Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
+1-617-488-9699
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HealthNews RoundUp - 3rd Week of November 2022
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REPORTS
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You Don’t Want A CoVid Reinfection
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/ducLJcCo1Zo
A CoVid reinfection more than triples your risk of hospitalization and more than doubles your risk of death. The St. Louis VA Clinical Epidemiology Center reports these sobering results after reviewing the records of 40,947 vets who experienced two or more bouts of CoVid and compared them with more than 400 thousand experiencing only one infection and more than 5 million uninfected persons.
In addition to greater risks of hospitalization and death, multiple CoVid infections increases risk of pulmonary disease 3.5 fold, cardiovascular disorders 3 fold, clotting issues 3 fold, kidney disease 3.6 fold, and gastrointestinal issues 2.5 fold. They increase the risk of diabetes 70%, neurological disease 60%, and musculoskeletal disorders 64%.
What’s this all mean? CoVid is bad news.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02051-3
#CoVid #reinfection #hospitalization #death #cardiovascular #neurologic
CoVid, reinfection, hospitalization, death, cardiovascular, neurologic
Blood Groups and Stroke
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/zk7Z0hbeK7I
Strokes don’t occur often in young adults, but having Type A blood increases your risk of having a debilitating early onset stroke 16% while having type O blood reduces that risk by 12%. Epidemiologists at the University of Maryland’s School of Medicine draw these conclusions from their meta-analysis of 16,927 stroke victims who participated in 48 different multi-national studies.
The control group consisted of nearly 600,000 persons without a stroke history.
These blood group associations were stronger in younger patients. The analysis also demonstrated an association of the same blood groups with early venous thromboembolism, a key driver of early stroke.
https://www.jbc.org/article/S0021-9258(21)00552-4/fulltext#%20
#abogrups #stroke #thromboembolism
abogrups, stroke, thromboembolism
Balloon Labor Induction Bests Hormonal Cream
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/GUuxYlY1pOg
A multi-site meta-analysis by Australian obstetricians provided the necessary statistical power to demonstrate the superior safety profile of balloon cervical dilatation over prostaglandin drug cervical ripening. The investigators analyzed the data from 5460 women who participated in 12 studies.
While use of balloon cervical dilatation did not produce a significantly lower incidence of mandatory caesarean section deliveries or adverse maternal outcomes, the babies delivered after balloon cervical therapy experienced significantly fewer adverse perinatal events.
The conclusion: balloon cervical ripening seems a better option.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)01845-1/fulltext
#cervicalripening #balloon #prostaglandin #perinatal
cervicalripening, balloon, prostaglandin, perinatal
More Breastfeeding = Less Infant Allergy
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/jtnUIScwUQs
Babies consuming increased amounts of breastmilk containing one particular micro-RNA molecule enjoyed a lower risk of skin, food, and respiratory allergies. Penn State pediatricians studied 163 mothers who planned to breastfeed 4 months or more. Samples of their breastmilk were collected over that time period and analysed for microRNA.
The analysis showed that the concentration of one particular microRNA, miR-375, was associated with significantly less allergy development in the babies. No other microRNA measured showed such an association. Levels of miR-375 increased the longer lactation continued and were notably higher in mothers with lower body masses.
The takeaway from this for expectant mothers: if you want your baby to be allergy-free, keep your weight under control during pregnancy and plan on breastfeeding for as long as possible.
#breastfeeeding #pregnancy #allergy #eczema #foodallergy #obesity
breastfeeeding, pregnancy, allergy, eczema, foodallergy, obesity
Cough Medicine Is Poisoning Our Youngest Kids
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/i7b3amrLyzM
One commonly prescribed, non-narcotic cough medicine is a danger to any family with children under 10. That drug is benzonatate, previously marketed as Tessalon and Zonatuss, and now sold as the generic. The drug is indicated for cough suppression in those 10 years or over.
The FDA is now warning all parents and their pediatricians that the cases of benzonatate poisonings has skyrocketed. Prescription of this drug has increased more than 62% over the past 10 years. Accidental ingestions account for 77% of cases and 83% involve kids under 5 years. When children 9 months through 4 years accidentally ingest the gleaming capsules called perles, what follows is often cardiac and respiratory arrests, seizures, and death.
