Freedom Biker Church Open House

This past Saturday, members of the Hardison & Cochran team made their way out to Angier, North Carolina to join the great folks of the Freedom Biker Church for their Open House event. It was hot (real hot) but that didn't stop some Tar Heel motorcyclists from coming out and listening to some great music, eating some great food and enjoying each others' company. As always, we snapped some pictures and now we share them with you. You can view all of them on our Facebook page:

Ben's Harley Softail to the far right.

Dangerous Drug News: Study: Avandia Increases Heart Risk

According to a study released today by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) the diabetes drug, Avandia, poses a higher risk of heart problems, strokes and deaths that the competing drug, Actos.

The lead author on the study was Dr. David Graham. Graham, who is a scientist for the Food and Drug Administration, has told the Associated Press that up to 100,000 heart attacks, strokes, deaths and cases of heart failure may be attributed to Avandia since it's debut on the market in 1999.

The JAMA report comes only weeks before the FDA holds an advisory committee meeting, which will offer new reports on Avandia, on July 13th.

More information on the report:
New Study adds to Avandia’s woes - Triangle Business Journal
Avandia, Heart Attacks & An Upcoming FDA Meeting - Pharmalot
Diabetes Drug Avandia Ups Heart Risk, Reviews Conclude - Business Week

For more information on Avandia, please click here.

5 Questions With Case Manager Michelle Haag

1. What is your favorite movie?
The Hangover is my favorite recent movie. Moonstruck is my favorite older movie.

2. Where is your favorite place to eat in North Carolina?
Seaboard Restaurant in Raleigh.

3. What is a website you visit daily?
The Animal Rescue Site (www.theanimalrescuesite.com)

4. What's the best summer vacation you've ever been on?
I visit the beach every summer. It's hard to say which year was the best!

5. Do you have any pets?
I have 2 Dalmatians, an outdoor stray cat that came to my door and a fish pond full of goldfish.

Glumetza Recall Information

Last week, drug developer Depomed Inc. announced it will recall 52 lots of its diabetes drug Glumetza. The recall has come after the chemical, 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA), was found to be present in the drug's 500 mg bottles. This recall does not include the drug's 1,000 mg product. The recall came after an investigation into the drug after the smell and taste of the chemical was reported in a single product complaint.

The chemical, TBA, can cause temporary non-serious gastrointestinal discomfort in situations where there is enough present where it can be smelled. Depomed Inc. has suspended all shipments of the 500 mg product. The company is currently in talks with the FDA concerning the recall. They expect to resume shipments in four to eight weeks. For more information the the drug Glumetza, please click here.

*Picture courtesy of WebMD 

Friday Feed #53

Get out and enjoy the outdoors this week, but be safe! We'll see you here on Monday!
Sugary sports drinks: Soon leaving a school near you?
Gatorade is a little harder to find in some California public schools.

Most Beautiful Birds of the World
Some amazing shots of our feathered friends.

12 Worst Movie Accents of All Time
People who tried, but just didn't get it right. With Video!

Houses With Amazing Views
These are some must see views. They have no neighbors, but with views like this, who need them?

3 Questions Answered About North Carolina Workers' Compensation Answered

1. Must an injured worker notify their employer of a work-related injury?
Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §97-22 the injury must be reported to the employer within 30 days of the accident, unless it can be shown that the employer had knowledge of the injury. The Industrial Commission also may within its discretion allow the claim to be filed as long as the employer was not prejudiced by the delay.

2. Should an injured worker allow their employer or its workers’ compensation insurance company to record a statement regarding the accident?
It is almost always customary for the insurance carrier to require a recorded statement. It is usually permissible for an injured employee to give a recorded statement, however, if for any reason you have knowledge to believe that the insurance carrier questions the circumstances surrounding the events of your case you may need to consult an attorney prior to agreeing to provide a recorded statement.

3. Is there a period of time after which my claim is no longer open?
If you have a workers’ compensation claim and you receive only medical treatment and do not lose any time from work then your claim will close within 12 months of the last date of medical treatment paid for by the workers’ compensation carrier. If you received weekly benefits due to your injury then your claim will close two years from the last date of compensation received.

If you have any questions about North Carolina Workers' Compensation, feel free to e-mail me at ben@lawyernc.com.

Drug Alert: Yaz, Yasmin

What is Yaz and Yasmin?

Yaz and Yasmin are used as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy and to prevent moderate acne in women. When using Yaz or Yasmin for contraceptive purposes, it prevents ovulation and also, though changes in lining, makes it harder for sperm to reach the uterus. 

What exactly is Yaz and Yasmin?

Each medication is a combination of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol.

Are there any generic forms of these drugs?

Yes. Ocella is another form of these drugs.

