Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
617-488-9699
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HealthNews RoundUp - 2nd Week of May 2022
https://www.patreon.com/drhowardsmithreports
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REPORTS
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Good and Bad News For Vegetarian Children
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/PY9aMaAUhKk
Children on vegetarian diets grow just as well and are as well nourished as meat-eaters. But…. These kids do have a tendency to be underweight. These conclusions from a Canadian study of 8907 children from 6 months of 8 years of age studied from 2008 to 2019.
Those children exclusively eating plant-based diets had statistically similar body mass indices, heights, iron levels, Vitamin D values, and cholesterol levels as those who consumed a wider range of foods including meat. The vegetarian kids nearly nearly twice as likely to be underweight as defined as being below the third percentile for BMI.
With exclusively plant-based diets becoming all the rage in both Canada and the US, the pediatric researchers conducting this study emphasize the importance of consistent growth monitoring for those children consuming these more narrow ranges of foods.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220502094813.htm
#vegetarians #children #nutrition #malnutrition
vegetarians, children, nutrition, malnutrition
Forever Chemicals Weaken Teen Boys Bones
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/7fK1ZL2SgGY
Increased exposure to the forever chemicals PFAS and phthalates leads to significant weakening of long bones in adolescent boys. Epidemiologists at the Maine Medical Center studied the blood, urine, and bone X-rays of 453 boys and 395 girls 12 to 19 years of age.
The overall concentrations of PFAS in the blood and phthalate metabolites in the urine were associated with a significant drop in bone density but only in the boys. No such association was seen in the teen girls.
Now that I have your attention, lets talk more about PFAS and phthalates. They are called forever and hormone disrupting chemicals because, once in the body, they are not destroyed by our traditional human detoxification in the liver or excretion in the urine. These chemicals are now ubiquitious with PFAS, short for perfluroalkyl and polyfluroalkyl substances, getting into our bodies from plasticized fast food, popcorn, and pizza boxes. Phthalates invade us due to their presence in cosmetics, adhesives, upholstery, shower curtains, rainwear, shoes, and toys.
Best advice: keep your food and drink away from plastics. Use glass or metal storage containers. If you frequent fast food outlets, get your food out of the containers AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3747651/
#PFAS #phthalates #bone #children #osteoporosis #plastics
FAS, phthalates, bone, children, osteoporosis, plastics
Healthier Diet Beats 20Somethings Male Depression
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/Z-N2bFdF588
Consuming a Mediterranean Diet for 3 months significantly lifted the spirits of young men 18 - 25 years. Australian public health researchers studied 72 test subjects in a parallel group, non-blinded, randomized study.
At the end of 12 weeks, those adhering to the Mediterranean diet compared with controls showed significantly improved scores on both the Beck Depression Inventory Scale and the Quality of Life score.
So guys, if you want a non-medicinal pick me up, chuck those greasy red meat burgers and fries in favor of more beans, nuts, grains, fruits, and veggies. Forego the gobs of butter and use olive oil.
#menshealth #twentysomethings #depression #mediterraneandiet
menshealth, twentysomethings, depression, mediterraneandiet
Pregnancy-Associated Hypertension Predicts Later Cardiovascular Woes
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/1SgJ-DiZ0eQ
Women who develop high blood pressure during pregnancy have a 63% higher risk of heart attack and/or stroke later in life. Epidemiologists at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital studied 60,000 nurses over a 30 year period.
The study revealed nearly 10% of pregnant women develop high blood pressure during a first pregnancy with obesity increasing that risk 3-fold. Jumping ahead 30 years when the women were in their sixties, those who had gestational hypertension had a 41% greater risk of cardiovascular disease while those who suffered pre-eclampsia had a 72% greater CV disease risk.
