Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/YF3QFYqfPS4   This is my last set of health reports for 2020.  I’ll be back in January with more Health News You Should Use and Health news Capsules covering drug, food, and product safety recalls from the FDA and the CPSC.  When I return, I’ll be broadcasting from a new studio.  Meanwhile, I do hope that you have happy remaining days of Chanukah, a Merry Christmas, and that we all have a happy and healthy celebration of the New Year 2021.  During this coming year, we should see a control of the pandemic here in the US and around the world.  Before that occurs, stay well by wearing your mask consistently, physically distancing from those not in your bubble, washing your hands, and, as soon as you have the opportunity, take one of the CoVid vaccines.

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/UlxK36EMGLU   The CPSC and Thermo Tents USA Inc. are recalling 3 tents in the Mór series: Crua Tri, Crua Loj, and Crua Cottage.  These tents are not fire-retardant though labelled as such.  About 260 of these tents were sold online via cruaoutdoors.com, Moosejaw.com, CampSaver.com, Walmart.com, Cabella.com, Basspro.com, and amazon.com.  Stop using these tents around any open flames.  Thermo Tents USA says that you can contact them by calling 1-888-480-2550 to request a new label that states they are not fire-retardant.  To me, this is ludicrous.  I’d contact your point of purchase and arrange to send the tent back for a refund.  Then buy a safe, non-flammable tent.  If you get pushback, call the company or your state’s consumer protection office.    https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Thermo-Tents-Recalls-Mor-Series-Tents-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Tents-are-Mislabeled-as-Fire-Retardant-Recall-Alert   #tent #flammable   

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/m-85zttpkyk   The CPSC and the Homfa company have recalled Homfa HPB-087 and HPB-106 Cabinets.  These furniture pieces are unstable unless anchored to the wall, and they may tip over creating entrapment and injuries for children.  They fail to comply with US safety standards.  If you own one, unload it and keep children away from it.  Remove the cabinet’s drawer slides and email the company at service@myhomfa.com to receive instructions regarding where to send the slides to qualify for a refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Homfa-Cabinets-Recalled-Due-to-Tip-Over-and-Entrapment-Hazards-Made-by-Shenzhen-Luosi-Ge-Trading-Co-Recall-Alert   #cabinet #tipover #entrapment  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/dqQ_UC0ZLxU   The CPSC and the Scentsy company are recalling the Scentsy Luminary Jack Warmer and the Scentsy Bless This Home Warmer.  The electrical components within are corroded creating a fire hazard. Apparently a shipping container transporting these products required fumigation due to a cockroach problem, and the chemical used created the damage.  About 7805 of these were sold in the US and about 260 were sold in Canada.  If you have one, stop using it and take a photo of the warmer with its wires cut.  Contact Scentsy by calling 1-877-855-0617 for instructions about where to send your picture to receive a full refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Scentsy-Recalls-Electrical-Oil-Warmers-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Recall-Alert   #oilwarmer #fire  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/4pF7tueTHsM   The CPSC and the Spirit Halloween company have recalled 3 children’s flashlights: ZAG Miraculous flashlight, the Ghostbusters flashlight, and the My Little Pony flashlight.  The batteries in these flashlights may overheat creating burn and fire hazards.  There were 6100 sold in the US and 380 in Canada.  Immediately take these flashlight away from your children, remove the batteries, and dispose of the flashlight.  Contact Spirit Halloween by calling 1-866-586-0155 for a refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Spirit-Halloween-Recalls-Childrens-Flashlights-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards   #flashlight #overheating  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Cc_4xw7qvkA   The CPSC and Goal Zero are recalling Yeti 25A Fast Charge Power Supply.  The link between the power supply and the output cord can become loose leading to overheating and a fire hazard.  If you have one of the 4500 of these sold, stop using it and contact Goal Zero at 1-888-794-6250 for a free repair.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Goal-Zero-Recalls-Power-Supplies-Due-to-Fire-Hazard   #powersupply #yeti #overheating  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/7tidOWhcV10   The CPSC and Grillblazer have recalled the Su-Vgun and Grillgun propane torch guns. Propane could leak from these products leading to fire hazards.  Around 10,000 of the products have been sold online.  If you bought one of these, stop using it and contact Grillblazer at 1-888-267-9022 to receive a free repair.