Wyoming Health Watch - Dangerous Products, Litigations and News that Just Might Prevent a Catastroph...

How Coronavirus is Exposing the Inadequacies of Our Food and Food System

The well-known food author Michael Pollan recently wrote a piece in the New York Review of Books entitled "The Sickness in Our Food Supply" where he details the impact Coronavirus is having our food industry and the impact our diet is having on our health as it relates to Covid19.  We detail the fascinating read here.

Judiciary Committee Hearing on Small Business Liability and Covid19

Earlier today the Judiciary Committee held a Congressional Hearing to discuss immunity for businesses opening, or who intend to open, as the country attempts to return to some normalcy.  We detail the 2-hour hearing in this 12-minute podcast.

Coronavirus Impact on Sex Trafficking

At a time when hotels across the country are closed, one might hope that sex trafficking demand has grinded to a halt, but disturbingly the opposite is true.  We detail the grisly statistics on this growing demand and how you can be vigilante in your community.

Small Business Protection From Coronavirus Liability

As small businesses open in certain parts of the country, owners worry about liability exposure should a patron come down with Coronavirus after frequenting their establishment.  We examine this concern and the undertakings necessary to minimize one's exposure.  

Elmiron and Allegations of Maculopathy

Two relatively recent studies have examined a potential connection between Elmiron, a drug most often prescribed for painful bladder syndrome, and the development of maculopathy in the eye.  Listen and learn more with our informative podcast on this developing discussion here.  

Data Behind Encouraging News on the Covid-19 Mortality Rate Front

We examine two recent studies that gather data behind the mortality rates related to Covid19.  What we found was encouraging as the data indicates a far less risk of death than currently being reported.  Learn more and share our podcast here.

The Data Behind Respiratory Disease in Smokers and Vapers Infected with Coronavirus

To date, 12 studies have examined the relationship and impact between smoking, vaping and risk of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in those infected with Coronavirus.  We detail the recent meta analysis on these 12 studies in this podcast here.

Three Areas That Coronavirus Has Exposed as Being Sub-Par

Now six weeks into the Coronavirus calamity, we examine three areas of American life that we believe the Coronavirus has exposed as week, and in need of overhaul.  Try to guess the three and listen and share our podcast here.

Covid-19 Killed More than 12,000 People Last Week, But it Wasn't No. 1

Covid-19 claimed more than 12,000 lives between April 6 and April 12th, however, as enormous a figure as that is, it wasn't the number one killer of Americans for the week.  We detail what is killing more American's than Covid, the reasons why, and the conversations that need to start regarding same.  

Coronavirus Immunity Passports. The Good and the Bad

The idea of developing a database of individuals who have been diagnosed with coronavirus and recovered so they can begin reopening the economy is being widely discussed.  We consider the willingness of people to expose themselves, or not, to the coronavirus in order to return to work in this one-of-a-kind podcast.

Coronavirus Responsible for No School Shootings in March, First Time Since 2002

A gruesome streak of at least one school shooting in March, every year since 2002, finally ended this past month, and the data demonstrates we have Coronavirus to thank.  

Major Nationwide Class Action Filed Against China for Coronavirus

On April 8th, the first of its kind nation-wide class action was filed in the Central District of California seeking class certification on behalf of each and every small business in the nation for damages stemming from the coronavirus.  The defendant is China, and the action seeks $8 trillion in damages.  We detail the novel lawsuit here.

Lawsuit Filed Against Fox News for Downplaying Coronavirus Risk

This podcast details the novel consumer-protection lawsuit that was recently filed against Fox News in Washington State alleging Fox News placed consumers at risk for downplaying the coronavirus.  We detail the allegations, the potential defenses and the parallels with other such actions.

The Science Behind Ovarian Cancer and Exposure to Talcum Powder

We detail the science behind the development of ovarian cancer after exposure to talcum powder that spans over the past 40 years in this podcast.  

The Three Areas of Increased Lawsuit Filings Due to Coronavirus

We detail the three areas that lawsuit filings are anticipated to substantially increase in the weeks ahead due to Coronavirus.  Listen to our podcast to find out if your sector or business may fall into one of these three categories.

Sweden's Economy is Open During the Coronavirus, What Can We Learn?

Sweden has followed very lax social distancing guidelines while keeping restaurants, pubs and shops open.  We examine the data behind Sweden and compare it to Switzerland, a similar sized country, who has issued strict social distancing guidelines, and compare the success of both in hopes that it can provide the US with a guide towards the near future.

The Projected Coronavirus Peaks in all 50 States

We go through the data on the projected peak dates in each of the 50 states with estimated lives lost. Listen for your state so you know what date to look for to see if the projections are accurate.

The Data Behind the FDA's Zantac Recall

On April 1, 2020, the US FDA recalled the popular heart burn medication Zantac, and its generic Ranitidine. Having reported on the concern surrounding Zantac back in November, we continue to provide consumers the latest on the data behind the FDA's decision, as well as the cancers that are believed to be linked to the popular medication.

