Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
617-488-9699
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HealthNews RoundUp - 2nd Week of October 2021
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REPORTS
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CoVid Bad News For Pregnancies
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/zhggywfxL54
Pregnant women developing moderate or severe CoVid are more than 3 times more likely to develop pre-eclampsia and have preterm births. This from a collaborative British and American multi-site study of 1,000 CoVid-positive pregnant women.
The CoVid-infected women were split into 4 groups based on the severity of their infections: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and severe. When the data were tabulated, those women with moderate CoVid were nearly 3 times (2.9) more likely than those with asymptomatic or mild disease to experience preeclampsia. Those with severe CoVid were 5.5 times more likely.
Since preeclampsia begets preterm birth, as CoVid infections become more severe, the preterm birth rate rises from the UK’s average of 8% to nearly 13% for mild CoVid, nearly 30% for moderate CoVid, and a horrifying 69% for severe CoVid.
The bottom line: those who are planning a pregnancy or in the midst of one should get the CoVid vaccine.
https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(21)00947-9/fulltext
#pregnancy #CoVid #prematurity #preeclampsia
pregnancy, CoVid, prematurity, preeclampsia
Use Of Pulse Oximetry At Home Save Lives
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/vdU3Q9NGVcQ
Those weathering a milder CoVid infection at home were half as likely to ultimately die from the disease if they self-monitored their blood oxygen saturation using a pulse oximeter. South African researchers analyzed data from 38,660 patients of whom 8,115 employed a consumer-level pulse oximeter to follow the oxygen levels in their blood.
Although home pulse oximetry was associated with a significantly lower mortality rate, it was not associated with a lower rate of hospital or ICU admission or a reduced need for mechanical ventilation. The investigators believe that proactive blood oxygen saturation monitoring drives the sickest patients to the hospital earlier permitting more timely treatment.
http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/13397
#CoVid #pulseoximeter #mortalityrate
CoVid, pulseoximeter, mortalityrate
CoVid Booster Effectiveness For Various Age Groups
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/h6zKanQqta8
Overall, a booster of the Pfizer mRNA CoVid vaccine produces a 10-fold lower infection rate when boosted and non-boosted populations are compared. Israeli researchers studied data from 4,621,836 persons over the months of August and September of this year.
Looking at the incidence of severe CoVid in various age groups who were either boosted or not, those over age 60 who were boosted were nearly 19 fold (18.7) less likely to develop a severe infection. Those 40-60 years of age and boosted were 22% less likely to develop that severe CoVid. For those 60 and above, boosting reduced the death rate 14.7 fold.
Since Israel was the first country to implement a large-scale CoVid booster program, their data may help guide all Americans to the conclusion that CoVid boosters at the proper time may be lifesaving.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.07.21264626v1.full.pdf
#CoVid #booster #mortality
CoVid, booster, mortality
What Is America’s BIG Health Problem?
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/GOBbF_BIXIg
Not going to beat around the bush here—American are wayyyyyyy too BIG. According to the CDC’s latest report, 1 in every 5 Americans, that’s 20% of us, is obese. And it’s even worse in some states and for certain groups of us.
Obesity is most prevalent in the South and Midwest with a 34% rate. Not much better overall in the West and Northeast which weigh in at 29% and 28%.
Groupwise, those most likely to be obese are 45-51 years of age at 38%. Those least likely are 18 to 24 years at 19.5%. Among America’s racial and ethnic groups, those least likely to be obese are Asians at 17.%. Far heavier on the health scale are White adults art 42.2%, Hispanic adults at 44.8%, and Black adults at 50%.
Obesity has a huge negative impact on health as a trigger for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and, yes, CoVid. Some 30% of adult CoVid hospitalizations as of last year were directly linked to obesity.
