Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/09PJvwH_bgE   The FDA now issues a warning that the nasal decongestant Benzedrex and its generic propylhexedrine may cause cardiovascular and psychiatric complications which could be fatal.   The agent is marketed in a nasal inhalation device to be used for the common cold and nasal allergies.  The proper dosage is 2 inhalations per nostril every 2 hours for adults, children older than 6 years, and teens.   Misuse including overuse, ingestion, or even injection has lead to a 7-fold rise in poisoning.  Symptoms include rapid heart rate, agitation, hypertension, chest pain, tremors, hallucinations, delusions, nausea, and vomiting.   Those with heart disease or taking MAO inhibitors should not use Benzedrex.   https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-abuse-and-misuse-nasal-decongestant-propylhexedrine-causes-serious-harm   https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/benzedrex-propylhexedrine-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-abuse-and-mis

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/xKqjyP5oYjo   The FDA and Western Mixers Produce & Nut Company are recalling Gelson’s Yogurt Raisins.  This product may contain undeclared peanuts.  Those adult and children with peanut allergies may develop serious and life-threatening allergic reactions should they ingest these yogurt raisins.  This product was sold throughout California.  If you purchased Gelson’s Yogurt Raisins, return them to the place of purchase for a refund.  For addition information, contact Western Mixers Produce & Nuts, Inc. at 1-877-230-8449.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/western-mixers-produce-nuts-inc-recalls-gelsons-yogurt-raisins-because-possible-allergen-heath-risk   #yogurtraisins #gelsons #peanuts #allergy #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/xFL8emWk5nM   The FDA and the Mindo Chocolate Makers recall the Mindo Coffee Toffee Chocolate Bars.  There is undeclared milk in the butter used in the toffee contained in this candy bar.  Those with milk allergies are at risk for serious and life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these candy bars.  This candy was primarily sold in the state of Michigan.  If you bought one of these bars and the packaging fails to mention the presence of milk, return it to the point of purchase for a refund.  If you have questions, contact Mindo Chocolate Makers at 1-734-660-5635.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mindo-chocolate-makers-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-coffee-toffee-chocolate-bar   #chocolatebar #mindo #milk #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/u4JZk8JVdZM   The CPSC and Briggs & Stratton announce the recall of the Briggs & Stratton YTL Log Splitters with 250cc engines sold under the Black Diamond, Crimson, Lumberjack, Performance Built, and Brute brand names.  Their engine ignition coils and flywheels are defective leading to dangerously hard starting and engine kickback that poses an injury hazard to the operator.  If you have one of these log splitters, immediate stop using it and contact your authorized Briggs & Stratton dealer for a free inspection and repair.  For more information, contact Briggs & Stratton by phoning 1-800-999-9444.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Briggs-and-Stratton-Recalls-YTL-Log-Splitters-with-Briggs-and-Stratton-Engines-Due-to-Injury-Hazard-Recall-Alert   #logsplitter #briggsandstratton #enginekickback #injury #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/422x2ZDNx6E   The CPSC and HD Hudson recall illu-Mist Battery-Powered Garden Sprayers.  This sprayer’s lithium ion battery could overheat leading to a fire risk.  If you bought one of these sprayers,  immediately stop using it, remove the battery tray, and look for a brown battery.  If you see a brown battery, remove it and its tray and dispose of them via your local battery recycling entity,  Contact HD Hudson by calling 1-800-394-8802 and arrange to receive a free replacement battery and tray.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/HD-Hudson-Recalls-Battery-Powered-Sprayers-Due-to-Fire-Hazard   #sprayer #hdhudson #battery #fire  

  Vidcast:  nhttps://youtu.be/oaFwRKR4ngw   The CPSC and Genentech are recalling the prescription drug Erysdi, the brand name for risdiplam.  This drug is used for treatment of spinal muscular atrophy in both adults and children.  The bottles containing this drug may leak leading to a risk of skin or eye exposure.  This and all prescription drugs must be sold in child-resistant packaging and it is not in such packaging.  About 14,000 of these bottles were distributed.  If you have a bottle of Evrysdi, store it in a location out of the reach of children.  If you note leakage, phone Genentech at 1-800-334-0290 to arrange for a free replacement bottle.  Should you get any of this drug on your skin, wash with abundant soap and water.  If it gets into your eyes, wash with water.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Genentech-Recalls-Prescription-Drug-Evrysdi-Due-to-Failure-to-Meet-Child-Resistant-Packaging-Requirements-Risk-of-Drug-Exposure-through-Eye-or-Skin-Absorption-Recall-Alert   #evrysdi #genentech #leakage

