All Topics

• Kugel Mesh Hernia Patch Recall

  Pete Strom | March 07, 2007 8:28 PM | 0 CommentsColumbia, SC

  The FDA has issued a recall notice regarding the Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patch. These devices were used to repair ventral hernias caused by thinning or stretching of scar tissue that occurs around incisions after surgery. The working component of the patch is a "memory recoil ring" that causes the patch to spring open after surgeons fold it flat in order to insert it into the body.Sadly, this...

• Worker Compensation reform...A case of insurance company Profits over injured workers?

  Pete Strom | February 17, 2007 5:28 AM | 0 CommentsColumbia, SC

  I was proud to see this week that the leadership in the South Caroline Senate is standing up to the insurance industry. Workers Compensation insurance has gone out of site over the past few years and it has the small business community screaming for reform. Insurance companies are making millions off of South Carolina's workers' compensation program, Senate President Pro Temp Glenn McConnell...

• Adverse Drug Reactions: A Series

  Staff Writer | September 26, 2006 4:17 PM | 0 CommentsColumbia, SC

  Tom Lamb over at druginjurywatch.com has been running a series about how providing more information to patients and doctors can help prevent sever adverse drug reactions. Tom has done a great job providing recommendations.Part IPart IIPart IIIPart IV

• Chinese Drywall Invades Homes Forces Owners to Evacuate

  Pete Strom | July 27, 2009 3:53 PM | 0 CommentsColumbia, SC

  Think the housing market and economy could not be any worse? Think again if you are plagued with Chinese Drywall. Chinese Drywall, a wide flat board used to create interior walls, also knowing...

• Millions of Customers Likely Paid Too Much For Out of Network Health Care

  Pete Strom | July 17, 2009 5:20 PM | 0 CommentsColumbia, SC

  We all know the drill. Health insurance is expensive. Even if you are a portrait of health, and only visit your doctor one a year for preventative care, your premiums continue to go up year after...

• A New Use for Botox?

  Amanda Schlager | September 18, 2008 1:00 AM | 0 CommentsColumbia, SC

  “Botox” is a popular quick fix for many men and women who wish to eliminate wrinkles. However, new studies show this bacteria-derived serum may also be used to treat and prevent migraines. Richard...

• Hundreds Evacuated After Train Derails, Spills Acid

  Pete Strom | October 30, 2007 1:40 PM | 0 CommentsColumbia, SC

  A train derailed in Minnesota early Monday morning, spilling acid and causing hundreds to evacuate and schools to close. The train struck a parked train at about 4 a.m., causing at least one car to leak hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid is a highly corrosive liquid that causes burns if it comes into contact with skin or eyes.Approximately 50 cars derailed near Clara City, Minnesota as a...

• 2 Children Found Dead, Mother Charged with Homicide

  Pete Strom | August 02, 2007 10:48 AM | 0 CommentsColumbia, SC

  Police in Hanahan, South Carolina found 2 dead toddlers Monday night after responding to a disturbance call. Their mother is now facing criminal charges. 27-year-old Semetta Heyward has been charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse by Hanahan police.Police responded to a disturbance call and found Heyward yelling and crying, "Oh, my babies," according to an incident report. ...

• Addictive Actiq Lozenges Prescribed For Off-Label Use

  Pete Strom | November 21, 2006 4:51 PM | 0 CommentsColumbia, SC

  Actiq is a drug approved for use in cancer patients who have bouts with severe pain that cannot be relieved with other pain killers. However, there is a growing trend that shows the majority of Actiq prescriptions being written are for patients who don't have cancer. The drug comes in the form of a lozenge on the end of a stick, much like a lollipop.Off-label prescribing isn't illegal, but it...

• Pete Strom, Columbia Attorney

  Staff Writer | August 27, 2006 12:28 PM | 0 CommentsColumbia, SC

  Joseph Preston "Pete" Strom, Jr. was born in Columbia, South Carolina in 1959. He graduated with a B.A. from the University of South Carolina in 1981 and received his J.D. from U.S.C. in 1984. Upon graduation from law school, Pete served as law clerk to the Honorable Frank Eppes, a state trial court judge. Pete then joined the Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitors (District Attorney) Office as an...