Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

    Vidcast: https://youtu.be/NFAUtHE-P0I   Reporting from NYC, here are this weeks health news capsules as of January 26, 2020.   They include medical, health, and wellness news and urgent bulletins as well as recalls of drugs, medical devices.   Many thanks to the health news aggregators: ScienceDaily, Reuters, Medical News Today, Medical News Bulletin, MedScape, NewsMax Health, Medical Express, Insider Health, the FDA, and the CDC.   5 FDA RECALLS + One #Coronavirus Update #TapWater Is Poisoning You Revised #CDCVapingGuidelines #ClimateChange Unleashes New Germs And Triggers Heat-Related Deaths #23andMe In Financial Trouble #Flint Residents Can Sue State Over Water Contamination Dead #SpermDonors Good News: #Cigarette Smoking At An All-time Lo More Good News: Kids Having Fewer Sick Visits and More Well Checks  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/qvb61MWakWM   Not one of the 12 tests routinely ordered by big ticket executive screening programs at top US cardiology programs are recommended for generally healthy individuals by specialty societies or the US Preventive Services Task Force.  A review of such programs by cardiologists at Washington University and St. Louis Schools of Medicine.   These programs are cash cows for the hospitals.  They charge from about $1,000 to 25 times that amount, and most insurance plans won't cover a penny.  The unnecessary testing including extensive lipid panels, cardiac stress tests, and heart CT scans that keep hospital facilities full and profitable.   Even if you can afford it, don’t be a sucker.   Ge A, Brown DL. Assessment of Cardiovascular Diagnostic Tests and Procedures Offered in Executive Screening Programs at Top-Ranked Cardiology Hospitals. JAMA Intern Med. Published online January 13, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.6607   #executivehealth #cardiacscreening  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/wcpzB6nzRZo   Almost 90 percent of in-vitro fertilization clinics fail to report complete outcome information as they are required to do by the Society For Assisted Reproductive Technology.  This according to a unpublished Brown University study presented to the IVF scientific meetings last October.   The researchers reviewed 361 IVF clinic websites looking for advertising policy adherence. One-third of the sites violated the rule prohibiting success rate reporting and half fail to publish up-to-date data.  Only 46% linked to the Society’s comprehensive database as they are required to do.   It’s apparent that better society monitoring is needed to protect unsuspecting infertile couples desperate for a child.  Meanwhile, buyer beware!   https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/921970   #ivf #infertility #falseadvertising  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/JUoQWSUNjuA   Moderate intensity aerobic exercise improves your working memory in a manner similar to caffeine.   Exercise physiologists from Canada’s Western University and the University of British Columbia tested 59 participants half of whom never drank caffeine and half of whom drank it regularly   A 20 minute session of moderate aerobic exercise on a treadmill conferred a statistically similar working memory benefit as a cup of regular coffee for non-drinkers. For regular coffee drinkers, adding exercise triggered even greater accuracy improvements.     Exercise also curtailed caffeine withdrawal symptoms in those regular consumers who were deprived of their java.    Aerobic exertion improves brain function by boosting blood flow to these vital tissues.  Do it often!   Morava, A., Fagan, M.J. & Prapavessis, H. Effects of Caffeine and Acute Aerobic Exercise on Working Memory and Caffeine Withdrawal. Sci Rep 9, 19644 (2019) doi:10.1038/s41598-019-56251-y   #exercise #caffei

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/I2f5U8Bykww   In a 2015 Harris poll, $ over 71% of parents thought tats were ok for pediatricians, 51% of millennials approved for any doctor, but only 35% of all adults felt comfortable with tattoos.     In a Hawaiian study the same year, more than half of the respondents expressed less confidence in doctors with tats or piercings.     A 2018 study of more than 900 emergency room patients suggested that patient confidence was unaffected by tattoos.     A November 2019 Medscape poll of doc, nurses, and pharmacists showed a 60% approval of tats.   What do you think?  To respond, comment on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, TicToc, Facebook, or LinkedIn.  I’ll tabulate the results and let you know.   Harris poll: https://bit.ly/2Rwkst6 Hawaiian study: https://doi.org/10.1177/0009922815616889 Emergency Room study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29967212 Medscape: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/923527   #tattoos #piercings #doctors #nurses  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/tcETWj5cQ8g   Keeping the surgeon’s knife away from your prostate in favor or using radiotherapy improves your sexual function by up to 15 % and your urine control by up to 23%.  These stats come from multi-site study of nearly 2000 men was just published in JAMA.   Groups with potentially operable prostate cancer received either watchful waiting, nerve-sparing prostate removal, or external beam radiation. After 5 years, those with better behaved tumors had better urinary, sexual, and bowel function after radiotherapy than surgery.  Even those with more aggressive tumors enjoyed better urinary and sexual performance after radiation than surgery.   Proton beams seem even better than conventional radiation.  Avoid surgery if possible.   Hoffman KE, Penson DF, Zhao Z, et al. Patient-Reported Outcomes Through 5 Years for Active Surveillance, Surgery, Brachytherapy, or External Beam Radiation With or Without Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer. JAMA. 2020;323(2):

