Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/guoDrYebx2o   The CPSC and National Presto have a recall on the Presto Indoor Electric Smoker.  The heating element and the associated wiring are defective posing an electric shock hazard.  This cooking device was sold at Shopko, Sears, Kmart, Belk, Veterans Canteen Store and other home appliance stores across the country.  It was sold on line through amazon.com, wayfair.com, kohls.com, and walmart.com.  Stop using this device.   Return it to the place of purchase or contact National Presto at 1-833-909-1524 to receive return instructions for a refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/national-presto-recalls-smokers-due-to-electric-shock-hazard   #cooker #presto #electricshock #recall  

  Xvidd https://youtu.be/O0LSBd8YwMM   The CPSC and Anker Play Products are recalling 10-In-1 Incredible Inventions Science Kits. The paint on the red and blue magnet included with this kit exceeds safe federal lead levels.  The labelling on this product also lacks mandated warnings for magnets and balloons. If you bought this kit for your child, do not permit them to use the red and blue magnet.  Contact Anker at 1-877-236-1945 to arrange for a refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/anker-play-products-recalls-10-in-1-incredible-inventions-science-kit-due-to-violation   #sciencekit #lead #magnet #balloons #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/ZQJThGWhf1c   The CPSC and Primark announce the recall of  two Primark piercings: 5-Pack Nose and Body Bar Piercing.  These items have elevated levels of the mineral nickel which can and often does induce an allergic-type skin irritation.  If you have these, stop using them immediately and return them to the place of purchase or a Primark store for a refund.  If you require more information to determine if your particular piercings are implicated, call Primark at 1-617-946-3236.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/primark-recalls-nose-piercing-and-body-bars-due-to-high-levels-of-nickel-risk-of-skin   #piercings #primark #nickel #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/lEjT1k3ouG4   CoVid can trigger autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune, muscle inflammation, and so-called CoVid toes.  For the first time, radiologists at Northwestern University release images of these CoVid-induced maladies.   Using multi-modality imaging including conventional radiography, CT, MR, and ultrasound, the investigators assembled pictoral proof of CoVid attacks on muscle, nerves, joints, bone, and soft tissues including skin.  As radiologists begin to image more patients with CoVid, their abilities to detect viral-induced tissue and organ damage increases.   If you or yours have a CoVid infection with symptoms that are dragging on besides the usual respiratory ones, suggest imaging to search for CoVid-triggered rheumatic and autoimmune type damage.   https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00256-021-03734-7   #CoVid #autoimmune #rheumatic #arthritis #neuritis #myositis  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/RMPpAQAprE4   Reports on the two mRNA vaccines Americans are receiving were published just days ago in the New England Journal of Medicine by Moderna and Pfizer with their academic collaborators.  Both vaccines trigger antibodies that neutralize the original predominant Wuhan strain and the British B.1.117 variants but have reduced though still lethal activity against the South African B.1.351 variant.   Using sera from vaccinated Americans, the Moderna-NIH team demonstrate equally effective neutralizing antibody levels for the prevalent original strain and the British B.1.1.7 variant.  Moderna-induced antibody is nearly 10-fold less effective against the South African B.1.351 variant, but it does neutralize.   The Pfizer-BioNTech-University of Texas team report the effectiveness of their vaccine-induced antibodies against the prevalent CoVid strain as well as against the South African strain.  The antibody strength against the latter was reduced by two-thirds but still effective.

