Healing the Hurt of Sex Trafficking

 

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing

because he could do only a little
   - Edmund Burke-

Hello Friend,

I recently returned from a two-week trip to South Africa with Threads Africa. The teacher-training workshops I bring with me are being requested by more teachers and in other townships.  The future of that project is growing beyond what I ever imagined. It is an area of service that is so fulfilling and yet challenges me in so many ways. It’s a place in which God has placed me, and I have been blessed over the past five years to share in the development of these teachers and the sweet children in their care.

Returning at the end of July, I was ready to spend some time digesting what I had seen, heard and learned there. But as life often goes, my days somehow became filled up with meetings, work responsibilities, family and financial matters. Sorting through all the muck that was beginning to quickly seep into every minute of my days, God once again grabbed my heart and pointed me in the direction of service.

On September 20-26th, I will be traveling to Managua, Nicaragua with Finding Freedom International and Breaking Chains. These organizations partner with safe houses around the world to rescue and restore the lives of children and young women who have been enslaved in sex trafficking. This will be a small vision team, learning about the many faces of human trafficking in Nicaragua and designing tangible ways to help bring long-term friendship, emotional healing and life skills to the victims and their caregivers. We will also conduct a small medical clinic, addressing some of the physical concerns of these young women. This is a step of faith for me into a new area of service, but I take this step in full confidence that God has a good plan. If all I can do is a little, I will still do that.

I am writing today to ask for your help. The trip expenses will be about $1500.  Would you consider helping me raise the funds for airfare and accommodations, food and ministry supplies while I am there/? I would be so grateful for the help. If you would be willing to pray for clarity and safety for our team, those prayers would be cherished.

If you are able to contribute to my fundraising effort, please follow these instructions.

1.  Make the checks out to ATAH with "Finding Freedom Int/Terra Anders" in memo line.

2.   Mail the tax-deductible checks to Finding Freedom International – 151 Kalmus Dr., #B170, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

You can also give online by going to the Finding Freedom website at www.findingfreedomint.org

I am grateful for your continued support, and for allowing me the privilege of serving the poor and needy, the hurting and enslaved around the world. 

Sincerely,

Terra Anders

6827 S.700 E.

Midvale, Utah  84047

(949) 689-3800

Lakeshore Learning Materials Baby Dolls Pose Choking Hazard

So many details go into designing and developing a safe and durable product for young children. Lakeshore Learning Materials has always been devoted to the process of developing child-safe toys and learning materials. However, even the most carefully designed product can fail if the oversight of materials and factory quality assurance steps is not regularly monitored. Last week, Lakeshore recalled about 4300 Feels Real Baby Dolls across the United States and Canada, after reports of a choking hazard were identified to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

CPSC is working with Lakeshore who is voluntarily recalling these dolls when it was discovered that the fingers and toes could detach from the doll during use, creating a potential choking hazard to youngsters. No injuries have been noted, but baby dolls are developmentally appropriate for children under 3 years of age who are likely to chew and mouth dolls regularly.  If small parts release unexpectantly, this does present a significant safety concern.

The baby dolls were produced in China, far from Lakeshore’s Carson, California headquarters. The cause of this defect was determined to be a "production error."  It is not unlikely for issues of this kind that a manufacturer’s consistent choice of raw material purity, quality, or curing time during production be questioned. Continued vigilance and quality assurance checks are required at the factory level and upon receipt of  incoming shipments at the importer.

The fourteen-inch, PVC plastic Feels Real Baby Dolls can be identified from the photo provided by CPSC below,as well as the product markings.  The legs, head and arms on the babies are moveable, and they come in four different ethnic models: Asian, Black, Caucasian and Hispanic. The dolls’ diapers are decorated with colored hearts, stars and swirls. 

Look for a couple of different labels sewn into the diaper at the back. One large label carries the "Lakeshore" name, and the smaller label indicates the batch number  550200. The dolls affected by this recall were sold online at the company website (www.lakeshorelearning.com) or through their mail order catalog between May 2011 and January 18, 2012.

Replacement dolls are being offered, so remove the dolls from child access and contact Lakeshore via phone at (800) 428-4414.  Consumers can contact the company on their website as well, using this link.

