Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
617-488-9699
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HealthNews RoundUp - 3rd Week of February 2023
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HEALTH REPORTS
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Ramen Bowls Burn Kids
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/xi_FXHNJduc
Nearly one one every three pediatric admissions for burns is due to scalding from a hot bowl of noodles. This from a University of Chicago review of 790 children under 18 years of age. The data showed that 31% of the burns were due to instant noodles, that those with ramen burns compared with those due to other causes were slightly older, 5.4 yrs vs 3.8 years, that boys were more often burned than girls, that black children were more likely to be injured than those in other racial groups, 91% vs 75%, and that unsupervised children were more often burned, 37% to 21%. If you plan to serve instant noodles to your kids, check the temperature and supervise the meal.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0305417923000050?via=ihub
#ramen #noodles #children #burns #africanamerican
ramen, noodles, children, burns, africanamerican
Calming With Screen Time Can Backfire
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/ITqI6Oe4AOs
Using smartphones and tablets to defuse kid’s emotions can prevent them from developing self-control. University of Michigan pediatricians studied 422 parent-preschool child pairs at baseline and over 6 months and found that those using electronic devices to pacify their emotions were most likely to lack age-appropriate executive functioning and to demonstrate excessive emotional reactivity. Bottom line: help your young children to directly address and manage situations that trigger their excessive emotions rather than distracting them with electronic sedation.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2799042
#children #smartphones #tablets #screentime #executivefunctions #emotions #selfcontrol
children, smartphones, tablets, screentime, executivefunctions, emotions, selfcontrol
Universal CoVid Neutralizing Antibodies
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/2cwnCL6mpS4
Nearly all of our existing anti-CoVid therapeutic antibodies lack the power to vanquish the latest Omicron subvariant XBB1.5. This scary reality has driven Australian researchers to find a class of antibody that reacts against sites on the CoVid spikes that are less likely to mutate. By using B-cell sorting on blood from recovered CoVid patients, they found and were able to generate quantities of 2 human antibodies that bind to such non-mutating sites. Both these antibodies effectively protected mice against CoVid challenges with a variety of variants and subvariants. This discovery and technology leads the way to creating more universally effective anti-CoVid antibody treatments.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-36295-5
#CoVid #antibodies #universal #subvariants #omicon
CoVid, antibodies, universal, subvariants, omicon
Almonds Help Kill Your Appetite
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/zXxr0RLNmfs
It’s that time of year when all of us think about fitting into that swim suit and showing our bodies on the beach. For most of us, shedding those extra pounds we put on during the holidays is challenging. To help us, Australian fitness and nutrition researchers recommend consistent consumption of almonds.
They studied 140 overweight subjects randomized to incorporate either almonds or extra carbs as 15% of their daily calories 6 days a week for 9 months. Their data showed that levels of appetite-stimulating hormones were 47% lower in those eating the almonds. Eating the nuts also led to a better output of hormones such as insulin that help with healthy metabolism of circulating sugars.
Nuts have been shown in other studies to promote additional energy expenditures aka burning off calories. Do keep in mind that almonds and other nuts have beneficial protein, fiber, and unsaturated fat contents.
