Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/c35S05K_eIY   Those carrying certain genetic variants have a 2.5 fold higher risk of developing thyroid cancer.  This from a Yale study of more than 900 subjects half of whom had developed thyroid cancer.   In those with 4 particular genetic variants, the risk of developing thyroid cancer was proportional to cell phone use.  The study did use data from 2010 to 2011 when more smartphone users were phoning than texting or web surfing.  Other studies, though, have linked cell phones to brain cancer.   Routine testing won’t reveal if you are genetically susceptible, so keep your handset away from your head by using wired earphones when phoning regularly.    Jiajun Luo, Hang Li, Nicole C. Deziel, Huang Huang, Nan Zhao, Shuangge Ma, Xin Ni, Robert Udelsman, Yawei Zhang. Genetic susceptibility may modify the association between cell phone use and thyroid cancer: A population-based case-control study in Connecticut. Environmental Research, 2020; 182: 109013 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.1090

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/q51DURWmSY8   Those high velocity blowers that force streams of warm air onto your hands release 23 times more germs into the air you’re breathing than paper towels.  Now this study was published 2 years ago, but it’s critical now as we face the CoVid-19 pandemic.   The British researchers also found that the airborne bacteria remain aloft for up to 15 minutes and that the driers and other surfaces are covered with deadly bacteria including antibiotic-resistant MRSA.   How to protect yourself?  Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before drying.  That’s Happy Birthday twice.  Minimize breathing while in the bathroom.  Use paper towels if you can.  Avoid touching surfaces after you wash.    E.BestaP. ParnellaJ. CouturierbF. BarbutbA, etal. Environmental contamination by bacteria in hospital washrooms according to hand-drying method: a multi-centre study.  Journal of Hospital Infection. Volume 100, Issue 4, December 2018, Pages 469-475.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2018

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/CScRRgmfaDA Walking ten thousand steps a day, the so-called gold standard for good health, will not prevent first year college students from piling on those pounds.  Exercise scientists at Utah’s Brigham Young University studied 92 young women during their first 6 months of college.   Taking nearly 11,000, 13,000 or even 14,000 steps a day did not prevent weight gains of 7 up to 13 pounds for the freshman year.  There was no correlation between steps and weight gain.    The secret to weight loss is simple: burn more calories than you consume, and make sure you’re not biking or running to the donut shop.    Bruce W. Bailey, Ciera L. Bartholomew, Caleb Summerhays, Landon Deru, Sharla Compton, Larry A Tucker, James D. LeCheminant, Joseph Hicks. The Impact of Step Recommendations on Body Composition and Physical Activity Patterns in College Freshman Women: A Randomized Trial. Journal of Obesity, 2019; 2019: 1 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4036825   #steps #exercise #freshman #college

Fanim Industries is recalling is Harbor Breeze Santa Ana Ceiling Fan due to an injury hazard.  The blade holders can break permitting the blade to be ejected from the fan.  Stop using the fan and contact company for replacement blades at 1-888-434-3797.   #recall #fan #ceilingfan 

Textron Specialized Vehicles is recalling Gas-powered Gold, PTV, Utility, and Shuttle Off-Road vehicles.  The starter generator wire can come in contact with the vehicle’s exhaust creating a fire hazard.  Stop using the vehicle and contact company for a free repair.  1-888-525-6040.   #recall #textron #offroad

Yamaha Golf Cars, Carts are being recalled due to defective front wheel hubs. These can crack permitting the front wheels to detach posing a crash hazard.  Stop using the cart and contact your dealer for a free repair.  Yamaha may be contacting you.  More info: 1-866-747-4027.   #recall #yamaha #golfcart 

Family Traditions Meat Company is recalling its ready to eat beef stick product Arcadia MEATS SMOKED BEEF STICKS ORIGINAL due to an undeclared milk allergen.  Return the product to point of purchase or call company at 1-641-847-8116.   #recall #milk #beefsticks

New Seasons Market is recalling its Grab ‘N Go Vegetarian Lasagna with Gluten-free Pasta due to the presence of an undeclared soy allergen.  Dispose of the product, return it to the point of purchase, or contact the company via email, talktous@newseasonmarket.com.   #recall #lasagna #soy #pasta

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/n2nhVcbEieA   The virus and its pandemic has been renamed by WHO: CoViD-19. Co for Corona Vi for Virus D for disease 19 for 2019 when it began. Numbers of infected, hospitalized, and perished continues to rise quickly.  Get the latest stats from Bloomberg:  https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020-wuhan-novel-coronavirus-outbreak/ and bookmark the page. As of this recording, DATE: 2/15/2020, TIME: 8:30am ; ConfirmedCasesWorldwide: 67,175; DeathsWorldwide: 1527. 15 cases in US.  Largest cluster outside of China on the Diamond Princess docked in Japan with 218 cases. Chinese cases suddenly rose by 15,000 when medical authorities there began diagnosing the disease using lung CT rather than virologic blood ID. CoViD-19 death toll surpasses that due to SARS = 774. No vertical transmission mother to fetus seen in China. Best defense against CoVid-19 and the flu:  proper hand washing with soap and water.  How long should you wash.  At least 20 seconds.  That’s the Happy Birthday song tw