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/index.html
#obesity #CoVid #ethnicity #age #states
obesity, CoVid, ethnicity, age, states
mRNA Does Not Get Into Breastmilk
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/C4eRhT9I5LI
When a breastfeeding woman receives an mRNA CoVid vaccine, NONE of the mRNA finds its way into her breastmilk. This from a UC-San Francisco study of 13 milk samples collected from 7 lactating women who had been vaccinated with either Pfizer or Moderrna vaccines between 4 to 48 hours earlier.
The results are uncomplicated. The mRNA injected intramuscularly in the deltoid muscle of the shoulder does not find its way into a woman’s mammary glands or into her breastmilk at any time within 2 days after vaccination. We know that vaccine mRNA is quickly degraded in the body during this timeframe.
Now contrast that result with other data that shows breastmilk from previously vaccinated women contains protective anti-CoVid antibodies. Such antibodies may also pass from a vaccinated pregnant woman to her developing fetus via the placenta.
Bottom line: women who are contemplating pregnancy or are already pregnant should be vaccinated against CoVid.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2781679https://www.nebraskamed.com/COVID/where-mrna-vaccines-and-spike-proteins-go
#covid #mRNA #vaccine #breastmilk #breastfeeding
CoVid, mRNA, vaccine, breastmilk, breastfeeding
Delta CoVid Infections In Schoolchildren
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/8l8KbQFbEIM
When Delta CoVid infects children and teens, the duration of symptomatic illness and the need for hospitalization is about the same as for the initial British variant. London researchers studied 694 kids who tested positive for CoVid during the Delta predominant May to July 2021 and compared their data to 706 kids who tested positive during the Alpha predominant December to May.
The median illness duration was 5 days with a range of 2 to 9 days for either Delta or Alpha. The median duration by age for both variants for the younger 5-11 year old children was 4 days (3-8d) and 2 days longer at 6 days (4-10d) for older 12-17 year old children. The 7 most prevalent symptoms were the same for both variants: headache, fatigue, fever, smell issues, sneezing, runny nose, and sore throat. Symptoms tended to be more prominent with Delta than with Alpha.
Hospitalization for Delta CoVid was necessary for 3.5% of younger kids and 1.7% of the older ones. For Alpha, it was 2.2% of younger and 1.9% of older.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.06.21264467v1.full.pdf
#CoVid #delta #children #duration #hospitalization
CoVid, delta, children, duration, hospitalization
CoVid Infections Breaking Through mRNA Vaccines
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/dFOqc9qu60g
Breakthrough infections were 66% more likely in those vaccinated with Pfizer in comparison with those receiving Moderna. Biomedical informatics researchers at New York City’s Columbia University conducted a retrospective analysis of 198 patients suffering breakthrough CoVid infections following vaccination with an mRNA vaccine. Of the group, 21% received the Moderna and 79% the Pfizer. A control group consisted of 14,164 vaccinated individuals who remained free of subsequent CoVid.
The overall breakthrough infection rate was 16%, for Pfizer 19%, and for Moderna 10%. Besides vaccination with Pfizer, other associated factors that raised the risk of a breakthrough CoVid infection were male gender 47% higher and having a compromised immune system 48% higher. Those with chronic lung disorders had a 3-4 times higher risk.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.05.21264583v1.full.pdf
#CoVid #mRNAvaccines #Moderna #Pfizer #breakthrough
CoVid, mRNAvaccines, Moderna, Pfizer, breakthrough
Exercise Fights Cancer
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/9NfLJXtCyoI
Aerobic exercise triggers muscles to secrete proteins called myokines, and myokines help to suppress cancer growth in two ways: directly and immunologically. Australian exercise biologists studied this phenomenon both clinically in 10 prostate cancer parents and in the lab as they studied the growth of a prostate cancer cell line in tissue culture
The cancer patients participated in a 12 week exercise program. Blood samples were collected from each patient before the initiation of exercise and as the program progressed. The cells and serum from these blood samples were applied directly to the prostate cells, and the myokine-containing blood gathered during active training slowed the growth of the prostate cancer cells. The myokines in that blood also triggered T killer lymphocyte activity, and these activated white cells finished off the already weakened cancer cells.