As you plan on cutting down on your daily food consumption, consider replacing the remaining food with almonds.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00394-022-03027-2
#overweight #dieting #almonds #appetite
overweight, dieting, almonds, appetite
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FUTURE MED
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Magnetic Capsule Diagnoses GI Flow Problems
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/Q4aS9H35zoE
MIT and CalTech bioengineers have developed a tiny ingestible capsule the size of a quarter that can permit calculation of the speed and direction of gastrointestinal flow using magnetism. The capsule’s sensor calculates its position by determining its own distance from a magnetic source outside the body. This technology promises to help clinicians better understand and treat a variety of disorders including gastroparesis, that is pokey gastrointestinal flow, and the very familiar gastroesophageal reflux…..SOMEDAY SOON.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41928-023-00916-0
#gastrointestinal #gerd #gastroparesis #magnetic
gastrointestinal, gerd, gastroparesis, magnetic
Future Male Contraceptive Pill Temporarily Immobilizes Sperm
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/C-jzvdpkDyw
The propulsion mechanism that allows sperm to quickly wiggle their way up the female reproductive tract to a waiting egg requires a cellular signaling protein called soluble adenyl cyclase or sAC. Collaborators at New York’s Weill-Cornell, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, and The Rockefeller University have developed a sAC inhibitor labeled TDI-11861. In mouse experiments, this agent begins freezing sperm in their tracks within 30 minutes and continues effective for more than 21/2 hours. Work is underway to find similar human sAC inhibitors, perhaps longer-acting, for men to use…..SOMEDAY SOON.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/02/230214153913.htm
#contraception #sperm #solubleadenylcyclase #sAC #male
contraception, sperm, solubleadenylcyclase, sAC, male
==========================
BUSINESS OF HEALTH
==========================
Smartwatches and Wristbands Earn You Bucks
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/nr9kItISBKo
UnitedHealthcare announced a new program that could be worth $1000 a year in your pocket. The insurance giant’s rewards program pays subscribers who demonstrate more than 15 minutes of activity a day, walk more than 5,000 steps each day, and sleep track for at least 14 nights. The money flows to you via prepaid debit cards or a health savings account. The program is currently only available to those in fully-insured accounts. UnitedHealthcare through its employers clients pioneered this type of effort by previously giving Apple Watches to subscribers who then worked off the watch’s cost by proven fitness efforts. Now you have to buy your own devices.
https://www.mobihealthnews.com/news/unitedhealthcare-launches-rewards-program-focus-wearables
#fitness #rewards #unitedhealthcare #applewatch #fitbit #exercise #sleep
fitness, rewards, unitedhealthcare, applewatch, fitbit, exercise, sleep
Smart Patches Monitor Hospital Patients Better (And Cheaper)
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/M7nn0MdSjNQ
The Philips electronic company is working with a Dutch hospital to test a monitoring patch capable of transmitting patient data including heart and respiratory rates to the nursing station every 5 minutes. Taped to a patient’s chest upon admission to a unit, the self-powered device, which the Europeans quaintly call a plaster, frees up the nursing staff to perform other duties while guaranteeing a content stream of information and early warning signs of patient decline. The Philips patch also promises to serve the same important function in the home as home-based hospital units become increasingly popular. More on that in another report.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-smart-patch-time-consuming-nurses.html
#monitoring #patch #hospital #nursing #homecare #philips
monitoring, patch, hospital, nursing, homecare, philips
——————————-
Added Recalls
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KLIM Backcountry Avalanche Probes Fail To Deploy
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/JGbyOgc0RQk
The CPSC and KLIM now recall KLIM Backcountry Probes A300. These probes fail to operate properly when deployed by rescue teams attempting to recover victims buried under snow following an avalanche leading to severe injury or death of the trapped victims. About 3,930 of these probes were sold in the US and 400 were sold in Canada at KLIM and Polaris dealers nationwide. Immediately stop using these recalled probes and contact KLIM by email at orders@KLIM.com and enter “A300 Probe Recall” in the subject line to receive a full refund. KLIM will send you free shipping material and a pre-paid shipping label to return the probes. For additional information, contact KLIM at 1-844-325-1667.
#klim #avalanche #probe #malfunction #injury #death #recall
klim, avalanche, probe, malfunction, injury, death, recall
Mickey and Friends May Choke Your Child
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/Gq4Id8vB-ic\
The CPSC and Kids Preferred now recall “My First” Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, and Stitch Figurines. The arms and legs on these figurines may detach and create choking hazards for infants, toddlers, and very young children. About 16,140 were sold in the US and about 600 were sold in Canada at BuyBuy Baby and other toy, gift, and bookstores nationwide and online at amazon.com. Immediately take these recalled toys away from your kids and contact Kids Preferred at 1-888-968-9268 or by email at recall@kidspreferred.com for instructions on receiving a full refund. When you register for the recall, you will receive a pre-paid shipping label to return the product to the company for the refund.