CDC Data Regarding Underlying Conditions and Impact on Coronavirus Infections

We examined the recent data from the CDC as to how underlying conditions might impact one's course of coronavirus, and which in particular created a higher risk for respiratory problems. Listen and share our podcast here.

Eight Items of Good News Amidst Coronavirus

In our continued commitment to bring our listeners and the public good news on the Coronavirus front, we deliver today eight items of good news that we believe will give you the optimism you need to tackle the day ahead. Please listen and share with those that need a bit of good news.

Starting the Economic Engine Amidst Coronavirus

We examine a whole host of ideas about how to re-start the economy while protecting the most vulnerable, and we share the idea that seems to be most appropriate to accomplish both goals. Listen and share your thoughts in the comments.

Six Fun Ideas Amidst a Coronavirus Weekend

We report on fun way to make the time fly and have fun with your friends, family or loved ones. Dig in, get creative, and make the most of this weekend.

Four Innovative Areas that Will Change Our Lives (For the Better) Due to Coronavirus

Coronavirus has already impacted technology on a number of fronts. How will the Coronavirus change our way of life, in a good way, and what can we expect these changes to have on us once things return to normal?

Coronavirus Fatality Rates vs. SARS, MERS and Ebola

In today's podcast we pull the data behind the fatality rates of Coronavirus, SARS, MERS, Ebola and the seasonal flu.

Six Items of Good News Regarding COVID19

In our continued commitment to bring our listeners good information and news on the Coronavirus front, we bring you today's episode that covers fatality rates, children, working from home and first-line responders. Please share with those that are in need of some good news.

Anticipated Ethical Guidelines for Coronavirus Bed Assignments in the US

Healthcare facilities in major metropolitan areas are writing ethical guidelines in the event hospitals are overwhelmed and there are less beds then patients. What are the US guidelines going to be and how do they compare to Italy's?

Vaping, Coronavirus and the Increased Risk of Pneumonia

With one out of three highschoolers across the country vaping, what sort of increased risk are they placing themselves at upon being exposed to Coronavirus? Listen to our one-of-a-kind podcast here.

Coronavirus Epi on Fatality Rates from Wuhan China

We did a deep dive into the recent epidemiology that came out of Wuhan China on the Coronavirus, including understanding the numbers behind the fatality rates, with certain age groups. We came away optimistic with the resulting data.

Coronavirus Symptoms Simply Stated

We did a deep dive into the literature to understand the symptoms of Coronavirus. Here is it in simple fashion.

Filing Suit Against Someone Who Gave You Coronavirus

Are those who thwart government mandates, who later come down with the virus, and transfer it to others, exposing themselves to legal liability?

How Big Pharma and the 1976 Swine Flu Can Provide Insight for Today's Coronavirus

In 1976, President Ford summoned major pharmaceutical companies to DC to assist with containing the swine flu that was spreading like wildfire. What can we learn from the events of '76 that can guide our government, and in particular our President, who meets with pharmaceutical companies today, in containing the coronavirus. Listen to our podcast here.

Talcum-Based Cosmetics Likely To Become Next Target for Product Litigation

We have dicussed the Johnson & Johnson talcum powder litigation here many times, and recently we have identified other cosmetics containing talcum powder alleged to be causing the same injuries as that in the J&J litigation. Is it just a matter of time until those believed to be injured by other cosmetic talc products seek legal redress? Listen to our one-of-a-kind podcast here.

First Dicamba Weed Killer Verdict Results in $265M

Dicamba, a weed killer made by Monsanto, and now ownedd by Bayer, has come under great scrutiny the past several years for its tendency to "drift" and wreck havoc on neighboring farms who do not use the dicamba-immune seeds. Many farmers have sued having lost entire crops, and the first trial just resulted in over $200M. Get up to speed with the latest on this novel litigation.

Recapping Verdicts on the J&J Talcum Powder Front

Johnson & Johnson has taken huge hits on the litigation front since 2016 in the talcum powder / asbestos litigation. Few appreciate how big the verdicts have been, the punitive damages awards and the frequency of both. Get up to speed on these issues with our podcast here.

Home Elevators Pose Great Risk of Injury and Death to Children

Home elevators continue to lack the simple fixes that would otherwise prevent the possibility of catastrophic injuries to curious children, and yet children continue to be horrifically injured and even killed. Find out why this is happening and the regulatory action, or lack thereof, that is occurring to prevent this life-changing risk.

You're a CEO, and Your Company is Being Sued, Should You Testify?

Johnson & Johnson's CEO was forced to testify in New Jersey during a talcum powder asbestos trial last week. The results of that case may lend some help to the question CEO's have been trying to grapple with for decades - should they or shouldn't they testify? Listen to our podcast here.

