Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/bnRAvPzojjI   The FDA and Proctor & Gamble are recalling virtually all of their aerosol dry shampoo and dry conditioner products sold under the following brands: Waterless, Pantene, Aussie Smooth or Petal Soft, Herbal Essences, Hair Food, and Old Spice.  Unexpected and potentially toxic levels of the carcinogen benzene were found in the propellant used to power these products.  The respective websites shown on the canisters of these products post more information about the affected products.  You may also call the Proctor & Gamble Consumer Care Team at 1-888-674-3631.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/pg-issues-voluntary-recall-aerosol-dry-conditioner-spray-products-and-aerosol-dry-shampoo-spray   #proctorandgamble #aerosol #dryshampoo #dryconditioner #benzene #cancer #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/lHpnmk_J1vU   The FDA and Flowers Foods, Inc. are recalling 3,000 loaves of Nature’s Own Honey Wheat bread with a “Best if used by” of 12/26/2021.  The product has undeclared milk.  If those with a milk allergy consume this bread, they could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction. This bread was sold in: Arizona; Colorado; New Mexico, Wyoming; the cities of Blythe, Brawley, Calexico, Calipatra, El Centro, Needles, and Westmoreland, California; the city of Laughlin, Nevada; and to one wholesale distributor in California that is serving Mexico.  If you or a family member has a milk allergy, return this bread to the place of purchase for a refund.  For more information, call Flowers’ Consumer Relations at 1-866-245-8921 or contact them online at flowersfoods.com/contact/consumers.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/flowers-foods-issues-voluntary-recall-limited-quantity-natures-own-honey-wheat-bread-sold-six-states   #flowersfoods #

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/zPHpvCcq1YQ   The CPSC and Northern Lights Enterprises are recalling Alaura Two-Tone Jar Candles.  These candle jars may shatter crack, or split apart while the candle is burning and create laceration, fire, and burn hazards.  Apparently the candle jars are not fabricated with thermal-resistant glass.  About 139,500 of these candle jars were sold nationwide at Costco Warehouse stores and online at costco.com.  Immediately stop burning these candles and return them to any Costco Warehouse store for a full refund.  If you are unable to return the candle to a Costco store, contact Northern Lights by email at cr@northernlightscandles.com to verify you have cut the candle wicks by photo and to receive a full refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Northern-Lights-Recalls-Alaura-Two-Tone%20Jar-Candles-Due-to-Laceration-and-Fire-Hazards-Sold-Exclusively-at-Costco-Recall-Alert   #costco #candlejar #shatter #laceration #burn #fire #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/enTHktTzXlA   The CPSC and Karmas Far are recalling Karmas Far 3-in-1 baby bath tub chair and toddler booster seats.  These bath seats do not meet federal safety standards for stability or leg openings, then may tip over when in use, and they create a drowning hazard for infants.  About 900 of these baby bath seats were sold online at walmart.com, amazon.com, ebay.com, wish.com, and bosonshop.com.  If you have one of these, immediately stop using it to bathe your infant.  Contact Karmas Far at 1-909-372-6955 and they’ll accept collect calls or via email at recall@karmasfar.com for receive a postpaid shipping label, upon their receipt of your product, a refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Karmas-Far-Recalls-Infant-Bath-Seats-Due-to-Drowning-Hazard-Recall-Alert   #karmafar #bathingseat #instability #drowning #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/czAdC2EQ59w   The legendary Brit prime minister Winston Churchill once remarked that Americans always do the right thing…after they’ve tried everything else.  That quote is so relevant to our continuing, wrongheaded mismanagement of CoVid.     When the pandemic was originally raging in the winter of 2020-21, many refused to wear masks, distance, avoid indoor crowds, and flocked to outdoor super-spreader events.  As the result, CoVid patients filled our hospitals, we ran out of ventilators, and we needed refrigerator trucks to warehouse our dead parents and grandparents when undertakers, cemeteries, and cremation  facilities were overwhelmed.  We shut down our economy and operated our businesses and schools using high tech remote communications.    Things improved this past winter and spring with the availability of 3 CoVid vaccines.  Older and sicker adults got vaccinated followed by teens and most recently younger children.  Then too, more people but not all began using appropria