#kidspreferred #myfirst #disney #characters #toys #foreignbodies #choking #recall
kidspreferred, myfirst, disney, characters, toys, foreignbodies, choking, recall
Paradise Grills Outdoor Kitchens May Explode
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/-RUBPr8T-5o
The CPSC and Paradise Grilling Systems are recalling Paradise Grills First Generation Outdoor Kitchens models GX-3, GX-4, GX-5, GX-6, GX-7, GX-8, GX-9, GX-10, GX-11, GX12, GX14, Tahiti, Fiji, Tropicana, Aruba 6 and Aruba 8. Liquid propane accumulates inside the closed lid and cabinets, causing an explosion when the user relights the grill. About 18,000 of these kitchens were sold at Paradise Grills showrooms and at home, boat and RV shows nationwide. Immediately discontinue use of these grills and contact Paradise Grills at 1-800-604-2023 or via email at safetynotice@paradisegrills.com to receive a stainless steel vent. Those in Florida, Texas, Georgia and Alabama can have the company install the vent. Those in other states, will receive installation instructions with the vent as well as reimbursement for the repair.
#paradisegrills #kitchens #propaneleak #explosion #burns #injuries #recall
paradisegrills, kitchens, propaneleak, explosion, burns, injuries, recall
Betsy & Lace Children’s Nightgowns Are Flammable
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/i6h20aicad8
The CPSC and the Betsy and Lace company are recalling Betsy & Lace Children’s Nightgowns. These garments do not meet federal flammability standards for children’s sleepware. About 90,550 nightgowns in various colors were sold only at betsyandlace.com. Do not allow your children to wear these nightgowns. Destroy the garments by cutting them in half and contact Betsy & Lace by email at hello@betsyandlace.com for more information about refunds.
#betsyandlace #nightgowns #children #flammability #burns #recall
betsyandlace, nightgowns, children, flammability, burns, recall
Hatley Children’s PJs and Headbands Burn and Poison
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/6HHSZipk0rI
The CPSC and Hatley USA are recalling Hatley Children’s pajamas and headbands. The pajamas fail to meet federal flammability safety standards for children’s sleepware and the headbands contain lead levels that exceed safe federal limits. Lead is a neurotoxin that is dangerous if ingested. About 7,640 pajamas and about 300 headbands were sold at Hatley Boutique, Out West Trading Co, and resort area gift shops nationwide. Stop allowing your children to wear these pjs and headbands. Destroy the pjs by cutting them in half and break the headbands. Take photos of the unwearable items and email it along with contact information to service@hatley.com for a full refund. For additional information, call Hatley at 1-800-667-5823 or via email at returns@hatley.com.
#hatley #pajamas #headbands #flammable #lead #burns #poison #recall
hatley, pajamas, headbands, flammable, lead, burns, poison, recall
Oaks Children’s Nightgowns Are Flammable
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/YpEF1eSOoW4
The CPSC and the Oaks Apparel Company are recalling Oaks Children’s Nightgowns. These garments do not meet federal flammability standards for children’s sleepware. About 320 nightgowns were sold at Oaks Apparel and children’s boutique stores nationwide and online at OaksApparel.com. Do not allow your children to wear these nightgowns. To receive a refund, destroy the nightgown by cutting it in half and email a photo of the cut garment and your contact info to jennifer@oaksapparel.com. For additional information about the recall, call the Oaks Apparel Company 1-888-332-0682.