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Tn9a1v9C038   Wolfing down 2-3 ounces of walnuts a day is an excellent way to improve your gut microbiome and keep your heart healthy.  This from nutrition researchers at Penn State.   They studied 42 overweight or obese middle aged subjects and replaced the saturated fats in their diets with either vegetable oils or good ol’ walnuts.  When their fecal samples were analyzed, the walnut eaters enjoyed a significant increase in good gastrointestinal bacteria including eubacterium eligens and lachnospiraceae.  The Eu bug normalizes blood pressure while the lach bug drops your blood pressure and cholesterol.   Walnuts won’t neutralize a pile of burgers and donuts.  They do make a heart healthy snacks so crack a can.   Alyssa M Tindall, Christopher J McLimans, Kristina S Petersen, Penny M Kris-Etherton, Regina Lamendella. Walnuts and Vegetable Oils Containing Oleic Acid Differentially Affect the Gut Microbiota and Associations with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Follow-up of a Randomized

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/ZA_KBqj9bAo   Tobacco smoke from a hookah apparatus causes blood to clot 11 times faster than normal.  A University of Texas-El Paso mouse study measured the effects on blood of hookah smoking that mimicked human exposures.   Fired by the usual charcoal, the hookah burned commercially-available, flavored tobacco the also included glycerin and molasses.   Platelet function was hyperactive and blood clotted in just 11 seconds in smoking mice versus 5 minutes which is typical for humans too.   Hookah smoking is on the rise due to a false perception that it is safer than cigarettes or vaping.   Hookah smoke is very toxic containing not only concentrated tobacco fumes but also organic charcoal carcinogens.   Ahmed B. Alarabi, Zubair A. Karim, Jean E. Montes Ramirez, Keziah R. Hernandez, Patricia A. Lozano, José O. Rivera, Fatima Z. Alshbool, Fadi T. Khasawneh. Short-Term Exposure to Waterpipe/Hookah Smoke Triggers a Hyperactive Platelet Activation State and Increases the Risk of Thromb

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/toWjhCqTov8   Body art is becoming increasingly popular and acceptable.  Even doctors and nurses, once forbidden by hospitals to have exposed tattoos or piercings, are decorating.  Younger patients seem to love it.   The dark sides to tattooing, body piecing, skin implants, earlobe stretching, scarification, and tongue splitting are infections, scarring, and allergies.     Local infection from contaminated instruments or materials are readily treatable, but it can cause scars and require removal of the implanted materials.  More deadly, the infection can spread to your heart valves and to your brain.     Decorations can trigger excessive scarring or keloids particularly common in people of color.  Certain jewelry, usually cheaper, silver-plated nickel, can induce a nasty skin allergies.  Beware!   https://reference.medscape.com/slideshow/bodymodifications-6006954    #piercings #tattoos #implants #bodydecoration  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/8G5yKjJ9gPU   A half hour of bright blue light every morning can help recovery from a mild traumatic brain injury.  A University of Arizona study of 32 victims who suffered head injuries was just published in the journal Neurobiology of Disease.   Just 6 weeks of 30 minute morning blue light sessions normalized flawed sleep patterns that occur after brain injury, and, in turn, improved the participants thought processing.  Amber light had no such positive effects.  Blue light suppresses melatonin triggering greater mental energy during the day and more restful sleep at night.  Both improve recovery following mild TBIs.   If you have had a head injury or have sleep problems, you should try morning blue light.    William D.S. Killgore, John R. Vanuk, Bradley R. Shane, Mareen Weber, Sahil Bajaj. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of blue wavelength light exposure on sleep and recovery of brain structure, function, and cognition following mild traumatic brain injury.