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/D4o6mSE5Xpw   The CPSC and Parker Squared  Inc. announce the recall of Shepherd Boy Plush toys with wire staff.  The sharp metal wire in the shepherd’s staff may become exposed leading to a puncture or a laceration hazard.  About 3,000 of these toys were sold online at theshepherdstreasure.com and at amazon.com.  If you bought of these toys, immediately remove and discard the shepherd’s staff.  Your child may continue to use the remainder of the toy without the staff.  Contact Shepherd’s Treasure by calling 1-844-310-2229 to arrange for a full refund of the toy’s value in the form of gift certificate.    https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Parker-Squared-Recalls-Shepherd-Boy-Plush-Toys-with-Wire-Shepherd-s-Staff-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard-Recall-Alert   #toy #shepherdboy #staffwire #laceration  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/6IaVAG8OmDg   CoVid vaccinations of seniors in Tennessee reduced their CoVid  hospitalization rate by 80% and their death rate by 95%.  Epidemiologists at the University of Utah studied that state’s data over a 3 month period beginning in December, 2020.   During this time, the scarce mRNA vaccines were preferentially going to those over 70.  While the hospitalization rate for this age group plummeted, that for younger patients was unaffected.  The same was true for death rates in the younger age groups.  Overall, the outcome gaps for the older versus younger patient populations began to vanish.   If you’re still on the fence about getting CoVid vaccination, jump off and get the jab.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.16.21253767v1.full.pdf+html   #CoVid #vaccine #tennessee #hospitalization #deaths  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/vrJGynj-MhQ   The CDC recently announced a lowering of the safe distance between masked students from 6 to 3 feet.  Problem is that there is much fine print and many catch-22s around this new pronouncement.   The blanket 3 foot rule only applies to K through 6 in areas of low or moderate CoVid spread.  The 6 foot or higher rule still applies: in areas of high CoVid transmission; if cohort groups cannot be maintained; between adults; between adults and students; when mask-wearing is impossible such as when eating; while singing shouting, maskless instrument playing or sports; in common areas such as auditoriums and gyms.   Remember: the further the safer!   https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/operation-strategy.html   #distancing #3feet #6feet #singing #shouting  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/whIOaopyp6o   The proverbial sparing of the rod may risk spoiling the child, but it could also lead to better brain development.  University of Montreal psychologists followed 94 children from ages 2½ to 9 years tabulating their family’s parenting practices with their brain development by adolescence.   The kids subjected to the highest levels of strict parenting ended up with significantly lower gray matter volumes when imaged as teens using MRI.  The areas most affected were pre-frontal and amygdaloid zones concerned with self-control and fear processing.  Previous studies had shown a similar pattern for frankly abusive parenting.   Don’t take out frustrations on the kids.  If you’re always screaming and punishing, see a family counselor.   https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/development-and-psychopathology/article/abs/prefrontal-cortex-and-amygdala-anatomy-in-youth-with-persistent-levels-of-harsh-parenting-practices-and-subclinical-anxiety-symptoms-over-time-during-childho

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/0EzjfgwiU_Y   If  healthcare workers receive CoVid vaccination, their family members  enjoy a 60% lower risk of developing a preventable CoVid infection.  Scottish investigators draw this conclusion from their study of 144,525 healthcare workers and their 194,362 family members.   Vaccination not only reduces overall CoVid infection risk, but it lowers hospitalization risks by 23%.  This  suggests that cases that do occur may tend to be less severe.   This is a powerful impetus for not only healthcare workers but other first responders and public-facing individuals to obtain CoVid vaccination.   All in these categories should overcome any vaccine hesitancy and get the jab if not for themselves for those they love and protect.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.11.21253275v1.full.pdf+html   #healthcare #vaccine #CoVid #firstresponders  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/w9l3ukXfJZ0   Wearing a face mask while exercising will not strain your heart or negatively impact your athletic performance.  Austrian researchers draw these conclusions after their careful study of 10 subjects climbing up 4 to 5 flights and 96 steps with or without standard surgical face masks..   The data reveals no significant impact of mask wearing on oxygen saturation, heart rate, and most importantly, elapsed time to complete the physically taxing climb.  Though the study involved a small number of participants, the results for each were so consistent that the investigators felt justified stating that masks have little effect on your body as you exercise.   Masking and distancing while exercising keeps you and those around you safe.    https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.18.21253539v1.full.pdf+html   #mask #exercise #heart #oxygen #performance  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/gdQ9-E7tQIs   Those eating breakfast before 8:30 AM had lower blood sugar levels and less insulin resistance thereby lowering their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  This conclusion comes from a study by Northwestern University endocrinologists just presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting.   Crunching the data gathered from 10,575 adults, they found that those beginning their daily meals before 8:30 in the morning had significantly lower fasting blood sugar levels and more effective insulin-driven carbohydrate metabolism.  This was true even for those who continued their grazing for more than 13 hours a day.   The healthiest strategy: rise early, exercise, have breakfast before 8:30, and finish eating by 9 pm.   https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210318091646.htm   #breakfast #breakfast #insulin #diabetes  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/WD15ttY0478   The FDA and Whole Foods announce the recall of Whole Foods Cranberry Biscotti.  This product contains undeclared tree nuts, specifically pistachio.  Those with tree nuts and pistachio allergies could develop a serious and life-threatening reaction should they ingest this biscotti.  If you purchased this product, return it with a valid proof of purchase to any Whole Foods store to receive a full refund.  For more information, phone Whole Foods at 1-844-936-8255.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/allergy-alert-issued-undeclared-tree-nuts-mislabeled-cranberry-biscotti-six-whole-foods-market   #biscotti #cranberry #wholefoods #treenuts #pistachio  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/gVxslRPpvjA   The FDA and PNHC, LLC now recall Heal The World Hand Sanitizer.  This product is packaged in bottles that suggest bottled water with a risk of poisoning should this product, containing alcohol, be ingested.  If you have this product at home, return it to the point of purchase or call PNHC, LLC at 1-813-434-0741 to arrange a refund.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/pnhc-llc-dba-heal-world-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-heal-world-hand-sanitizer-packaged-96   #handsanitizer #alcohol #packaging #poisoning  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/H_2M6-ri0yk   The CPSC and HOFISH are recalling HOFISH 10 inch Hybrid Certi-PUR Certified Foam and Pocket Spring Mattresses.  These mattresses fail to meet federal flammability standards risking fire.  These were sold exclusively via amazon, com.  If you have one of these, stop using it.  Contact HOFISH at 1-888-731-2419 to receive a free fitted mattress cover to put the mattress into compliance.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/HOFISH-Recalls-Mattresses-Due-to-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Standard-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon-com   #mattress #hofish #flammability #fire  