If you have this drug in your medicine cabinet and there are younger children at home, lock it up.
#fda #cough #benzonatate #tessalon #poisoning #death
fda, cough, benzonatate, tessalon, poisoning, death
Paxlovid During Pregnancy
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/zasupNfmc10
A small but significant preliminary study shows that use of Paxlovid during pregnancy is well-tolerated by mother and fetus alike. Neonatologists at the University of Connecticut studied 7 women prescribed Paxlovid for mild to moderate CoVid infections.
Four of the subjects were vaccinated and boosted, 2 were only vaccinated, and 1 was unvaccinated. The average gestational age at time of infection was 26.5 weeks. The average time from CoVid symptom onset to Paxlovid treatment was 2 days. All 7 patients experienced symptom and infection resolution without subsequent medications or inpatient care. One of the subjects did lose her sense of taste and stopped the Paxlovid after 2 days.
All but one of the subjects delivered healthy, term babies. She was induced at 37 weeks for cholestasis of pregnancy. The investigators indicate that additional, larger studies will be conducted to confirm the safety of Paxlovid in pregnancy.
#pregnancy #CoVid #paxlovid
pregnancy, CoVid, paxlovid
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FUTURE MED
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Drugs Foil All CoVid PLUS Cancer
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/GfBoXFF-skk
Molecular biochemical researchers at the University of Southern California have identified a so-called chaperone molecule GRP78 that potentiates CoVid replication and may serve as the basis for a universal CoVid drug. Taking this information, they have developed monoclonal antibodies and other compounds such as HA15 and YUM70 that inhibit the production of GRP78 and in turn destabilize the ACE2 receptors that CoVid depends upon to enter and kill a host cell. The best news is that these potential drugs work independently of ever-mutating spike protein and would be effective weapons against all variants.
The same researchers are also testing these GRP78 inhibitors as cancer therapy. HA15 and YUM70 suppress expression of common mutations found in pancreatic, lung and colon cancers. They could be the basis for next generation precision oncology.
https://www.jbc.org/article/S0021-9258(21)00552-4/fulltext#%20
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-34065-3
#CoVid #ghrp78 #chaperoneprotein #ace2 #spike #cancer
CoVid, ghrp78, chaperoneprotein, ace2, spike, cancer
Treating Brain Cancer with Directly Pumped Chemotherapy
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/SfP3br735Mk
The brain is surrounded by a barrier that protects it from blood-borne toxins. Usually a benefit, it complicates the treatment of brain tumors. Columbia University neurosurgeons have now developed a catheter and pump combo that bypasses this blood-brain barrier and pumps cancer-killing chemo directly into a cancer’s depths. This permits the safe perfusion of the tumor with drugs at 1000-fold higher concentrations than if they were introduced intravenously or by mouth. The semi-permanent pump is installed in the patient’s abdomen and its reservoir is refillable via a skin port.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(22)00599-X/fulltext
#braincancer #chemotherapy #implantablepump #glioma
braincancer, chemotherapy, implantablepump, glioma
Fentanyl Vaccine Could Curb the Opioid Epidemic
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/IoLt-p4pK70
An experimental vaccine developed at the University of Houston successfully blocks the psychological “high” induced by fentanyl. Tested in mice, the vaccine only blocks fentanyl while permitting other therapeutic narcotics such as morphine, oxycodone, and methadone to work effectively when needed for management after surgery, trauma, and recovery from addiction. Fentanyl abused alone or when used to lace street drugs is a major driver of our narcotics problem. This vaccine, after testing in human trials, could make a major contribution to putting the opioid epidemic behind us.
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/14/11/2290
#fentanyl #vaccine #opioid #addiction #morphine #methadone #narcotics
fentanyl, vaccine, opioid, addiction, morphine, methadone, narcotics
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BUSINESS
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Accurate Blood Oximetry For Dark-Skinned Persons
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/xeK8CJm3t7U
Austin Texas-based Shani Biotechnologies has partnered with University of Texas-Arlington to create a point-of-care sensor that accurately measures blood oxygen and serum hemoglobin levels in patients with pigmented skin. Rather than utilizing the infrared sensors employed in most pulse oximeters, the Shani devices incorporates green-blue light and a proprietary algorithm that compensates for the subjects skin color.
