Consumer Affairs- | News Tribune

Studies examine the patient's role in healthcare decision-making

One study finds doctors reluctant to discuss long-term life expectancy with dialysis patients

Reality often doesn't live up to these idealistic notions, as demonstrated in a couple of recent studies. One study looked at seriously ill patients undergoing dialysis treatment because of kidney failure and another examined whether patient participation drives up costs.

How to get your pet to lose weight

Experts say whatever shape you're in, your pet will be too

Trying to stay fit can be a fulltime job that often requires a lot of discipline. But while a lot of people are mindful of what they eat and try their best to get enough exercise, they're not always mindful of keeping their pet physically fit.

H&M tries to round up remaining recalled children's water bottles

Company discovers some bottles were sold after the recall was announced

H & M Hennes & Mauritz, L.P., New York, N.Y., is re-announcing the recall of its children’s water bottles. Some 2,900 bottles were contained in the original recall, which was made in September 2012.

Target pledges not to sell genetically engineered salmon

It's the latest big retailer to take the pledge as the FDA ponders its decision

Target is the latest large food retailer to pledge that it won't sell genetically engineered salmon. It joins nearly 60 other stores inlcuding Trader Joe's, Aldi, Whole Foods, Marsh and Hy-Vee.

Watch out for summer scammers

The snares and traps are set, but you can avoid them

With the arrival of warmer weather, you can pretty much count on the bogus home improvement peddlers, vacation rental and timeshare sharks -- along with an assortment of other ne'er-do-wells -- to be on the prowl. But you don't have to be a victim. In fact, there are many things you can do to prevent yourself from being taken for a ride.

Robocallers scamming seniors with "free" medical alert offers

Callers claim consumers have been approved for free equipment but need to pay for monitoring

The caller identifies the business as “Senior Medical Alert” or “Senior Medical Advisors” and attempts to obtain consumers' billing information in order to charge those consumers $35 monthly for supposed “monitoring” services.

Iodide supplement nearly killed him, man claims

Consumer sues doctor who recommended Tri-Quench

A diet supplement recommended by a doctor caused thyroid damage that nearly killed him, a Seattle-area man claims in a lawsuit. Curtis Farber says that because of the "Tri-Quench" iodide product, he will have to take thyroid supplements for the rest of his life.

The soaring cost of stroke treatment

Treatment costs in America may double by 2030

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, the cost of treating stroke could more than double in 2030 as the number of people having strokes increases by 20%.

Can reducing stress help slow cancer?

Some studies suggest positive emotions are helpful; tips from a psychotherapist

Having cancer is stressful enough but add in stress from family, work and other venues and it can be a problem. In a study conducted by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, researchers looked into the possible effects of a patient's stress level on the effectiveness of the drugs that a patient is taking.

Things to do this summer: Teach your children to swim, fence your pool

An unfenced pool is an accident waiting to happen, and a potential legal nightmare for the homeowner

If you haven't already opened your pool for the summer season, you almost certainly will this Memorial Day weekend. But along with all the fun that can bring, it also means a lot of responsibility.

Kids' media consumption not tied to criminal behavior, study finds

Treat your children well, seems to be the best all-around answer

Politicians and activists of various stripes frequently claim that watching violent movies and TV shows contributes to criminal behavior in adulthood, but a study by a Texas professor finds it's not so.

Is social media lowering our desire for face time?

Some say yes and think it's even worse for the younger generation

When it comes to social media, there are some people who have signed up for it but never use it and those who use social media once in a while just because it's there. And then you have folks who constantly use it and would rather "tweet" someone than pay them a visit.

Staying safe during your Memorial Day cookout

Here are some simple ways to reduce foodborne illness

Nobody wants to start the summer with a stomach ache -- or worse. But, it probably will happen as people dust off the grill this Memorial Day weekend for the first cookout of the summer.

Appeals court OK's class action against Kohl's

Consumer alleges the "sale price" was, in fact, the regular price

When is a "sale" price not really a sale price? Antonio Hinojos thinks it's when the price is the same as the "original" price -- and that's the basis of a class action lawsuit he has brought against Kohl's Department Stores.

What does Yahoo's purchase of Tumblr mean? Ads

Advertisers may balk, however, at displaying ads on porn and near-porn

When she plunked down $1.1 billion for Tumblr, Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer promised Tumblr's users that she would try not to "screw it up."