Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/SymnIpKXzWA   The Omicron variant of CoVid may be better able than previous variants to evade the human immune system because it contains snippets of genetic material similar to those in common cold viruses that have adapted to infecting humans.  This suggestion comes from the Cambridge Mass. analytics company Nference.   The researchers theorize that persons co-infected with Covid and common cold coronaviruses could have both viruses replicating in their lung and gastrointestinal lining cells.  During this process, genetic material from both types of virus could co-mingle leading to hybrid viral offspring bearing characteristics of each parent virus.     Omicron seems to have arisen in South Africa where many have HIV-driven immunosuppression and could more readily be simultaneously infected by multiple types of viruses.  The best defense against it is two shots of an mRNA vaccine and timely boosters.   https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-12-04/Research-reveals-links-between-Omicron

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/8pK_gJNK3KM   Those vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine were 15% less likely to require hospitalization for a breakthrough infection compared with those Pfizer-vaccinated.  Persons vaccinated with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine were 78% more likely to be hospitalized for a breakthrough compared with those who received the Pfizer.  These results were just published online by epidemiologists at Seattle’s University of Washington working with the artificial intelligence group at the Microsoft Corporation.   The researchers studied 17,881 persons with CoVid breakthrough infections.  Their data revealed that the mortality risks were the same for those who had received the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines but 70% higher for those vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson single shot vaccine.     A natural CoVid infection does help. Those who had developed a CoVid infection prior to receiving any vaccination were half as likely to require hospitalization and four times less likely to die.  T

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/c4_GXam9DqQ   A molecular dynamics analysis of the Omicron variant indicates that the 32 spike protein mutations permit the virus to adhere more strongly to the ACE2 receptor that unlocks the viral gateway into the cell.  At the same time, these mutations reduce the affinity of the spike proteins for protective antibodies generated by vaccines, natural infections, or those injected into CoVid patients in the form of the Regeneron antibody cocktail.  Thus, the model suggests that our existing vaccines will have reduced capabilities for preventing Omicron CoVid infections and our antibody cocktails will have less able to prevent serious and life-threatening disease.   Nigerian and British molecular biologists collaborated to create this model that explains why Omicron appears to be the most transmissible CoVid variant to date.  At the same time, the model suggests that Omicron may be less likely to be neutralized by our existing vaccines or by antibody cocktails.   https://www.bior

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/-BaaUXGv9M8   Omicron cases in a South African province doubled in just 3.4 days.  This exponential growth of the CoVid Omicron variant was just reported by Polish public health investigators studying the spread of this disease in the Gauteng province during 4 weeks this past November into December.   The bad news is that this particular province seemed to have reached the goal of herd immunity by this past summer as evidenced by a fall in Delta cases by October.  Even with this apparent immunity,  From October on, each week the number of CoVid cases more than quadrupled.  That cloudburst of CoVid cases seems to be due to the Omicron variant.     https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.08.21267494v1.full.pdf+html   #CoVid #omicron #immunity  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/PnU_weENwz0   The Covid Omicron variant, known officially as B.1.1.529, was first reported to the WHO by South African public health officials on 11/24/2021.  There is evidence that this variant may have been circulating as early as October 2021 and possibly earlier.     The first case of Omicron in the US was reported on 12/1/2021. As of December 8, there was at least one case in each of 25 states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington State, and Wisconsin.  Keep in mind though, as of the first week of December, 99.9% of CoVid cases were still due to the Delta variant.   As of the latest CDC report on 12/10, there were 43 known cases, one hospitalization, and no deaths due to Omicron.   So what are the details of these first 43 US Omicron cases.  One-third of the cas