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/3PyyXUDX9m8   Asthmatics are less likely to contract CoVid.  So say Australian researchers after their meta-analysis of 57 worldwide studies that encompassed 587,200 persons.   The data show that about 7 per 100 asthmatics develop a CoVid infection but 8 per 100 in the general population do so as well.  Asthmatics were 14% less likely to become infected and 13% less likely to require hospitalization.  Once in the hospital, progression to needing the ICU or a vent was not more likely for asthmatics.  Asthmatics are not more likely to die from CoVid.   The investigators conjecture that inhalation therapy including steroids taken by asthmatics reduces the numbers of ACE2-CoVid binding sites in their respiratory linings.   https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02770903.2021.1888116   #CoVid #asthma #steroids  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/5ZeOL0HAv6Q   The FDA and CDC now report that only 0.05% of the 13.8 million Moderna and Pfizer vaccine doses resulted in any type of reaction, and only 9% of that tiny number were serious reactions.     The most common symptoms were headache in 22.4%, fatigue in 16.5%, and dizziness in 16.5%.   More symptoms were noted after the second shot than after the initial one.   There were only 4.5 cases of anaphylactic reactions per million vaccinations.  There were no deaths attributable to the vaccinations.     These vaccines are extremely safe and effective.  Get yours as soon as you possibly can.   https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7008e3.htm#contribAff   #CoVid #vaccine #moderna #pfizer #reactions  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/lRPUg3oybhg   CoVid survivors have only weak immunity to the original Wuhan virus by 4-8 months after infection, and their ability to resist the South African B.1.351 variant is poor.   The good news that a single dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines raises their immunity 1000-fold to the Wuhan strain while their immunity to the South African strain is only 2-3 fold lower.   Seattle investigators studied the sera from 10 participants recovered from CoVid before and after vaccination with an mRNA CoVid vaccine.  One shot of vaccine bumped up protective antibody titers to over 14,000 against the Wuhan and over 5,000 against the South African strain.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.05.21251182v1.full.pdf+html   #CoVid #vaccine #vaccine #southafrican  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/8f-DuAQxR8o   Nearly one-third of CoVid sufferers continue to report aches and pains for as long as 9 months.  This the finding of University of Washington researchers after studying 177 persons 85% of whom had only a mild CoVid case.   Checking in an average of 6 months after infection, the most common complaints were fatigue, loss of smell and taste, brain fog, trouble breathing, muscle aches, cough, and sore throat.   Persistent symptoms became more prevalent in the older age groups: 27% of those 18 to 39 years had them versus 43% of those 65 years and older.   CoVid all too often becomes a chronic part of your life.  Mask, distance, and wash.   https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2776560   #CoVid #persisting #fatigue #smell  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/iEqivMJb0ow   From the actual documents the company submitted to the FDA and CDC.  The J&J -Janssen Biotech vaccine is a vector vaccine employing a replication-incompetent human adenovirus Ad26 which has been modified to carry the DNA to encode for the CoVid spike proteins.  Once injected, the harmless virus enters human cells and triggers production of spike protein to which your body makes anti-CoVid antibodies and T killer cells.  The vaccine is stored as a refrigerated suspension at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit.   It is supplied in a 5 dose vial and is given as ONE 0.5 ml IM injection containing 50 billion adenoviral particles.   The vaccine does not contain eggs or latex.   It was first tested for safety and immunogenicity in a phase 1 trial of 250 adults and a fu phase 1/2 trial of 1045 adults.  It’s effectiveness was confirmed and safety checked in a randomized blinded phase 3 trial involving 40,000 participants.  An additional phase 3 study is ongoing testing 2 doses of

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/2aSv0V9R5OI   The FDA and Russ Davis Wholesale are recalling Kowalski’s brand Buffalo Cauliflower Bites with Kowalski’s Steakhouse Blue Dressing.  The blue cheese dressing contains undeclared anchovies.  If you have this product, return it to the point of purchase for a refund.  For more information, contact the company at 1-877-433-2173.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/russ-davis-wholesale-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-fish-anchovies-kowalskis-buffalo-cauliflower   #cauliflowerbites #bluecheesedressing #kowalskis #anchovies  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/ft9xVDma_dE   The FDA and Litehouse Inc. have recalled Brite Harbor Caesar Dressing & Dip.  This product contains undeclared anchovies.  The affected lots were sold in WA, OR, ID, and UT.  If you have this item, return it to the place of purchase.  For additional information call Litehouse Customer Service at 1-800-578-1652.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/litehouse-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-anchovies-product   #caesardressing #briteharbor #anchovies  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/vJKUovXMJdI   The FDA and NDAL Mfg. Inc. are recalling one lot of ManukaGuard Allercleanse Nasal Spray.  This product has been contaminated with yeast.  The affected lot is #2010045 with a best buy of 10/2023.  