Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
617-488-9699
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RoundUp - 2nd Week of June 2023
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HEALTH REPORTS
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Makeshift Diet Drug Danger
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/P77YOz5KjTY
Diet drugs containing semaglutide are in great demand but….short supply. The FDA is now warning that the approved products including Rybelsus tablets, Ozempic injection, and Wegovy injection are being improperly spoofed, that is mimicked, by compounding pharmacies. The problem seems to be that some pharmacies are using salt forms of semaglutide including semaglutide sodium and semaglutide acetate rather than the approved base form of semaglutide. These salt forms of the drug have not been tested and shown to be safe and effective. Don’t buy or use them.
#dieting #semaglutide #ozempic #wegovy #rybelsus
dieting, semaglutide, ozempic, wegovy, rybelsus
Another Respiratory Virus Spreading
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/9qgJG8xuRGI
With CoVid waning, we now have another respiratory virus on the rise. The RNA paramyxovirus, named human metapneumovirus or hMPV, produces cold-like symptoms. Like colds, it can lead to secondary bronchitis and pneumonia. There or no drugs to treat it or vaccines to prevent it. The very young, elders, and those with immune issues best avoid getting hPMV with, wait for it, hand-washing, crowd avoidance, and masking.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22443-human-metapneumovirus-hmpv
#humanmetapneumovirus #hMPV #bronchitis #pneumonia
humanmetapneumovirus, hMPV, bronchitis, pneumonia
Breastfeeding Associated with Better Teen Academics
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/r0ab7tCS6qY
Babies breastfed for at least 4 months perform significantly better on their English and Math achievement tests at age 16 than those never breastfed. This from a British study of 5000 kids born between 2000 and 2002.
Tabulating the teen’s scores on the British General Certificate of Secondary Education or GCSE tests, those breastfed for 4-6 months versus never scored 2.1 points higher, those breastfed 6-12 months scored 2.6 points higher, and those breastfed more than 12 months scarred 3.1 points higher.
Bottom line: breastfeeding for at least 4 months is associated with better teen test scores. Breastfeeding may not be the cause, but it is associated with other parental choices that help produce academically successful children.
https://adc.bmj.com/content/early/2023/05/04/archdischild-2022-325148
#breastfeeding #testing #academics #adolescents #parenting
breastfeeding, testing, academics, adolescents, parenting
Bivalent CoVid Vaccines Safe For Infants and Toddlers
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/lbWxHYTCwoU
After administering nearly a quarter million doses of bivalent CoVid mRNA vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer to babies as young as 6 months, not one case of the cardiac complications myocarditis or pericarditis occurred. This the conclusion by Kaiser-Permanente researchers who vaccinated and monitored more than a half million children with ages ranging from 6 months to 5 years.
Groups of kids received 2 doses of the Moderna Bivalent vaccine and 3 doses of the Pfizer bivalent vaccine. Yes there were children who developed non-cardiac events including isolated seizures, but the relative risks of experiencing these were not elevated.
The CDC-funded study concludes that these bivalent CoVid-Omicron vaccines are safe for our youngest children.
#CoVid #bivalentvaccine #moderna #pfizer #myocarditis #seizures
CoVid, bivalentvaccine, moderna, pfizer, myocarditis, seizures
The Artificial Sweetener Splenda May Damage Your DNA
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/tCszrdIp0Zg
Sucralose, marketed as Splenda, triggers production of a DNA-toxic chemical. A North Carolina State University study not only points out that Splenda can trigger the generation of the toxic sucralose-6-acetate after ingestion but also finds small quantities of the toxin already present as impurities in sucralose-containing products on your shelf.
The amount of this toxin present in commercial Splenda and produced by drinking a sucralose-sweetened drink exceeds safe levels. This agent triggers genetic changes in isolated test cells with increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and carcinogenesis. Sucralose-6-acetate also induces pathologic changes in your cut linings leading to so-called leaky gut syndrome. Then too this genetic toxin is passed via breast milk to babies and hangs around in the body for weeks.