The take home: working out at the gym rather than laying around in bed will help you knock out cancer.
#cancer #exercise #myokines #tlymphocytes
cancer, exercise, myokines, tlymphocytes
Smell and Taste Recovery Following CoVid
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/v_ZtZZr-oJo
Nearly 4 of every 5 CoVid patients recover their olfactory, that is smell, and their gustatory, that is taste, senses within 6 months after their infections. ENT researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University surveyed 798 CoVid patients over a 6 month period and tabulated the conditions and patient characteristics associated with recovery.
The recovery of smell and taste began rapidly with more than half recovering by 14 days after infection, two-thirds by one month, three-quarters by 3 months, and nearly 80% by 6 months. At 6 months, recovery was most complete for those under 40 at 83% compared with 75% for those over 40. Recovery was higher for those with the symptomatically mildest cases at 82% vs those with the most symptoms at 71%.
Those suffering with smell and taste loss several months following their CoVid infections should take heart and be patient, since they are statistically likely to recover. Prevention, though, is best, so don’t pass up the opportunities to be vaccinated or, if already vaccinated, boosted.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0196070921003409?via%3Dihub
#CoVid #smell #taste
CoVid, smell, taste
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CPSC Recalls
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Recall on Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Stroller
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/HIF_lyjODqQ
The CPSC and Joovy recall the Jovvy Zoom 360 Ultralight stroller. This stroller’s front wheel bearing may fail, the wheel may detach, and the stroller will crash leading to a fall and injury. About 9200 of these strollers were sold nationwide at independent children’s specialty stores and online at Joovy.com, Amazon.com, BuyBuyBaby.com and Target.com. If you have one of these strollers, stop using it and contact Jovvy by phone at 1-800-495-8718 or via email at zoom360@joovy.com to receive a free repair kit that replaces the defective front wheel fork bearing.
#joovy #stroller #ultralight #wheelbearing #crash #falls #recall
joovy, stroller, ultralight, wheelbearing, crash, falls, recall
ElliptiGO Arc Bicycles On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/p5czkEmle4A
The CPSC and ElliptiGo are recalling the ElliptiGO Arc Bicycles. The frame of this bicycle may fracture during use creating fall and injury hazards. About 3800 of these bicycles were sold nationwide at specialty and fitness stores and online and elliptigo.com and amazon.com. If you bought one of these bikes, stop using it and contact ElliptiGo by phone at 1-888-551-0117 or via email at info@elliptigo.com to obtain a replacement bike, a credit, or a full refund. The latter will be prorated according to the age of the bicycle.
#elliptigo #bicycle #frame #fall #injury #recall
elliptigo, bicycle, frame, fall, injury, recall
Recall On Hobby Lobby White Wood Stools
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/h_jtSS0n8hI
The CPSC and Hobby Lobby now recall Hobby Lobby White Wood Stools. This product may collapse during use creating fall and injury risks. About 14,000 of these stools were sold at Hobby Lobby stores nationwide. If you have one of these stools, stop using it and return it to your Hobby Lobby store for a refund. If you need more information., reach Hobby Lobby by phone at 1-800-326-7931 or online at hobby lobby.com.
#hobbylobby #stools #collapse #fall #injury #recall
hobbylobby, stools, collapse, fall, injury, recall
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FDA Recalls
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Recalled Are Nature’s Heart Fruit and Trail Mix Products
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/3RLFCfB12Rw
The FDA and Nestlés recall Nature’s Heart Fruit and Trail Mix Products including Superfood Trail Mix, Toasted Coconut Chips, Pineapple Chili Cashew Glazed Mix, and Mango Turmeric Cashew Glazed Mix. These products all contain undeclared peanuts. Those with peanut allergies could develop serious and life-threatening allergic reactions after ingesting any of these products. If you purchased these products and you or a family member have a peanut allergy, either return the product to the point of purchase for a refund or destroy it. For additional information, contact Nestlé Professional Customer Service by calling 1-800-288-8682.
