Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
617-488-9699
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HealthNews RoundUp - 1st Week of June 2021 REPRISES
=========================
Dark Chocolate Lifts Spirits-Reprise
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/d8WD8kCnbms
C’mon get happy by biting off a few squares of bittersweet chocolate. A British study just published in the journal Depression and Anxiety makes that delicious suggestion.
The study looked at more than 13,600 Americans and analyzed their chocolate consumption and their likelihood of reporting depressive feelings. Individuals who reported eating any dark chocolate were 70% less likely to report feeling down. Even those who ate an abundance of milk chocolate benefitted.
The next time you anticipate a “downer derby” or find yourself in the midst of one, pull out those dark chocolate bars and enjoy.
Sarah E. Jackson, Lee Smith, Joseph Firth, Igor Grabovac, Pinar Soysal, Ai Koyanagi, Liang Hu, Brendon Stubbs, Jacopo Demurtas, Nicola Veronese, Xiangzhu Zhu, Lin Yang. Is there a relationship between chocolate consumption and symptoms of depression? A cross‐sectional survey of 13,626 US adults. Depression and Anxiety, 2019; DOI: 10.1002/da.22950
#Darkchocolate #depression #happiness
Darkchocolate, depression, happiness
IVF and Heart Failure During Pregnancy-Reprise
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/dZ_q5BJtlzQ
Women who use assisted reproduction techniques including in-vitro fertilization and intracystoplasmic sperm injection are 5 times more likely to suffer pregnancy-associated heart failure. This conclusion comes from a study at Germany’s Hannover Medical School presented last week to the European Society of Cardiology.
This pregnancy-associated heart failure is due to so-called peripartum cardiomyopathy or PPCM, and this condition affects one in every 1000 pregnant women around the world. It threatens the life of mother and baby alike. Assisted reproduction is now added to known risk factors including twin pregnancy, many past pregnancies, very young or very old mothers, obesity, and substance abuse.
PPCM is heralded by shortness of breath, leg edema and swelling, and excessive nighttime urination. Since these same symptoms are all too common during the late third trimester, the study authors suggest that all women who conceive with medical help have a cardiology consultation and an echocardiogram shortly before their due date or just after delivery.
European Society of Cardiology. "In vitro fertilization linked to deadly heart disease in pregnancy." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 25 May 2019. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190525132201.htm
#IVF #assistedreproduction #heartfailure #peripartumcardiomyopathy #obstetrics #womenshealth
IVF, assistedreproduction, heartfailure, peripartumcardiomyopathy, obstetrics #womenshealth
Premies Brains Develop Better To Music-Reprise
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/55poyxu_SAc
Premature infants who listen to music enjoy enhanced neural development. Swiss neuroscientists at the University of Geneva report the positive effects of specially composed and performed music on developing neural networks of premies.
The musical selections varied with time of day and were designed to lend an auditory structure to the infant’s first days out of the womb. The instruments that produced the most consistent reactions from the babies were the snake charmer’s flute, the harp, and bells.
The double blind study used MRI imaging before and after the musical exposure to assess the effect. The group of premies treated to the music showed stronger connections between the parts of their brains that perform cognitive tasks, manage social relationships, and manage emotions.
If a premie has recently joined your family, consider adding lilting flute, harp, and orchestral bell music to their environments.
Lara Lordier, Djalel-Eddine Meskaldji, Frédéric Grouiller, Marie P. Pittet, Andreas Vollenweider, Lana Vasung, Cristina Borradori-Tolsa, François Lazeyras, Didier Grandjean, Dimitri Van De Ville, Petra S. Hüppi. Music in premature infants enhances high-level cognitive brain networks. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2019; 201817536 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1817536116
#Premies #music #flute #harp #bells #neuraldevelopment
Premies, music, flute #harp, bells, neuraldevelopment
Fainting While Pregnant Signals Impending Complications - Reprise
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/TqkKrrK7FJA
Urban legend has it that fainting while pregnant is no big deal. A study just published by Canadian cardiologists and epidemiologists finds that fainting, the common term for syncope, while pregnant is a bad prognostic sign for both the mother and her developing baby.
The researchers studied more than 480,000 babies and their mothers. Though fainting is uncommon affecting only 1% of pregnant women, it tends to occur most often during the first trimester.
When fainting does occur, it is associated with an increase in maternal cardiac problems and higher rates of prematurity. Carrying and nourishing a fetus is an acknowledged strain on the mother’s cardiovascular system.