When choosing a no-cal sugar, you should avoid Splenda. Remember that it is often an ingredient in diet and no-cal ice cream, fruit products, drinks, and candy.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10937404.2023.2213903
#sucralose #splenda #genotoxin #leakygut #carcinogen
sucralose, splenda, genotoxin, leakygut, carcinogen
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FUTURE MED
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Ultrasound Selfies Are Just Ahead
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/E_goBf_n4A8
Any of us can snap home expert-quality ultrasound images using a handheld device attached to an iPad. So say Harvard Brigham and Women’s radiologists after comparing lung ultrasounds captured by 30 volunteers following short training sessions with those images captured by expert sonographers. The quality and interpretability of ultrasound images obtained by both groups were statistically similar. Radiation-free ultrasound imaging will help make home health care more comprehensive…. Someday soon.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-24513-x
#ultrasound #selfies #homehealthcare
ultrasound, selfies, homehealthcare
Temperature Sensors for Prosthetic Limbs
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/_2ae4dN7chk
Those who have lost a hand or foot can now sense temperature changes on surfaces they touch with their prosthetic replacements. Swiss bioengineers have developed a temperature sensor that, when attached to say a prosthetic finger, transmits signals to thermal electrodes attached to the healthy arm or forearm. Touching a hot or cold surface immediately heats or cools the healthy limb and the brain integrates the information so that the wearer senses a temperature shift in the prosthesis. Temperature sensors for artificial limbs will add yet another dimension to already developed touch sensors to make an amputee’s daily living experience more realistic and safer…someday soon.
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adf6121
#amputees #prostheses #temperature #touch
amputees, prostheses, temperature, touch
3D-Printed Face Mask for Burn Victims
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/CDtgJPys7KE
Canadian biochemical engineers have developed a biopolymer wound dressing that may be shaped using 3D printers to conform to a burn victim’s face or other body parts. The hydrogel material combines a seaweed-based biopolymer, a heat-sensitive polymer, and cellulose crystals. The dressing will not only provide protective coverage for burned skin but can also slowly and predictably release medications that speed wound healing…. Someday soon.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0021979723001984?via=ihub
#hydrogel #seaweed #3Dprinting #burns #wounds
hydrogel, seaweed, 3Dprinting, burns, wounds
==========================
BUSINESS OF HEALTH
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New RSV Vaccines For Seniors
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/ZSRwza2z80Y
The FDA ha just approved a Pfizer RSV vaccine. Branded Abrysvo, it joins The GlaxoSmithKline’s Arexvy vaccine. Both are indicated for use in those over 60 yrs. Someday, though, they may be given to pregnant women and babies. The CDC will meet in June to draw up specific recommendations governing use of these vaccines.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-06-rsv-vaccine.html
#rsv #vaccines #fda
rsv, vaccines, fda
A Bionic Pancreas For Diabetics
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/up5KZjUfHFg
Newly approved is a fully automatic Bionic Pancreas developed by the Beta Bionics company for use by insulin-dependent Type 1 diabetics 6 years and older. Unlike already available insulin pumps, the iLet Bionic Pancreas control software requires only the input of a patient’s weight and an estimate of carbohydrate meal contents as low, medium, or high. It then uses continuous blood glucose measurements to control the delivery of short- and long-acting insulin. The system learns the optimal patterns, and a previously published Harvard Mass. General Hospital study revealed that the system delivers greater reductions of glycogen hemoglobin or HbA1c than current insulin delivery systems.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2805745
https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2205225
#diabetes #insulin #bionicpancreas #insulinpump #hbA1C
diabetes, insulin, bionicpancreas, insulinpump, hbA1C
A Long-Acting Opioid Rescue Nasal Spray
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/r4Z9ezHZHEo
The FDA has just approved Nalmefene, branded as Opvee, an opioid-antagonist with a 5 fold longer half life, 11 vs. 2 hours, compared with the standard product naloxone. This nasal spray, an Opiant
Pharmaceutical product, will be available for use in children and adults 12 yrs and older.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2805739
#opioids #naloxone #Nalmefene #Opvee #overdose
opioids, naloxone, Nalmefene, Opvee #overdose
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CPSC Recalls
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John Deere Gator Utility Vehicles Leak Fuel
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/ihenFaFndiM
Recall by:
CPSC; John Deere
Problem:
Fuel can leak from under the fuel cap, posing a fire hazard.
