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More elderly Americans are choking to death. Are these devices the answer?
National

More elderly Americans are choking to death. Are these devices the answer?

  • By MIKE STOBBE AP Medical Writer

Each year, choking claims the lives of more than 4,100 Americans who are 65 or older. It's the most vulnerable age group, accounting for about three-quarters of U.S. choking deaths. A number of companies are marketing antichoking devices to the elderly. They vary in design, but generally the devices look like a face mask attached to a tube or bellows, with a handle at the end. Medical professionals have been debating whether to endorse the products, saying more research is needed. Experts — and even antichoking device manufacturers — say that back blows and abdominal thrusts should always be tried first.

Man, 27, shot in San Mateo
Local News

Man, 27, shot in San Mateo

  • Bay City News Service
  • Updated

San Mateo police continue to investigate a shooting that took place Thursday afternoon in which a 27-year-old was wounded.

Living with Animals
Pet Tip

Living with Animals

  • By Ken White
  • Updated

All experts say that Bay Area residents should have a stash of supplies adequate to live completely self-sufficiently (no stores, no power, no…