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/ikxpThhnCjU   The FDA and Dakota Toms are recalling Dakota Toms Chicken Salad Croissants.  The affected products are dated 12/7/2021-1/12/2022.  These pastries contain undeclared egg and milk allergens.  Those who are allergic to either eggs, milk, or both could develop serious or life-threatening reactions if they ingest these croissants.  If you purchases these croissants return them to the place of purchase for a refund.  For more information, call Dakota Toms at 1-800-658-3008.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dakota-toms-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-and-milk-chicken-salad-croissant   #dakotatoms #chickendsaladcroissant #egg #milk #allergy #recall dakotatoms, chickendsaladcroissant, egg, milk, allergy, recall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/d3AJQKyymFw   The FDA and Calise & Sons Bakery have recalled Calise Bakery Golden Flax Seed Scala Bread.  This product contains undeclared sesame seeds.  Those allergic to sesame may develop a serious or life-threatening allergy reaction should they ingest this bread.  A total of 689 packages of Calise Italian Scala bread with sesame seeds were sold in bags labeled as Calise Bakery Golden Flax Seed Scala Bread.  These mislabeled breads were sold in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.  If you bought this bread, return it to the place of purchase for a refund.  For more information, contact Calise by phone at 1-401-334-3444 or via email at info@calisebakery.com.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/calise-sons-bakery-inc-recalls-golden-flax-scala-bread-because-possible-health-risk   #calise #bread #sesame #allergy #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/zHfldMm679Y   The FDA and International Golden Foods Inc. have recalled Al Kanater Tahini.  This product is contaminated with salmonella that may cause serious and life-threatening infections in the young, elders, and those with reduced immunity.  If you bought this product do not consume it but return it to the point of purchase for a refund.  For more information, contact International Golden Foods by phone at 1-800‐343‐7423 or by email at info@goldenfood.com.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/international-golden-foods-inc-igf-recalls-tahini-because-possible-health-risk   #alkanatar #tahini #salmonella #infection #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/CqNao9PrQyM   The FDA and BUBS Naturals are recalling BUBS Naturals Fountain of Youth Formula Collagen Protein.  This product contains undeclared milk. The product was sold online at BUBSNatural.com and at amazon.com as well as at some brick and mortar grocery stores. If someone with a milk allergy should consume this product, a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction could occur.  If you bought this product and either you or a household member have a milk allergy, return the product to the point of purchase for a refund or dispose of it.  For additional information, contact BUBS Naturals customer service by email at info@bubsnaturals.com or by phone at 1-760-456-2631.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bubs-naturals-recalling-two-lots-fountain-youth-collagen-powder-after-firm-testing-found-milk   #bubs #collagenprotein #milk #allergy #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/hFnM0kCxiC4   The CPSC and Drive-DeVilbiss Healthcare have recalled Drive-DeVilbiss Bed Assist Handles and Bed Rail.  Users may become entrapped between the rail and the mattress or within the bedrail itself creating  risk of asphyxiation.  About 496,100 of these rails and handles were sold in the US, about 68,000 in Canada, and about 119 in Mexico at home health and medical supply stores and online at amazon.com and walmart.com.  Immediately stop using these recalled handles and bed rails and contact Drive-DeVilbiss Healthcare by phone at 1-877-467-3099 or online at www.drivemedical.com to receive a full refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Drive-DeVilbiss-Healthcare-Recalls-Adult-Portable-Bed-Rails-After-Two-Deaths-Entrapment-and-Asphyxiation-Hazards   #drivedevilbiss #bedrails #bedhandles #engtrapment #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/9gGGdMhbMIQ   The CPSC and Mark of Fifth Avenue are recalling Mark of Fifth Avenue Children’s Robes.  These garments fail to meet federal flammability standards for children’s sleepwear creating burn risks.  About 10,000 of these robes have been sold online at amazon.com and at Walmart.com.  If your child has one of these robes, do not permit its use.  Contact Mark of Fifth Avenue by email at mofaproductsafety@gmail.com to receive a full refund by submitting a photo of the robe cut in half.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Mark-of-Fifth-Avenue-Childrens-Robes-Recalled-Due-to-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Standard-and-Burn-Hazard   #markoffifthavenue #childrensrobe #flammable #burns #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Y_YqVeGhARk   The CPSC and GE Appliances-Haier Co. are recalling GE Free-Standing and Slide-In Electric and Gas Ranges.  This appliance may tip over when a heavy object is placed on an open oven door when the range is not secured to the walls with an anti-tip bracket.  What follows could be a risk of a crust injury and/or burns from hot liquids or food.  About 132,000 of these ranges were sold in the US and 12,960 were sold in Canada at Lowe’s, Home Depot, Best Buy and other home appliance stores nationwide.  If you have this range, contact GE Appliances at 1-877-247-9770 or online at www.geappliances.com to find out whether the appliance you have has been recalled and to schedule a free home service call to secure the appliance to the wall.  Meanwhile, do not place items on the open oven door.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/GE-Appliances-a-Haier-Company-Recalls-to-Repair-Free-Standing-and-Slide-In-Ranges-Due-to-Tip-Over-Hazard   #geappliances #range #tipover #crustr #burns

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Dq0mBNVUWK4   The CPSC and Halo Branded Solutions Inc. have recalled Children’s Projector Flashlight Key Chains branded as Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Avengers, and ESPN.  These little toys are not child-safe.  A child may open the item and access the button cell batteries which creates a choking hazard as well as an ingestion hazard and a risk of internal battery burns.  About 82,500 of these toy flashlight keychains were distributed free of charge as promotional items by the Starlight Children’s Foundation to hospitals and healthcare facilities. The recalled flashlights were part of a Disney-branded care package that also includes a tote bag, silicone wristband, playing cards, ink pen, journal, wall decals and a set of postcards. There are four button cell batteries with model number LR41 inside the flashlight. Immediately take this toy away from children and contact Halo by phone at 1-855-425-6266 or email at halo.safety@halo.com to receive a free shipping label to return the pro