If a pregnant woman you know faints, be certain that she reports the event to her medical doctors as well as to her OBGYN. She should then be followed more carefully throughout her pregnancy for the potential development of cardiovascular disease and fetal developmental issues.
Safia Chatur, Sunjidatul Islam, Linn E. Moore, Roopinder K. Sandhu, Robert S. Sheldon, Padma Kaul. Incidence of Syncope During Pregnancy: Temporal Trends and Outcomes. Journal of the American Heart Association, 2019; 8 (10) DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.118.011608
#Fainting #syncope #pregnancy #heartdisease #prematurity
Fainting, syncope, pregnancy, heartdisease, prematurity
Yogurt Prevents Bowel Polyps And Cancer-Reprise
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/V0cOYpNRyZQ
Eating yogurt twice a week lowers a man’s risk of developing adenomatous, cancer-producing polyps by 26%. Researchers studied colonoscopy data from over 88,000 participants in the continuing Health Professionals and Nurses Health Studies. Sadly, the data did not show any beneficial association between yogurt consumption and polyps in women.
The investigators feel that the live culture bacteria found in yogurt likely feed on the carcinogenic substances found in the gastrointestinal tract. They also point to yogurt’s known anti-inflammatory properties as helpful in reducing colon adenoma formation.
So guys—try to enjoy several cups of yogurt a week especially if you have a personal or family history of bowel polyps or bowel cancer.
BMJ. "Yogurt may help to lower pre-cancerous bowel growth risk in men: Observed association strongest for growths highly likely to become cancerous." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 18 June 2019. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190618192027.htm.
Yogurt, polyps, cancer
Relief For Hot Pepper Heartburn-Reprise
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/GYPIGUKq8v8
If you’re suffering stomach and esophageal ache from enjoying Buffalo wings or accidentally swallowing that red pepper hidden in your Szechuan chicken , the food scientists at Penn State have some first aid for you. It turns out that the best liquid for neutralizing pepper burn is good old milk.
The study looked at 72 subjects each using 7 different liquids as rescues after drinking a hot Bloody Mary mix containing Scoville-rich red peppers. Milk, regular and skim, followed by Kool Aid were best at relieving the pepper pain. Carbonated beverages such as cola, seltzer, and beer helped the least. Plain old water was in-between.
So if you find yourself the victim of some hot sauce at a barbecue or elsewhere, quickly swig some milk. In the pinch, I’ll bet that ice cream would also do the trick.
Penn State. "Milk: Best drink to reduce burn from chili peppers." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 25 June 2019. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190625133526.htm.
#Hotsauce #pepper #milk
Hotsauce, pepper, milk
Mushrooms Lower Prostate Cancer Risk-Reprise
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/l1TYL1paUUk
Gentlemen...listen up! The more mushrooms you eat the better, and enjoying them 3 times a week or more will drop your prostate cancer risk at least 17%.
Japanese epidemiologists studied about 36,500 men 40-79 years of age who are in the Miyagi (no relation to Mr. Miyagi of Cobra Kai fame) and Ohsaki Cohorts, They followed the men for 13 years.
Those eating mushrooms twice a week saw an 8% benefit demonstrating a dose response effect. The researchers did not capture info about the mushroom species eaten. Although the mechanism of this protective effect is not yet known, you can still take advantage by eating ‘shrooms often.
Shu Zhang, Yumi Sugawara, Shiuan Chen, Robert B. Beelman, Tsuyoshi Tsuduki, Yasutake Tomata, Sanae Matsuyama, Ichiro Tsuji. Mushroom consumption and incident risk of prostate cancer in Japan: A pooled analysis of the Miyagi Cohort Study and the Ohsaki Cohort Study. International Journal of Cancer, 2019; DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32591
#Mushrooms #prostatecancer
Mushrooms, prostatecancer
Aspirin Can Protect Lungs Against Air Pollution-Reprise
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/VYcpbXexVsM
Each participant underwent pulmonary function tests and recorded their use of NSAIDs over the month before testing. Air quality measurements during that month were added to the database. Analysis showed that NSAID use, which turned out to be mostly aspirin, reduced the effects of air pollution on lung function by one-half.
If you expect significant exposure to air pollution, you might try aspirin. Better strategies are use of a mask or remaining in clean air.