Women contemplating pregnancy should work with their healthcare team on preconception care to get their weight and blood pressure under control before conception let alone before the 3rd trimester.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109722044862?via%3Dihub
#pregnancy #hypertension #heartattack #stroke #preeclampsia
pregnancy, hypertension, heartattack, stroke, preeclampsia
Severe CoVid Ages Brains Some 20 Years
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/jgOpwuaA4cA
Survivors of severe CoVid infections suffer deficits in their cognitive functions equivalent to 20 years of aging or the loss of 10 IQ points. British researchers at the Cambridge NeuroCOVID Group compared the cognitive functioning of 46 persons 6 months following a bout of severe CoVid with the performance of 460 healthy, matched controls.
Those who were CoVid-infected mounted slower and more incorrect responses than the matched healthy controls on computerized cognitive tests measuring reasoning, attention, and memory. The deficits were markedly worse for those who had required mechanical ventilation. When followed out to 10 months, some but not many evidenced slow improvement.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(22)00147-X/fulltext#%20
#CoVid #longcovid #cognition #memory #attention
CoVid, longcovid, cognition, memory, attention
Latest Omicron Subvariants Even Better Antibody Escape Artists
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/kUBUoXgOAZA
The latest subvariants now spreading around the world, Omicron BA 2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5 easily escape neutralization by antibodies that neutralize the original Omicron and earlier subvariants including BA.1. and BA.2. These later subvariants boast an increasing number of novel mutations.
Chinese virologists now report that their studies pitting these latest subvariants against the anti-CoVid antibodies found in the sera of vaccinated and boosted persons. The vaccinations were performed with an inactivated virus vaccine CoronaVac and the boosts achieved with a protein subunit vaccine Zifivax.
Compared with BA.2, the more recent subvariants evade protection by vaccination followed by boosting and vaccination followed by an Omicron or BA.1 infection. This suggests that any new boosters must contain the novel antigens found on the spikes of BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5 or even later variants.
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.30.489997v1.full.pdf+html
#CoVid #omicron #subvariants #BA.2 #BA.2.12.1 #BA.4 #BA.5 #vaccionation #boosting
CoVid, omicron, subvariants, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, BA.4, BA.5, vaccionation, boosting
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SHORT SHORTS
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Short Shorts for 2nd Week of May, 2022
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/VqIN3664keY
Short Shorts are quickie reports about cutting edge medical and healthcare discoveries. They’re worth knowing about this 2nd week of May, 2022.
Silkworms help to repair Achille’s tendons. From UCLA and the Terasaki Institute for Medical Innovation comes the novel combination of silk from the Bombyx mori silkworm and a water-retaining gel called GelMA. These materials form a matrix in which mesenchymal stem cells can grow to produce a strong, biocompatible material called SG that can repair tendons. This material works in rats and soon will be tested in humans.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/smll.202107714
A new portable MRI device offers on-the-spot evaluations of wrist and elbow joint integrity for athletes such as tennis and baseball players at high risk for overuse injuries. Developed at Japan’s University of Tsukuba, the car-mounted device can be deployed in the field at the practice sites to catch cartilage and bony injuries early while still reversible with physical therapy and activity restriction.
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/mrms/advpub/0/advpub_tn.2021-0158/_article
A new wearable sensor that interfaces with the body’s fluids using a microneedle patch is announced by UC-San Diego. The patch’s microneedles have different enzymes on their tips capable of reacting with glucose, alcohol, and lactic acid as they poke just below the skin’s surface into the bloodless interstitial fluid. The disposable patch sends information to a reusable electronic module that transmits it to a computer or possibly your phone for processing and alerting you about elevated sugar, alcohol, or exercise metabolite levels.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-022-00887-1
An experimental drug in the Eli Lilly & Co. pipeline delivers exceptional weight loss for obese and overweight persons that is on par with surgical approaches. Named Tirzepatide and delivered by a once-weekly injection, the drug is compounded from two hormones GLP-1 and GIP, known as incretins, that both share in regulating sugar metabolism. GLP-1 is already found in the FDA-approved drug semaglutide, branded as Ozempic and Rybelsus, and the addition of GIP seems to drive more impressive weight loss.
