Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
617-488-9699
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HealthNews RoundUp - 1st Week of January 2023
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REPORTS
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The Latest Omicron Subvariant Is Spreading
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/Jjo20TEjpSk
The latest Omicron subvariant, XBB1.5, is rapidly spreading throughout the US. It is driving surges of CoVid hospitalizations.
The XBB1.5 has a disturbing 144% growth advantage over the last subvariant BQ1.1 and a significantly higher transmission rate than the most recent subvariants including BA5 and XBB. It now accounts for over 40-50% of CoVid cases in the Northeastern US and for more than 18% of cases in the US overall. XBB1.5 is very prevalent in the Northeast and is driving surges of hospitalizations in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
What do we all need to do? We need to live smart and safe with minimal interference to our daily lives. That means dusting off those N95 masks and wearing them in crowds and on public transit. Sadly, we need to limit indoor restaurant eating. Finally, we all need to be boosted with the latest bivalent mRNA boosters. Then too, the CDC needs to develop and authorize another round of boosters. CoVid is far from over.
https://twitter.com/EricTopol/status/1610074371581972480/photo/1
https://erictopol.substack.com/p/a-new-variant-alert
https://drericding.substack.com/p/the-next-big-one-unreleased-data?utm_medium=email
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986094
#xbb15 #CoVid #omicron #hospitalizations #boosters
xbb15, CoVid, omicron, hospitalizations, boosters
How CoVid Zaps Our Smell and Taste
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/fzVMu1NpUWc
The CoVid virus causes a persistent loss of smell and taste not by itself damaging your nasal olfactory sensors but rather by triggering a vigorous autoimmune reaction that destroys these sensors. So say researchers at Duke University after they studied tissue samples from 9 patients with prolonged smell and taste deficits comparing them with 15 controls.
The CoVid-infected samples showed thorough infiltration of olfactory tissue by CD-45 and CD-8 inflammatory T cells. Efforts to find remnants of CoVid viral infection and cell destruction in these tissues using antibody staining revealed none.
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.add0484
#CoVid #olfactory #smell #taste #tcells #autoimmunity
CoVid, olfactory, smell, taste, tcells, autoimmunity
Food Preferences Are Genetic
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/p1sVHQRgSYo
Which foods we crave are determined by some 325 genes, primarily found in our brain tissues, as well as by our acquired personal preferences. Scottish investigators now report this conclusion from their genome-association study of data from a half million subjects in the UK Biobank.
Their data showed that people’s food preferences fall into 3 groups: highly pleasurable items such as meats, junk foods, and desserts; low-cal foods including fruits and vegetables; and acquired taste foods such as coffee, alcohol, and spices. When the numbers were crunched, it turns out that your genes and your personal preferences each contribute half to your food consumption habits.
The genetic basis for food preferences has been previously confirmed using twin studies. The fact that the US has an obesity problem suggests that the donut gene may be way too prevalent!
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-30187-w
#foods #genetics #pleasure #taste
foods, genetics, pleasure, taste
Monty Python Walking Burns More Calories
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/hiUyfPq-D3o
In an effort to add new and ever more effective ways of power walking, Arizona, Kansas, and Virginia kinesiologists have looked back to the 1970’s. They find that the so-called Teabag walking technique demonstrated by John Cleese of the Monty Python Ministry of Silly Walks led to energy expenditures 2.5 times higher than usual modes of walking.
The investigators tested 13 healthy thirty-something adults who were asked to walk a 30 meter course using either their usual walking style or two Monty Python styles. The study revealed that the Cleese Mr. Teabag style was a significant calorie burner. In fact, Teabag walking for 11 minutes a day equals about 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical exercise.
https://www.bmj.com/content/379/bmj-2022-072833
#walking #montypython #teabagwalking #powerwalking
walking, montypython, teabagwalking, powerwalking
Mediterranean Diet Reduces Preeclampsia
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/fGcgGDXNEgw
Following a diet rich in fish, vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, nuts, and olive oil reduces the risk of preeclampsia by 28%. Columbia University epidemiologists led a multi center cohort study of 7798 first time mothers with single pregnancies and complete dietary data.
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a 21% lower risk of any adverse pregnancy outcomes, a 28% reduction in preeclampsia, and, wait for it, a 37% lower risk of gestational diabetes.
We know that a Mediterranean diet lowers risks of cardiovascular disease and metabolic problems. Now we add a lowered risk of preeclampsia with its elevated blood pressure, kidney and liver problems, and later seizures to the list of benefits.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2799855
#Mediterraneandiet #pregnancy #preeclampsia #diabetes
Mediterraneandiet, pregnancy, preeclampsia, diabetes
Mercury-Containing Skin Creams Can Poison You
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/a8I6Ca0l_ps
In a search for anti-aging remedies that erase age spots and wrinkles or products that remove freckles, blemishes, and dark spots, many, without knowing, buy cosmetics that contain mercury or its salts that are toxic to the human neurologic, cardiovascular, and renal systems. Pregnant and nursing women, infants, and younger children are particularly vulnerable.
