Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/W3W5E-7jIng   Ok college students!  Looking to bump up your GPA?  Get yourself signed up for intramural sports ASAP!   A study of some 1800 Michigan State University freshmen revealed that those playing intramural sports earned a GPA average of 3.25 compared with the 3.07 GPA earned by the couch potatoes.  In addition, the data revealed that the athletes were less likely to drop of fail a course and were 40% more likely to advance and become sophomores during their second year at MSU.  The students in each group were matched by high school GPA, gender, race, socioeconomic status, and legacy status.   Lest you think that more extracurriculars were better, the study reported that between 4 to 6 was the ideal number.   Kerri L. Vasold, Lauren E. Kosowski, James M. Pivarnik. Academic Success and 1 Year of Intramural Sports Participation by Freshmen Students. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 2019; 152102511983300 DOI: 10.1177/1521025119833000   #intr

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/wZQQnmJFsVg   Meditation is designed to relax you, but a new study from University College London finds that one in every four persons who regularly meditates experiences a decidedly unpleasant experience on a regular basis. The investigators surveyed more than 1200 persons who had regularly meditated for at least 2 months.   The unpleasant experiences included anxiety, fear, distorted emotions or thoughts, and an altered sense of self or the world.  Those most likely to have negative meditation experiences were those subjects who had been at a meditation retreat, those practicing deconstructive meditation, and those without deep religious beliefs.  Bad meditation trips were slightly more likely for men than women.   Meditation can have very positive effects.  Just be aware, though, that it may trigger negative sensations so buyer beware!   Marco Schlosser, Terje Sparby, Sebastjan Vörös, Rebecca Jones, Natalie L. Marchant. Unpleasant meditation-related experiences in regular meditat

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/yh5X7CmCtIo   Here’s a quickie exercise routine that can lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart attack, boost your fitness, and sharpen your brainpower.  The best part is that there is no weight lifting, jogging, or sweating involved.   Integrative physiologists at the University of Colorado reported to the recent Experimental Biology scientific meeting that exercising your muscles of breathing just 5 minutes a day with an inhalation device that can vary the resistance you breathe against has all of these beneficial effects.   Inhalation exercise devices are available on Amazon for $30 to $50.  You may want to try using this so-called Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST) using your blood pressure and level of fitness for aerobic exercise as outcome measures to see how it is working for you.   Buffing up your respiratory muscles is a wonderful idea, but it is no substitute for consistent, aerobic exercise.  I highly recommend stationary recumbent cycling as a f

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/NtEvwL4EC2A   Tired of shelling out 3 bucks for that Starbucks Latte?  You might just derive some of the same emotional and psychological effect by looking at a picture of it.   Management researchers at the University of Toronto’s Rotman Management School studied responses to seeing even glimpses of coffee-related images.  Called priming, such images caused the subjects to think more precisely and to sense a shorter than actual time scale loosely mimicking the effects of caffeine.   The effect was definitely stronger in Westerners for whom coffee has a strong tradition than it was for those accustomed to Eastern culture and drinking tea.     This priming effect apparently also works for fast food logos.  Seeing them prevented viewers from relaxing and enjoying a pleasurable experience.   Eugene Y. Chan, Sam J. Maglio. Coffee cues elevate arousal and reduce level of construal. Consciousness and Cognition, 2019; 70: 57 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2019.02.007   #coffee #caffeine #priming

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/nabOsHgxA2o   Using whitening strips to wipe away those coffee and nicotine stains from your dental enamel makes your teeth sparkle.  But…..the chemical reactions that occur beneath the surface could trigger a time bomb.     This warning comes from biochemical studies at New Jersey’s Stockton University that were presented last week to the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.   All commercial whitening strips contain hydrogen peroxide.  After it whitens the surface enamel, the peroxide penetrates deeper into the protein-rich dentin layer that makes up most of your tooth.  These new studies show the that hydrogen peroxide fragments the dentin collagen explaining why previous studies detected a diminution in the total amount of dentin collagen present.  The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the whitening strips is sufficient to totally destroy the dentin collagen.   There are no studies to indicate whether dentin collagen can regenerate.  Until such informati

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/GJhARotY-eA   The drugs in question are those that make men’s urine flow and their hair grow.  Many men take finasteride, better known as Proscar and Propecia, to shrink their prostates to improve urine flow and others take the same medicine help hair grow on their scalps.     A new study from Scotland’s University of Edinburgh reveals that this drug and its cousin dutasteride (Avodart), technically known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, can make the body less sensitive to insulin and induce type 2 diabetes.   The investigators reviewed health records from 55,000 men in the UK each of whom been taking these drugs over an 11 year period.  They discovered that this drug increases a man’s chances of developing diabetes by about 33%.   Finasteride and dutasteride are effective and popular.  Experts agree that these medications may be continued, but they add the sound medical advice that dictates close followup and surveillance of the users carbohydrate handling capabilities.  In simple