Guidecraft Play Theater Recalled for Entrapment Hazard

Jason Fien, president of Guidecraft, Inc. is celebrating the company’s 46th year in the industry. This educational toy manufacturer began in 1964 with a line of 10 wooden toys, growing year by year to an expansive list of over 850 products, including children’s furniture. But today the birthday celebration was dampened by a product safety recall of 2,150 units of their 4-in-1 Dramatic Play Theater. Sold across the USA and Canada, the two recalled products were manufactured in China at the Mega Profit Trading Ltd, factory.

Guidecraft has received a couple of consumer reports about the units tipping over during use and causing injuries to the child. The unit weighs about 46 pounds when assembled. Young children, who may not be strong enough to lift the product, can become entrapped under the fallen panels.

The recall involves only the 4-in-1 Dramatic Play Theater, model G51062. This theater has the model number visible in the assembly guide and on a label located at the bottom of the center crossbar. As shown in these photos from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the theater has interchangeable side panels allowing the user to change the theme of the theater from a puppet theater, to a café, to a medical office, and finally to a post office.

Consumers would have purchased the units through mail order catalogs, Internet retailer sites, or at Guidecraft.com from July 2010 and through April 2011. Guidecraft is offering a refund or replacement product , so contact them immediately via phone at (888) 824-1308, or through their website at www.guidecraft.com .

Health Canada press release can be found here.

CPSC safety alert can be found here.

Comment:  It is common for the general public to jump to the conclusion that because this product was produced in China, blame is naturally placed on the Chinese manufacturer. However, consumers should be aware that most products made at Chinese factories, for American companies, are designed and produced according to specs from the American importer. Of course this is not always the case, but the great majority of Chinese factories are following outlines given to them by their customer.  It is the responsibility of the importer to assure that the design is properly tested for safe function, chemical content, and durability under normal and foreseeable use.  As an informed parent, always be sure you feel comfortable with the stability of ANY freestanding play unit before purchasing it for your child.  Children's play patterns can dramatically impact the safe use of a product, and heavy pieces that can fall over if one or more portion of their support pieces is dislodged during play should be considered risky.  The weight and stability of a play unit are both important factors to consider before purchasing a free-standing product.

Safety Recall Issued on Tumblekins Toy Playsets

Well-known New Jersey toy distributor, International Playthings (IP), has recalled about 31,000 Tumblekins vehicles and playsets.  It was discovered that the toys can break into small parts with sharp points which can cause a choking and laceration hazard for young children.  Only one consumer has reported a problem, but to prevent any potential harm to children, IP is conducting this voluntary recall in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

The toys are manufactured in China by Lishui Treetoys Trading Co. Ltd. and were sold in  children’s toy stores, mass merchandisers and other  retail stores across the United States and on assorted websites from March 2011 through December 2011.  

The Tumblekins are multi-colored wooden vehicles and play sets that measure from 6-12” in length and 4-9 1/2” in height. The words “Tumblekins” and “Made in China are printed on the toys, along with the UPC Codes 171111461502 or 346101461502. 

The product packaging carries the specific item number and product description.

Fire Station: Item #T05000
UPC 20373050006

Farm Playsey:  Item #T05001
UPC 20373050013

Police Car: Item# T05002
UPC 20373050020

Roadster: Item #T05003
UPC 20373050037

School Bus: Itwm #T05006
UPC 20373050068

Off-Roader:  Item #T05004
UPC 20373050044

Fire Truck: Item#T05005
UPC 23073050051

Customers who identify their Tumblekin as one of the above recalled products should make the toy(s) inaccessible to children and contact International Playthings immediately for further instructions or product replacement.

International Playthings via phone:  (800) 445-8347 

International Playthings via email: recall@intplay.com

Grapefruit and Medicine Don't Mix?

Image from FDA Consumer Update

I found this article fascinating.  News from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that grapefruit and certain medications can be a harmful combination.  I love pink grapefruit juice, so this study caught my eye.

The acting director of the Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Shiew Mei Huang, remarked that both grapefruit juice and fresh grapefruit may interfere with the way specific types of prescription and over-the-counter drugs work. In the FDA consumer update, Ms. Huang stated that “the juice increases the absorption of the drug into the bloodstream...When there is a higher concentration of a drug, you tend to have more adverse events.”  The result may be that the juice allows too much of the medication to remain in the body, which in turn could lead to a higher risk of liver damage or even kidney failure.