Mercury-containing products are banned by the FDA but are illegally imported, bought on websites, or bought abroad and carried back to the US. These dangerous cosmetics are often found in shops that serve Latino, Asian, African, or Middle Eastern communities.
How do you spot the mercury-containing products? Look for the words “mercurous chloride,” “calomel,” “mercuric,” “mercurio,” or the obvious “mercury, ” on the label. If there isn’t an ingredient listing, that’s an automatic red flag.
I’ll review the FDA’s current list of dangerous mercury-containing products in a separate report. Look for it.
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/mercury-poisoning-linked-skin-products
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/skin-products-containing-mercury-andor-hydroquinone
#mercury #cosmetics #antiaging #neurotoxicity
mercury, cosmetics, antiaging, neurotoxicity
List of Dangerous Mercury-Containing Cosmetics
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/fXEhv7-a0o4
In my accompanying report, I detailed the dangers of mercury-containing anti-aging cosmetics particularly for pregnant women and young children.
Let’s review the FDA’s list of offending products along with pictures of them.
African Queen Strong Bleaching Treatment
B.B. Clear Dark Spot Remover Cream
BeBe Special Cream & BeBe Special Cream CCM/Yellow
CCM Perfect 365 White Cream
CCM Special Cream Tumeric
Collagen Plus - Vit E Cream, Night Cream
HIYADY Glutatione Cream White & Bright
Kim Whitening Pearl and Snowlotus Cream
La Tia Mana Crema Limpiadora y Curativa
Light & Natural CAROTONE Black Spot Corrector CREME B.S.C
Skin care & Cosmetic MSII Express Peeling
Skin care & Cosmetic MSII Whitening Peeling
If you or someone you know has one or more of these products at home, avoid using them and dispose of them. The products…not someone you know.
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/skin-products-containing-mercury-andor-hydroquinone
#mercury #cosmetics #antiaging #neurotoxicity
mercury, cosmetics, antiaging, neurotoxicity
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FUTURE MED
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A Future Blood Test For Alzheimer’s
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/6TYiJ6dipv8
German neurochemists have developed an accurate blood test that can specifically detect the brain-derived tau protein that is diagnostic for neurodegenerative Alzheimer’s Disease. Since most of the tau protein circulating in blood is not specific for Alzheimer’s, the researchers generated an antibody against anti-brain-derived tau in order to power a more specific test. Their new diagnostic test detects brain tau in blood as accurately as those tests that detect this protein in the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain.
https://academic.oup.com/brain/advance-article/doi/10.1093/brain/awac407/6960988
#alzheimers #tau #blood #csf
alzheimers, tau, blood, csf
AI Detects Sounds of Gastrointestinal Disease
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/kwSTQBZCtyU
Warning you that this report is not suitable listening while you eat. Assuming you’re prepared, let me tell you that engineers at Georgia Tech have developed an artificial intelligence-based “diarrhea detector.” This device can be attached to public toilets and networked to feed data to public health officials. When enough users of such facilities experience violently rapid bowel movements, there is an early warning that a dangerous and potentially deadly infectious gastrointestinal disease such as cholera may be spreading. This type of AI detector uses sound spectral analysis and is also capable of detecting urination and yes flatulence or farts.
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20221227/new-ai-listens-toilet-sounds-diarrhea
#ai #artificialintelligence #diarrhea #cholera #flatulence
ai, artificialintelligence, diarrhea, cholera, flatulence
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CPSC Recalls
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ZLINE Gas Ranges Poison With Carbon Monoxide
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/-4sAJ8QJsM4
The CPSC and ZLINE now recall ZLINE 30-inch and 36-inch RG gas ranges. The ovens of these gas appliances can emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide which creates a risk of oxygen deprivation and death. About 28,000 of these appliances have been sold at Best Buy, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, and The Range Hood Store stores nationwide and online at bestbuy.com, build.com, costco.com, homedepot.com, therangehoodstore.com, overstock.com, and wayfair.com. Immediately discontinue use of ovens in these appliances until a free repair has been accomplished by contacting ZLINE at 1-888-359-4482 or via email at ZLINEKitchen@realtimeresults.net. The ranges may continue to be safely used.
#zline #gaswranges #ovens #carbonmonoxide #co #poisoning #asphyxiation #death
zline, gaswranges, ovens, carbonmonoxide, co, poisoning, asphyxiation, death
Surf Nine Inflatable Paddle Boards Deflate
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/B9iz5_dgTp8
The CPSC and Surf 9 are recalling Body Glove Tandem Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards, ULI Inventor Inflatable Paddle Boards, ULI Zettian Inflatable Supyaks and ULI Lila Inflatable Supyaks. The glue on these inflatable paddle boards is defective permitting the seams to separate leading to sudden paddle board deflation with creation of drowning hazards. About 13,300 of these paddle boards were sold in the US and about 7,000 Body Glove Boards were sold in Canada at Costco Warehouse stores and online at Costco,com. Do not use these recalled paddle boards., Return them to Costco or contact Surf 9 at 1-866-696-9257 or via email at recall@surf9.com to arrange for a refund.