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/SZG20jo_yII   You’ve heard about it on TV and radio, and the headlines trumpet something like “Pfizer says its CoVid pill is near 90% effective.” Well….. let’s take a closer look at the available data   Pfizer’s Paxlovid is combination therapy including a novel protease inhibitor nirmatrelvir or PF-07321332 and an antiviral cytochrome inhibitor Ritonavir.  When these two drugs in separate pills are taken every 12 hours for 5 days beginning within the first days after symptom onset, they prevent hospitalizations and deaths for high-risk persons by 89%.  High risk would be older patients and those with complicating medical problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This according to a new analysis of 2200 participants.  An earlier study showed the Paxlovid drug combo to be 70% effective for those in a standard risk category.   This is exciting news, but there is a sketchy side.  First, all the information we see, hear, and read only comes from Pfizer press releases not fr

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/qryCnr7nrJg   Receiving a third boosting dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least 5 months after the second immunizing dose reduces the risk of death from a Delta CoVid infection by 90%.  Israeli public health investigators reviewed the data from 843,208 members of the Clalit Health Services who were 50 years of age or older.   The mortality rate for those who only received the first two doses of the Pfizer vaccine was 2.98 per 100,000 persons per day.  Receiving that third dose reduced the rate by 95%  to 0.16 per 100,000 persons per day.  Projecting that lifesaving statistic to the United State population of middle aged and older adults shows that a timely booster saves 3,686 of our parents and grandparents every day or 1,345,520 of our beloved family members in a year.   The lifesaving plan is to get 2 shots of either the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines followed in 5 to 6 months by a booster of either vaccine since its ok to mix and match.  Those who are immunosuppressed should get

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/5HoB0yET2hk   Waiting even a minute before clamping the umbilical cord of a just-born premature infant can reduce that child’s risk of death before the age of 2 by 30%.  Researchers at the University of Sydney now publish their followup results on some 15,310 Australian and New Zealand premies half of whom had the clamping of their umbilical cords delayed for 60 seconds and half had their cords clamped within 10 seconds of birth before 30 weeks of gestation.   Those extra seconds permit the just born baby to receive vital supplies of red and white blood cells as well as stem cells from their placentas.  This mini auto-transfusion helps the baby maintain better oxygenation levels, fight infection, and foster tissue and organ development.   Immediate cord clamping had been the norm for premies since the prevailing theory was that these frail neonates required immediate artificial respiratory support in a setting away from the delivery table.  In fact, most do not.   https://www.the

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/hBmawhoOY-s   Unlike CoVid spike proteins that can mutate wildly, the viral polymerase protein common to many coronaviruses remains relatively stable and could be the key to developing vaccines that generate variant-independent immunity.   Molecular biologists and immunologists at UCLA have identified a CoVid RNA polymerase that can evoke an immune response and in so doing lead to its own inactivation by cellular immunity.   The investigators show that the human immune cells, the T killer cells that are capable virus killers, attack this viral polymerase protein and significantly impede the viral replication process.  This leads to viral destruction.  Since this RNA polymerase is common to not only CoVid but to other coronaviruses that cause SARS, MERS, and the common cold, this may be the route to a universal coronavirus vaccine.   It’s to soon to tell for sure, but stay tuned.   https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/pdf/S2211-1247(21)01667-3.pdf?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/cAVIeY_0knI   Those suffering from bronchial asthma can experience a severe, sometimes fatal, exacerbation of their asthma at night.  Japanese pulmonary physiologists now report that the sleep hormone melatonin may be the culprit.   The investigators found that higher doses of melatonin trigger the MT2 receptor in airway smooth muscle that causes the bronchial channels to constrict.  They also found that melatonin can reduce the therapeutic effects of the bronchodilator medications used by asthmatics to stop their attacks.   While natural levels of melatonin produced by the body seem to cause more subtle exacerbations of asthma, higher levels of this hormone taken to induce sleep and reduce jet lag could trigger life-threatening attacks.  Asthmatics beware!   https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2021/12/covid-19-vaccination-during-pregnancy-is-key-to-saving-lives-statement   #melatonin #asthma #sleep #bronchoconstriction #bronchodilators  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Lad0r0yMmMw    A single dose of genetically-altered blood-forming stem cells can eliminate the often disastrous complications of sickle cell disease for up to 3 years.  Clinical researchers at Columbia University in collaboration with those at the NIH now announce the exciting preliminary results of their phase 1/2 trial of gene therapy in an initial cohort of 35 patients.   Blood-forming stem cells are harvested from study participants with sickle cell disease, treated with a lentiviral vector that transmits the normalized genetic material into the stem cells, and then reinjected back into the patients in a process known as a LentiGlobulin infusion.  All 35 patients receiving their genetically-mended cells back accepted them.  Of the 25 patients that could be evaluated, all enjoyed resolution of their typically severe sickle cell events.   This process is not without risks as those under treatment must undergo a course of ablative chemotherapy to first destroy the sickle-type blo