Nuts ‘N More is recalling its Plain Peanut Spread due to potential contamination with Listeria. Return the product to point of purchase or contact company at questionsl@nuts-n-more.com    #recall #peanut #bacteria

Corinthian Foods is recalling Uncooked Sweet Potato Crusted Alaska Pollock Nuggets due to mislabeling.  The package contains chicken nuggets rather than fish nuggets.  Return the product for a full refund or call the company at 1-912-634-0240   #recall #fish #chicken #mislabeled

Save A Lot is recalling Coburn Farms Sharp Yellow Cheddar Cheese, Cherry Juice-Infused Dried Cranberries & Roasted Sea Salted Cashew Snackers due to undeclared peanut allergens.  Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.  Contact company at 1-314-264-7868.    #crackers #snacks

McCormick & Co. is recalling its Sunny Select Au Jus Gravy Mix.  This product has unlabeled dairy allergen.  Return or Dispose of product and contact company at 1-800-632-5847.   #recall #gravy #dairy #allergy

Lotte International America Corp is recalling Chocopie, Original, Banana.  There is a small amount of almond in the product not so labeled.  The product does state it is “manufactured in a facility that also processes peanut and almond.  Return the product to point of purchase for refund. Questions to company at 1-213-688-8806.   #recall #almond #allergy #banana

Miss a Bay LLC is recalling Ready PAC®Bistro® Bowl Spinach Dijon Salad.  Problems are undeclared egg and wheat allergens.  Problems for egg allergic and gluten-sensitive individuals.  Affected salads have the lot code 255588007.  Return product for refund.  For info, call Mary Toscano at 1-800-800-7822.   #recall #salad #celiac #egg

Blendtopia Products, LLC is recalling its Superfood Smoothie Kits.  The smoothie blends affected: Glow, Detox, Energy, Immunity, and Strength.  These 7 ounce frozen treats are recalled due to potential contamination with Listeria.  To his organism can cause fatal infections in the very young, old, frail, or immunocompromised.  In the health, it triggers fever, severe headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea.  It can cause miscarriage and stillbirths in pregnant women.  Consumers should not use these products and return them or discard them.  Questions to 1-844-260-8181.  #recall #smoothie #listeria #frozentreats

Gourmet International and Butlers are recalling  IRISH WHISKEY DARK CHOCOLATE TABLET BAR because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious allergic reaction.  Return candy to point of purchase.  Questions to company at 1-800-875-5557.   #recall #candy #chocolate #allergy

Eisai Inc. is recalling Belviq (locaserin), a weight loss drug.  Last month, I reported that this medication had been linked to an increased incidence of pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancer.  Now it is being recalled and withdrawn.  Anyone taking locaserin should speak with their doctors about an alternative.  Dispose of the unused medication.  The FDA is not recommending special screening for patients that have taken the drug.  It does recommend that prescribers notify their patients and report adverse effects.   #dieting #cancer

FDA is compelling Medtronic to recall its MiniMed 600 Series Insulin Pumps.  This includes Models 630G and 670G and includes 342,205 devices.  The recall was initiated in November, 2019.  The reason for recalls is a missing or broken retainer ring the helps lock the insulin cartridge into place in the pump’s reservoir compartment.  If the cartridge is not properly locked in place, insulin may be under or over delivered.  There have been 26,421 complaints, 2,175 injuries, and 1 death.  Contact Medtronic Technical Support at 877-585-0166 for more info and device or part replacement.   #diabetes #insulin #insulinpump #recall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/vksM1_1l1UA   Taking the beta blocker metoprolol, Lopressor, along with aspirin for 6 weeks can prevent heart instability in association with enduring the loss of loved ones.  Australia’s University of Sydney studied 85 individuals within 2 weeks of their losses.   The treatment group received metoprolol 25 mg and aspirin 100 mg daily for 6 weeks.  The data showed that they had lower, more stable blood pressures and heart rates, less anxiety, and fewer depressive symptoms.  There were no side effects.   Death of family is a known trigger for heart disease.  This therapy will hopefully prevent additional tragedy as well as provide comfort to the bereaved.    Geoffrey H. Tofler et al. The effect of metoprolol and aspirin on cardiovascular risk in bereavement: A randomized controlled trial, American Heart Journal (2019). DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2019.11.003   #grieving #bereavement #death #heartdisease