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/GrillBlazer-Recalls-Propane-Torch-Guns-Due-to-Fire-Hazard   #grillblazer #propaneleak  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/1-7pXum2ARI   The CPSC and Black and Decker have recalled the CRAFTSMAN® 10-inch corded chain saw, model CMECSP610.  This chain saw may unexpectedly start without pressing the power switch when the extension cord adapter is connected upside down. This poses a severe laceration hazard.  It was sold at Lowe’s and other stores as well as online at amazon.com.  If you have one of the 82,000 units sold, stop using it and contact Craftsman at 1-855-237-6848 to receive a free repair kit.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Black-and-Decker-Recalls-CRAFTSMAN-10-Inch-Corded-Chain-Saws-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard   #craftsman #chainsaw #powerswitch  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/ivE2_YyV-ys   The CPSC and LG Sourcing, Inc. are recalling Allen + Roth 62 inch Electric Fireplaces.  These units have wiring connectors that may overheat and lead to a fire hazard.  If you have one of the 48,000 of these sold, stop using it and contact LG Sourcing by calling 1-888-251-1019 to receive a free repair kit and to schedule free in-home repair.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/L-G-Sourcing-Recalls-to-Repair-Electric-Fireplaces-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Lowes-Stores   #fireplace #electric #overheating  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/PGEErB1sZh4   The CPSC and Fiskars Brands have recalled Fiskars 16 foot Extendable Pole Saw/Pruners.  The telescoping sections of this product may come apart permitting the saw blade and pruner head to fall and create injuries.  More than 467,680 of these have been sold in the Us and 95,000 sold in Canada.  If you own one, stop using it and contact Fiskars Brands at 1-888-847-8716 for instructions regarding how to dispose of the product an obtain a refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Fiskars-Brands-Recalls-16-Foot-Pole-Saw-Pruners-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard   #extensionsaw #extensionpruner #fiskars  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/y1sXfgBIqG0   The CPSC and the Neptune Benson Company are recalling Delta Ultra-Violet Generators For Pools and Spas.  This product with the identifier EA-4H-10 lacks sufficient water proofing permitting fluid to leak into the generator with heat buildup and a fire hazard.  If you have one of the 4560 units sold, unplug it and discontinue its use.  Contact Neptune Benson for a free inspection or replacement by calling 1-888-847-8710.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Neptune-Benson-Recalls-Delta-Ultra-Violet-Generators-For-Pools-and-Spas-Due-to-Fire-Hazard   #uvgenerator #firehazard  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/HP9Dgf1hi6Y   The CPSC and the Washington Shoe Company have recalled Western Chief Toddler Boots.  The rivets that attach handles to the boot may detach create a choking hazard for children.  These were sold at Target stores and target.com.   If you have these boots, don’t permit your child to wear them.  Return them to the store for a refund.  For additional information, call the Washington Shoe Company at 1-855-545-0862.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Washington-Shoe-Company-Recalls-Western-Chief-Toddler-Boots-Due-to-Choking-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Target   #boots #toddler #choking  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/XTgU0SfjbHk   The FDA and George DeLallo Co., Inc. are recalling Publix Bakery 20 OZ Holiday Cookie Platters.  This product contains undeclared pecans.  Those with pecan allergies run the risk of a serious allergic reactions.  These cookies were distributed by Publix in certain Florida counties, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.  If you purchased these cookies and have a person with a pecan allergy in your family, return them to the store for a refund.  If you have questions, contact the company at 1-800-433-9100. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/george-delallo-co-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-pecans-20-oz-publix-bakery-holiday-cookie   #cookies #pecans #publix  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/YK96zGh6izg   The FDA and Market of Choice have recalled Market of Choice Sour Cherry Baked Brie.  This product has undeclared almonds.  Those who are almond allergic could develop serious or life-threatening allergic reactions.  This product was sold at Market Cheese Shops in Ashland, Bend, Corvallis, Eugene, Portland, and West Linn in Oregon.  If you have this product and an allergy to almonds, discard it or return it to the store.  Call Market of Choice at 1-541-345-0566, Ext. 3127.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/market-choice-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-almonds-sour-cherry-baked-brie   #brie #almonds  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/7rAu9zup0xE   The FDA and Flowers Foods, Inc. are recalling Canyon Bakehouse Mountain White Bread and Canyon Bakehouse Everything Bagels.  