https://www.uta.edu/news/news-releases/2022/10/27/uta-shani-blood-device
#pulseoximetry #hemoglobin #infrared #greenblue
pulseoximetry, hemoglobin, infrared, greenblue
State-Manufactured Insulin Will Squelch Commercial Price-Gouging
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/qfLY8JWVBm4
One in every 5 American diabetics has been forced to ration insulin due to its exorbitant cost. Public health officials have appropriately tagged this strategy as “penny-wise and pound-foolish” since it leads to devastating medical and economic consequences. The response from the pharmaceutical industry: crickets. The bellwether state of California this past summer announced plans to manufacture and distribute its own CalRx insulin for its residents at below the currently inflated market prices. The estimated 3 million California diabetics could each save $2000-$4000 a year. Hopefully more states will do the same. Even better, how about big pharma getting its insulin pricing in line with costs and stop milking American diabetics who are at its mercy.
https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M22-2339
#insulin #california #calrx #bigpharma #diabetes
insulin, california, calrx, bigpharma, diabetes
Amazon Tries Another Healthcare Venture
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/ZojwdCSiZug
Amazon has cooked up yet another plan for providing healthcare. This time it’s called Amazon Clinic, and its a web-based platform that will broker a hookup between patients with common problems and providers willing and able to treat them. The problems they treat include: acne, dandruff, erectile dysfunction, male balding, tobacco overuse, sinusitis, birth control needs. motion sickness, urinary infections, heartburn, allergies, pinkeye, yeast infection, and miscellaneous prescription refills. The site handles initial communications. Payment arrangements are between you and the providers. The service is available in 32 states.
This is Amazon’s third try in the healthcare realm. After failing in its attempt to provide healthcare for its own employees via Amazon Care which is closing at the end of the year, the online behemoth also participated in Haven the failed employer healthcare venture launched with Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase.
#amazon #healthcare #venture
amazon, healthcare, venture
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CPSC Recalls
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Another Polaris Snowmobile Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/SUvedB0y1eQ
The CPSC and Polaris Industries issue yet another recall for Polaris Snowmobiles. This time the recall covers model Year 2021-2023 MATRYX, 2015-2022 AXYS, and 2013-2014 Pro-Ride Snowmobiles. An electrostatic discharge within the fuel tanks of these snowmobiles can trigger vapor ignition, an explosive tank burst, fires, and burns. About 138,000 of these snowmobiles were sold in the US and about 61,000 were sold in Canada. Immediately stop rising these snowmobiles and contact Polaris at 1-800-765-2747 to schedule a free replacement of the fuel tank assembly. If you must move the vehicle, be certain that the tank is completely full which reduces vapors.
#polaris #snowmobiles #fueltak #explosion #fire #burns #recall
polaris, snowmobiles, fueltak, explosion, fire, burns, recall
Professor Puzzle Rainbow Stacking Toys Create Choking Hazards
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/v4yKwMruIZ4
The CPSC and the Professor Puzzle company are recalling Professor Puzzle Rainbow Stacking Toys. The information label on this toy may detach and create a choking hazard. About 2,350 of these toys ere sold in the US and about 600 were sold in Canada at Home Goods, Homesense, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Winners stores nationwide. Immediately take these stacking toys away fro your children and contact Professor Puzzle at 1-888-211-9207 or email them at Safety@professorpuzzle.com for instructions on how to remove and dispose of the sticker. These same contact points will provide refund information.
#professorpuzzle #stackingtoys #label #choking #recall
professorpuzzle, stackingtoys, label, choking, recall
Carter’s Infant Yellow Footed Fleece Pajamas with Animal Graphics Are Prickly
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/PodTR5NHaMs
The CPSC and Carter’s are recalling Carter’s Infant Yellow Footed Fleece Pajamas with Animal Graphics. Small metal wire pieces have gotten into the pajama fabric creating puncture and laceration hazards for young children wearing these garments. About 50,800 of these pjs were sold in the US and about 200 were sold in Canada at Carter’s, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Belk, Boscov’s, and online at carters.com. Immediately remove these pajamas from your children’s dresser drawers. Return them to any Carter’s store for a refund. You can also contact Carter’s at 1-800-692-4674 for a free mailer to return the garments for a refund.
