycle Products of Bloomington, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 100 carrier racks for mounting over front bicycle wheels. The bicycle rack’s mounting bracket can crack or break. When this happens, the rack can fall onto the bicycle’s front wheel, posing a fall hazard to the rider.

Venmar Ventilation Recalls Air Exchangers Due to Fire Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Venmar Ventilation Inc., of Quebec, Canada, is voluntarily recalling about 1,400 air exchangers, in the United States. The motor in the air exchangers can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

EKSuccess Brands Recalls American Girl Crafts Jewelry Kit Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, EKSuccess Brands, a division of Wilton Brands Inc., of Woodbridge, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 75,000 American Girl Crafts Pearly Beads & Ribbon bracelets kits. The surface coating on some of the beads contains excessive levels of lead, which is prohibited under federal law.

Musical Shaker Instrument Recalled by Woodstock Percussion Due to Laceration and Choking Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, Woodstock Percussion Inc., of Shokan, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 9,400 (in the U.S.) and 700 (in Canada) Gripper Shaker musical instruments. The handle can detach from the shaker, exposing a rough edge and posing a laceration hazard. The detached handle also exposes small steel pellets and a plastic plug which pose choking hazards.

Kahn Enterprises Recalls Beeni Baby Hats Due to Asphyxiation Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Kahn Enterprises LLC, Mendota Heights, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 35 Beeni Baby Hats. A baby can spit up during use, posing an asphyxiation hazard.

Janome America Inc. Recalls Elna Sewing Machines Due to Fire Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Janome America Inc. of Mahwah, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 600 sewing machines. The wires inside the sewing machine can short circuit, posing a risk of fire.

The Look of Summer - www.AMothersWit.com

Summer has arrived and hopefully the warm weather has also brought with it a less hectic schedule for you since the kids are out of school. Take a few minutes, grab an iced cold glass of iced tea and take a few minutes to enjoy this issue of Mother Wit.

Find out what the “Me” project is all about, explore some of the ideas that will prevent your children from having a “brain drain” while on summer break and hopefully you will find something else within the newsletter that will make you smile and encourage your spirit.

To Get Your Copy of the June & July 2011 Issue of Mother Wit Click Here!

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, Horizon Hobby, Inc., of Champaign, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 16,600 (in the U.S.) and 1,300 (in Canada) Blade mCP X Bind-N Fly and Ready to Fly remote control model helicopters and replacement Blade mCP X main blade grips with bearings. The main blade grips and main rotor blades can release from the main rotor head, posing an impact and laceration hazard.

Bicycle Helmets Recalled by Bell Sports Due to Head Injury Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, Bell Sports, of Scotts Valley, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 31,100 (in the United States) and 2,500 (in Canada) full-face bicycle helmets. The plastic buckle that connects the chin straps can fail, causing the helmet to come off the wearer’s head. This poses a head injury hazard to riders in the event of a fall.

HP Expands Recall of Notebook Computer Batteries Due to Fire Hazard; Consumers urged to recheck notebook models and batteries

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Hewlett-Packard Company, of Palo Alto, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 162,600 additional Lithium-ion batteries used in HP and Compaq notebook computers (54,000 and 70,000 batteries were previously recalled in May 2010 and May 2009, respectively). The recalled lithium-ion batteries can overheat and rupture, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

CPSC Warns Memorial Day Weekend Among the Deadliest Holidays for ATV Riders

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders to take steps to stay safe this holiday weekend. CPSC staff is aware of 28 fatalities that occurred during the four-day Memorial Day holiday weekend in 2010. That is an average of seven deaths a day. Five victims were under the age of 16.

CPSC Alert: Counterfeit Smoke Alarms Distributed in Atlanta

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers in the Atlanta area to check their homes for counterfeit smoke alarms. About 18,500 counterfeit photoelectric smoke alarms were distributed for free in the Atlanta area between 2006 through May 2011 as part of the Atlanta Smoke Alarm Program. The smoke alarms can fail to alert consumers in the event of a fire.

Lawson Aquatics Recalls Certain Pool Drain Covers Due to Incorrect Rating; Covers Pose Possible Entrapment Hazard to Swimmers

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Lawson Aquatics, of Naples, Fla., is voluntarily recalling about 11,940 (73 units distributed) pool drain covers. The recalled drain covers were incorrectly rated to handle the flow of water through the cover, which could pose a possible entrapment hazard to swimmers and bathers.