The drugs listed that are most seriously impacted are:

• some statin drugs to lower cholesterol, such as Zocor (simvastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin) & Pravachol (pravastatin)
• some blood pressure-lowering drugs, such as Nifediac & Afeditab (both nifedipine)
• some organ transplant rejection drugs, such as Sandimmune & Neoral (both cyclosporine)
• some anti-anxiety drugs, such as BuSpar (buspirone)
• some anti-arrhythmia drugs, such as Cordarone & Nexterone (both amiodarone)
• some antihistamines, such as Allegra (fexofenadine)

Discussing how grapefruit and its juice may impact one’s medicine seems like it would be a good thing to discuss with a health care provider prior to taking any new drug.

Lead Violations on Two Playsets Force Health Canada Recall

A duo of products produced my Chinese manufacturer Ningbo Ftz Zhenbao International Trading Company are being recalled through a Health Canada Product Safety Alert.  During routine sapling and testing, Health Canada discovered that the surface coatings on these sets contain levels of lead above the allowable limits.

Lead is extremely toxic to young children if the lead paint is chewed, sucked, or ingested.  Exposure to high levels of lead can results in short-term illness including vomiting and diarrhea, as well as long-term condition such as serious brain injury, convulsions, coma, anemia, as well as damage to liver, kidneys, heart and the immune system. Serious cases of lead poisoning can lead to death.

The first product is The Pizza Playset, a set of plastic pizza slices, plastic kitchen tools and condiments.  The UPC barcode printed on the packaging is 094922130778.

The second product is The Fishing Game, a playset including one fishing pole and five plastic fish.  The UPC barcode printed on the packaging is 094922553980.

Consumers who have purchased either of these playsets are advised to stop using them immediately and discard them so they are inaccessible to children.

Slalom Glider Playground Slide Poses Fall Hazard for Young Children

It has been a mild winter in many states around the nation this year.  Playgrounds that once were covered in snow during these normally frosty months are open for business.  For those schools or other public facilities that purchased the Slalom Glider slide manufactured by Landscape Structures, this recent product safety recall will particularly important.

In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Landscape Structures is recalling about 900 of these slides because the product lacks the proper transition platform that is required at the top and sides of the slide.  Transition platform is needed to provide young children with the opportunity to switch from climbing, to sitting, to sliding actions. Developmentally, children need this space to transition betweens these different physical events. Without the platform, young children do not have the proper space to prepare for sliding.  The lack of transitional support on the Slalom Glider creates a potential fall hazard from between arched ladder and 6-foot high curved plastic chute. 

CPSC and Landscape Structures received sixteen reports of fall-related injuries to children less than 8 years old.  Injuries ranged from body bruises to fractured arms, legs and even a bruised spleen. 

The slides involved in the recall are designated with model numbers 156456 and 172627 and were sold from January 2006 and through December 2011 for about $2300 each. 

The Slalom Glider was made available in a variety of color combinations.

This product should be made inaccessible to children immediately. Customers who have not already been contacted by Landscape Structures can contact the company by phone at 888-438-6574, or via their website at www.playlsi.com.

Landscape Structures will provide instructions for roper removal of the Slalom and given the choice of receiving a full refund, credit toward a future purchase or replacing the slide with a different piece of playground equipment from the company.

Serious Injuries Caused by Arm & Hammer Spinbrush

Photo: http://i.telegraph.co.uk 

Toothbrushes are designed to promote good oral hygiene. Dentist all over the world praise the benefits of using of electric toothbrushes for the most effective dental cleaning and plaque removal.  These mechanically-aided brushes help users get to all those hard to reach spots at the back of the jaw and at the gum lines. Battery-operated brushes for young children have become quite popular as well, allowing them to be more consistent in their brushing technique.

These power-brushes must be used under adult supervision, where an adult can both guide and encourage the youngster in their brushing habits. However, even under adult supervision, surprising safety concerns have come to light with the Arm & Hammer Spinbrush (called the Crest Spinbrush prior to 2009.)

The FDA has had reports of parts of the brush breaking off in use. Because the part is spinning at a high speed, the small parts have not only presented a choking hazard, but have also chipped teeth and created mouth, throat and eye injuries. Children have experienced cuts to lips, burns from the batteries, and even released bristles lodging in a youngster’s tonsils.

During a 2011 FDA inspection at the manufacturing plant of Church & Dwight Co. Inc., evidence was uncovered that the company had received several customer reports about the problems with the brushes. None of the complaints had been reported to the FDA as required.  In May 2011, Church & Dwight Co, Inc. was cited with reporting violations of serious injuries.

Since that time Church & Dwight Company, Inc. has issued public television and print safety notices, a safety warning on their website and company voice mail.  Structurally, the brush has been improved by adding bristles that change colors when the brush head is scheduled to be replaced, and improved labeling of replacement timeline.