What is the possible harm of these drugs?
1. Blood clots which can produce in many parts of the body including the legs, arms, eyes and chest. 
2. Stroke
3. Heart Attack
4. Gallbladder Disease
5. Pancreatitis

When should I call a doctor?

If you are taking Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella you may have more serious health problems if you experience the following symptoms:
1. Unusual swelling
2. Sharp chest pain
3. Coughing up blood
4. Severe headaches
5. Vision problems
6. Pain in back of lower leg

Fibromyalgia: How It Affects Men

We came across an interesting article last week on fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia (click link for detailed information) is a disorder that causes chronic pain and many other adverse symptoms. The disorder affects over 5 million people in the United States. Of that 5 million, as the article from WebMD states, only 10% are men. These numbers have given the disorder a perception as a women's only condition.

The article, authored by Matt McMillen, takes readers on a trip through the eyes of a 58 year old, once active man who now has fibromyalgia. From the quotes below, you can see that the gentleman has had some rough times with his disorder and the perception that only women are affected.

"When I first went to a support group meeting, it was all women. Some didn't want me there."

"One of my best friends doesn't believe I have it. His wife, who is a doctor, told him men can't get it, that it is in my head. That kind of hurt."

The article is a great read. You can view by clicking here.

Symptoms of Dehydration

It's blazing hot outside right now. Below is a list of the temperatures at our 7 offices around North Carolina as of 3:00pm on Monday June 14th.

Raleigh: 92 degrees

Durham: 91 degrees
Fayetteville: 97 degrees
Dunn: 94 degrees
Southern Pines: 93 degrees
New Bern: 92 degrees
Wilmington: 94 degrees

Hot days are great if you're a pool person, but while there are many people out cooling and relaxing by the pool, there are many who are out working at outside jobs or working outside on their home. Today, we're going to share some symptoms of dehydration where the next time you are out in the heat, you'll know exactly when to pop back inside and rehydrate.

9 Symptoms of Dehydration when 2% of your body's fluid is lost:

1. Thirst
2. Loss of Appetite
3. Dry Skin
4. Skin Flushing
5. Dark Colored Urine
6. Dry Mouth
7. Fatigue or Weakness
8. Chills
9. Head Rushes  

10 Symptoms of Dehydration when 5% of your body's fluid is lost:

1. Increased heart rate
2. Increased respiration
3. Decreased sweating
4. Decreased urination
5. Increased body temperature
6. Extreme fatigue
7. Muscle cramps
8. Headaches
9. Nausea
10. Tingling of the limbs

11 Symptoms of Dehydration when 10% of your body's fluid is lost (Note: 10% and above is often fatal)

1. Muscle spasms
2. Vomiting
3. Racing pulse
4. Shriveled skin
5. Dim vision
6. Painful urination
7. Confusion
8. Difficulty breathing
9. Seizures
10. Chest and Abdominal pain
11. Unconsciousness

This summer, make sure you keep yourself hydrated in all that you do. If the temperatures we're getting around North Carolina in the LATE SPRING are any indication of what the summer holds, then get ready for some hot days and make sure you're always hydrated. If you get any of the symptoms in the first nine, make sure you make sure to replace those fluids before you continue to work or play.

Hardison & Associates Client Appreciation Day 2010 in Video

To take you into the weekend, here is a short video of Liquid Pleasure performing at the 2010 Hardison & Associates Client Appreciation Day held in Dunn, North Carolina on June 6th. Watch your volume. The video is a little loud.

Hardison & Associates Client Appreciation Day 2010 in Pictures #2

This week we're posting some pictures from our 2010 Client Appreciation Day celebration in Dunn, North Carolina. On with the pictures:

Hardison & Associates Client Appreciation Day 2010 in Pictures

The rest of this week we're sharing some pictures from our 2010 Client Appreciation Day. The event was held in Dunn, North Carolina at Tart Park. It was a sunny, beautiful day filled with music, food and fun. Thanks to all the clients who made it down to spend some time with us! Without further ado, the pictures:

Client Appreciation Day 2010

We had an awesome time down in Dunn, North Carolina yesterday with all of our clients who came out to the 2nd Annual Hardison & Associates Client Appreciation Day. We took so many pictures that it's taking a couple days to get them all together and post them here on the blog. Check back tomorrow for some of the best here on the blog and you can check them all out on our Facebook page when we post them!

3 Boating Safety Videos Via YouTube.com

If you found yourself on a North Carolina waterway this past weekend, there is no doubt you saw a boat or two. You may have even been a passenger or the captain of a boat. Either way, it's always good to know the basics of boating safety, even if you do not own or operate a boat. We found three boating safety videos on YouTube that offer the basics of safe boating. With July 4th around the corner, these will be vital to having a great and safe time on the waterways of North Carolina.