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The Marion County coroner's office is investigating the death of an Indianapolis man. Coroners say signs may point to a link with the legal substance, "Spice."
"Spice" or "K2" as it is known, is a legal substance currently sold in many head shops around central Indiana. It's an herb laced with chemicals many say has the same effect as marijuana. Experts have long been concerned about the substance. In fact, it's illegal in many countries and some states.
The Marion County coroner's office is investigating whether or not it contributed to a 28 year-old man's death. The coroner's office tells Fox59 News it is still far too early to say for sure if his death is directly linked to K2.
In a statement, the coroner's office said in part:
"Given that it was reported that the decedent may have used an unknown substance call "K 12 spice", a synthetic drug being used by some smokers as a legal substitute to marijuana, we will review the toxicology results to determine what chemicals are involved. We know that there are current studies being done to determine the effects of this substance. We will follow this case closely and watch for other related types of unexpected deaths."
The New York Daily News is reporting that Skechers could face penalties in the millions of dollars just as Reebok did for making false claims about the benefits of toning shoes. Reebok ultimately paid 25 million dollars to settle claims made by the Federal Trade Commission. Skechers could have to pay even more.
Reebok International Ltd. will pay $25 million to customers to settle charges by the Federal Trade Commission that it made deceptive claims in ads that its toning shoes would measurably strengthen the legs and buttocks of those who wear them.
Consumer Reports medical adviser Dr. Orly Avitzur is hearing more frequently about injuries.
"One patient was breaking in a pair of toning sneakers, and less than 45 minutes after putting them on felt her ankle turn and a bone break," said Aritzur.
Surgeons say they are not surprised. Toning shoes are intentionally designed to create instability. They could be difficult for elderly people or anyone with balance issues.
Even younger people are complaining about problems with shoes like Skechers Shape-Ups.
As reported on Good Morning America, Holly Ward filed the nation's first lawsuit against Skechers alleging that its ShapeUps footwear caused her to have stress fractures in both of her hips. Ward, a 38 year old waitress, was previously healthy and fit with normal bone density. She wore her ShapeUps for work while she waited tables at her job, and she wore she ShapeUps athletic shoes to go on walks with her friends for exercise. Holly had to undergo a painful operation in which three screws were placed into each of her hip joints in order to heal the bones riddled with fractures.
Skechers ShapeUps are designed to change the way you walk. It is well established in the medical literature than altering the way you walk can result in stress injuries like fractures and damage to tendons and ligaments.
Now, Skechers is marketing these shoes to children as young as preschool age. Is this a good thing
"They're not for everyone," said board certified podiatrist and surgeon Jason Scott of Jacksonville Foot Clinic and the Foot Clinic of Palatka. "Even though these shape-up shoes require wearers to use more of the gastrocnemius muscle, or the calf muscle located in the back of the leg that can help firm and create more muscle tone, they can increase the workload of the Achilles tendon causing Achilles tendonitis."
That's a painful condition often difficult to alleviate, added Scott.
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jaquars.jacksonville.com/news/health-and-fitness/2011-03-23/story/claims-design-shape-shoes-find-support-and-skepticism#ixzz1HQL523De
Those with osteoporosis can create a spontaneous fracture with the rocking sensation with subsequent pressure on the tibia or spinal movement. Those with osteoarthritis are likewise putting pressure on weakened joints that might otherwise be protected by different forms of muscle building exercise under guidance such as yoga or Pilates.
Those who already have joint or bone pain and problems may find the issues exaggerated by wearing these shoes. The rolling movement may put undue pressure on ankles, hips, or lower back. Calloused pressure points may be created as the foot learns new ways to compensate in a different gait.
In 2010, Skechers’ sales jumped by 30 percent to more than $2 billion. Many contribute the increase in sales to the successful marketing campaign for their toning shoes, Shape-ups. Skechers claim that Shape-ups can give consumers a better body just by wearing the uniquely shaped sneaker.
Many shoe manufacturers have followed suit by developing their own line of toning shoes. They claim that their products help burn calories, promote weight loss, improve posture and strengthen muscles with every step.
With all of the hype surrounding toning shoes, the American Council of Exercise decided to put these claims to the test. The organization enlisted a team of exercise scientists at the University of Wisconsin to determine the effectiveness of toning shoes. Skecher’s Shape-ups was one of the shoes examined.
The results were not good for toning shoe manufacturers. The study found that there was no evidence to support the claims that toning shoes will help consumers exercise more intensely, burn more calories or improve muscle strength and tone by just wearing toning shoes.
In addition, many medical experts are warning consumers of potential dangers that toning shoes pose to wearers. Toning shoes have rounded soles intended to mimic walking on soft surfaces such as sand. Experts contend that the shoes can be unstable and lead to a foot or leg injury.
Many marketing experts believe that it’s a great concept – simply lace up a pair of uniquely designed toning shoes and the sneakers will help you lose weight, firm up and get in shape without stepping foot inside a gym.
According to toning shoe manufacturer Skechers, which produces Shape-us, it may be that simple. As a matter of fact, Skechers claim in their ads that- “Now you can get in shape without setting foot in a gym.”
So, what’s the secret to the supposed physical benefits of toning shoes? Toning shoes, such as Shape-ups, have a uniquely designed rounded sole that is intended to simulate walking on soft surfaces, such as sand. Every step you take in toning shoes is supposed to utilize more of your leg muscles than other shoes and help you get in better shape.
However, many medical experts are voicing their concerns about the safety of wearing toning shoes. Doctors at Family Foot Clinic are warning consumers who already have existing foot problems not to wear toning shoes.
“It’s a fairly unstable shoe,” Dr. Jonathan Stroebel, a doctor at Family Foot Clinic, said. “Certain problems associated with the shoes can be fairly significant. The main issue with the shoe is the soft heel, forcing the heel in that downward position.”
Toning shoes manufacture Skechers, which produces Shape-ups, has filed a lawsuit against Sears Holdings Corp. for infringing on some of its patents and trademarks, including the toning shoes line. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California seeking damages resulting from the alleged infringements.
"While we value our relationship with Sears, their actions are causing us tremendous damage, and we simply cannot let any company, let alone a company the size of Sears, infringe on our most valuable intellectual property," said Philip Paccione, General Counsel for Skechers.
However, Skechers USA Inc. is no stranger to lawsuits. Recently, 38-year-old Holly Ward filed a lawsuit of her own claiming that her pair of Shape-ups resulted in stress fractures in both of her hips. She claims that her injury has resulted in regular physical therapy.
“The extended use of these shoes has injured me catastrophically,” Ms. Ward said.
Shape-ups, like other brands on toning shoes, feature a unique rounded sole that is supposedly designed to help tone muscles by mimicking walking on soft surfaces, such as sand. However, many experts believe that this unique feature can create instability for wearers and lead to possible foot or leg injuries.
Schachter, Hendy & Johnson, Attorneys At Law
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Schachter, Hendy & Johnson, Attorneys At Law
909 Wrights Summit Parkway
Suite 210
Fort Wright, KY 41011
Phone: (859) 578-4444
Fax: (859) 578-4440
Toll Free: (888) 606-5297