Sold:
About 1,600 in the US and about 60 in Canada.
Actions:
Consumers should stop using the recalled XUV590 Gator utility vehicles immediately and contact an authorized John Deere dealer at (800) 537-8233 for a free inspection, and if necessary, free repair.
#johndeere #gator #utilityvehicle #fuel #fire #burns #recall
johndeere, gator, utilityvehicle, fuel, fire, burns, recall
Armstrong Air and Air Ease Gas Furnaces Can Poison You
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/_GbJohAEWbQ
Recall By:
CPSC; Allied Air Enterprises
Problem:
A component inside the furnace was improperly assembled, causing the furnace to produce high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) under certain operating conditions, which poses a risk of CO poisoning to the consumer.
Sold:
About 9,255 sold at ARMSTRONG and AIREASE authorized HVAC dealers nationwide.
Actions:
Contact Allied Air Enterprises at (800) 448-5872 to schedule a free in-home repair by an authorized technician who will replace the incorrect component. Consumers who continue to use the recalled furnaces while awaiting repair should have working carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas.
#armstrong #airfurnace #carbonmonoxide #poisoning #recall
armstrong, airfurnace, carbonmonoxide, poisoning, recall
Haining Degao Benches Could Dump You
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/w9n-WGral7c
Recalled By:
CPSC; TJX
Problem:
The legs can break or detach when you are seated on the bench leading to falls and injuries.
Sold:
About 10,850 were sold at Marshalls and T.J. Maxx stores nationwide.
Actions:
Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled benches and contact TJX at 1-833-408-0502 for instructions on how to participate in the recall, dispose of the benches from home, and receive a full refund. Consumers can also return the recalled benches to any Marshalls or T.J. Maxx store for a full refund.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/TJX-Recalls-Haining-Degao-Benches-Due-to-Fall-Hazard
#tjx #tjmaxx #marshalls #haining #degao #bench #fall #recall
tjx, tjmaxx, marshalls, haining, degao, bench, fall, recall
Giro Merit Helmets Won’t Protect Your Noggin
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/0bvUy7QV1j8
Recall By:
CPSC; Bell Sports
Problem:
The recalled helmets do not comply with the U.S. CPSC federal safety standard for bicycle helmets. The helmets can fail to protect in the event of a crash, posing a risk of head injury.
Sold:
About 15,000 were sold in the US and about 1,465 were sold in Canada at Epicenter Cycling, Freewheel Bike West Bank, Velotech and other stores nationwide and online at Giro.com, Backcountry.com and other websites.
Remedy:
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Giro Merit helmets and contact Giro at (800) 456-2355 or the email consumersupport@bellgiro.com for a free replacement helmet or a full refund.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Bell-Sports-Recalls-Giro-Merit-Helmets-Due-to-Risk-of-Head-Injury
#giro #bell #helmets #headinjury #recall
giro, bell, helmets, headinjury, recall
Party Time Power Loveseats, Sofas and Recliners Can Cook You
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/YIkAk5fVE1M
Recall By:
CPSC; Ashley Furniture Industries
Problem:
The power loveseats, sofas, and recliners’ cupholders with LED lighting can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard.
Sold:
About 253,000 were sold in the US and about 9,450 were sold in Canada.
Remedy:
Consumers should immediately unplug the loveseats, sofas, and recliners and contact Ashley Furniture Industries at (866) 482-2893 for a free repair.