#oaks #nightgowns #children #flammability #burns #recall
Oaks, nightgowns, children, flammability, burns, recall
Wicked Lights ScanPro Night Hunting Headlamps Overheat
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/-VKeLQUrxds
The CPSC and AllPredatorCalls.com now recall Wicked Lights ScanPro Night Hunting Headlamps. A short in the headlamp circuitry causes overheating, melting, and burns. About 12,000 of the headlamps were sold at Mahoning Valley Milling Co, Scheels, Texas Gun Shop and stores nationwide and online at AllPredatorCalls.com, BoondockOutdoors.com, EazyOutdoors.com, NightHuntingDepot,com and OpticsPlanet.com. Immediately stop using these recalled headlamps and contact AllPredatorCalls.com by phone at 1-888-826-9683 or via email at sales@allpredatorcalls.comf to receive a free replacement battery compartment with a safety power circuit.
#wicklights #headlamp #shortcircuit #overheating #burns #recall
wicklights, headlamp, shortcircuit, overheating, burns, recall
Linus E-Bikes Have Defective Steering
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/AScUVdZ8xeI
The CPSC and the Linus Bike company have recalled Linus Electric Bikes Ero500/Cesta500. The bicycle’s front fork may crack leading to steering difficulties, loss of control, crashes, and injuries to the rider and bystanders. About 430 bicycles were sold nationwide. Stop riding this bike and contact Linus at 1-800-615-1534 or via email at customerservice@linusbike.com to arrange a free front fork replacement.
#linus #ebike #frontfork #steering #injury #recall
linus, ebike, frontfork, steering, injury, recall
Bottled Frappaccino Has A Cutting Taste
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/o2wgIVvIRoo
The FDA, the Pepsi bottling company, and Starbucks are recalling Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccino in bottles. A total of 25,200 cases of the drink, that’s over 300,000 bottles, could be contaminated with glass fragments leading to cuts in mouth and entire gastrointestinal tract. The bottles, processed by the PepsiCo bottling company, that are recalled include those with expiration dates of 3/8/23, 5/29/23, 6/4/23, and 6/10/23. If you bought any of these, do not consume them. Return them to the place of purchase for a refund. For additional information, contact PepsiCo at 1-800-433-2652.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/index.cfm?Product=198322
#frappaccino #starbucks #pepsi #foreignbody #glass #laceration #recall
frappaccino, starbucks, pepsi, foreignbody, glass, laceration, recall
More Enoki Mushrooms Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/IyWsdiXXNyw
The FDA and Xin Ao International Group Corp. now recall Sss Enoki Mushrooms and K-Fresh Mushrooms. These products are contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium causes serious and sometimes deadly infections in the very young, in older, frail individuals, and in those with weakened immune systems. Listeria can also trigger miscarriages and stillbirths. The affected lots are #6953150100677 for the Sss Enokis and #4892742010234 for the K-Fresh enokis and both have an expiration date of 02/15/2023. Do not consume these mushrooms. Return these mushrooms to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, call the company at 1-908-260-3061.
#enoki #mushrooms #listeria #infection #recall
enoki, mushrooms, listeria, infection, recall
Favorite Day Milk Chocolate Covered Caramels with Nonpareils Have Nuts
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/T9qvZlT9HM8
The FDA and Silvestri Sweets Inc. have recalled Favorite Day Milk Chocolate Covered Caramels with Nonpareils. This candy contains undeclared tree nuts. Those with tree nut allergies including reactivity to chestnuts, brazil nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pine nuts, and cashews could develop serious or life-threatening allergic reactions after ingesting this candy. The affected lot is #33822 with a Best By date of 12/2023 sold at Target stores. Do not consume this candy but call Target Guest Relations at 1-800-440-0680 for a refund.