  Xvvid https://youtu.be/TSoditd8peU   The CPSC and Global Home Imports announce the recall of HR Platform Frames.  These frames may collapse unexpectedly posing a crush hazard that may lead to a severe injury or death.  The models involved include HR33, HR46, HR50, HR60, and HR66 in all sizes sold though American Furniture Warehouse, Mattress Firm and other retailers. Immediately stop using HR platform frames and contact Global Home Imports at 888-550-4371 to obtain a free repair kit that will strengthen the frame.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Global-Home-Imports-Recalls-Platform-Bed-Frames-Due-to-Serious-Injury-Hazard   #mattressframe #hrplatform #collapse #crush  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/OVZRpWiYBFU   Concussion, dementia, and sleep deprivation produce similar changes to your brain’s architecture as determined by a novel MRI imaging analysis.  Oregon investigators now present data from their study of 56 Afghanistan war vets and suggest possible therapeutic approaches to TBI and dementia.   Their imaging data shows a correlation between battle brain trauma and enlargement of perivascular spaces that fill with metabolic waste as the result of brain cell damage.  This same material collects with advancing age and dementia, but sound sleep helps flush it away.   The researchers propose that their imaging technique provides a diagnostic and monitoring tool for brain injuries and a method for documenting improvement driven by improved sleep.   https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/neu.2020.7447   #tbi #concussion #dementia #sleep #mri  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/MBhMynoyc9U   Should a pregnant woman contract CoVid, she is less likely to show initial symptoms but more than twice as likely to end up in the ICU on a ventilator and nearly twice as likely to die.  British investigators performed a meta-analysis of 73 studies covering 67, 271 pregnant women.   Pregnancy reduces chance of initial fevers, shortness of breath, and muscle aches by an average of 60%.  Even so, it increases odds of ICU admission by 2.1 times, the need for a ventilator by 2.6, times, risk of profound respiratory failure doubles, and death from any cause rises 1.8 fold.  Mothers with CoVid are 1.5 times as likely to have a pre-term birth and their babies are nearly 5 times more likely to require a NICU stay.    Unvaccinated pregnant women who have not experienced a previous CoVid infection should be monitored extremely carefully and managed aggressively.   https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3320   #CoVid #pregnancy #icu #ventilator #mortality  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/d_M4-GECqyM   Vaccination with either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA vaccine reduces the already small incidence of asymptomatic CoVid infection by 44%.  Investigators at the Mayo Clinic report this vaccine protective after studying 39,156 asymptomatic adults.    Asymptomatic CoVid infections as determined by PCR testing are uncommon only occurring in 3.2% of the unvaccinated.  Vaccination with an mRNA vaccine lowers that risk by 20% after the first dose of vaccine and by as much as 47% following the second vaccine dose.   Pfizer and Moderna report even greater protection against asymptomatic infections by their respective vaccines.  Their testing was completed at longer intervals following vaccination permitting stronger immunity.   https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciab229/6167855   #CoVid #vaccine #asymptomatic #mrna #moderna #pfizer