Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/EgasQoFohj4   A 4th shot of Pfizer vaccine versus only 3 shots improves your protection against a breakthrough infection by up to 64% and your protection against a severe or deadly infection by about 73%.  Israeli investigators report these results after analyzing the effect of vaccination and boosts in 97,499 persons over the age of 60 from January 10th to March 13th, 2022 while Omicron was in predominance.   Looking at the additional protective effect against a breakthrough infection of the 2nd booster compared with only vaccination and one booster, it peaks during the 3rd week following inoculation at 64% but then declines from the 4th to the 9th week to an additional protective effect of 29%.  The 4th shot protection was better in both degree and longevity against a severe or deadly infection peaking at 86% by 6 weeks after the shot and persisting at or above that level through the 9th week post-inoculation.   The 4th shot is a must for older persons and those with complicatin

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/WcL5hqXlq-Q   Short Shorts are cutting edge medical and healthcare discoveries not quite ready for the clinic.  They’re worth knowing about now during the 4th week of March, 2022.   The FDA and Pfizer have just issued a flash recall for the blood pressure drug Accuretic, the brand for a quinapril/hydrochlorthazide combo.  The drug contains unacceptable levels of a nitrosamine which may be carcinogenic.  If you take this drug, call your pharmacy to see if your lot is affected and to get a replacement.   https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFDA/bulletins/31018cd     Hope for an anti-CoVid antibody that capably neutralizes past and future variants and sub-variants is increased by two teams of researchers.  One team in Alabama and Texas, and the other in Switzerland, France, and Belgium.   Both teams identified antibodies from recovered CoVid patients directed against the a part of the coronavirus spike that rarely varies yet is critical for viral replication.  While the usual a

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/B1f61kbDUtk   Moderna now announces that two 25 ug doses of its mRNA vaccine triggers a robust anti-CoVid antibody response in children 6 months to 6 years of age without creating significant side effects including the worrisome myocarditis.  Comparing the antibody levels induced with those measured in Moderna-vaccinated young adults, they were the same for children 2 to 6 years and 30% greater for children 6 months to 2 years.   The vaccine efficiency for preventing any CoVid infection, mainly Omicron, was 44% for the infant-toddler group and 38% for the 2 to 6 year olds.  hese are similar to the infection-prevention stats for older subjects.  Since all infections that occurred were mild, no vaccine efficiencies for prevention of serious or deadly CoVid could be calculated.   Moderna plans to ramp up its vaccine availability for American children and teens by obtaining Emergency Use Authorizations for all ages 6 months to 18 years.  Children would be able to receive both primary

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/dup-6K7RxQ4   Taking a daily cocoa supplement may reduce your chance of dying from cardiovascular disease by 27%.  Preventive medicine investigators at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital conducted a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study in which 420 persons took a commercially available cocoa extract supplement each day for 3.6 years.  Each of the Mars Edge CocoaVia capsules contained 500 mg of flavanols.  A control group of 456 consumed a multivitamin on a daily basis.   Besides having a reduced risk of death, those taking the Mars CocoaVia supplement had a 13% lower risk of heart attacks, a 9% lower risk of stroke, and overall a 10% lower risk of all cardiovascular events.  Only the reduced risk of death was statistically significant.   The researchers stop short of making a blanket recommendation to use the supplement citing the need for more work.  If you are at risk for cardiovascular disease, there is nothing wrong with using this supplement.  It’s not cheap,

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/cWt1ehOzTss   The Omicron CoVid variant lives over one week on plastic and nearly a day on skin.  That’s longer than the original Wuhan CoVid strain and any other variant.  Japanese researchers draw this conclusion after measuring the environmental stability of all CoVid variants as well as the ability of various disinfectants to kill them.   In this graph, you can see that the Omicron variant survives longer on both plastic and human skin than any other variant or CoVid strain.  Omicron can live for 193.5 hours or 8 days on plastic and for 21 hours on skin.   The good news is that Omicron, like the other variants, is completely inactivated by 70% isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol in 15 seconds.   https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.18.476607v1.full.pdf+html   #CoVid #omicron #plastic #skin #isopropylalcohol  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/x6UdHmyLJ8I   With the proliferation of home CoVid testing and the availability of free test kits provided by the federal government, a spate of accidents reported to the FDA demonstrate inherent dangers from the chemicals within these test kits.  Here’s what you need to know.   The liquid reagents in the kits, including sodium azide, can be toxic if ingested or if they touch the skin or get into the eyes.  The small vials are similar to those containing eye drops, and some have mistakenly placed the test chemicals in their eyes with disastrous results.  In other cases, children have opened kits and touched or swallowed the liquids.   Here are the precautions that you should take with the kits. Keep the kits away from children and pets. Leave all kit components in the box until ready for use. Follow all instructions, use only the provided swab and not your own Qtips, and don’t touch the swabs to any test liquids until you have sampled your nasal or mouth secretions. Don’t touch o

