Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  https://youtu.be/3dlb0dbzWoc   Acela Pharmaceuticals and the FDA are recalling its generic Thyroid USP tablets.  The 30, 60, and 90 mg tablets are more potent than labeled by up to 115%.  Those taking this medicine for hypothyroidism may develop hyperthyroidism.  Symptoms of this disorder are heat intolerance, fatigue, weakness, high blood pressure, chest pain, rapid heart rate, arrhythmias, and undue weight loss.  If you are taking this product, speak with your prescriber about a replacement prescription and likely take it back to the store and obtain an exchange.  Acella may be reached at 1-800-541-4802.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/acella-pharmaceuticals-llc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-certain-lots-np-thyroidr-thyroid     #recall #thyroid  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/sWFlHJgwZzY   The Primark US Corporation joins the CPSC in recalling its wide fit Kitten Heel Court Shoes.  This ladies pump shoe have an 1.5 inch heel.  The leather in sock of the shoe has dangerously high chromium levels that pose a risk of skin irritation.  If you have these shoes, stop wearing them and return them to the point of purchase for a full refund.  For additional information, call Primark at 1-617-946-3236.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Primark-Recalls-Kitten-Heel-Court-Shoes-Due-to-High-Levels-of-Chromium-Risk-of-Skin-Irritation   #recall #pump #shoes #chromium

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/sjzTLDliR_w   Sanvali Enterprises and the CPSC are recalling  Rapid Alivio Pain Relieving Roll-On.  This product contains methyl salicylate but the packaging is not child resistant. If the contents are swallowed by young children , there is a poisoning risk.  If you have this product, return it  to the point of purchase for a full refund.  For additional information, contact the company at 1-305-887-1090.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Sanvall-Enterprises-Recalls-Rapid-Alivio-Pain-Relieving-Roll-On-Due-to-Failure-to-Meet-Child-Resistant-Packaging-Requirement-Risk-of-Poisoning   #recall #analgesic #salicylate #parenting

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/jkCdLaRoj9M   Expression of the gene that triggers ACE2 protein generation, the CoVid doorway into cells, is reduced in kids compared with adults.  Pediatricians and geneticists at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital report this finding after studying 305 subjects 4 to 60 years of age.   ACE2 gene expression in nasal tissue is the lowest in children age 10 or under.  Gene expression increases with age and appears to level off above the age of 25.    Though children may be less likely to develop clinical infections, they do seem to carry infectious virus that they may spread to others.  The reason for this pediatric carrier state is yet unknown.   https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2766524   #covid #ace2 #children  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/6P4gvSFLg7g   Imitate your infant, and she or he will love you for it.  Swedish philosophers at Lund University report this conclusion following their observations of sixteen 6 month old infants.   Even very young children recognize when an adult is imitating their behaviors.  The babies focus attention longer and more consistently on those imitating them.  Their smiles indicate that they relish being imitated and feel a close bond with those imitating them.   Since infants feel your imitation of their actions and motions signals your approval and friendliness, you can effectively us this strategy to motivate positive behaviors and inhibit negative ones.  These studies once again prove that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.    https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0232717   #infant #imitation #parenting infant, imitation, parenting How To Charm Your Baby Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/6P4gvSFLg7g   Imitate your infant, and she or he will love yo

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/uU8-ThD0GcA   Alerting neighbors to the presence of coronavirus cases nearby can eliminate the need for lockdowns yet reduce case numbers by a factor of 260 and deaths by a factor of nearly 5,000.  Researchers at UC-San Diego studied the South Korean experience with institution of strict public health reporting and data sharing during this current pandemic.   As we in the US enter our reopening phase, we might need to use their playbook.  Korean CoVid cases geo-tracked using credit card and cell phone data.  Neighborhood infections are reported so that residents can ramp up their personal protections efforts.   We will not conquer CoVid without giving up some privacy.   https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3601143   #covid #publichealth #privacy #privacy #southkorea  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/TBH-PE9HL7Q   CoVid19 virus has been mutating, but the mutations don’t make the virus more transmissible.   Virologists at University College London nearly 16,000 worldwide genetic variations of CoVid.   Their data show none of the 31 recurrent mutations are associated with an increase in viral spread person to person locally or between regions.  In fact, 3 of the mutations were significantly associated with diminished transmission.  These involved changes in the spike protein, and it is this protein that attaches to human cells and permits viral entry.   It is good news that the inevitable CoVid mutations don’t appear to make the virus more vicious.  Whether mutations will interfere with vaccine production is another matter.   https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.21.108506v1.full.pdf   #covid #mutation #transmissibility #vaccine  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/ih3O1y7Jcuc   Herman Miller and Design Within Reach and the CPSC are recalling their Nelson and Lauki Dressers, Cabinets, and Chests.  These products fail to meet federal safety standards and may tip over, injure, entrap, and possibly kill children.  The products involved include Nelson Thin Edge Chest Cabinets, Double Dressers, Buffets, Chests, Cabinets and Lauki Three Drawer, Six Drawer, and Wide Dressers.     If you have these products, do not use them without anchoring them to the wall or place them in a room without child access.     This furniture was sold at Herman Miller and Design Within Reach stores.  To arrange for a refund and furniture pickup, call Herman Miller at 1-800-338-2107.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Herman-Miller-and-Design-Within-Reach-Recall-Dressers-and-Cabinets-Due-to-Tip-Over-and-Entrapment-Hazards-Remedy-May-Be-Delayed-Due-to-COVID-19-Restrictions-Keep-Product-Away-from-Children-Recall-Alert   #recall #chestofdrawers #chests #dressers #hermanmi