The specific models involved in the Safety Alert are:

• Spinbrush ProClean
• Spinbrush ProClean Recharge
• Spinbrush Pro Whitening
• Spinbrush SONIC
• Spinbrush SONIC Recharge
• Spinbrush Swirl
• Spinbrush Classic Clean
• Spinbrush For Kids

In a press release issued today, the FDA is recommending following precautionary steps be taken by supervising adult before and during use of the brush. If ANY of the issues listed below are found DO NOT USE THE BRUSH.

• Adult must inspect the Spinbrush it for damage, cracks or loose bristles. If any defects are seen, don’t use the brush, and report the problem to Church & Dwight at 1-800-352-3384 or 1-800-561-0752.
• Make sure the head of the brush is tightly attached to the brush handle.
• Test the brush outside of your mouth before using. If the connection feels loose  do not use the brush. Use the number above to report it to Church & Dwight.
• Warn the child not to bite down on the brush head while brushing.  
• Always supervise children (and adults) who may need help when using the Spinbrush.
• Follow all instructions and replacement guidelines included with the Spinbrush.
• Injuries or problems should be reported to MedWatch—FDA's Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program using the Online Voluntary Reporting Form 3055

Contact FDA with questions or concerns by Fax at 800-FDA-0178  or by Phone at 800-332-1088.

Bumbleride Strollers recalled for fall hazard

In 2004, Bumbleride, Inc. was launched and a line of infant mobility products was born. Focused on ergonomic designs in strollers and on-the-go accessories for the active new family, Bumbleride has recently experienced a rather significant bump in the road.  In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 30,700 of their Indie and Indie Twin strollers are being recalled.

The company has received thirty-seven reports from consumers that the front wheel cracked or broke at the axle causing the stroller to tip over during use.  Minor injuries of the young passengers have been reported. Although these thirty-seven incidents represent only 0.1% of the strollers sold and in use, Bumbleride has worked with an independent engineering firm to increase the strength of the front wheel . The kit can be installed by customers.

The affected Bumbleride products were sold nationwide at retail and online baby stores from January 2009 through January 2012. Here’s what to look for:

• Indie Stroller Model numbers affected are I-107, I-110 and I-205
• Date of manufacture – on white sticker attached to side frame near the seat
• Sold in multiple colors

• Indie Twin Stroller Model numbers affected are IT-108, IT-111, and IT-305.
• Date of manufacture – on white sticker attached to underside of stroller handle
• Sold in multiple colors

Consumers who purchased the Indie or Indie Twin strollers with a manufacture date between January 2009 through August 2011 are asked to stop using the strollers and contact Bumbleride immediately for the retrofit kit and instructions for assembly.  They can be reached by phone at (800) 530-3930, or via email at support@bumbleride.com. Customers can also apply for the kit on line at this link.

For additional information and Health Canada alert, follow this link

Snaps on Weeplay Kids/Carter's infant garments pose choking hazard

Carter’s Watch the Wear and Sleep ‘n Play Garments have a problem.  Well, at least 128,000 of them do.  The manufacturer, Weeplay Kids LLC, has received thirty reports of the snaps pulling off the one-piece infant wear. If detached, the snap becomes a small part that poses a serious choking hazard to young children and particularly infants.  Although no injuries have been reported, Weeplay Kids is voluntarily recalling specific production runs of these products in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

As shown in the photos here, the recall covers sets sold in packs of two, three and five different pastel colored and printed design fabrics. The name Carter’s Watch the Wear appears on the front of the packaging and on the inner neckline of each piece.  The style number is printed on the back of the product packaging.

The following style numbers, made in Bangladesh, are involved in the recall:   

Watch the Wear Bodysuit

• N8963LB
• N8963LG
• N8963LN
• N8964B1
• N8964B2
• N8964G1
• N8964G2
• N8964LB
• N8964LG
• N8964LN
• N8964N1
• N8991LW

Five-pack Bodysuit

Watch the Wear Sleep ‘n Play

• N8965LB
• N8965LG
• N8965LN

The CPSC press release indicates that the following U.S. retail stores carried these sets from November 2010 and through August 2011.