There you have the latest health reveals for the 2nd week of May, 2022. When additional information about these developments becomes available, I’ll pass it on to you.
#tendon #achilles #silkworm #silk #stemcells #wrist #elbow #mri #tennis #baseball #wearables #glucose #alcohol #lactate #microneedles #tirzepatide #weightloss #obesity #bariatricsurgery #incretins
tendon, achilles, silkworm, silk, stemcells, wrist, elbow, mri, tennis, baseball, wearables, glucose, alcohol, lactate, microneedles, tirzepatide, weightloss, obesity, bariatricsurgery, incretins
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HEALTH BUSINESS SHORTS
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Healthcare Business News. 2nd Week of May, 2022
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/aHuKzrsiDCc
Let’s review some the healthcare-related business news for this 2nd week of May, 2022
Bill Gates just tested positive for CoVid despite the fact that he is fully vaccinated and boosted. His case so far is symptomatically mild. He is attending the first in-person meeting that the Gates Foundation has had in several years, but he will be doing so virtually. Ironically, his latest book “How to Prevent the Next Pandemic” was published last week.
https://www.businessinsider.com/bill-gates-says-he-has-tested-positive-for-covid-19-2022-5
Yelp and Microsoft now join Citibank, Apple, Tesla, and Amazon in adding a unique health benefit for their employees. In support of access to a full panel of reproductive health care including pregnancy termination, these companies and likely others will pay travel costs if services are unavailable in in an employee’s home state.
https://www.businessinsider.com/yelp-exec-abortion-travel-expenses-benefit-miriam-warren-2022-4
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/microsoft-help-cover-us-employees-travel-costs-abortion-2022-05-10/
The home healthcare coordination startup Reverence has scored $9 million from the VC firm Target Global. Based in NYC and helmed by former Google exec Lee Teslik, the company is developing digital solutions to the problem of staffing and delivering at-home care. Expect to see the company seal contracts with health insurance companies seeking to move patients out of hospitals more quickly yet safely.
https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-reverence-home-care-target-global-2022-5
BioMarin Pharmaceuticals is about to launch its cutting edge gene therapy for those with hemophilia, and there is bad and good news. The bad news: the one-time treatment is VERY costly with an expected pricetag of $2-3 million. The good news: BioMarin is offering a money-back guarantee and a pay-for-performance model for a result that could last years or a lifetime. The California biotech company, said to be worth $15.6 billion, thinks this approach will get insurance companies onboard. The process, named Roctavian, is being reviewed in Europe and will be submitted to the FDA next month. By the way, standard hemophilia therapy can cost upwards of half-million dollars EACH YEAR, so Roctavian may be cost-saving
Noom, the weight loss app that has promised users individualized cognitive behavioral therapy and around the clock access to advice, is laying off up to 25% of its staff. The company, said to be worth $3.7 billion, has been criticized for over-promising and under-delivering services from staff who seem overworked and burned out. Despite complaints that Noom coaches are merely providing canned advice, the company claims that it is committed to the individualized services.
https://www.businessinsider.com/weight-loss-app-noom-laying-off-coaching-staff-2022-4
There you have the latest healthcare-related business news for this 2nd week of May, 2022
Healthcare, business, news, abortion, hemophilia, obesity
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CPSC Recalls
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Yamaha Off-Road Side-by-Side Vehicles Leak Fuel
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/7Px38iwOQWc
The CPSC and Yamaha Motor Corporation USA are recalling Yamaha Wolverine RMAX Off-Road Side-by-Side Vehicles. These vehicles have a defective fuel tank that leaks creating fire and explosion hazards. About 4,130 of these vehicles were sold. If you have one of these potential firetraps, stop using it and contact your authorized Yamaha dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. For more information, phone the Yamaha Motor Corporation USA at 1-800-889-2624.