#nestles #naturesheart #trailmix #fruitmix #peanut #allergy #recall
nestles, naturesheart, trailmix, fruitmix, peanut, allergy, recall
Parent’s Choice Rice Baby Cereal On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/J13J7cYYN-E
The FDA and Maple Island Inc. are recalling Parent’s Choice Rice Baby Cereal. This product has unsafe levels of naturally occurring inorganic arsenic. The cereal has been sold in stores and online by Walmart. If you bought this product, return it to Walmart for a refund. For additional information, call Maple Island at 1-800-369-1022 or contact the company by email at info@maple-island.com.
#walmart #mapleisland #ricecereal #arsenic #poisoning #recall
walmart, mapleisland, ricecereal, arsenic, poisoning, recall
Recall On Colorado’s Northeast Seafood’s Raw, Fresh Seafood
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/854zdcouF04
The FDA and Denver’s Northeast Seafood Products have recalled multiple products due to contamination with salmonella. The products include: Haddock, Monkfish, Bone-in Trout, Grouper, Red Snapper, Red Rock Cod, Ocean Perch, Pacific Cod, Halibut, Coho Salmon, Atlantic Salmon Portions, Lane Snapper, Tilapia, All Natural Salmon Fillet, Pacific Sole, and Farm Raised Striped Bass. These fish were sold in Albertsons, Safeway, and Sprouts supermarkets in Colorado. If you purchased any of these, return them to the place of purchase for a refund. You can obtain more information by calling Northeast Seafood at 1-303-373-2226.
#northeastseafood #freshfish #salmonella #gastroenteritis #recall
northeastseafood, freshfish, salmonella, gastroenteritis, recall
Fullei Fresh Bean Sprouts and Soy Sprouts Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/D0IXgKRE_j0
The FDA and Fullei Fresh are recalling Fullei Fresh Bean Sprouts and Soy Sprouts. This produce is contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. Listeria triggers serious and possibly life-threatening infections in the very young, elders, and those who are immunosuppressed. It also can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. If you bought these products, return them to the point of purchase for a refund. For more information, contact Fullei Fresh at 1-305-758-3880 or via email at dannielle@fulleifresh.com.
#fulleifresh #beansprouts #soysprouts #listeria #infection #recall
fulleifresh, beansprouts, soysprouts, listeria, infection, recall
Recall On Simple Mills Fine Ground Sea Salt Almond Flour Crackers
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/UfToLnkbpKA
The FDA and Simple Mills are recalling Simple Mills Fine Ground Sea Salt Almond Flour Crackers. Boxes said to contain this product were mistakenly packed with bags of Farmhouse Cheddar Almond Flour Crackers. Those with a milk allergy could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction after ingesting these cheddar-containing crackers. If you purchased these crackers, return them to the store for a refund or replacement. For additional information, contact Simple Mills by phone at 1-312-410-8414 or via email at info@simplemills.com.
#simplemills #almondflourcrackers #milk #allergy #recall
simplemills, almondflourcrackers, milk, allergy, recall
Chocolate and the Chip Pastries Are On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/tHB_90d3_6Y
The FDA and Chocolate and the Chip company are recalling a variety of pastries including chocolate chip cookies, cookie bundt cakes and rice crispies. These products are contaminated with undeclared wheat, milk, soy, and tree nuts. These pastries were sold nationwide via retail stores and online particularly in s CA, MA, TX, ID, NY, AL, AZ, AR, WA, UT, NJ, FL, OH, CO, GA, MI, NV, NC, PA, VA,and OR. if you have any of these products, do not use them if you or family members have wheat, milk, soy, and/or tree nut allergies. Return the products to the place of purchase. For more information and to find out which allergens are in which products, call the Chocolate and the Chip company by phone at 1-213-792-2810.
#chocolateandchip #wheat #milk #soy #treenuts #allergy #recall
chocolateandchip, wheat, milk, soy, treenuts, allergy, recall