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/cRGaC_UU4Sk   Using marijuana to treat pain, both physical and psychological, is ineffective and places the patient at risk for developing marijuana addiction.  Psychiatrists at Harvard’s Mass. General Hospital studied 186 persons aged 18 to 65 seeking medical marijuana.  Two-thirds were women. The group was randomized 2 to 1 to either receive immediate or delayed marijuana therapy.   The data showed that those who began marijuana immediately compared with the delayed users were 28% more likely to develop cannibis use disorder and had a 17% higher incidence of addiction problems while enjoying no significant improvement in their pain, anxiety, or depressive symptoms.   Those already under treatment for the latter psychologic problems were more likely to develop addiction.    This demonstrates the oft-stated rule that all medical interventions may be double-edged swords.   https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2790261   #marijuana #addiction #pain #anxiety #

Vital Organ Damage One Year Following CoVid Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/2G-G-_akZTI   Nearly 60% of persons have at least one damaged organ one year after a CoVid infection.  Researchers at the University of Liverpool and University College London report this worrisome finding following their longitudinal study of 331 mostly non-hospitalized CoVid patients.   The study population had a mean age of 47 years and 73% were female representing young women who would not be expected to suffer organ damage under normal circumstances.  Quantitative multi-organ MRI imaging was used to assess organ impairment via 49 organ-specific metrics.   At one year after infection, 62% of patients manifest significant impairment in at least one vital organ, 22% had impairment in two or more organs, and 8% had involvement in 3 or more organs.  There was no significant difference in organ impairment in those with or without continuing symptoms with 62% of asymptomatic patients and 58% of symptomatic patients having organ impairment. 

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/r-uo9Pn8hJ4   The FDA and Fruit Fresh UP, Inc are recalling all fresh cut fruit and vegetable products and read-to-eat dips marketed under the following brands: Wegmans, Fresh Harvest, Lexington Co-op, and Tops.  These products are contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.  This bacterium causes serious and life-threatening infections in the very young, elders, and in those with reduced immunity.  The fresh cut fruits and vegetables have Best if Used By date between March 5, 2022, and March 23, 2022.   The dips have a Best if Used By date of March 15, 2022 to March 31, 2022.  These products were sold in New York and surrounding states.  If you have any of these in your refrigerator, do not consume them.  Return them to the place of purchase for a refund.  For additional information, call Fruit Fresh Up, Inc at 1-716-684-3400.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fruit-fresh-inc-recalls-products-due-possible-health-risk   #freshfruit #freshvegetabl

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/J5GFDPezRTc   The FDA and the Cavendish Farms Corporation have recalled Cavendish Farms Hash Brown Patties.  This product contains undeclared wheat.  Those with wheat allergies or celiac disease are at risk for a serious allergic reaction should they ingest this product.  The affected product is stamped with a best buy date of  2024 FE 01.  If you purchased this product, return it to the place of purchase for a refund.  If you have questions, call Cavendish Farms at 1-888-883-7437.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/cavendish-farms-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-original-hash-brown-patties   #Cavendish #hashbrowns #wheat #allergy #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/2Hl5M2WVuHc   The FDA and The Salsa Texan now recall The Salsa Texan Coconut Flour Tortillas.  This product contains undeclared wheat and to make matters worse are labelled gluten-free.  Those with a wheat allergy could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction after eating these tortillas and they are a particular danger for those with celiac disease.  These tortillas were sold online via Facebook and Instagram and at various farmers’ markets in Texas.  If you bought these tortillas, return them to the point of purchase.  For more information, contact the Salsa Texan at 1-214-850-9498.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/salsa-texan-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-contamination-gluten-free-coconut-flour-tortillas   #salsatexan #tortillas #wheat #celiacdisease #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Oco6oPKodJ8   The FDA and Kao USA are recalling Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer in the 3 and 10 oz. sizes.  This product is contaminated with Pluralibacter gergoviae.  This bacterium is most dangerous to those with weakened immune systems.  Nevertheless, the company is recommending that all consumers discontinue use of this topical lotion.  To receive a free product coupon, contact Kao USA Inc. Consumer Care by phone at 1-800-742-8798 or via email at consumer@kao.com.    https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kao-usa-conducts-voluntary-recall-jergensr-ultra-healing-moisturizer   #jergens #moisturizer #bacteria #infection #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/eoYCmbDIsUk   The FDA, T Fresh Company, and Jan Fruits, Inc  have recalled Yes! And Taiwan Best Quality Brand Enoki Mushrooms.  These products are contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.  This bacterium causes serious and life-threatening infections in the very young, elders, and in those with reduced immunity.  It can also trigger miscarriages and stillbirths.  The two implicated lots of the Yes! Brand are numbers 6021052 and 6021053 sold in California and Texas and the Taiwan Best Quality brand, lot #3322, was sold in California.  If you bought these products, do not consume them.  Return either of these products to the place of purchase for a full refund.  For additional information about this recall, contact the T Fresh Company by phone at 1-626-968-2088 or Jan Fruits, Inc. at 1-323-923-2879 Ext. 3.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/t-fresh-company-recalls-enoki-mushrooms-because-possible-health-risk https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-ma