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/cR04O_p8zlQ   New Hoque and Sons, Inc. and the FDA announce the recall of Radhuni Curry Powder.  The product is contaminated with salmonella.  This bacterium can trigger a sever gastroenteritis with fever, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.  It can produce a septicemia with heart and blood vessel damage.  This product was sold in NYC grocery stores in the Bronx, Jackson Heights, and Jamaica.  If you have this product, return it to the point of purchase to get a full refund.  You may reach the company at 1-718-391-0992.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/new-hoque-and-sons-inc-recalls-radhuni-curry-powder-because-possible-health-risk   #recall #radhmi #curry #salmonella    

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/-V4gZZIgJl0   If you get infected with CoVid19 and show symptoms, you have a 1 in 75 chance of dying from the disease.  Compare that to your 1 in 1000 chance of dying if you contract the flu.   University of Washington researchers analyzed data from 116 counties in 33 states.  The highest fatality rate indicates that 1 in every 28 persons infected will die.  Overall, using the most optimistic estimate that only 1 in every 5 Americans will be infected, by the end of this year 350,000 to 1.2 million of us could die.   We can save ourselves and our families by obeying the 3 Commandments of Public Health: scrub, mask, distance.   https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2020.00455?cookieSet=1   #covid #pandemic #death #distance #mask #wash  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/YiQl5cMZ-Bk   Patients receiving immunotherapy or genetic-targeted therapy recover just fine from CoVid infections.  A Spanish study of 50 CoVid patients with advanced melanoma was just uploaded to the pre-print server medrixiv.org.   In this small non-randomized study, the group of 22 melanoma patients on checkpoint immunotherapy had a 44% better survival rate than those on no therapy.  The 16 patients on targeted BRAF/MEK inhibitor therapy had a 41% better survival rate.   If you have a serious medical problem like advanced melanoma, work closely with your doctors to plan ongoing therapy.  Additional studies like this one will help decision making.  Don’t run scared of CoVid and compromise treatment of more serious problems.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.19.20106971v1   #covid #pandemic #cancer #immunotherapy #melanoma  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/7Weu0XfSb3c   The monoclonal antibody tocilizumab that is designed to reduce IL-6 and cytokine storms apparently doesn’t for critically ill CoVid19 patients. This the conclusion of a preliminary case series from the University of North Carolina.   Eleven patients with confirmed CoVid19 infections were treated with Actemra.  These patients were either severe or critical and had multiple medical issues including obesity and high blood pressure.     Despite Actemra treatment, all patients experienced significant IL-6 level increases without improvements in their fevers or a reduction in their oxygen requirements.  Two other inflammatory indicators did diminish.   The conclusion: randomized, controlled trials of Actemra must occur before this drug can be widely used.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.13.20100404v1.full.pdf   #covid #actemra #tocilizumab #il6 #cytokinestorm  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/DmEgNH6fssU   As our house arrest continues, we all yearn for anything to improve our outlooks on life.  Researchers at Iowa State University studied 423 young adults 20 to 35 years of age surveying their moods and quantitating their physical activities over 10 days using wearable sensors.   Almost anything is better than sitting around.  Replacing prolonged sedentary time with light physical activity, moderate physical activity, or even sleep leads to mood elevation.  Stimulating your mind and body, even with subconscious activity and dreams, will reset and refresh your brain.    If you find yourself sitting around for more than 30 minutes, get up and get physical.  Light physical activities include walking around your home cleaning, washing dishes, or cooking.   https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(20)30136-7/pdf   #pandemic #quarantine #sedentary #sleep #cleaning x

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/7adflrzSE5w   Eighty-seven percent of mask wearers apply them incorrectly with air leakage that could be deadly.  A collaborative analysis by investigators at Singapore Hospitals and MIT looked at 714 subjects given N95 masks.   The common mask fit mistakes were incorrect strap placement and improper tightening of the mask’s nose clip.  Both mistakes result in air gaps around the mask.  Younger subjects and those with previous mask fit training did better.  In typical American fashion, reading the instruction book or previous mask use didn’t help.   When you use a mask, any mask, tighten the straps, position the mask under your chin, and fit the mask to your nose.   https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2766070   #mask #covid #pandemic

