Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
617-488-9699
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HealthNews RoundUp - 5th Week of November 2022
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REPORTS
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Controlling Your Stress
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/Jc1eO3QkiRM
With Thanksgiving behind us, most of us know full well that there is abundant stress ahead of us before that
Times Square ball drops to ring in 2023. With that in mind, I’m digging deep in my radio archive back 30 years to share my WBZ News Radio Stress sheet that helps you recognize stress and control it.
I much appreciate the Instagram posting of the sheet by Bill Flaherty, the current head of operations at WBZ Radio whom I knew as Senior Producer back in the day.
When I was the WBZ Radio Sunday morning wake-up guy back in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, I’d kick off each program with what I called the Early Bird special: Let’s go back some 30 years now. (Recording) The Early Bird special was a little freebee for those who joined me at 7 on Sunday morning. One of the most popular Early Bird giveaways was my WBZ Stress Sheet. Since we had no internet or websites in those days, I offered to mail the sheet if a listener sent in a self-addressed, stamped envelope. And they did by the 100s each week as my wife Judy, who captained the envelope stuffing, can attest.
Let’s go over the sheet quickly. The physical signs signal general body agitation. Cardiovascular signs with a bump in heart rate and blood pressure. Neurologic changes with headache, muscle tightness, sleep issues, and fatigue. Gastrointestinal symptoms including loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea in extreme cases.
Then the emotional signs including irritability, anger, anxiety, feeling down, withdrawal from social situations, and a tendency to be sad and weepy.
Finally the most debilitating are the intellectual or psychological problems including inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, loss of creativity, diminished productivity, judgement errors, and a diminished fantasy life.
So how do you control stress. Let’s just hit on the highlights quickly, and you can go over the sheet yourself later.
Physical exercise, let your mind wander during walks, scramble your day, extra time in a warm shower, balance work and play, accept the inevitable, give in during arguments and take the other person’s position, help others, escape to a museum, park, or immerse yourself in a book, occasionally stop doing and thinking and just gaze at the clock, tune into a single sound like a heartbeat, reward yourself with a weekly treat, fulfill a fantasy often, daydream, watch a funny movie, and take time with someone you love. Then finally, consider the tag line with which I closed each of my broadcasts: Keep a smile on your face and in your heart…it is THE best medicine.
#stress #wbzradio #exercise #fantasy #laughter #love
stress, wbzradio, exercise, fantasy, laughter, love
History of Mask Wearing
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/MUoH14rZG74
Excellent New England Journal of Medicine video that details the history of mask wearing during epidemics and pandemics. Shortened to comply with posting mandates, but all critical details included.
#masking #CoVid #influenza #plague #pandemic #epidemic
masking, CoVid, influenza, plague, pandemic, epidemic
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FUTURE MED
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BUSINESS HEALTH
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CPSC 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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The Laundress Laundry and Household Cleaning Products Are Polluted With Bacteria
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/BJue8-_TjoY
The CPSC and The Laundress company are recalling The Laundress laundry detergent, fabric conditioner and other cleaning products. These products are contaminated with 3 types of bacteria including Burkholderia cepacia complex, Klebsiella aerogenes, and multiple strains of Pseudomonas. Those with weak immune systems, respiratory problems, and implanted medical devices risk serious infections with these bacteria. Approximately 8 million units manufactured between January 2021 and September 2022 are affected and were sold at TheLaundress.com, Amazon.com, and additional websites and in stores at The Laundress, Bloomingdale’s, The Container Store, Saks Fifth Avenue, Target, Nordstrom, Jenni Kayne, Kith, Peruvian Connection, N.Peal, Brooklinen, and other major retailers nationwide. If you have any The Laundress products in your home, consult their website TheLaundress.com to check if your product has been recalled. The same website has information regarding refunds. Once you have taken a photo of the product’s lot code for submission on the website, dispose of the product safely.
#thelaundress #detergent #cleaning #bacteria #infection #recall
thelaundress, detergent, cleaning, bacteria, infection, recall
Kubota Utility Vehicles Have Faulty Steering
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/263bEwBh8Vc
The CPSC and the Kubota Tractor Company have recalled Kubota RTV-XG850 Model Utility Vehicles, so-called Sidekick models, manufactured from 2018 through 2022. These vehicles’ steering shafts may shear near the electric power steering housing leading to steering control loss, crashes, and injuries to the driver and bystanders. About 19,500 of these vehicles were sold nationwide. Stop driving these vehicles and contact your Kubota dealer for a free inspection and repair. Reach Kubota at 1-888-458-2682.
#kubota #utilityvehicles #steering #crashes #recall
kubota, utilityvehicles, steering, crashes, recall
Honda ATVs Have Throttle Problems
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/3_z292naxpo
The CPSC and The American Honda Company have recalled 2022 model year Honda TRX90X all terrain vehicles. This vehicle’s throttle cable tends to stick causing the vehicle to go out of control and crash with injuries to the occupants and bystanders. About 2900 of these ATVs were sold at Honda Powersports dealers nationwide. Immediately stop riding these recalled all-terrain vehicles and contact an authorized Honda Powersports dealer to schedule an appointment for a free inspection and repair. For more information, call American Honda at 1-866-784-1870.
#honda #atv #allterrainvehicle #throttle #crash #injuries #recall
honda, atv, allterrainvehicle , throttle, crash, injuries, recall
Discovery Cubes Animal Hide and Seek Toys Are A Choking Hazard
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/q9LgUh90NhM
The CPSC and HABA USA now recall Discovery Cubes Animal Hide and Seek Activity Toys. This toy house may accidentally split open allowing infants and toddlers access to the very small toy fox, hedgehog, and mouse within, resulting in possible choking and foreign body ingestion. About 800 of these toys were sold at toy stores nationwide and online at Habausa.com, Walmart.com, and Amazon.com. Take these toys away from your children, cut the toy house in half with scissors, take a photo, and then dispose of it. Email the photo to recall@habausa.com along with your contact information in order to receive a $30 refund.