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/NwKq2m-UO5g   Walnuts can suppress the expression of genes in breast cancers.  In so doing, the nuts may be able stop breast cancer from growing locally and and spreading.   Oncologist researchers from Marshall University just published a study in the journal Nutrition Research that conclusively demonstrates in both women with breast cancer and in a mouse model injected with human breast cancer cells that consuming walnuts daily throws a logjam into the tumor cells’ metabolism.  The human subjects ate 2 ounces of walnuts for 2-3 weeks between their diagnostic biopsies and definitive surgery.  The mice consumed an equivalent amount.     The results show that walnuts affect the expression of some 456 breast cancer cell genes that in turn inhibit cell proliferation, reduce cell vitality, and promote cell destruction.  Studies are now underway enrolling larger groups of patients to prove that walnuts and their anti-oxidative prowess can indeed stop breast cancers in their tracks and p

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/NPBkkWqpwwI   Pregnant women with long work commutes may are more likely to experience a slow fetal growth rate and to deliver a low birth weight baby.  Health economists at Lehigh University drew this conclusion from New Jersey birth records and information about the lengths of the  associated maternal commutes.   Each 10 miles of commuting distance over a 50 mile threshold increased the probability of intrauterine growth restriction by 43% and the probability of a low birth weight infant by 14%.  The increased risk was calculated using control mothers with a 10 mile or less commute.   So women commuting 80 miles a day would have a 42% higher risk of giving birth to a low birth weight infant.     The researchers found that the adverse affects on the fetus occur due to commute-induced chronic maternal stress and, of even more importance, less prenatal care due to limited time.   Many of the women with long commutes had delayed prenatal care or none at all.   This information sugge

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/zwMQ2lSmOYI   Contigo has voluntarily recalled its kids cleanable water bottle.  The clear silicone spout on the bottle may detach and create a choking hazard.  Stop using this product and call the company at 1-888-262-0622   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/contigo-reannounces-recall-of-5-7-million-kids-water-bottles-due-to-choking-hazard   #recall #contigo #waterbottle #choking  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/jpybQ3Mv85A   Fatalities associated with infants sleeping inclined has led to recall of all such devices that facilitate inclined sleeping.  This is one of them.   Parents should stop using the inclined sleeper accessory and contact the company for a refund or gift voucher.  Go on www.kolcraft.com or call 1-800-453-7673.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/kolcraft-recalls-inclined-sleeper-accessory-included-with-cuddle-n-care-and-preferred   #recall #kolcraft #bassinet #inclinesleeper  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/m5ov84m4rOw   This holster has a design flaw that allows the safety latch on the weapon to be accidentally disabled.  The weapon can then fire indiscriminately with disaster outs results.     This holster is designed to carry the Browning 1911-380 and 1911-22 pistols.   Stop using this holster and call the company at 1-800-945-5372 to obtain a replacement.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/browning-recalls-pistol-holsters-due-to-injury-hazard   #recall #browning #holster #pistol  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/WH-Mgs6TIWo Macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin, Zithromax, and clarithromycin, if taken during the first trimester, can trigger major cardiovascular malformations in a baby.  A just published British study reviewed a national database of 100,000 children.   Those women who took one course of macrolide antibiotic during their first 3 months of pregnancy were 1.5 times more likely to have fetal heart malformations and 1.6 times more likely to have genital problems when compared to those prescribed penicillin antibiotics.  Although macrolides produced  no increased risk for heart problems later in pregnancy, risk of genital malformations remained.   If you’re pregnant, avoid all medications during the first trimester but these macrolide antibiotics until after you deliver.    Fan Heng, Gilbert Ruth, O’Callaghan Finbar, Li Leah. Associations between macrolide antibiotics prescribing during pregnancy and adverse child outcomes in the UK: population based cohort study BMJ 2020; 368

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/gtAVS7YgiuE   Saratoga Potato Chips is voluntarily recalling Kroger Sweet & Mesquite BBQ Potato Chips.   They may contain undeclared milk..  There is a risk of a life-threatening reaction if you have a milk allergy.  Sold in Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin.  This came to light when some consumers found cheddar cheese flavored chips in this product.  Return this product to your point of purchase at Kroger, Mariano’s, Roundy’s stores.  Contact company at 1-905-669-6072 X 227.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/saratoga-potato-chips-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-kroger-sweet-mesquite-bbq-potato   #recall #potatochips #milk #kroger  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/bU_zL3FqcRU Teleflex Medical has been compelled by the FDA to recall four Comfort Flo Humidification System Nebulizer Kits.   The kit for the standard unit, the unit with a remote temperature port, the corrugated humification system, and the corrugated system with the remote temperature port.  This system is used for children and adults to provide heated, humidified air.  These units are dangerous since there is a risk of water entering directly into the nose and lungs of the patient.  There have been 102 complaints and 8 injuries.  Do not use these products. If you as a patient have one of these, you can contact the company at Teleflex Customer Service at 1-866-396-2111. \ https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-recalls/teleflex-medical-recalls-comfort-flo-humidification-systems-due-malfunction-may-cause-water-enter   #recall #humidifier  