#yamaha #offroad #wolverine #gastank #fire #explosion #recall
yamaha, offroad, wolverine, gastank, fire, explosion, recall
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FDA Recalls
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Recalls on Planet Oak Cookie Dough and Frozen Dessert
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/ckYFf44eZ7c
The FDA and HP Hood LLC now recall Planet Oat Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Planet Oat Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl frozen dessert. The issue is undeclared peanuts. Apparently, the Planet Oat Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl frozen dessert was mistakenly packaged in the Planet Oat Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough containers. Those with a peanut allergy could develop a serious and life-threatening allergic reaction are ingesting these products. 4,481 cases of product are involved and both products bear a best by date of 12/17/2022. If you bought either of these products, return them to the place of purchase for a refund or an exchange. If you require more information contact HP Hood Consumer Affairs at 1-800-242-2423.
#hood #planetoat #cookiedough #peanutbutterswirl #peanuts #allergy #recall
hood, planetoat, cookiedough, peanutbutterswirl, peanuts, allergy,
recall
Van Leeuwen Oat Milk Brown Sugar Chunk Non-dairy Frozen Dessert on Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/ZFvzdnCefTs
The FDA and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream have recalled Van Leeuwen Oat Milk Brown Sugar Chunk Non-dairy Frozen Dessert. This product contains undeclared tree nuts specifically cashews and pistachios. Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts, tree nuts including chestnuts, brazil nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pine nuts, cashews, eggs, and sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions after consuming this product. Involved is lot #21V194 with a best by date of 1/13//2023. If you have this product in your freezer, return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Additional information is available by contacting Kate Alberswerth by email at kate@vanleeuwenicecream.com or by phone at 1-718-701-1630.
#vanleeuwen #nondairy #oatmilk #treenuts #allergy #recall
vanleeuwen, nondairy, oatmilk, treenuts, allergy, recall
Mrs Millers Homemade Jams Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/aw0_WPrnx2c
The FDA and Mrs Millers Homemade Jams have recalled the following products: Smokey BBQ Bacon Jam and Spicy Chili Bacon Jam. The recall is due to an undeclared soy allergen found in the Worcestershire Sauce and Hickory Smoke ingredients used in these jams. These jams were sold in Ohio. Delaware, Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Minnesota, Nebraska, West Virginia, California, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Washington state. If you bought either of these products and you or a family member have a soy allergy, destroy the product and contact the company by phone at 1-330-674-1165 more via email at info@millershomemadejams.com.
#mrsmillershomemadejams #soy #allergy #recall
mrsmillershomemadejams, soy, allergy, recall
Recall on Skittles, Starburst, Life Savers Gummies
Vidcast:https://youtu.be/8ylJ2vzTYPQ
The FDA and the Mars Wrigley Confectionery US are recalling specific varieties of Skittles, Starburst, Life Savers Gummies. These candies or the bags containing them are contaminated with a very thin metal stranded wires. The flavors involved are: original, sours, sour berries, wild berries, and five flavor. If you bought any of these, dispose of the product and contact Mars Wrigley Confectionery by phone at 1-800-651-2564 for a refund or for answers to questions.
#marswrigley #skittles #starburst #lifesavers #gummies #foreignbody #injury #recall
#marswrigley, skittles, starburst, lifesavers, gummies, foreignbody, injury, recall
Recalled are Cheese-Filled Pierogis
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/wXCnjvWXStI
The FDA and Grandma’s Cuisine have recalled Cheese-Filled Pierogis sold under the Grandma’s Cuisine, Bernat’s, and Golden Eagle brands. These pierogis contain undeclared milk allergen. Those with milk allergies may develop serious and life-threatening allergic reactions after ingesting these pieogis. Grandma’s Cuisine branded pierogis were distributed in Restaurant Depot chain stores and local retail stores in NY, NJ, and PA. Bernat’s branded pierogis were distributed to retail stores in MA. Golden Eagle brand pierogis were distributed to retail stores in NJ. If you bought these pierogis, return them to the place of purchase for a refund. For more information, contact the company by phone at 1-570-421-0102.
#grandmascuisine #pierogis #cheesefilled #milk #allergy #recall
grandmascuisine, pierogis, cheesefilled, milk, allergy, recall