This product was sold through amazon.com as well as other online and brick and mortar retailers.  If you purchased this nasal spray, do not use it.  Return it to the place of purchase for a refund.  If you require additional information, call NDAL Mfg. at 1-800-916-1220.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ndal-mfg-inc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-manukaguard-allercleanse-nasal-spray-due   #allercleanse #nasalspray #yeast #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/hMBMxy80DTM   The CPSC and NZXT announce the recall of NZXT H1 Computer Cases Model CA-H16WR-B1.  The metal screws that attach the riser assembly to the chassis may cause a short in the printed circuit board leading to overheating and a fire hazard.  More than 32,000 of these were sold online to US customers and more than 1,000 were sold to Canadian customers.  If you bought one of these call NZXT at 1-888-965-5520 to request a free repair kit.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/NZXT-Recalls-H1-Computer-Cases-Due-to-Fire-Hazard   #computercase #nzxt #short #fire  

all Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/POa_-bvwncg   The CPSC and the Rep Fitness Co. recall the Rep Fitness Strap Safety Brackets.  These brackets have a defective weld, and the sudden drop of a weight onto the strap safeties could cause the brackets to separate from the weightlifting equipment creating an injury.  Discontinue use of these brackets and contact Rep Fitness at 1-888-201-8019 to obtain replacement brackets.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/rep-fitness-recalls-strap-safety-brackets-due-to-injury-hazard-recall-alert   #weghtlifting #safetybrackets #rep #weld #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/RHGpdmdoiXI   The CPSC and Yamaha announce the recall of the Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000 Model XF10WPAM.  This vehicle’s rear shock absorber assemblies are defective and could fracture causing crash and injury hazards.  If you own one of these off road vehicles, stop using it and contact an authorized Yamaha dealer to schedule a free repair.  For additional information, reach Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/yamaha-recalls-recreational-off-highway-vehicles-due-to-crash-and-injury-hazards-recall   #yamaha #wolverine #shockabsorber #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/I75VfxvHtWc   Taking a weekly dose of semaglutide, branded as Ozempic and Rybelsus, helped drive a 15% drop in body weight over close to a year and a half, and may be the dawn of a new era in therapeutic weight loss.  An international collaborative study of 1961 obese subjects was just reported in the New England Journal.   The average weight loss per person was nearly 34 pounds while 35% of the treated group lost more than 20% of body weight.  Those taking the semaglutide along with lifestyle changes also enjoyed an improvement in cardiometabolic risk factors and physical functioning.   Semaglutide offers an alternative to bariatric surgery for initiating a serious reduction in body mass.   https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183   #obesity #semaglutide #ozempic #rybelsus  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/3qjJcoyqcbI   Facemasks of any construction can increase the humidity of the air you’re breathing by a factor of 2 to 3.  Other studies show that increased humidity reduces spread of respiratory viruses like CoVid, and NIH investigators now report which masks humidify the best.   Comparing N95 masks, surgical masks, light cloth, and heavy cotton mass, the studies showed that N95 masks did the best job of both filtration and humidification more than doubling  the humidity.  Heavy cotton masks increased the humidity better but did not filter as well.   As manufacturing has increased, authentic N95 masks are more available online.  Many are labeled as non-medical, but they do filter out a high proportion of viruses including CoVid.   https://www.cell.com/biophysj/pdf/S0006-3495(21)00116-8.pdf   #humidity #filter #n95 #surgical  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/pYqQJE28Lpg   The debate about egg safety continues.  Some say that ingesting cholesterol-rich eggs plugs your blood vessels while others insist that the dangerous cholesterol is manufactured in your own body due to saturated fat intake.   A huge Chinese study using the American NIH-AARP database looked at more than 521,000 persons reporting their dietary choices over 16 years.  Those wolfing down the most egg had 16% higher risk of a cardiovascular death and a 23% higher risk of cancer death.   The study does have shortcomings as the egg eaters also smoked more, exercised less, and didn’t take daily aspirin.     The winning formula is healthy eating, avoiding smoke, and regular aerobic exercise.   https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1003508   #egg #heart #cancer #exercise  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/dW8MMcuLm-Y   States and countries that strictly limit public activity in the face of CoVid spread enjoy dramatically lower mortality rates.  Johns Hopkins researchers now report 4 fold lower rates in the States and an 11 fold lower rate in Scandinavia.   Comparing strictly-controlled Washington State to laissez-faire Massachusetts showed an 80% mortality rate drop and a 67% case fatality rate reduction.  Comparing locked down Norway with wide open Sweden revealed a 91% mortality reduction and a 70% case fatality rate drop.   Population density differences explain much of the difference (WA/MA=87% lower; N/S=77% lower), still the relative crowding in Massachusetts and Sweden argues even more strongly for strict measures.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.11.21251580v1.full.pdf+html   #publichealth #mandatory #voluntary #CoVid