Xu Gao, Brent Coull, Xihong Lin, Pantel Vokonas, Joel Schwartz, Andrea A Baccarelli. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Modify the Effect of Short-Term Air Pollution on Lung Function. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2019; DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201905-1003LE
#Airpollution #NSAIDS #aspirin #lungfunction
Airpollution, NSAIDS, aspirin, lungfunction
How To Calm Your Anxiety While Waiting-Reprise
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/VPOkjMpecZc
Imagine that you’re waiting for a biopsy report, a job offer, a college or grad school acceptance, or a colonoscopy. You’re on pins and needles anxious. Just how do you cope? A new study from UC-Riverside gives you a novel strategy: watching an awe-inducing or heart-tugging movie.
The researchers studied a total of 729 subjects all stressed awaiting important test results. Groups were exposed to various videos including one of an awe-inducing sunrise with orchestral accompaniment, one of cute animals playing, and the third a rather boring documentary about padlock manufacture. Those who experienced awe reported more positive emotions and significantly less anxiety while waiting than the the subjects who screened the less inspiring selections.
So just what is awe? The psychologists define it as a “transportive mindset” of the sort often triggered by a tear-jerking movie. I have a few of those that work every time: It’s A Wonderful Life, Miracle On 34th Street, and Mr. Holland’s Opus.
The take home point from this study is to load a few of these videos on my phone so that next time I’m awaiting some anxiety-provoking news, I’ll be prepared. You should do the same!
Kyla Rankin, Sara E. Andrews, Kate Sweeny. Awe-full uncertainty: Easing discomfort during waiting periods. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 2019; 1 DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2019.1615106
#Anxiety #waiting #biopsy #awe
Anxiety, waiting, biopsy, awe
Grapefruit Dangerously Powers Up Certain Drugs-Reprise
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/a1-x6b-tNyc
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may cause you to overdose on many popular prescription drugs. The FDA now repeats its 2017 warning to us and asks us to carefully read the label on any drug you are taking to see if grapefruit can interfere with its function.
Grapefruit juice blocks the enzyme in the small intestine that normally breaks down drugs causing you to absorb too much of a drug into your system. And, as always, too much of a good thing isn’t good.
The list of affected drugs includes:
some statin drugs that lower cholesterol: Zocor (simvastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin);
blood pressure medications such as nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat CC);
transplant rejection drugs: cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);
Anxiety drugs: buspirone;
steroids: budesonide for IBD (Entocort EC, Uceris);
cardiac rhythm controllers: amiodarone (Pacerone, Nexterone).
Do speak with your doctor and pharmacist about your medications and grapefruit juice as well as checking the labels and online information.
https://www.mdlinx.com/internal-medicine/top-medical-news/article/2019/06/17/7569842/
#grapefruit #overdose #statins #antihypertensives #transplant #steroids
grapefruit, overdose, statins, antihypertensives, transplant, steroids
======================
Recalls
==========================
Bontrager Satellite City Bicycle Pedals On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/oiSbAEfNQto
The CPSC and Trek are recalling the Bontrager Satellite City Bicycle Pedals. If these pedals are incorrectly installed during bike assembly, they may fall off creating falls and injuries. About 316,500 of these bicycle pedals were sold in the US and about were sold 28,650 in Canada in Trek stores and online at trek.com. If you have these pedals, stop using the bicycle and contact your Trek dealer to arrange for a free installation of replacement pedals. For more information, contact Trek at 800-373-4594 or check online at www.trekbikes.com.
#trek #pedals #bicycles #falls #recall
trek, pedals, bicycles, falls, recall
Recall On Target Room Essentials Shower Stools
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/PGWDy-FQbYk
The CPSC and Target are recalling Target Room Essentials Shower Stools. These shower stools become unstable and slippery when wet and a prone to tipping over leading to falls and other injuries. About 58,500 of these shower stools were sold in the US at Target and online at target.com. Stop using this shower stool immediately and return it to your nearest Target store for a full refund. If you need more information, contact Target at 800-440-0680 daily or check online at www.target.com .