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/bStHJRrN2K8   Stargate Apparel and the CPSC are recalling  the Bunz Kidz Children’s Sleepwear Sets sizes 2 through 12.  These are 100% micro polyester and the sets consist of a robe, top, and pants.  The children’s sleepwear sets fail to meet the federal flammability standards posing a risk of burn injuries to children.  The guidelines state that children’s sleepwear must be either snug-fitting or flame resistant.  If you have these garments, do not permit your children to wear them.  Return them to the point of purchase for a refund.  For more information, call Stargate Apparel at 1-866-351-0193.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Bunz-Kidz-Childrens-Sleepwear-Sets-Recalled-by-Stargate-Apparel-Due-to-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Standard-Burn-Hazard   #recall #bunzkidz #sleepwear #flammability  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Dqb0BCXeVUc   I’m mad as hell that a US health agency is waffling on its recommendation due to corrupt political pressure.   The timeline: March 30 - FDA issues an Emergency Use Authorization for HCQ/CQ. April 24 - FDA cautions against use of HCQ/CQ for CoVid19 outside of a hospital setting or within the context of a controlled study.  Warning about serious and life-threatening cardiac rhythm disturbance.  Reminder that these drugs have no proven benefit for CoVid19 infections. Then, suddenly, May 19 - FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn MD reverses the agency’s position on these drugs and states to multiple media outlets including CNBC and The Hill that the decision about using HCQ/CQ should be made by the patient and his or her physician.    Multiple studies ongoing or completed in France and China confirm that these drugs do not improve outcomes for patients hospitalized for CoVid19.  Use of the drugs over the years for both malaria and autoimmune diseases have shown that both drugs

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/wM-r8Xjl4tc   A huge global study shows that hydroxychlorquine (HCQ) or chloroquine (CQ), with or without Zithromax, can double your risk of dying with CoVid.  These drugs also drive up your chances of suffering deadly ventricular heart arrhythmias 20 fold.   Just published in The Lancet and helmed by Harvard investigators, the analysis tabulates data from nearly 15,000 treated patients and 81,000 controls.  After adjusting for other confounding risk factors, these drugs and drug combinations all jeopardized patient survival.  The increased risks of dying: HCQ - 90%; HCQ+Zithromax-250%; CQ-70%; CQ+Zmax-238%.   Do not take these drugs.  There is no evidence that they prevent CoVid.  If you do get infected, they reduce your survival chances.   https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31180-6/fulltext   #hydroxychloroquine #chloroquine #covid #arrhythmia    

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/hMEHBR2pb08   Men with greater androgen signaling and abundant circulating androgens have more severe CoVid infections with accompanying lung, heart, and kidney damage.  A collaborative Yale, Harvard, and UC-San Francisco study of 454 hospitalized CoVid positive British patients.   The free androgen level was significantly associated with viral susceptibility and disease severity in men but not in women.  Androgens are known to increase expression of the ACE2 molecule in human tissues, and it is this protein that binds CoVid19 permitting it to enter and infect cells.   The researchers suggest that already FDA approved androgen inhibiting drugs such as dutasteride and finasteride may have potential for inhibiting CoVid19 infections.   https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.12.091082v2.full.pdf   #covid #pandemic #ace2 #androgens #5alphareductaseinhibitor #dutasteride #finasteride  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/DT4OhxtiDow Organic Pure Oil is recalling is Wintergreen Essential Oil and W8 Distributing is recalling its Jade Bloom Wintergreen ad Birch Sweet Essential Oils.  Both products fail to meet federal child-resistant packaging requirements.  This shortcoming puts children in the home at risk for poisoning.  If you have these products, return them to the points of purchase for refunds.  You may contact Organic Pure Oil at 1-657-600-8100 or W8 Distributing/Jade Bloom at 1-844-787-3645.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/organic-pure-oil-recalls-wintergreen-essential-oil-due-to-failure-to-meet-child   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/w8-distributing-recalls-jade-bloom-wintergreen-and-birch-sweet-essential-oils-due-to   #recall #essentialoils,  #childsafe recall, essentialoils, childsafe

Indoor CoVid Transmission Predominately Via Surfaces Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/RzSesPsN54o   If you are in a room with a CoVid19 carrier, asymptomatic and unaware of their infection, you are more likely to contract the virus from surfaces than from the air.  Israeli biomathematicians draw this conclusion from theie mathematical models of viral transmission through the air versus surface-hand-face transfer.   Using real life data, the investigators estimate that 60-80% of virus is transmitted via direct contact, 20-40% is transmitted via indirect contact with contaminated surfaces, and less than 1% via the air.   This data predicts that the combination of frequent hand washing, avoiding direct physical contact, and periodic surface disinfection will reduce the risk of person-to-person viral transmission by 85%.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.12.20099085v1.full.pdf   #covid #pandemic #transmission #droplets #aerosols #fomites