Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  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  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/PkwSncRULXk   All N95 masks retain a safe fit for 12 or fewer episodes of use.  This according to a Johns Hopkins study of some 92 health care workers.   The investigation revealed that while 100% of masks fit well for the first 12 wearings, that number fell slightly to 95% for up to 23 uses, and then down to 90% for up to 31 uses.  It goes without saying that every N95 mask must fit snugly before a first use by health care workers and high risk patients.   Other studies have shown that N95 masks may be repeatedly decontaminated more than 20 to 30 times using heat and UV irradiation.    https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.04.20244087v1.full.pdf   #covid #mask #n95 #fitting  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/3wxNt8N5pro   The CPSC and American Honda are recalling certain Honda Off-Road Recreational vehicles.  The models involved include 2017-2019 Pioneer 700, 20126-2020 Pioneer 1000 Side-by-side vehicles.  Due to a power steering defect, the vehicles may lose control leading to crashes and injuries.  If you own one of the 118,600 units, stop using it and contract an authorized Honda Powersports dealer to arrange for a repair.  Call Honda at 1-866-784-1870.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Recreational-Off-Highway-Vehicles-Recalled-by-American-Honda-Due-to-Crash-and-Injury-Hazards-Recall-Alert   #offroad #honda #pioneer #steering  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/DHUFpj_bADs   The CPSC and the Dollar Tree Co. are recalling Sure Scents 2-1 Peaceful Stream/Moonlit Waves Candles.  The flame height may reach above the top of the glass container causing the glass to break and leading to a fire and burn hazard.  If you bought one of the 142,740 candles, immediately stop using it. Contact Dollar Tree at 1-800-876-8697 for a full refund.     https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/ADCO-Recalls-Candles-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Sold-Exclusively-at-Dollar-Tree   #candle #burn #fire  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/eEtAOjtOCvY   The CPSC and Huffy have recalled the Huffy Torex 24V Ride-On Toy UTVs.  This toy can unexpectedly move when the battery is connected posing an injury hazard.  If you have one of the 5,150 units sold, stop using the toy and contact Huffy at 1-888-366-3828 to arrange for a replacement.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Huffy-Recalls-Torex-Ride-on-Toy-UTVs-Due-to-Injury-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Walmart   #toy #utv #huffy  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/UCJgJ5WDvX4   The FDA and Maribel’s Sweets of Brooklyn have recalled Cacao Market MarieBell Cylinder Dark Chocolate Pearls.  This product has undeclared milk.  Those with milk allergies may develop a severe allergic reaction if they ingest these chocolate pearls.  If you have these chocolate pearls, return them to the store for s refund or destroy them.  For more information, contact Maribel’s Sweets by calling 1-718-599-5515.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/maribels-sweets-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-allergen-product   #chocolate #milk

  Vidcast: https://youtu.be/8MFki84l8hU   The FDA and Hong Thai Foods Corp have recalled Golden Boy Custard Muffins both Original and Pandan.  Both products have undeclared milk allergens.  In addition, the original muffins are adulterated with the food coloring uranine-acid yellow 73.  Those with milk or food coloring allergies could develop significant allergic reactions.  If you have these products, return them to the point of purchase for a refund.  More information from the Hong Thai Foods Corp. is available by calling 1-718-237-1511.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hong-thai-foods-corp-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-allergens-golden-boy-custard-muffin   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hong-thai-foods-corp-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-allergens-golden-boy-custard-muffin-pandan   #muffins #milk  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/1pKgDkc4Lrg   The FDA and Vegpro International announce the recall of Fresh Attitude Baby Spinach.  This product is contaminated with salmonella.  This bacterium can cause a serious and sometimes fatal gastrenteritis in the very young, old, or immune-compromised.  This product was distributed in NY, NJ, DE, CT, MD, PA, and eastern Canada.  Return this product to the point of purchase for a full refund.  For more information, contact Vegpro at 1-877-613-5700.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/vegpro-international-issues-recall-fresh-attitude-baby-spinach-because-potential-salmonella-health   #spinach #salmonella  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/jeF43usxark   The FDA and Prairie Farms have recalled Prairie Farms Premium Flavored Chocolate Milk gallons and Prairie Farms 1% Low-fat Chocolate Milk gallons.  Egg protein may be in these products but not labeled as such.  Those sensitive to eggs could develop a serious allergic reaction if they ingest these milk products.  These were mainly distributed in the Chicago area including the northern Illinois suburbs, Rockford, and southeastern Wisconsin.  If you have this product, destroy it or return it to the store for a refund or a product exchange.  If you have additional questions, call the company at 1-618-659-5700.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/prairie-farms-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-chocolate-milk-gallons   #chocolatemilk #prairiefarms #egg  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Z2mR6orX_nM   As we find ourselves facing a CoVid tsunami, British virologists give us the reassuring news that the known CoVid viral mutations are not making the virus more dangerous.  From University College London comes an analysis of CoVid varieties isolated from over 46,000 patients.   The mutations occur for 3 reasons.  First, genetic misfires occur during the viral replication process.  Second, CoVid may interact with other human viruses infecting the same cells.  Finally, our human cells may modify CoVid RNA as they try to protect us from the virus.  The data show that this last mechanism appears to be the most common.   CoVid vaccines may induce mutations, but vaccine modification can meet the challenges.   https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-19818-2   #covid #mutation #vaccine