#target #showerstool #instability #falls #recall
target, showerstool, instability, falls, recall
Arizona Jean Co. “Lilac Smoke” Girls Midweight Puffer Jackets Are Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/eBbOMPnR9Wc
The CPSC and JC Penney now recall Arizona Jean Co. “Lilac Smoke” Girls Midweight Puffer Jackets. The drawstring inside the bottom lining of this jacket may become caught on playground equipment, handrails, doors or any moving object leading to falls and other child injuries. About 3700 of these jackets were sold at JC Penney’s stores and online at jcpenney,com. Don’t let your child wear this garment. Cut and remove the drawstring to eliminate the hazard or contact JCPenney at 800-322-1189 or online at www.jcpenney.com for instructions about returning the jacket for a full refund.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/JCPenney-Recalls-Girls-Puffer-Jackets-Due-to-Entanglement-Hazard
#jcpenney #girls #jacket #drawstring #entanglement #falls #recall
jcpenney, girls, jacket, drawstring, entanglement, falls, recall
Recall On Ergobaby Metrous Strollers
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/zgloGTuebBA
The CPSC and Ergobaby are recalling Ergobaby Metrous1, 2, and 4 Compact City Strollers. The harness release button can break and detach if pressed with the child in the stroller making it difficult to release and creating a choking hazard. About 2,800 of these stroller were sold online at ergobaby.com, albeebaby.com, and amazon.com. Immediately stop using the strollers and contact Ergobaby at 888-416-4888 or via email at Support@Ergobaby.com.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Ergobaby-Recalls-METROUS-Strollers-Due-to-Choking-Hazard
#ergobaby #stroller #hareness #choking #recall
ergobaby, stroller, hareness, choking, recall
My Little Steamer® and My Little Steamer® Go Mini Are Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/5DGpT6v0Hb4
The CPSC and HSN now recall Joy/JM Branded My Little Steamer® and My Little Steamer® Go Mini. These defective steamers can spray or leak scalding water during use leading to burns. About 5.4 million of these steamers were sold in the US and 14,300 were sold in Canada. These were sold on the HSN TV network and online at hsn.com, amazon.com, target.com, bedbathandbeyond.com, Walmart.com, and Lowes.com. Stop using these clothing steamers and contact HSN at 1-855-654-0942 or online at www.SteamerRecallSettlement.com for information about how to receive a full refund.
#steamers #hsn #burns #recall
steamers, hsn, burns, recall
Recall On Giant Eagle Chicken Street Taco Kits
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/hDmv12LrSiU
The FDA and Giant Eagle are recalling Giant Eagle Chicken Street Taco Kits. These kits contain undisclosed egg allergen. Those with an egg allergy could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they ingest these tacos. These kits were sold at Giant Eagle and Market District stores in PA, OH, MD, and IN. If you bought this kit, dispose of it or return it to your local Giant Eagle and Market District store for a refund. Questions may be directed to Giant Eagle at 1-800-553-2324.
#gianteagle #tacokit #egg #recall
gianteagle, tacokit, egg, recall
Full Circle Organic Microwave Popcorn, Salted Is On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/9jEXNfOpBaE
The FDA and Gilster-MaryLee Corp. now recall; Full Circle Organic Microwave Popcorn Salted. This product contains undeclared milk. Those with a milk allergy could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they ingest this popcorn. This popcorn was distributed and sold in Schenectady, NY; Chandler, AZ; Lathrop, CA; Farr West, UT; Pembroke, NH; Milton, PA; Byron Center, MI; Cheshire, CT and St. Cloud, MN. Do not consume this popcorn, but return it to the point of purchase for a refund. For more information, contact the Gilster-Mary Lee Corp at 1-at 618-826-2361 x 3283.
#popcorn #fullcircle #milk #recall
popcorn, fullcircle, milk, recall
Hy-Vee Chicken Street Taco Kits On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/_W8GPN_tXC4
The FDA and Hy-Vee Inc. are recalling Hy-Vee Chicken Street Taco Kits. This product contains undisclosed egg allergen. Those with an egg allergy could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they ingest these tacos. These kits were sold at Hy-Vee grocery stores in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. If you bought this kit, dispose of it or return it to your local Hy-Vee store for a refund. Questions may be directed to Hy-Vee at 1-800-772-4098.
#hyvee #tacokit #egg #recall
hyvee, tacokit, egg, recall
Recall On Enoki Mushrooms
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/lgC8arAXWL4
The FDA and multiple companies including Concord Farms, Marquis Worldwide Specialty, and Rainfield Marketing Group announce the recall of their Korean-grown enoki mushrooms. These mushrooms are contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium can create life-threatening disease. Return this product to the point of purchase. For more information, contact Concord at 1-323-582-6000, Marquis at 1-626-810-6426 , and Rainfield at 1-323-825-2825.
mushrooms, enoki, listeria, recall
Guan’s Seafood Mushroom Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/mshoJ1qxdBU
The FDA and California Terra Garden Inc. are recalling Guan’s Seafood Mushrooms. This product is contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium can cause a severe and sometimes life-threatening infection in the very young, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromised. These mushrooms were distributed and sold in CA, If you have this product, don’t consume it but rather return it to the place of purchase for a refund. If you require more information, call California Terra Garden at 1-323-597-0346.
#mushrooms #guans #listeria #recall
mushrooms, guans, listeria, recall