• Vaccines overall 45% effective overall.  50% effective against influenza B.  55% effective in kids.   https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6907a1.htm   #influenza #vaccine  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/k7UKYmubi4c   Bloomberg News: As of 2/21/2020, 2:15 PM: Infected: 77,264 Deaths: 2250. Alternative name for CoVid-19: SARS-CoV-2.  South Asian Respiratory Syndrome due to a second coronavirus. %age critically ill from the disease in Wuhan has dropped from 38% to 18%.  Most patients have mild disease with only 20% progressing to severe disease. $  CoVid-19 a stronger virus than expected: transmissibility number of 3.28, higher than the WHO estimate of 1.4 to 2.5. Infected persons have more coronavirus in their noses than in their throats.     https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-nhc/new-coronavirus-is-preventable-and-treatable-china-health-official-idUSKBN20B0PV?il=0   https://www.mdlinx.com/infectious-disease/top-medical-news/article/2020/02/17/7608944/   https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30308-1/fulltext   https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/publichealth/84988   #covid19 #coronavirus  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/ccc7HI9g-gE   One breast milk oligosaccaride, thats a complex sugar named 2FL, appears to be the driver for better brain development in new babies. It works best the earlier it’s ingested.    Pediatricians at UC-San Diego and Children’s Hospital-LA studied 50 mother-baby pairs analyzing breast milk composition, feeding patterns, and cognitive development at 24 months.     Higher levels of the human milk oligosaccaride 2FL in breast milk at one month were associated with enhanced neurodevelopment.   Higher levels of this sugar at 6 months had no such effect.   2FL has been synthesized and is now used to enrich baby formula.  Breast milk is best, but do make sure your child receives it.    Paige K. Berger, Jasmine F. Plows, Roshonda B. Jones, Tanya L. Alderete, Chloe Yonemitsu, Marie Poulsen, Ji Hoon Ryoo, Bradley S. Peterson, Lars Bode, Michael I. Goran. Human milk oligosaccharide 2’-fucosyllactose links feedings at 1 month to cognitive development at 24 months in infants of normal

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/5rTC9x7Rics   Female nurses are nearly 40% more likely to die of suicide than women in the general population.  The rate for male nurses is half that but still worrisome.  Several just published studies from UC-San Diego reviewed more than 154,000 records from the CDCs National Violent Death Database.   The overwhelming drivers for nurse suicide are job-related stress, burnout, and depression.  The causes: over-regulation and digital paperwork, overbearing managers, violent patients and their visitors, and inadequate staffing.   We need nurses to effectively and affectionately deliver quality individual health care and community preventive efforts.  Be kind and grateful to your family’s nurses.  Help them demand support from indifferent hospital and healthcare system bosses.    Davidson, J.E., Proudfoot, J., Lee, K., Terterian, G. and Zisook, S. (2020), A Longitudinal Analysis of Nurse Suicide in the United States (2005–2016) With Recommendations for Action. Worldviews on Evidence

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/_BuvLprMqjg   When blood pressures first rise, guidelines tell doctors to prescribe chlorthalidone.  A just published multi-site study from Columbia, Cornell, Yale, and UCLA warns that drug is not the safest choice.   Comparing the outcomes of chlorthalidone with the more traditional anti-hypertensive hydrochlorthiazide in more than 730,000 treated patients, both drugs prevent heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke equally well.   But chlorthalidone has nasty side effects.  It increases the incidence of kidney failure by up to 37%, diabetes by 21%, sodium depletion by 31%, and critical potassium depletion more than 250%.   The investigators warn against routine use of chlorthalidone.  If you are taking it, speak with your doctors about an alternative.    Hripcsak G, Suchard MA, Shea S, et al. Comparison of Cardiovascular and Safety Outcomes of Chlorthalidone vs Hydrochlorothiazide to Treat Hypertension. JAMA Intern Med. Published online February 17, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamainternm

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/VXiQqpMRrxc   ResMed company has issued a compulsory recall of its Stellar 100 and 150 Non-invasive and Invasive Ventilators.  The sound alarm on the devices may not operate properly risking patient safety.     The alarm will not work if the ventilator plugged in with the power switch already on.   It should be plugged in with the switch off and then powered up.  The alarm will also not sound if the device has been stored without AC power for more than 1.5 days.   If you are a respiratory-dependent patient, obtain a different respirator from your home health supply.  If not, test the alarm by flipping the power switch.  Contact the company at 1-855-245-4640.   https://bit.ly/38IEwQj   #ventilator #resmed #stellar #alarm