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/3P0NhdAFtBs   Guys obsessed finding the next men’s room are helped by behavioral therapy as much as by drugs.  A multisite study, just published in JAMA Internal Medicine, studied  204 men with jittery bladders who literally hit the urinals 9 times a day or more   Those men completing mind control studies teaching them to suppress their urges to go, tone their pelvic muscles, and wait longer and longer before “opening their urinary faucets” improved their voiding pattern after only 6 weeks by almost 25% (24.7%).  Those on drugs alone only improved 13% while those on mind control and drugs did only 5% better than without the drugs.   Use your mind..save your money.   Burgio KL, Kraus SR, Johnson TM, et al. Effectiveness of Combined Behavioral and Drug Therapy for Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Men: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. Published online January 13, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.6398   #urgency #frequency #mindcontrol

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/mFT9bvU8Zng   Drugs in the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) family negatively impact the memory and thought processing of breast cancer survivors by a factor of 20 to nearly 30%.  This the conclusion of an Ohio State University behavioral medicine study of some 88 patients.   PPI users reported 20% more difficulties concentrating and 28% more impaired memory.  Users of these drugs including Prevacid, Nexium, and Prilosec, all available over-the-counter, complained about lower quality of life and day-to-day problem solving difficulties.   The FDA only approved PPIs for short-term use.  Breast cancer survivors and all of use should minimize their use.  Don’t forget the safe alternative: good old antacid Tums.   Annelise A. Madison, Alex Woody, Brittney Bailey, Maryam B. Lustberg, Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy, Robert Wesolowski, Nicole Williams, Raquel Reinbolt, Jeffrey B. VanDeusen, Sagar Sardesai, William B. Malarkey, Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser. Cognitive problems of breast cancer survivors on

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/SBiSuettNcg   America’s favorite edible oil, known to drive obesity, fatty livers, and diabetes, now appears to negatively impact a key brain center.  Molecular biologists at UC-Riverside report their latest mouse model studies of soybean oil, frequently used to fry fast foods and nourish livestock.   The oil interferes with critical gene actions in the hypothalamus that control body temperature, body weight, and reproduction.  Soybean oil reduces production of oxytocin, the hormone involved in social interactions, reproduction, and parental-baby bonding.   Other soy products including soy sauce, soy milk, tofu, and edamame are not implicated.  Until we know more, don’t buy or use soybean oil and question the restaurants you frequent about which cooking oil they use.   Poonamjot Deol, Elena Kozlova, Matthew Valdez, Catherine Ho, Ei-Wen Yang, Holly Richardson, Gwendolyn Gonzalez, Edward Truong, Jack Reid, Joseph Valdez, Jonathan R Deans, Jose Martinez-Lomeli, Jane R Evans, Tao Jian

    Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/jUevWu4tDsQ   Reporting from NYC, here are this weeks health news capsules as of January 19, 2020.   They include medical, health, and wellness news and urgent bulletins as well as recalls of drugs, medical devices.   Many thanks to the health news aggregators: ScienceDaily, Reuters, Medical News Today, Medical News Bulletin, MedScape, NewsMax Health, Medical Express, Insider Health, the FDA, and the CDC.   RECALLS: Yes To Inc. Issues a voluntary recall of GRAPEFRUIT VITAMIN C GLOW BOOSTING UNICORN PAPER MASK due to skin irritation; -Lipari Foods has a voluntary recall on Premo and Fresh Grab Sandwiches due to Listeria contamination.    Here’s the NEWS: Weight Loss Drug #Belviq (#Lorcaserin) Linked to Cancer US Coronavirus Screening #Women’s Blood Vessels Age Faster Than Men’s #ClinicalTrial Sponsors Failing To Report Negative Results Teen Heavy# Marijuana Use Predicts Poor #Driving Your #Fitbit Can Predict #Flu Epidemics #FishOilSupplements Help Male #Fertility Supreme Court To

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/-WNqh7g7GLc   Regularly eating hot peppers reduces deaths due to cardiovascular disease by over 40% and deaths from strokes by over 60%.  An Italian study just published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology followed nearly 23,000 men and women tabulating their eating habits and serious disease over more than an 8 year follow up.   Chili pepper eaters had 61% fewer stroke deaths, 44% fewer heart attack deaths, and 33% fewer deaths from any cause.  Despite these very positive findings, the researchers dissuade us from wolfing down hot chili peppers or pouring tabasco sauce on all our food.   Instead, they urge us to adopt the predominately plant-based low-fat Mediterranean diet.   Marialaura Bonaccio, Augusto Di Castelnuovo, Simona Costanzo, Emilia Ruggiero, Amalia De Curtis, Mariarosaria Persichillo, Claudio Tabolacci, Francesco Facchiano, Chiara Cerletti, Maria Benedetta Donati, Giovanni de Gaetano, Licia Iacoviello, on behalf of the Moli-sani Study Investigators J