These products are labeled as Gluten-free but contain gluten.  Those with a gluten or wheat sensitivity or allergy and those with celiac disease could develop gastrointestinal disease or significant allergic reactions.  These products were distributed in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.   If you have these, discard them or return them to the store for a refund.  For more information, call Flowers’ Consumer Relations Center allergic rhinitis 1-866-245-8921.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/flowers-foods-issues-voluntary-recall-two-canyon-bakehouse-products-due-possible-presence-gluten   #bread #bagels #canyonbakehouse  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Bk8DrKZVURE   Hydrogen peroxide based cleaning products could raise the levels of that toxin to 610 times its level in fresh air.  Researchers from Syracuse University and the University of Saskatchewan measured gaseous hydrogen peroxide in a chamber designed to simulate residential settings.   Hydrogen peroxide-containing disinfectants represent more than 10% of products sold in Canada, and some 168 such products are on the market.  Excessive exposures can irritate the lung, skin, and eyes.  This is a particular risk for property custodians and house cleaners.   To limit hydrogen peroxide toxicity, use soap and water rather than any disinfectants. When using hydrogen peroxide but also isopropyl or ethyl alcohol, ventilate the room well.   https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.0c04702   #covid #hydrogenperoxide #ventilation  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/07ruN657MVs   Kids are 79% less likely to spread CoVid to their household members compared with virus-carrying adults.  Australian infectious disease scientists present this conclusion after their study of 213 home transmission clusters living in 12 countries.   Only 3.8% of clusters stemmed from infected children.  The number could be as high as 21% if you only consider clusters with symptomatic kids and those where adults did not travel.   Children are 38% less likely than adults to become infected.  There was no significant difference in CoVid susceptibility between children under 10 and those 10 through 18.   The investigators speculate that infected kids spread CoVid less often since they are less symptomatic and may carry less virus.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.26.20044826v2.full.pdf   #covid #children #clusters #spread  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/oDqxU7n77z0   Downing cheese and red wine will keep you sharp as you go through life.  Food scientists from Iowa State University report these findings after analyzing data from 12,787 Brits 46 to 77 years of age.   Participants completed Food Frequency Questionnaires and underwent testing of their ability to think on the spot using he Fluid Intelligence test.  Cheese topped the list of “smarts-preserving” foods followed by red wine and lamb but not other red meats.  On the other hand, added salt was counterproductive.   So during the pandemic, arrange virtual happy hours replete with that cheese board and wine carafe.  The food and drink AND the pleasant company will help you fight off those pandemic blues.   https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad201058   #covid #brain #intelligence #cheese #wine  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Zd3yQDLjt88   CoVid triggers long-term shortness of breath by damaging the diaphragmatic respiratory muscles.  A study from Northwestern in Chicago reports this finding after their in-depth study of 25 long haulers using precise ultrasonic imaging.   While only 12% of these patients had pre-existing pulmonary disease 80% of them had at least one respiratory muscle structural or functional abnormality. Seventy-six percent had reduced diaphragmatic contractility.   Since only 25% of patients had detectable virus in their respiratory muscles, the researchers blame muscle damage on a combination of factors including high dose steroids, general inflammation, and impaired muscle sugar metabolism.   CoVid patients with persisting breathing challenges should have diaphragmatic ultrasounds.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.10.20244509v1.full.pdf   #covid #breathing #shortnessofbreath #diaphragm  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/w18fkRjy5Zc   If you must ride in a moving car with a person not in your bubble, which windows should you open? The answer to these questions comes from fluid mechanics researchers at Brown University and UMAss Amherst.   Two occupants should sit diagonally with the passenger in the right rear seat.  Safest is to open all windows to maximize air exchange.  If it’s cold, turn up the heat.     The two windows you definitely want open are the right front and left rear to create an air curtain.  You’ll get added safety by opening the window next to the person who could possibly be infected: perhaps the Uber driver.   An additional left rear passenger: open all windows.   https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/early/2020/11/30/sciadv.abe0166   #covid #automobile #ventilation #fluidmechanics