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/PiQlANr73wY   The Omicron variant was first identified in South Africa and and is fast becoming most prevalent form of CoVid there.  Discovery Health, South Africa’s largest private health insurance now releases detailed information from 3.7 million participants and 211,000 CoVid test results during the first 3 weeks of their Omicron surge.   Here is what we know from their data: The 2-dose Pfizer vaccination is only 33% effective in preventing any Omicron infection compared with 80% effectiveness against earlier variants. The 2-dose Pfizer vaccination is 70% effective in preventing any Omicron hospitalization compared with 93% effectiveness against earlier variants. Vaccination protection against hospitalization similar for those 18 through 59 years, lower at 67% for those 60-69, and 60% for those 70-79. Vaccination protection against hospitalization similar for those with complicating medical conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular issues. Good News:  Omicron is 29%

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/4zUTQii27F0   The Coca Cola Company announces the recall of Minute Maid Berry Punch, Strawberry Lemonade, and Fruit Punch.  These products may contain metal bolts or metal washers.  The products were sold in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Maine and New Jersey.  They have long shelf lives extending into January 2022.  If you have any of these products, return them to the point of purchase for a refund.  If you need more information, contact Coca Cola by phone at 1-800-Get-Coke or 1-800-438-2653.     As a side note, it is interesting that the FDA is not co-sponsoring this recall.  Why, we don’t know, but some have suggested that the Coca Cola Company is getting preferential treatment from the FDA.   https://www.coca-colacompany.com/contact-us   #cocacola #fruitpunch #foreignbodies #lacerations #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/2elNAQIivzM   The FDA and Bokhary Foods Inc. are recalling GODAVARI Dried Apricots.  This product contains with undeclared sulfites.  Those with allergies to sulfites could develop a serious or life-threatening reaction to eating these apricots.  This product was sold in Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut.   If you purchased these apricots, do not consume them.  Instead, return them to the place of purchase.  For additional information, contact Bokhary Foods Inc. by phone at 1-508-988-5595.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bokhary-foods-inc-dba-ekta-foods-issues-alert-undeclared-sulfites-godavari-dried-apricots   #apricots #godavari #apricots #sulfites #allergy #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Ug2GX6Fw-1U   The FDA and the Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association are recalling Howling Cow Butter Almond Ice Cream Pints.  This ice cream contains undeclared soy and wheat.  The affected lots have a SELL BY date of 9/15/2022 and were sold in North and South Carolina Harris Teeter stores.  If those with allergies to soy, wheat, or both should ingest this ice cream, a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction could develop.  If you bought this ice cream, return it to the point of purchase for a refund.  For more information, call the makers at 1-800-552-1976.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/voluntary-recall-howling-cow-butter-almond-ice-cream-due-undeclared-soy-and-wheat   #howlingcow #ice cream #soy #wheat #allergy #recall  