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/FmLGGpsgAGU   Focused protons kill cancers with fewer side effects and unplanned hospitalizations to treat complications.  A new study from the University of Pennsylvania reviewed data on nearly 1500 cancer patients with a variety of tumors undergoing simultaneous radiation and chemotherapy.   Those receiving proton beam suffered 42% fewer side effects and two-thirds less severe toxicity than those given external beam radiation.  Of most importance, both groups experienced similar disease-free and overall survivals.   If you’re a cancer patient facing radiotherapy, don’t be afraid to ask your doctors whether proton beam would be an appropriate alternative to conventional external beam radiation.  If your local facility doesn’t offer it, try to find another close by that does.   https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/12/191226134054.htm    #Protonbeam #externalbeam #radiationtherapy  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/_0E5ElQsAbQ   Mindfulness training with a smartphone app can effectively suppress a conditioned fear reaction.  A Scandinavian collaborative study of 26 predominately female subjects 35 yrs of age on average employed the Headspace meditation app to deliver mindfulness exercises.   The experimental fear trigger was a mild electric shock in association with an associated image.  Fear was measured by induced sweat.   Those participants finishing the mindfulness training effectively extinguished their fears.  The controls did not.   Fear is a leading cause of human immobilization.  Many fail to achieve because they are afraid to try.  The Headspace mindfulness app is readily available on the Apple and Android app stores.  This study suggests it can suppress your fears and unlock your potential.   Björkstrand, J., Schiller, D., Li, J. et al. The effect of mindfulness training on extinction retention. Sci Rep 9, 19896 (2019) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-56167-7   #fear #mi

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/vFZPVymQHhU   Loneliness is one of the big three that will kill you.  The other two are smoking and obesity.  A newly published study from UC-San Diego outlines the causes and cures for loneliness.   The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 30 older adults, and pinpointed 2 causes of loneliness and one effective remedy.  Loss is the primary trigger for loneliness.  Loss of family, friends, a job all take a toll.  Then, the loneliness is exacerbated by a lack of purpose in life.   The chief cure is perspective and the wisdom to focus on new friends and pursuits.  Bond with new allies and begin activities to help others, and you’ll never be lonely at any age.    Alejandra Morlett Paredes, Ellen E. Lee, Lisa Chik, Saumya Gupta, Barton W. Palmer, Lawrence A. Palinkas, Ho-Cheol Kim, Dilip V. Jeste. Qualitative study of loneliness in a senior housing community: the importance of wisdom and other coping strategies. Aging & Mental Health, 2020; 1 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2019.1

  Vidcast:   https://youtu.be/cpOEm4MaL74   Look no further than the corner convenience store for the cause of an obesity wave now sweeping our nation killing boomers and millennials.  A George Washington University review article now reports the causes.   Highly processed meats, snacks, and desserts contain emulsifiers that harm gut bacteria, raise blood sugar, and cause overeating.  Real food including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables support normal metabolism.  As a result, those consuming Mediterranean-style diets live longer.   Improve your chances for a healthy life by consuming fresh produce with an emphasis on that which is plant-based.  Skip convenience stores and shop the supermarket periphery rather than the processed food-laden aisles.   Janese Laster, Leigh A. Frame. Beyond the Calories—Is the Problem in the Processing? Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology, 2019; 17 (4): 577 DOI: 10.1007/s11938-019-00246-1   #processedfood #obesity #conveniencestore #emulsifiers  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/QqBcMTR5v4E   Those with increased exposures to urban air pollution in the form of nitrogen dioxide are a greater risk for developing schizophrenia.  This conclusion comes from a Danish study of more than 23,000 men and women just published in JAMA Network Open.   Those children exposed to higher levels of air pollution from birth to 10 years of age were significantly more likely to develop develop schizophrenia later in life.  Their predisposition was only mildly impacted by a genetic history.   Cancer, suffocating lung disease, and nasty infections already top the list of adverse consequences we face when we disrespect Mother Earth.  Now we should add mental illness to that list and vigorously protect our environment.   Horsdal HT, Agerbo E, McGrath JJ, et al. Association of Childhood Exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide and Polygenic Risk Score for Schizophrenia With the Risk of Developing Schizophrenia. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(11):e1914401. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.14401   #sch