#target #milkchocolate #carmels #listeria #infection #recall
target, milkchocolate, carmels, listeria, infection, recal
==========================
CPSC Recalls
==========================
Textron EZ Go Vehicles Have USB Problems
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/lPXSPiwkQlA
The CPSC and Textron Specialized Vehicles announce the recall of 2021, 2022 and 2023 Freedom and Valor E-Z-GO RXV personal transportation vehicles, serial numbers ranging from 5585710 through 5716926, and 2021, 2022 and 2023 Valor, Express and Liberty E-Z-GO TXT personal transportation vehicles, with serial numbers ranging from 3478457 through 3591890. All these vehicles have optional USB charging ports that overheat and ignite adjacent components creating a fire hazard. About 143,000 vehicles were sold in the US, 8,100 were sold in Canada, and about 1,000 were sold in Mexico. FYI: some of these PTVs had been previously recalled in September 2021, January 2022 and September 2022. Stop riding these PTVs, put the key switch in the OFF position, and do not attempt to charge these vehicles. Contact Textron at 1-888-525-6040 or via email at jcook03@textron.com to arrange for a free inspection and repair. The dealer will install a fiberglass/aluminum thermal insulation protective sleeve over the USB charge port module.
#textron #ptv #personaltransportationvehicles #ezgo #usb #overheating #fire #recall
textron, ptv, personaltransportationvehicles, ezgo, usb, overheating, fire, recall
WeeSprout Baby Sleep Sacks Can Choke Your Baby
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/d2EWmR1T1m4
The CPSC and WeeSprout are recalling WeeSprout Baby Sleep Sacks. The zipper on the sack may detach and pose a choking hazard. About 31,630 sacks were sold online at Amazon.com and weesprout.com. Don’t allow your child to use these sacks. To get a refund, cut the garment in half, take a picture, and email the pic along with your contact info to weecare@weesprout.com. For more information, call WeeSprout at 1-888-770-7092 or via email at weecare@weesprout.com.
#weesprout #sleepsack #zipper #choking #recall
weesprout, sleepsack, zipper, choking, recall
LiftMaster myQ Garage Door Control Panels Won’t Prevent Crushes
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/3ZRS-IEWDl8
The CPSC and Chamberlain Group LLC are recalling LiftMaster myQ Garage Door Control Panels. These panels have defective secondary entrapment protection modules the allow the garage door to close and crush even if an obstruction is present. About 96,400 of these control panels were sold in the US, and about 19,300 were sold in Canada at The Home Depot, Lowes, Menards and other stores and distributors nationwide. If you have one of these LiftMaster doors installed, contact Chamberlain at 1-833-775-1951 to determine if your unit is defective. If so, the company will send you a free repair kit with instructions for installation of a replacement garage door control panel.
#liftmaster #garagedoor #controlpanel #entrapment #injury
liftmaster, garagedoor, controlpanel, entrapment, injury
Silver Lining Cloud Activity Gyms May Choke
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/XEC-QAUj5yI
The CPSC and Skip Hop are recalling Silver Lining Cloud Activity Gyms. The tiny raindrops that decorate the cloud on this item may detach and create choking risks. About 472,850 of these items were sold in the US, about 23,280 were sold in Canada, and about 2,240 were sold in Mexico at Amazon, Target, Buy Buy Baby, Babylist, Macy’s, Barnes & Noble, Kohl’s and specialty stores nationwide and online at amazon.com and skiphop.com. Don’t permit your child to use this toy until you have removed the raindrops with a pair of scissors. If you take a photo of the item with the raindrops removed and submit it to to skiphoprecall.com, you will receive a $10 Skip Hop gift card and a free shipping code. For more information, call SkipHop at 1-800-692-4674.
