Health roundup

Eating disorder awareness week

This week is dedicated to eating disorder awareness from Feb. 1 to Feb. 7.

The Canadian Mental Health Association and the National Eating Disorder Information Centre have teamed up this year to spread the message, “one size doesn’t fit all.” You can also access their toolkit on the NEDIC website where you can find shareable images and banners to spread the word.

For more information about eating disorders, you can speak to Windsor’s Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association.

Paw Patrol costume recall

Spirit Halloween has recalled the Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Deluxe Marshall Hat with flashlight. The popular children’s costume accessory can overheat and possibly cause a fire or lead to burn injuries.

There has been one report of injury in Canada due to this product where over 1,500 units were sold. The product was sold last Halloween season, from September until November 2017.

Customers should either throw out the flashlight accessory, contact Spirit Halloween for a refund or simply remove the batteries from the flashlight so it can no longer be used. The rest of the hat is okay to be worn.

EpiPen shortages

Due to a manufacturing disruption, Pfizer Canada informed Health Canada of a shortage of 0.3 milligram EpiPen auto-injectors. The shortage is expected to be resolved by early March. The shortage does not affect EpiPen Jr.

Pfizer expects there will be a period where the 0.3 milligram format will not be available for two to four weeks and for pharmacists to keep that in mind while filling prescriptions. Additional limited inventory will be released this month while Pfizer continues to manage their supply.

If an individual is experiencing an allergic reaction, Health Canada advises to use the expired product and contact 911.

Hazardous onesie

Health Canada and authorities in the US have issued statements recalling Alstyle baby onesies by Alstyle Apparel & Activewear due to a choking hazard.

The item is sold in Canada by Gildan Activewear Inc. It has a metal snap that can come off the onesie and can be swallowed by babies and small children. Over 103,000 of the onesies have been sold in Canada and over 194,000 in the US.