  Vidcast: https://youtu.be/sLmroJCXAmc   The CPSC and Pacific Cycle are recalling Schwinn Tone Electric Scooters.  The recall includes Tone 1, Tone 2, and Tone 3 models.  This scooter’s handlebar grips may crack and/or loosen creating fall and injury hazards.  About 11,340 of these e-scooters were sold at bicycle stores nationwide and online at schwinnbikes.com and amazon.com.  Immediately discontinue using these e-scooters and contact Pacific Cycles by phone at 1-877-564-2261 or online at pacific-cycle.com to arrange for a free repair kit.  When you call, have your e-scooter’s serial number.  As an alternative, you can arrange to ship the scooter back to the company free of charge for the needed repair.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Pacific-Cycle-Recalls-Schwinn-Electric-Scooters-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards   #schwinn #escooters #handlegrips #fall #injury #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/4yVVO3YIrtc     The CPSC and the Hong Kong China Electric Appliance Manufacture Company now recall Harbor Breeze Belleisle Bay and Honeywell Rio Ceiling Fans.  The blades may detect from the fan while in use posing an injury hazard to anyone in the fan’s vicinity.  About 77,900 of these fans were sold online at Lowes.com, Amazon.com, Wayfair.com, Overstock.com, Hayneedle.com, Houzz.com, eAcces.com, and Build.com.  If you have one of these fans, immediately stop using it.  Contact the Hong Kong China Electric Appliance Manufacture Company by phone at 1-888-232-9895 or via email at ceilingfanrecall@sedgwick.com to confirm that you have a recalled model and to provide a photo of the fan in order to receive a free replacement model.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Hong-Kong-China-Electric-Appliance-Manufacture-Company-Recalls-Ceiling-Fans-Due-to-Impact-Injury-Hazard   #ceilingfan #harborbay #honeywell #looseblades #injury #recall    

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/cUrtzuBOCo8   The CPSC and Hisun Motors USA are recalling Hisun 250cc Utility Vehicles.  Grass may accumulate near the exhaust pipe and create a fire hazard.  About 2500 of these vehicles were sold at Rural King stores nationwide.  Immediately discontinue using these utility vehicle and contact Hisun Motors USA by calling 1-833 364-0554 to arrange for a free consumer installable repair kit. Alternatively, you can arrange to take your vehicle to an authorized repair station for a free repair.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Hisun-Motors-Corp-U-S-A-Recalls-250cc-Utility-Vehicles-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Rural-King   #hisun #utilityvehicle #exhaust #fire #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/hwtSfUwW1Rk   The CPSC and Target are recalling Bullseye’s Playground Letters to Santa Metal Mailbox.  The mail slots on these decorative mailboxes have sharp metal edges creating a risk of lacerations.  About 174,300 of these mailboxes were sold at Target stores nationwide and online at target.com.  If you purchased one of these mailboxes, immediately stop using it.  You can return it to any Target store for a full refund in the form of a Target gift card.  Alternatively, you can contact Target by phone at 1-800-440-0680 or online at help.target.com/help/productrecallpage to receive a prepaid mailing label and a refund gift card.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Target-Recalls-Decorative-Mailbox-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard   #target #mailbox #santa, #laceration #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/WCT_cC-l2FA   Boosting of CoVid-vaccination induced immunity is necessary to have any chance of preventing an Omicron infection.  This the conclusion of German infectious disease researchers after studying the effects of serum from subjects vaccinated with either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and boosted with either Pfizer or a natural CoVid infection.   This first plot shows the relative protective strength of anti-CoVid antibodies when tested against the Delta variant in grey or the Omicron variant in red.  The two shot Pfizer regimen produces little protection against Omicron.  Boosting the immunity with a third shot of Pfizer using various doses or a natural infection does produce protection in 1/3 to 1/2 of patients.   The second plot shows that 2 shots of Moderna is similarly ineffective against Omicron compared with Delta.  Adding a booster of Pfizer offers protection in 7 of 9 patients.   We don’t know yet how serious an Omicron infection can be.  With hospitalization and dea