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/9-HkZNy2CzM   The FDA and Continental Mills are recalling Great Value and Kroger brand Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix. Lot code KX2063, Best By Date of 09/01/2023 and Lot code KX2064, Best By Date of 09/02/2023.  These products have been contaminated with metal fragments from a cable that was used to clear the processing line.  These fragments could injure your mouths throat, or gastrointestinal tract.  The Great Value product was sold nationwide at Walmart stores.  The Kroger product was sold at Kroger stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.  If you bought this product, return it to the Walmart or Kroger store at which you purchased it for a refund.  For more information, call Continental Mills at 1-800-578-7832.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/continental-mills-recalls-walmart-great-value-

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/49kyKLXwkEM   The FDA and St. Benoit Creamery are recalling St. Benoit Creamery French Vanilla Yogurt.  This dairy product unfortunately contains undeclared egg allergen.   Those with egg allergies could develop serious and life-threatening allergic reactions if they ingest this yogurt.  The lot in question is code # 2054, best by date of 8/22/2022.  The product was sold in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington state.  If you or a family member bought this product and have an egg allergy, don’t consume it and return it to the place of purchase for a refund.  For additional information, contact the St. Benoit Creamery by phone at 1-707-996-4477 or via email at hello@stbenoit.com.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/st-benoit-creamery-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-french-vanilla-yogurt   #stbenoitcreamery #frenchvanillayogurt #egg #allergy #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/GPBYX22Y0Go   The CPSC and Acme United are recalling PhysiciansCare aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.  These over-the-counter are not sold in child-safe containers creating a risk of poisoning should a young child open and ingest the package contents.  These over-the-counter medications were sold by amazon, com and FSAstore.com.  Immediately store these recalled products in a safe location where any children in your household cannot reach them.  Contact Acme United at 1-888-520-2199 for information about product disposal or return in order to receive a full refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Acme-United-Corporation-Recalls-PhysiciansCare-Brand-Over-the-Counter-Drugs-Due-to-Failure-to-Meet-Child-Resistant-Packaging-Requirement-Risk-of-Poisoning-Recall-Alert   #physicianscare #overthecounter #aspirin #acetaminophen #ibuprofen #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/7KSAtmEGtsI   The CPSC and HD Premier are recalling DigitDots 3mm and 5mm Magnetic Balls.  Young children may easily choke on or swallow these colorful, high powered magnets.  If several are swallowed, they may attract one another leading to intestinal perforations, twisting, blockage, infections, and possible death.  About 119,620 of these magnet sets were sold online by ilovedigitdots.com, amazon.com and other websites.  If you purchased one of these sets, sequester it from your children.  Contact HD Premier by email at recall@ilovedigitdots.com or online at ilovedigitdots.com to receive a prepaid return shipping envelope and a refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/HD-Premier-Recalls-DigitDots-Magnetic-Balls-Due-to-Ingestion-Hazard   #digidots #magnets #ingestion #choking #perforation #obstruction #infection #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/ij4VhVu0KeM   The CPSC and FXSwede AB now recall ToolGuards Portable Water Immersion Heaters.  These units may overheat, melt, and catch fire creating shock, electrocution, fire, and burn hazards.  About 5,000 of these immersion heaters were sold exclusively by amazon.com.  If you bought one of them, stop using it and contact FXswede AB, the importer, via email at recall@fxswede.com or online at toolguards.com to obtain a full refund.  In order to obtain your $$, you must unplug the unit, cut the cord, and submit a photo of the unit with a cut cord along with your Amazon order number.  Then toss the unit. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/ToolGuards-Portable-Water-Immersion-Heaters-Recalled-Due-to-Shock-Electrocution-and-Fire-Hazards-Imported-by-FXswede-AB-Sold-Exclusively-at-Amazoncom-Recall-Alert   #toolguards #immersionheater #shortcircuit #overheating #electrocution #fire #burns #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/5ec5BdLymqo   The FDA and the Albanese Confectionary Group, Inc. have recalled Albanese Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans.  This product contains undeclared peanuts.  Those with peanut allergies could develop serious or life-threatening allergic reactions should they eat these dark chocolate expresso beans.  It turns out that the company’s Dark Chocolate Panned Peanuts  were mistakenly packed in the Dark Chocolate Espresso Bean tubs.  This product was sold in:  Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.  If you bought this product, return it to the place of purchase for a refund.  For additional information about this recall, contact the Albanese Confectionery Group by phone at 1-219-472-6303 or via email at inquiries@albaneseconfectionery.com.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/albanese-confectionery-group-inc-recalls-dark-chocolate-espress

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/02yQJcDN9u8   The FDA and Fairmont Foods, Inc. are recalling Schwan’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip #802 Product Information Code P82013 xxxx.  This product contains undeclared soy and wheat.  Those with soy or wheat allergies could develop serious or life-threatening allergic reactions should they ingest this product.  If you bought this, contact Fairmont Foods by phone at 1-507-238-9001 (Ext 6125) or via email at john.heuer@fairmontfoods.com.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fairmont-foods-inc-issues-recall-spinach-and-artichoke-dip-product-due-misbranding-and-undeclared   #schwans #spinachartichokedip #soy #wheat #allergy #recall