#carters #childrens #pajamas #foreignbodies #lacerations #scratches #recall
carters, childrens, pajamas, foreignbodies, lacerations, scratches, recall
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FDA Recalls
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Big Sky Chocolate Chunk Granola and Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Chip Granola Are Milky
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/ZmoVv2mIFF0
The FDA and the Big Sky Bread Company now recall Big Sky Chocolate Chunk Granola and Big Sky Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Chip Granola. These products contain undeclared milk though the label does say that the products were made on equipment that also processes peanuts, tree nuts, soy, MILK, eggs, and wheat. Those with a milk allergy could develop serious and life-threatening allergic reactions should they ingest these granola products. Those with peanut, tree nut, soy, egg, and wheat allergies as well as those with celiac disease should not consume these products. These granolas were sold throughout Iowa. If you purchased these granolas, return them to the store where you made the purchase for a refund. Alternatively, you can send the products to Big Sky Bread Company, 7021 Douglas Ave, Urbandale, Iowa to receive the refund. If you have questions about the recall, contact Big Sky Bread Company at 1-515-276-1800.
#bigsky #granola #milk #allergy #recall
bigsky, granola, milk, allergy, recall
Boston Baking Mini Cinnamon Crumb Cakes Have Hidden Nuts
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/ZEikCXQLA8k
The FDA and Boston Baking, Inc. are recalling Boston Baking Mini Cinnamon Crumb Cakes. These crumb cakes contain undeclared pecans. Those with pecan allergies could develop serious and life-threatening allergic reaction after snacking on these cinnamon crumb cakes. The little cakes were sold at Whole Foods Markets in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and New York. The affected product has Sell By dates of 10/22/22-11/15/22. Don’t consume these crumb cakes and return them to your Whole Food Market with your receipt for a full refund.
#bostonbaking #wholefgoods #crumbcakes #pecans #allergy #recall
bostonbaking, wholefgoods, crumbcakes, pecans, allergy, recall
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Fifth Week Recalls
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Green Sprouts Bottles and Cups Have A Spot of Lead
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/kJg0MSgUPHw
The CPSC and the Green Sprouts company are recalling Green Sprouts Stainless Steel Straw Bottles, Sippy Cups and Sip & Straw Cups. These items have lead solder fixing their bottoms to the main cup, and this lead source is exposed when the bottoms break off. Lead is a neurotoxin that is particularly dangerous for young children. About 10,500 of these bottles and cups were sold at Buy Buy Baby and Whole Foods Stores and online at amazon.con, buybuybaby.con, and bedbathandbeyond.com. Take these bottles and cups away from your kids and discard them. Contact Green Sprouts at 1-800-876-1574or via email at ContactUs@GreenSprouts.com for a refund or store credit. Either have a receipt or a picure of the item as a proof of purchase.
#greensprouts #bottles #cups #lead #neurotoxicity #recall
greensprouts, bottles, cups, lead, neurotoxicity, recall
Indigo Bear Mugs Are Not Heat-Resistant
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/OuKtLk516GQ
The CPSC and the Indigo company are recalling Indigo branded Papa Bear and Mama Bear Mugs. These mugs are not oven-safe and thermal shock resistant and are prone to crack and break when filled with hot liquids creating burn and laceration hazards. About 270 of these mugs were sold in the US but 29,232 were sold in Canada. Stop using these mugs and return them to he place of purchase for a refund. For additional information, call Indigo at 1-833-463-4461 or email the company at service@indigo.ca.
#indigo #mugs #thermalshock #crack #burn #laceration #recall
indigo, mugs, thermalshock, crack, burn, laceration, recall
Bentex Children’s Garments Contain Lead
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/BdjpZhncMgc
The CSPC and the Bentex company are recalling Bentex Children’s Clothing sets. These garments contain lead levels that exceed safe federal standards or violate federal lead content bans. Lead is toxic to a child’s nervous system. About 87,000 clothing sets were sold at TJMaxx, DD's/Ross, Burlington, Army & Airforce Exchange Service stores (PXes), and at other stores nationwide as well as online at amazon.com. Don’t let your kids wear these garments and contact Bentex at 1-800-451-0285 or via email at recall@bentex.com to check whether the items you bought are recalled and for instructions regarding return ad disposal of the items and receipt of a full refund.