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/jjIg3D81BYE   The CPSC and E-filliate recall DeWalt Jobsite Pro Wireless Earphones.  These earphones may overheat either while charging or during use creating fire and burn hazards.  About 301,800 of these earphones were sold nationwide at Home Depot, Lowe’s and other electronic and hardware stores as well as online a cyberguys.com.  If you bought these wireless earphones, immediately discontinue using them.  Contact E-filliate by phone at 1-888-979-4439 or via email at DW2091@efilliate.com in order to receive a prepaid shipping label to return the product for a full refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/E-filliate-Recalls-DEWALT-Wireless-Earphones-Due-to-Burn-and-Fire-Hazards   #efilliate #dewalt #earphones #overheating #fires #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/ZgoFZP4Ngpw   Daily smokers of electronic cigarettes are more than twice as likely as those who never smoked e-cigarettes to report erectile dysfunction or ED.  Epidemiologists at NYU report this finding after analyzing data on 45,971 adults 18 years and older.   In the study group, 13,711 males provided information about any problems with ED as well as information about their use of e-cigarettes, any history of cardiovascular disease, and exercise habits.  The analysis showed that daily e-cigarette users were 2.2 times more likely than never-users to experience ED. Those e-cig users with a CV disease history were even more likely to have ED at 2.4 times.  The good news is that exercise seems to protect against the development of ED.   My advice guys: don’t use e-cigarettes and exercise vigorously.   https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(21)00429-3/fulltext# https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-12-e-cigarettes-independently-linked-erectile-dysfunction.html   #ecigarette #

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/n6xaYo1MQFU   Last fall and winter, only 54.8% of Americans received the flu vaccine, and only 58.5% are projected to get it during this years flu season.  So far, only 40.9% have gotten their flu shots and only 17.6% plan to get theirs.  Too bad for the 41.5% who refuse to get the shot, and that refusal is frankly dangerous for those with cardiovascular issues.   The flu vaccination rate for those under 65 with CV disease is less than 50% compared with 80% for older patients with similar problems. Younger persons might reconsider when they realize the consequences of an influenza infection.  The flu makes a heart attack 6 times more likely.  Of those with a lab confirmed flu or a hospitalization for flu, 11.6% experienced an acute cardiovascular event.  Then too, 31% of those admitted for the flu require ICU services and 7% die.   Flu vaccines are effective with the vaccinated 37% less likely to be hospitalized and 82% less likely to land in the ICU.   Be sure that you are vaccin

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/14VE4UxOwW8   Initiating physical therapy, PT for short,  before or after knee replacement therapy significantly reduces that chances that a person will require long-term opioid pain therapy by some 25 to 29 percent.  Boston University researchers studied 67,322 persons who underwent total knee replacement surgery over a 20 year period.   Beginning PT either before or after the surgery reduces the need for prolonged opioids by 25% for those who had used or never used opioids previously.  Those who continued their PT for 13 or more sessions reduced their chances even more up to 29%.  On the other hand, delaying the initiation of PT following surgery for up to 30 to 60 days increases the risk of needing opioids by 1.5 to 2 times.   If you or a family member are planning knee surgery, be certain to establish a relationship with an experienced physical therapist before surgery.  This will permit you to begin PT when appropriate and reduce your chances of needing and getting hooked on

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/PuPjqCme7pA   A major study shows that full CoVid vaccination makes it 10-fold less likely that you will require hospitalization for CoVid.   This and other conclusions come from a CDC organized study looking at populations in 99 counties across 14 states for a total of about 35 million Americans.   Before the Delta variant became dominant, vaccination reduced your chances of a CoVid hospitalization 17 fold.  That declined to 10 fold with the spread of Delta which increased the percentage of breakthrough CoVid cases from 0.01% to 16% or a factor of 1600.     The study confirmed that vaccinated persons with breakthrough CoVid tended to be older, to be those with underlying medical conditions, and to be residents of long-term case facilities.    With Delta CoVid predominant and now joined by Omicron, boosting your CoVid immunity is essential if its been 6 months or more since your second Pfizer or Moderna shot or 2 months since your J&J vaccination.  Then too, be particularly ca

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Th-UMu-aZKo   Alcohol rather than caffeine, sleep problems, diet, or exercise is the most consistent trigger of atrial fibrillation.  This conclusion comes from a UC-San Francisco study of 320 participants wearing mobile EKG devices.   Each participant logged relevant activities including drinking alcohol, drinking caffeinated beverages, drinking other cold beverages, sleeping, overeating, and exercising.   When the numbers were crunched, the only activity that consistently triggered atrial fibrillation was drinking alcohol.   Atrial fibrillation triggers more than 150,000 American deaths a year and is a major cause of strokes.  Those with a history of atrial fibrillation should reconsider their use of recreational alcoholic beverages.   https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/article-abstract/2786196 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211124154126.htm   #atrialfibrillation #alcohol #caffeine #sleep #overeating #exercise  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/bMaQraJBJI0   Looking at long wave deep red light only once a week for only 3 minutes may increase color vision by as much as 20%.  This startling finding was just announced by ophthalmologists at University College London after their small study of 20 subjects without any known eye disease.   Each participant used an LED device that emits red light at a 670 nm wavelength for 3 minutes between 8 and 9 am.  Color vision was measured using a Chroma Test before and after the light therapy and again at one week following the therapy session.  There was an average of 17% improvement in color vision following light therapy with improvement lasting up to one week.  Some older patients enjoyed a 20% improvement.  Interestingly, light exposure in the afternoon was ineffective.   The typical decline in vision with aging occurs due to reduced mitochondrial activity in retinal cells.  The periodic red light therapy recharges retinal mitochondria and restores some visual fidelity.  The best ne