• Big Lots
• Century 21
• Conway
• Cookies
• Cost Mart
• DD’s Discount
• Edison Childrenswear
• Gabriel Brothers
• Kiddy Time
• Kids Place
• Kidstown
• National Stores
• Pamida Stores
• Real Value
• Regine’s
• R.H. Reny
• Ross
• Shoppers World
• Valley Wholesale
• Variety Wholesalers
• Youngland 

Customers who identify their product as one involved in this recall should stop using the garment and contact Weeplay Kids directly for free replacements.

The company can be contacted by phone at (888) 226-2200 or by e-mail at info@weeplaykids.com

Time 4 Crafts Kids Apron recalled for violating phthalate limit

Item # 16625  UPC 062823166257

Health Canada, in cooperation with Ontario-based CTG Brands Incorporated, issued a recall announcement for 22, 400 vinyl Time 4 Crafts Kid's Aprons.  The child-sized apron is yellow with blue trim and fastens with cloth ties at the waist.

Health Canada has a product sampling and evaluation program to assure the ongoing safety of children’s products sold in the Canadian marketplace.  During one of these sampling, it was discovered that the apron contained the chemical plastic softener Di-Ethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP) at a level that exceeded Canadian restricted limits.

While no injuries or illness have been reported, studies suggest that some phthalates like DEHP may cause reproductive and developmental concerns in young children when products containing one or more specific phthalates (including DEHP) are sucked or chewed for extended lengths of time.

The aprons affected were sold across Canada from February 2008 through January 21012.

Remove the apron from children, dispose of it and contact CTG Brands Inc. at 1-905-761-3330.

Breaking hazard prompts bike handlebar recall

Consumer Product Safety Commission has joined with Nitto of Japan to recall more than two thousand Nitto Aluminum Bicycle Handlebars that have been reported breaking during use causing loss of control and two incidents of injury. 

Model # B259AA came in
red, blue, black, gold, green,
pink and silver

Importers Euro Asia Imports (La Crescenta, CA), Bicycle technologies International (Santa Fe, NM), and The Merry Sales Company (San Francisco, CA) were all named in the recalled.  The handlebars were sold on bike specialty stores across the United States and Canada between January 2008 and July 2011. Consumers would have paid between $60-$80 each for the product.

"NITTO" and "B259" printed
at end of handlebars 

Stop using the affected handlebars immediately and contact Euro Asia Imports for free replacement handlebars. Euro Asia Imports can e contacted by phone at 888-662-1814) or on the company website: www.EuroAsiaImports.com.

Health Canada recall at this link. 

Toys R Us® announces their 6th “Great Trade-In” Event

Giant toy retailer, ToysR Us®, Inc., is conducting the "Great Trade-In" event designed to raise awareness of the potential dangers of using recalled, old, or second-hand children’s and childcare products. 

In 2011, the children’s product safety advocates at Kids In Danger researched the product safety issues available to view at CPSC’s new pubic database, SaferProducts.gov.  Their review showed about 15% of the reports / injuries relating to children's products that had previously been recalled. 

Jerry Storch, Toys R Us® COE and Chairman, reiterated the company’s commitment to educating their customers and remaining on the cutting edge of child safety issues.  Approximately 600,000 used baby and children’s products have been discovered and removed from use since the first event in 2009. 

Trade-ins have been in various stages of disrepair from normal wear & tear to missing parts or obvious damage.  Some of those recovered products were involved in past recalls; others were simply out of compliance with today’s stricter standards.

The company's sixth "Great Trade-In" event starts on Friday, January 27 and continues through Monday, February 20.  The event is happening at all Babies R Us® and Toys R Us® locations across the United States. 

Products being accepted for trade-in include used travel systems, highchairs, car seats, infant swings, play yards, walkers, entertainers, cribs or kid’s beds, strollers, bassinets and infant bouncers.  Old products can be exchanged for a 25% savings on any new baby products from specific manufacturers.

Manufacturers taking part in the event include:

Babi Italia®                  

Babies"R"Us                 

Baby Cache®

Baby Einstein™              

Baby Trend®               

Bergamo®

Bright Starts™               

Britax®                       

Carter's®

Chicco®                       

Combi®

Contours by Kolcraft®

Delta™

Europa Baby®

Evenflo®

Graco®

Jeep®

Lamaze®

Little Tikes®

Maxi-Cosi®

Safety 1st®

S1 by Safety 1st®

Signature Series by Graco®

Sorelle™

Step2®

Summer Infant®

To be sure the local store has sufficient quantity of products on hand for the trade-ins, childcare centers or other similar organizations that would like to exchange items in larger quantities are asked to contact their local Babies R Us® and Toys R Us® store before returning their used items.