#bentex #childrens #clothing #lead #poisoning #recall
bentex, childrens, clothing, lead, poisoning, recall
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Weis Market Ice Cream Contains Hidden Allergens
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/zH4EyR8aQlE
The FDA and Weis Markets are recalling Weis Quality Premium Sea Salt and Caramel Ripple Ice Cream. This ice cream contains undeclared soy and coconut allergens. Those with soy or coconut allergies could develop serious or life-threatening allergic reactions should they devour this ice cream. The affected product has a sell by date of 11/8/2023. The contain lid is marked Weis Quality Caramel Caribou Ice Cream. This ice cream were sold at Weis Markets’ stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Delaware and West Virginia. If you purchased the ice cream, return it to the store for a refund, For more information, call Weis Customer Service at 1-866-999-9347.
#weis #icecream #seasalt #caramel #soy #coconut #allergy #recall
weis, icecream, seasalt, caramel, soy, coconut, allergy, recall
Phil’s Power Pancakes Contain Wheat
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/ry2CxI6vqLY
The FDA and the Phil’s Power Pancake company are recalling Phil’s Power Pancakes in 5 varieties including mango, raspberry, cranberry, dates, chocolate chip hempseed. The labels on these pancake packages state “wheat-free” and should read “99% wheat-free.” Those with wheat or gluten allergies or who have celiac disease could develop severe gastrointestinal distress and a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume these pancakes with 1% wheat. These pancakes are sold at various gyms and retail stores in Californias’s Los Angeles and Orange counties. Do not consume these pancakes and return them to the place of purchase. For more information, call Phil’s at 1-949-637-2253.
#philspancakes #pancakes #wheat #gluten #celiac #allergy #recall
philspancakes, pancakes, wheat, gluten, celiac, allergy, recall
Fudgeamentals Chocolate Fudge Bites Have Nuts
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/s95uwDgISWM
The FDA and the Fudgeamentals company announce the recall of Fudgeamentals Chocolate Fudge Bites. This product’s containers were mistakenly filled with Chocolate Walnut Fudge Bites leading to the presence of undeclared walnuts, a tree nut. Those with walnut or tree nut allergies could develop serious or life-threatening allergic reactions should they consume these fudge bites. The affected lot is #22301015. The tainted fudge bites were sold at Fareway retail stores in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota. If you bought this product, return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For additional information about the recall, phone Fudgeametals at 1-631-729-1408 or email them at recall@fudgeamentals.com.
#fudgeamentals #fudgebites #chocolate #walnuts #treenuts #allergy #recall
fudgeamentals, fudgebites, chocolate, walnuts, treenuts, allergy, recall
Another Enoki Mushroom Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/SiqfSh3ayz0
The FDA and Green Day Produce, Inc. are recalling Green Day Produce Enoki Mushrooms. This import is contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium triggers serious and life-threatening infections in the very young, in older, frail individuals, and in those with weak immune systems. If you bought enoki mushrooms recently, look at the clear plastic packaging for the words Green Day Produce and return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund., More information about the recall is available at 1-323-587-4688 or on request at the email william@greendayinc.com.
#greendayproduce #enokimushrooms #listeria #infection #recall
greendayproduce, enokimushrooms, listeria, infection, recall
Healthy Sense and People’s Choice Vitamins May Not Be So Healthy
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/eyK0t09vkco
The FDA and Mason Vitamins Inc. are recalling Healthy Sense Daily Multiple with Iron and People’s Choice Women's Daily Vitamins with Iron. The amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Pantothenic Acid are misstated on the label. The affected lots are 25807G for Healthy Sense and the same number preceded by A through D for People’s Choice. These vits were sold nationwide at Bargain Barn, 99 Cents Only, Fruth Pharmacy, Joe V’s Smart Shop, Rose’s Discount Stores, Rex Discount Pharmacy, Star Discount Pharmacy, Propst Discount Pharmacy, and Dollar Tree stores. If you bought one of these vitamins, don’t consume them and return the product to the place of purchase. For more information, call Mason customer care at 1-888-860-8376.
#mason #vitamins #healthysense #peopleschoice #mislabeling #recall
mason, vitamins, healthysense, peopleschoice, mislabeling, recall