Local News: November 28, 2023

- Some patients of Syracuse’s Crouse Health at risk of identity theft, here’s what you can do to protect yourself -

Anyone who has been a patient of Northwell Health or Crouse Health need to take action to protect against identity threat. The state attorney general says about 4 million New Yorkers were affected by a data breach of a medical transcription company in May of this year. Northwell is mostly in and around New York City, Crouse Health is in Syracuse. The information affected includes social security numbers and insurance information in medical transcripts. The AG’s office says if you are affected by the breach you should have already gotten notification about it and what to do to protect yourself from identity theft. A link to information about how to protect yourself is here.

- Recalled lead-tainted apple sauce pouches may still be on Dollar Tree shelves -

[Next.] Several brands of apple puree products have been recalled. A Food and Drug Administration investigation found that three brands are the cause of elevated lead levels in some people. WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack, and Weis [grocery store]-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches are recalled. They were sold in Weis, Eatwell, and Schnucks grocery stores, Dollar Tree stores, and different online sellers including Amazon. If you have any of these brands do not eat or give them away. Lead is toxic to humans and particularly dangerous to children. Tompkins Whole Health says as of Monday no children in Tompkins County have high blood lead levels related to the applesauces. For more details and instructions about how to properly dispose of the apple purees see the FDA warning, here.