#discoverycubes #hideand seek #toyhouse #foreignbodies #choking #infants #toddlers #recall
discoverycubes, hideand seek, toyhouse, foreignbodies, choking, infants, toddlers, recall
Polaris RZR Off-Road Vehicles May Ignite
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/iRJC1EGdZzU
The CPSC and Polaris Industries are recalling Model Years 2021-2022 RZR Pro XP 4 Recreational Off-Road Vehicles. The connection between the fuel tank and fuel pump tends to leak and its proximity to hot surfaces creates fire, explosion, and burn hazards. About 600 of these vehicles were sold in the US and about 7 were sold in Canada. Immediately stop riding these vehicles and contact your Polaris dealer to schedule a free inspection and the replacement of the fuel tank assembly. For more information, contact Polaris at 1-800-765-2747.
#polaris #offroadvehicles #fueltank #fires #explosions #burns #recall
polaris, offroadvehicles, fueltank, fires, explosions, burns, recall
Viper Treestands Fall Off Trees
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/CdCpY04fG7w
The CPSC and Summit Treestands LLC are recalling Viper Level PRO SD Treestands. This product’s tree cable may detach from the cable assembly allowing the unit to detach from the tree leading to falls and possibly deadly injuries to the user and bystanders. About 2555 treestands were sold at sporting goods stores nationwide and online at summitstands.com. Stop using these treestands and contact Viper at 1-844-940-2688 or via email at support@summittreestands.zendesk.com for a full refund.
#viper #treestands #treecable #falls #injuries #recall
viper, treestands, treecable, falls, injuries, recall
Cloud Island Toy Vehicles Are A Choking Hazard
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/h926kGb5XQ4
The CPSC and Target are recalling Cloud Island 4-Piece Plush Toy Sets. The tires on these toy vehicles tend to detach creating a choking hazard for young children. About 23,400 of these sets were sold at Target and online at target.com. Immediately take these toys away from your children and return the toys to any Target store for a full refund. You may also contact Target at 1-800-440-0680 to obtain a prepaid shipping label in order to return the toys by mail.
#target #toys #vehicles #wheels #choking #children #recall
target, toys, vehicles, wheels, choking, children, recall
Aduro Surge-Protected Charging Towers Are Shockingly Dangerous
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/NRWJkgSz66k
The CPSC and JBR Solutions have recalled Aduro Surge Wall Charging Tower w/ 12 Outlets and Dual USB Ports in white and black. The surge protectors on these units are incorrectly polarized and have poorly soldered connections that create shock, electrocution, fire, and burn hazards. About 51,750 of these charging towers were sold online at walmart.com, woot.com, amazon.com, aduroproducts.com, and groupon.com. Stop using these recalled charging towers and contact JBR Solutions at 1-877-522-3876 or via email at productrecall@jbrsol.com to receive a full refund or additional information about this recall.
#aduro #chargers #surgeprotectors #shock #electrocution #fire #burns #recall
aduro, chargers, surgeprotectors, shock, electrocution, fire, burns, recall
Cuisinart Compact Blender-Juice Extractor Can Slice You
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/zz6_OLnM-eE
The CPSC and Cuisinart are recalling Cuisinart Compact Blender & Juice Extractor Combos Model CBJ-45. The blender blade assembly may loosen and detach from the base leading to laceration hazards. About 66,000 of these appliances were sold in the US and about 1500 were sold in Canada. Stop using the blender portion of this appliance and contact Cuisinart at 1-877-339-2534 or via email at customerservice@cuisinart.com to receive a replacement blade assembly and installation instructions. The juice extractor portion of this combo is unaffected.
#cuisinart #blender #blade #laceration #recall
cuisinart, blender, blade, laceration, recall
Begode and Gotway Unicycles May Ignite
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/6v3tmgEW_j0
The CPSC and the eWheels company have recalled Begode and Gotway Unicycles, models MSP (also known as MSuper Pro), Nikola+, and RS. The lithium-ion batteries in these unicycles may ignite and create fire and burn hazards. About 500 of these unicycles were sold at ewheels.com. Immediately stop using these recalled unicycles and contact eWheels by email at recall@ewheels.com or by phone at 1-305-432-2788 to receive a free replacement battery pack.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/eWheels-Recalls-Gotway-and-Begode-Unicycles-Due-to-Fire-Hazard
#ewheels #begode #gotway #unicycles #battery #fire #burns #recall
ewheels, begode, gotway, unicycles, battery, fire, burns, recall
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FDA Recalls
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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
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Red Button French Silk Pies Have Undeclared Nuts
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/QzwAX9IfgHY
The FDA and Rocky Mountain Pies, LLC are recalling Red Button Vintage Creamery French Silk Pies. These pies contain undeclared almonds. Those with almond or tree nut allergies could develop serious and life-threatening allergic reactions should they consume these pies. The pies were sold at retail locations in Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho. The affected pies are packaged in containers with the inkjet code on the dome that begins with “2 266.” If you purchased one of these pies, return them to the place of purchase for a refund. For additional information, contact Rocky Mountain Pies at 1-801-233-6660.
#rockymountainpies #redbutton #frenchsilkpie #almonds #treenuts #allergy #recall
rockymountainpies, redbutton, frenchsilkpie, almonds, treenuts, allergy, recall