Paramount Pool & Spa System Recalls Certain Drain Covers Due to Incorrect Rating; Covers Pose Possible Entrapment Hazard to Swimmers

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Paramount Pool & Spa Systems, of Chandler, Ariz., is voluntarily recalling 30 MDX Pool and Spa drain covers distributed in the U.S., with an estimated 25 installed. The recalled drain covers were incorrectly rated to handle the flow of water through the cover, which could pose a possible entrapment hazard to swimmers and bathers.

Waterway Plastics Recalls Certain Drain Covers Due to Incorrect Ratings; Covers Pose Possible Entrapment Hazard to Swimmers

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Waterway Plastics, of Oxnard, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 50,850 pool drain covers. The recalled drain covers were incorrectly rated to handle the flow of water through the cover, which could pose a possible entrapment hazard to swimmers and bathers.

Eight Manufacturers Recall Pool and In-Ground Spa Drain Covers Due to Incorrect Ratings; Covers Pose Possible Entrapment Hazard to Swimmers

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, A&A Manufacturing, of Phoenix, Ariz.; AquaStar Pool Products Inc., of San Diego, Calif.; Color Match Pool Fittings, of Surprise, Ariz.; Custom Molded Products, of Tyrone, Ga.; Hayward Pool Products, of Elizabeth, N.J.; Pentair Water Pool and Spa, of Sanford, N.C.; Rising Dragon USA, of E. Sweetwater, Tenn.; and Waterway Plastics, of Oxnard, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 1 million pool and spa drain covers. The recalled drain covers were incorrectly rated to handle the flow of water through the cover, which could pose a possible entrapment hazard to swimmers and bathers.

CPSC, U.S Olympian Hold Pool Safely Press Event to Release New Drowning and Entrapment Stats; 118 Pool and Spa Incidents Reported Since the Start of 2011

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, 55 drowning and 63 near-drowning incidents in 29 states and territories have already been reported by the media in the first five months of 2011. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today kicks off the summer swimming season and the second year of its Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives campaign. The Pool Safely campaign is a national public education effort to reduce child drownings and nonfatal submersion and entrapment incidents in swimming pools and spas.

Fire It Up Safely: CPSC Recommends Safety Check Before Grilling This Summer

Summer officially kicks off this weekend and millions of Americans will celebrate with a cookout. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges consumers to check their grills and “fire it up safely” to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Walmart Recalls GE Food Processors Due to Laceration and Fire Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Walmart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark., is voluntarily recalling about 255,000 General Electric® food processors. The safety interlock system on the recalled food processor can fail; allowing operation without the lid secured which poses a laceration hazard. In addition, the product can emit smoke, or catch fire, posing a fire hazard.

STIHL Recalls Yard Power Products Due to Burn and Fire Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, STIHL Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va., is voluntarily recalling about 2.3 million Gas powered STIHL trimmers, brushcutters, KombiMotors, hedge trimmers, edgers, clearing saws, pole pruners, and backpack blowers that utilize a toolless fuel cap. The level of ethanol and other fuel additives can distort the toolless fuel cap, allowing fuel to spill, posing a fire and burn hazard.

Lan Enterprises Recalls Zooper Strollers Due to Strangulation Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Lan Enterprises, LLC, of Hillsboro, Ore., is voluntarily recalling about 2,300 strollers. The opening between the armrest bar/snack tray and seat bottom of the stroller can allow an infant’s body to pass through and become entrapped at the neck, posing a strangulation hazard to young children when a child is not harnessed. When using a stroller, parents are encouraged to always secure children by using the safety harness, and never leave the child unattended.

Dream on Me Recalls Drop-Side Cribs Due to Entrapment, Suffocation, Laceration, and Fall Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Dream on Me, Inc. of Piscataway, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 22,000 full-size and portable drop-side cribs. The drop-side rail hardware can break or fail, allowing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop-side rail partially detaches, it creates a space between the drop side and the crib mattress. An infant or toddler’s body can become entrapped in the space, which can lead to strangulation and/or suffocation. A child can also fall out of the crib. In addition, the portable crib mattress support hardware and the drop-side release latch can break easily, and the slats can loosen or break and detach from the crib. Children can also cut themselves on exposed hardware inside the cribs.

Katie Brown Tea Light Candle Sets recalled by Meijer Inc. Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Meijer Stores

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Meijer Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 7,600 Katie Brown 12-piece tea light candle sets. The clear plastic candle holder can ignite, posing a serious burn and fire hazard to consumers.

Additional Fingertip Amputations and Lacerations Prompt Reannouncement of November 2009 Recall of Strollers by Maclaren USA

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Maclaren USA, Inc., of South Norwalk, Conn., is voluntarily recalling about one million Maclaren strollers, sold prior to November 2009 (this product was recalled in November 2009). The stroller’s hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller.