Recap of the FDA Public Hearing Regarding Talcum Powder, Asbestos and Detection Guidelines

On February 4th, 2020, the FDA held its first public hearing regarding the potential for imposing rigorous asbestos-detection guidelines upon the cosmetic and talcum powder industry. Listen to find out background on the meeting, what happened, and what the future holds for the consumer and industry giants alike.

Opioid Civil Litigation Update - February 2020

For those interested in the latest on the largest US civil litigation in history, the nation-wide opioid litigation, we have summarized that which will bring you up to speed in this podcast update.

Chaos at Pharmacies Creating Dangers for Patients Filling Prescriptions

We dig into an excellent article by Elen Gabler regarding the chaotic atmosphere and demands at countless pharmacies across the country that are creating tremendous risks and dangers to patients when they fill prescriptions; many that are often different drugs than those that were prescribed.

FDA Public Hearing Regarding Talcum Powder and Asbestos

Next week, on February 4th, 2020, the US FDA will be holding a public hearing as to whether to impose rigorous guidelines for asbestos testing upon companies selling talcum-powder based products. Understand the background that prompted the hearing and what American consumers can expect.

Class I Recall of Surgical Staplers Causing Injuries and Death

Last year the US FDA issued a Class I recall, their strongest recall, for Ethicon's Surgical Staplers that were discovered to have a manufacturing defect that caused the staplers to fire improperly, causing significant injuries and even deaths. We investigate the recall and provide the background that prompted same here.

The DOJ and Corporate-Corruption Accountability

Last week was a very busy week for the DOJ and our criminal courts who laid down multi-year criminal jail sentences to Insys execs for their role in a bribery scheme behind selling their potent fentanyl-based opioid, Subsys, and a $17.5 million dollar fine upon Wells Fargo's former exec behind their fake-account scheme discovered in 2016. Is corporate corruption finally seeing some accountability?

Insys Execs Sentenced to Jail for Their Part of Opioid Epidemic

Today, two former execs for Insys Therapeutics, a player sued in the opioid litigation, were sentenced to jail for their role in a kickback and bribery scheme using doctors to sell their highly-potent fentanyl opioid, Subsys. We disect the sentences, the drug behind them, and the outlook for other executives as the opioid litigation continues.

Childhood Obesity and the Agricultural Department's Proposed Rules for School Lunches

We dive into the data behind US childhood obesity while analyzing the new rules the Agricultural Department has proposed for school lunches across America. Are we placing the interests of our children first, or the lobbying groups who stand to profit from these changes? You decide.

Sunday Conversation: Men or Women On Your Jury if You Were Stuck Defending Harvey Weinstein?

We return to the New Year with our very popular Sunday conversation series. On Sundays, I meet with different groups of people to discuss local, state and nationwide issues. After our meetings I "download" our conversation on our Sunday series podcast. Here, a group of lawyers and I discuss, based on a wealth of past focus group experience, what kind of a jury we would want - all men or all women - if we were stuck defending Harvey Weinstein. Listen, share and join the conversation.

Another Weight Loss Drug Caught in the Danger Zone

Earlier today the FDA issued a warning regarding the relatively new weight loss drug, Belviq, regarding the potential for increased risk of cancer. Belviq is the first major weight loss drug to be approved by the FDA since the controversial Fen-Phen, which was ultimately pulled from the market. Join us in discussing the dangerous history behind weight loss drugs as pharma continues to try and find the quick fix for waste size.

Sex Trafficking a Major Issue That Is Not Being Discussed

Nobody wants to admit that sex trafficking of minors is occuring in their community, though the fact remains that the behavior creates a $100 billion dollar industry, with America the biggest purchaser in the world, and the impact is ravaging communities everywhere in the country. Learn more about this extremely disturbing trend and how litigation can play a role in protecting those that are trafficked.

California's New Child Abuse Victim Act

As of January 1st, 2020, California Assembly Bill 218, also known as the Child Abuse Victim Act, provides children who were victims of sexual abuse - and who have otherwise failed to file a lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations - now three years to file a claim against the perpetrator(s) and/or entity responsible. Learn how this new law will impact litigation in the coming three years in California and beyond.

January 10, 2020 - The Most Up-to-Date Reports on Vaping, including the Death of a 15-year-old

With the 2020 CDC statistics out on vaping this morning, we did a deep dive to bring you the latest on the numbers in the ongoing vaping crisis in America. Fifty-seven deaths have been reported, including the tragic death of a 15-year-old who self-reported having vaped for only a month. Listen and share and help us educate parents, school officials and administrators about this ongoing dangerous and deadly epidemic.

Pharmacies Are Considering Suing Doctors in Federal Opioid Litigation

Pharmacies are next up for responsibility as it relates to the nation-wide opioid litigation. The second trial is set for October 21, 2020 and two Ohio counties will attempt to hold a number of pharmacies responsible for their role in the opioid epidemic. The pharmacies contend they're not at fault, but that doctors writing the prescriptions are, and have preserved the right to cross claim against individual doctors. We analyze this decision and share how it might impact the litigation going forward.