#Ashley #partytime #sofas #recliners #loveseats #fire #burns #recall
Ashley, partytime, sofas, recliners, loveseats, fire, burns, recall
Arctic Cat 8000 Snowmobiles May Ignite
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/0fBPE5j0Bm8
Recall By:
CPSC; Textron Specialized Vehicles
Problem:
The fuel rail dampener snap ring can become loose and leak fuel, posing fire and burn hazards.
Sold:
About 8,350 were sold in the US and about 4,630 were sold in Canada.
Actions:
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled snowmobiles and contact Textron Specialized Vehicles at 1-(888) 525-6040 or via email at jcook03@textron.com to arrange for a free inspection and free repair.
#textron #arcticcat #fuel #fire #burns #recall
textron, arcticcat, fuel, fire, burns, recall
==========================
FDA Recalls
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Regal Gourmet Milk Chocolate Raisins Have Undisclosed Peanuts
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/8JjixPW9BnE
Recall By: FDA; Regal Health Food International
Affected product labeled as Regal Gourmet Snacks Milk Chocolate Raisins with Best By 04/07/24.
Sold: Dollar General stores in Scottsville, KY, Jonesville, SC, Blair, NE, South Boston, VA, and Ardmore, OK, Dollar General Distribution Centers.
Action: Dispose of product or return to the store where purchased. Contact Regal Health Food International, Inc. at 1-773-252-1044 for more information.
#regal #milkchocolate #raisins #peanuts #allergy #recall
regal, milkchocolate, raisins, peanuts, allergy, recall
Rudolph’s OnYums Onion Flavored Rings Have Wheat and Food Coloring
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/I0mE22yG5Jk
Recall By: FDA; Rudolph Foods
Problem: This product has undeclared wheat and food colorings yellow 6, yellow 6 lake, blue 2 lake, blue 1 lake, and red 40 lake. Those with wheat allergies, gluten allergies, celiac disease, and allergies to these food colorings should avoid this product.
Sold: This product was sold in select Dollar Tree Stores in 17 states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Action: Do not consume the products and to return them to the store of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact April Pearson, Corporate Quality and Food Safety Manager Rudolph Foods at apearson@RudolphFoods.com or 1-214-566-0050.
#rudolphs #onyums #onionrings #wheat #foodcoloring #allergies #recall
rudolphs, onyums, onionrings, wheat, foodcoloring, allergies, recall
Tillamook Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Has Wheat and Soy
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/-js1c39VC50
Recall By: FDA; Tillamook
Problem: Cartons of this ice cream actually contain Tillamook Waffle Cone Swirl ice cream that contains wheat and soy. The product in question is packaged with a Tillamook Chocolate Peanut Butter carton sidewall but with a Tillamook Waffle Cone Swirl lid. The affected lot codes TL-41-80 and BB041324.
Action: If you have a wheat or soy allergy or sensitivity, a gluten sensitivity, or celiac disease, don’t consume the product and dispose of it or return it to their place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Tillamook at the email hello@tillamook.com or phone them at 1-855-562-3568.
#tillamook #icecream #wheat #soy #allergies #gluten #celiac #recall
tillamook, icecream, wheat, soy, allergies, gluten, celiac, recall
Cricket Creek Farm’s Sophelise Cheese and Tobasi Cheese Have Listeria Contamination
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/wJnNh3HRfXk
Recall By: FDA; Cricket Creek Farm
Sold: Sophelise and Tobasi were distributed in Massachusetts and New York at Wild Oats, Williamstown, MA; Provisions Williamstown, Williamstown, MA; McEnroe Organic Farm Market, Millerton, NY; New Lebanon Farmers Market; New Lebanon, NY, at restaurants, and farmers markets.
Affected are Sophelise cheese with product code 087055 or Tobasi cheese 315, 341, 048 sold on or after March 26.
Action: Don’t consume these products. Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Cricket Creek Farm at info@cricketcreekfarm.com or 1-413-458-5888.
#crookedfarm #sophelise #tobasi #cheese #listeria #infection #recall
crookedfarm, sophelise, tobasi, cheese, listeria, infection, recall