UJ Trading Recalls Knight Hawk Toy Helicopters Due to Fire Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, UJ Trading, of Houston, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 18,500 Danbar Knight Hawk Toy Helicopters. The battery housing under the helicopter canopy can overheat while charging, posing a fire hazard.

Meijer Recalls Infant Slipper Socks Due to Choking Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Meijer Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 17,400 pairs of Bumble Bee and Lady Bug infant slipper socks. The balls at the end of the bug’s antennae can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Telstar Recalls Energy-Saving Light Bulbs Due to Fire Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Telstar Products d/b/a Sprint International Inc., of Brooklyn, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 317,000 light bulbs. The light bulbs can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

CPSC Alert: Consumers Urged To Stop Using phil&teds USA Clip-on Chairs Due To Serious Dangers Posed To Children

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns consumers that some “metoo” clip-on table top chairs, imported by phil&teds USA Inc., of Fort Collins, Colo. put young children at risk of serious injury due to multiple safety hazards. CPSC is urging consumers to stop using some metoo clip-on chairs immediately.

G.A. Gertmenian and Sons Recalls Toy Story 3 Bowling Game Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, G.A. Gertmenian and Sons, LLC, of Los Angeles, is voluntarily recalling about 600 Toy Story 3 bowling games. The red paint used on some bowling pins has been measured to be in excess of the maximum allowable level of 90 ppm, a violation of the federal lead paint standard.

Sheet Sanders Recalled by One World Technologies Due to Laceration Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, One World Technologies, Inc., of Anderson, S.C., is voluntarily recalling about 300,000 Ryobi 1/4 sheet sanders. Pieces of the fan can break off from the fan assembly and be ejected from the product, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

Kohler Recalls Engines Sold with Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt Riding Lawn Tractors; Laceration Hazard Posed

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Kohler Co., of Kohler, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 10,000 Kohler Courage engines. A wire connector on the engine can become disconnected causing the operator’s seat switch to fail. When this happens, the blades will not shut down, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

Dorel Asia Recalls to Repair Bunk Beds Due to Collapse and Fall Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, Dorel Asia SRL, of Barbados, is voluntarily recalling about 445,000 (in the United States) and 21,700 (in Canada) wooden bunk beds. The wooden side rails that run from the headboard to the footboard and hold the bunk bed’s mattress in place can split and cause the bunk bed to collapse, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

CPSC Launches Spanish YouTube Channel; Videos have lifesaving information and demonstrations

As Hispanic families across the nation prepare to celebrate el Cinco de Mayo, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is announcing the launch of its YouTube en Español channel. The channel features short videos that can save lives, including powerful demonstrations (enacted) of incidents that have involved Hispanic children.

WRK Enterprises Recalls Edge and HOG Buoyancy Control Devices Due to Drowning Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, WRK Enterprises dba Edge Dive Gear of Macon, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 750 (in the U.S.) and 20 (in Canada), Edge and HOG (Highly Optimized Gear) Buoyancy Control Devices (BCD). The spring in the over pressure valve can corrode and break preventing the buoyancy control device from retaining air, posing a drowning hazard to consumers.

Sandbox Medical, LLC Recalls Pacifier Clip Due to Choking Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Sandbox Medical, LLC of Pembroke, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 6,000 pacifier clips. The clip can break apart, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Tween Brands Recalls Beaded Curtains Due to Risk of Entrapment and Strangulation; Sold Exclusively at Justice Stores

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, GMA Accessories Inc., of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 36,000 beaded curtains. The beaded curtains are prone to entanglement. When an adult or child plays with or runs through the beaded curtains, the risks of entanglement and strangulation are posed.

Girl’s Hooded Sweater Recalled by El Gringo Imports Due to Strangulation Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, El Gringo Imports of Seattle, is voluntarily recalling about 300 Girl’s hooded sweaters with drawstrings. The hooded sweaters have drawstrings through the hood which can pose a strangulation or entrapment hazard to children.

Sea Elite Systems Recalls Buoyancy Control Devices Due to Drowning Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, WRK Enterprises dba Edge Dive Gear of Macon, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 405 (in the United States) and 48 (in Canada), Sea Elite Systems Buoyancy Control Devices (BCD). The spring in the over pressure valve can corrode and break preventing the buoyancy control device from retaining air, posing a drowning hazard to consumers.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother’s Day!

This special issue of Mother Wit is full of words of encouragement for Moms. While you’re celebrating the honor of being a mom, take a few minutes to yourself and sit back and enjoy the May 2011 Mother Wit newsletter.

Happy Mother ‘s Day!!!

To Get Your Copy of the May 2011 Issue of Mother Wit Click Here!