#skiphop #Silverlining #activitygym #foreignbody #choking #recall
skiphop #Silverlining, activitygym, foreignbody, choking, recall
IKEA ODGER Swivel Chairs in Anthracite Are Unstable
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/4Y0VUPtVS3g
The CPSC and IKEA are recalling IKEA ODGER Swivel Chairs in Anthracite. The chair’s base may break leading to falls and injuries. About 12,000 of these chairs were sold in the US. If you have one of these chairs that bears a date stamp before and including 2221, contact Ikea for disposal instructions to receive a full refund. For more information, call IKEA toll-free at 1-888-966-4532.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/IKEA-Recalls-ODGER-Swivel-Chairs-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards
#ikea #chair #swivel #odger #base #fall #injury #recall
ikea, chair, swivel, odger, base, fall, injury, recall
English Riding Supply Equestrian Helmets Don’t Protect
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/tEn-mO5ndBc
The CPSC and English Riding Supply now recall English Riding Supply Equestrian Helmets. These helmets do not meet the impact safety requirements of the ASTM F11634-15 standard creating impact injury risks for riders. About 49,300 of these helmets were sold in the US snd 5,270 were sold in Canada at tack and equestrian shops and online at amazon.com and statelinetac.com. Immediately stop riding with this helmet and return the helmet to the place of purchases for a replacement helmet. For a refund, contact the company at 1-866-569-1600 or at the e-mail helmets@englishridingsupply.com to arrange a refund by showing proof of helmet destruction (with cut off harness straps) and a pic of there manufacturing label in a photo to the company email.
#englishridingsupply #helmet #impact #headinjury #recall
englishridingsupply, helmet, impact, headinjury, recall
BRP Can-Am Side-By-Side Vehicles Leak Fuel
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/j3QqnbLCGho
The CPSC and BRP have recalled BRP Model Year 2023 Can-Am Commander, Defender, Maverick Trail and Sport series side-by-side vehicles with certain VIN numbers. The recalled vehicles have defective fuel hose assemblies leading to fuel leaks, fires, and burns. About 3,310 of these vehicles were sold in the US, about 320 were sold in Canada, and about 34 were sold in Mexico. Stop riding these Can-Am vehicles and contact your Can-Am dealer for a free repair and fuel hose assembly replacement. For more information, contact BRP at 1-888-272-9222.
#brp #canam #sidebyside #fuelhose #fire #burns #recall
brp, canam, sidebyside, fuelhose, fire, burns, recall
==========================
FDA Recalls
==========================
Shirakiku Branded Spice Powder Packs Contain The Wrong Spice
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/tPth3vTDpVY
The FDA and Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc. are recalling Shirakiku Branded Spice Powder Packs. The packs of Spice Ichimi Togarashi mistakenly contain Spice Shichimi Togarashi, and this spice contains undeclared sesame seeds. Those with sesame allergies could develop serious and life-threatening allergic reactions. The product was sold throughout the US in restaurants and retail stores. The lot code is 12262023. Return this product to the place of purchase for a refund. For more information, email Wismettac at recall@wismettacusa.com.
#Shirakiku #spice #Ichimi #Shichimi #sesame #allergy #recall
Shirakiku, spice, Ichimi, Shichimi, sesame, allergy, recall
PrimeZEN Black 6000 Male Enhancement Capsules Have Hidden Drugs
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/mLX2Zxp1YDY
The FDA and Volt Candy are recalling PrimeZEN Black 6000 male Enhancement Capsules. This over-the-counter product is contaminated with sildenafil, Viagra, and tadalafil, Cialis. Both of these are phosphodiesterase inhibitors used for erectile dysfunction. These prescription drugs can dangerously interact with nitrate-containing medications including nitroglycerin leading to dangerous blood pressure drops. The affected lot number is NPINPB 1003.
Do not use this product if you are using any nitrate-containing medication. For 9information about returns and refunds, contact Volt Candy at info@voltcandy.com.
#primezen #maleenhancement #sildenafil #tadaladfil #nitrates #hypotension #recall
primezen, maleenhancement, sildenafil, tadaladfil, nitrates, hypotension, recall
Skippack SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test Kits Lack FDA Approval
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/vET-yECMXZQ
The FDA and Universal Meditech Inc. now recall Skippack SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test Kits. This product was never FDA cleared or approved before marketing. About 56,300 of these kits were sold. If you bought this product, do not use it and return it to the place of purchase for a refund. For more information, call the Universal Meditech company at 1-702-871-9888.
#skippack #covidtest #FDA #unapproved #recall
skippack, covidtest, FDA, unapproved, recall