#surf9 #costco #paddleboards #inflatable #deflation #drowning #recall
Surf9, costco, paddleboards, inflatable, deflation, drowning, recall
Yamaha Viking Off-Road Vehicles Have Failing Brakes
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/4j1Vt1apV9c
The CPSC and the Yamaha Motor Company USA are recalling Model Year 2022 Yamaha Viking Off-Road Side-by-Side vehicles. The parking brake mechanism may fail permitting the vehicle to roll and create crash and injury hazards. About 500 of these off-road vehicles were sold at Yamaha Side-By-Side dealers nationwide. Stop riding these off-road vehicles and contact Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926 to arrange free inspection and repair.
#yamaha #offroad sidebyside #brakes #crash #injury #recall
yamaha, offroad, sidebyside, brakes, crash, injury, recall
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FDA Recalls
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Avery’s Savory Popcorn Contains A Host of Allergens
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/pUCAzdwKi9Y
The FDA and Avery’s Savory Popcorn LLC announce the recall of Avery’s Gourmet Popcorn, ALL FLAVORS. This popcorn contains multiple undeclared allergens including milk, soy, peanuts, the tree nuts almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, and sulfites. Those with hypersensitivities to these allergens could develop serious and life-threatening allergic reactions should they ingest this popcorn. The popcorn was sold in: Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Texas. If you bought this popcorn, discard it and contact Avery’s by phone at 1-214-930-0439 or via email at info@savorypopcorn.net to receive a refund.
#averys #popcorn #milk #soy #peanuts, #treenuts #allergies #recall
averys, popcorn, milk, soy, peanuts,, treenuts, allergies, recall
Full Circle Market & Naturally Better Oat & Honey Organic Granola Has Undeclared Nuts
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/UXwDY_leH5g
The FDA and the Bakery On Main have recalled one lot of Full Circle Market & Naturally Better Oat & Honey Organic Granola. This product contains undeclared almonds. Those with almond and tree nut allergies can develop serious or life-threatening allergic reactions after ingesting this granola. The affected products have a best before date of 10/10/23. The Full Circle granola was sold at Topco/Full Circle stores and the Naturally Better granola was sold at SEG stores. If you have an almond or tree nut allergies do not consume these products but rather return them to the place of purchase. For more information, contact Bakery On Main by email at info@bakeryonmain.com or by phone at 1-860-895-6622.
#bakeryonmain #granola #almonds #treenbuts #allergy #recall
bakeryonmain, granola, almonds, treenbuts, allergy, recall
Tohato Nagewa Snack Is Milky
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/bSOrO_u2-io
The FDA and Daiso USA now recall Tohato Nagewa Snack. This product contains undeclared milk. Those with milk allergies could develop serious and life-threatening allergic reactions should they ingest this snack. This product was sold in Daiso stores in California, Washington, Nevada, Texas, Arizona, New York, and New Jersey. If you purchased this snack, return it to any Daiso store for a full refund. For additional information, contact Daiso by email at support@daiso-usa.com or call the company at 1-833-888-1610.
#daiso #tohato #nagewasnack #milk #allergy #recall
daiso, tohato, nagewasnack, milk, allergy, recall
Caesar’s Pasta & Orefresco Frozen Manicotti Has Bacterial Contamination
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/ukH58EpdAcc
The FDA and Caesar’s Pasta LLC are recalling Caesar’s Pasta & Orefresco Frozen Manicotti. These products are contaminated with listeria monocytyogenes and have a best by date of 9/28/2024. Listeria can trigger serious and fatal infections in the very young, in older, frail individuals, and in those with weakened immune systems. This frozen manicotti was sold to restaurants in Philadelphia, PA; Harrisburg, PA; Southeastern NY State; Northeastern PA; and San Juan, PR markets. These were no retail sales. Although restaurants should have stopped using this contaminated manicotti, be on the safe side and avoid ordering manicotti at restaurants in these regions. For more information, contact Caesar’s Pasta at 1-856-227-2585 Ext 226.
#caesars #manicotti #listeria #infection #recall
caesars, manicotti, listeria, infection, recall
Sun Sprouts Alfalfa Sprouts Are Salmonella-Contaminated
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/_EJfEdpsKBY
The FDA and SunSprout Enterprises are recalling multiple lots of raw alfalfa sprouts. This product is contaminated with salmonella. This bacterium can trigger serious gastroenteritis and life-threatening sepsis in the very young, in older, frail individuals, and in those with weakened immune systems. The products have been sold in Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa. The involved lots are #4211, #5211, #3212, and #4212. Do not consume this product and dispose of it carefully while protecting yourself with gloves. For more information and refunds, contact SunSprout by email at Admin@sunsprouts.com.
#sunsprouts #alfalfasprouts #salmonella #infection #recall
sunsprouts, alfalfasprouts, salmonella, infection, recall