Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
617-488-9699
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HealthNews RoundUp - 2nd Week of October 2022
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REPORTS
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CoVid Vaccination Protects Against Long CoVid
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/5Ekvp2wNHYA
A vaccinated person developing a case of CoVid is at least 34% less likely to develop a case of Long CoVid than a person never vaccinated. A retrospective cohort study from North Carolina’s RTI International reviewed the electronic medical records of 247,250 individuals who contracted CoVid between August 1, 2021 and January 31, 2022.
The data revealed that those who received CoVid vaccinations using any of the approved vaccines were, on the whole, between 34% and 38% less likely to show any sign of Long CoVid in the months following their acute infection.
This study provides yet another compelling reason to get vaccinated and boosted with the latest Omicron-specific boosters.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.06.22280795v1.full.pdf
#CoVid #longcovid #vaccination #booster #omicron
CoVid, longcovid, vaccination, booster, omicron
Get Thy Children To The Nearest Blue Spaces
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/J9s0Qc4AKn4
Many studies have extolled the health benefits of time spent outdoors in the green spaces of parks. Now the UK’s University of Exeter reports that children who frequented inland and coastal waterways grew up to be adults evidencing better mental health.
The researchers reviewed data from 15,000 persons living in 14 European countries and the 4 non-European localities of Hong Kong, Canada, Australia, and our own California. The subjects completed surveys to quantitate their exposures to various bodies of water as children and more recently as adults as well as their mental outlook.
Those taken to blue spaces as kids tended to continue their visits as adults. They also reported a greater level of emotional happiness.
The investigators add that bodies of water, while beneficial for developing children, present an inherent risk of drowning for non-swimmers. To make blue spaces safe for your kids, teach them to swim and maintain water safety at the earliest possible age.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272494422001219?via%3Dihub
#bluespaces #childhood #mentalhealth #nature #swimming #drowning
bluespaces, childhood, mentalhealth, nature, swimming, drowning
Americans Lie About Having CoVid and Protecting Against It
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/QC8R62K5Jds
On average, 42% misrepresent their CoVid infection status and their adherence to public health recommendations necessary to avoid getting it and passing it to others. And these are NOT white lies that are victimless.
University of Utah researchers report this highly suspected but nonetheless disgusting finding following their national survey of 1733 US adults with a mean age of 41 years.
The most common lies told included lying to others about having the disease, lying about it when entering a healthcare facility or a public venue, lying about being vaccinated, lying about their need to quarantine, breaking quarantine, and avoiding getting tested.
The 5 most common reasons for these lies? I want to feel normal in 53%. I didn’t feel sick in 49%. I want to exercise my freedom in 49%. It’s no one else business in 48%. I was following guidance or misguidance from a public figure in 43%.
These statistics tell you why we are still fighting CoVid, why over a million Americans have died from it, and why millions more will suffer from its aftermath, that is Long CoVid, for years to come. Those of you with your heads in the sand need to wake up, protect yourself and all of us by getting vaxed, boosted, and following sensible masking and distancing precautions when necessary.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2797071
#CoVid #precautions #publichealth #vaccination #boosting
CoVid, precautions, publichealth, vaccination, boosting
Get Off Your Butt to Maintain Your Brain
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/3y_Hk0gyDOw
Ok step counters….taking at least 10,000 steps a day consistently will cut your risk of dementia by half. Australian public health researchers studied 78,430 adults 40 to 79 years fitted with wrist accelerometers over 18 months and then followed for nearly 7 years thereafter.
The data showed an exercise “sweet spot” for avoiding the development of dementia at 9826 steps per day which reduced the risk of losing your mind 49%. The minimal number of steps to have any significant effect was 3826 and that reduced the dementia risk by 25%.
Bottom line: if you want your brain to last, you’d better stop sitting or riding in your car and start doing some serious walking. Put your smartwatches and fitness bands to good use and start clocking those steps every day.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2795819
#dementia #walking #fittness #smartwatch
dementia, walking, fittness, smartwatch
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FUTURE MED
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Gene Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/BM9C_nTcJR0
Cystic Fibrosis is due to a genetic mutation that leads to insufficient moisture in body secretions and thickened respiratory mucus. Geneticists at New York’s Stony Brook University and the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have now demonstrated the possibility of using gene therapy with so-called antisense oligonucleotides to create better functioning versions of the cell water-controlling protein CFTR, short for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. This will someday result in a set of more normally-functioning lungs, pancreas, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive organs for those with cystic fibrosis.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-30668-y
#cysticfibrosis #cf #genetherapy #cftr #aso #antisenseoligotides
cysticfibrosis, cf, genetherapy, cftr, aso, antisenseoligotides
Ultrasonic Kidney Stone Removal Without Anesthesia
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/mCtXCkNNyIE
The procedure typically used to pulverize kidney stones prior to flushing them out is shock wave lithotripsy. This relatively violent ultrasonic blasting can be painful and unnerving and requires at least sedation and usually either regional or general anesthesia. Now, Seattle’s University of Washington urologists and radiologists have developed a gentler method that works without anesthesia and uses ultrasonic propulsion of stones from the kidney and though the entire urinary tract and out. For larger stones, burst wave lithotripsy first fragments the stone with painless ultrasonic energy in a manner similar to the way sounds can shatter a wine glass.
https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/JU.0000000000002864
#kidneystones #lithotripsy #ultrasound #anesthesia
kidneystones, lithotripsy, ultrasound, anesthesia
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BUSINESS
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Blue Cross To Offer Mark Cuban’s Cheap Prescription Drugs
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/CyWBvQL3hPI
Pennsylvania’s Capital Blue Cross health plan is the first to partner with billionaire and Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban’s discount Cost Plus Drug Company. Cuban’s startup drug company cuts out the middlemen in the prescription drug food chain in order to cut costs for the consumer. Capital Blue Cross subscribers will use their insurance cards on the Cost Plus website and the cost of medications purchased will count toward their deductibles.
#prescriptions #bluecross #costplus #markcuban
prescriptions, bluecross, costplus, markcuban
LGBTQ Healthcare Website Scores Another $30 million Investment
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/A6TJr3FqN9M
Folx Health has now closed a Series B financing round with 7wireVentures that will permit the online healthcare company that now provides gender affirming products for the LGBTQ community to expand its services and offer more comprehensive virtual provider services. Folx’s total funding now hits $60 million. The Folx website indicates which services are offered in various states. Their panel of products include virtual healthcare, hormonal therapy, PRep medications, and ED therapy.
#lgbtq #folx #venturecapital #seriesb #virtualproviders #hormonaltherapy #prep #ed
lgbtq, folx, venturecapital, seriesb, virtualproviders, hormonaltherapy, prep, ed
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CPSC Recalls
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Dots & Dreams Dollie and Me Nightgowns Are Flammable
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/Pp3hZhZfbak
The CPSC and Jammers Apparel Group are recalling Dots & Dreams Dollie and Me nightgowns sold with matching doll dresses. These nightgowns fail to meet federal flammability standards for children’s sleepwear and create a risk of burn injuries. About 450 of these nightgown sets were sold nationwide at JC Penney stores and online by jcpenney.com. Don’t permit your kids to wear these sleep garments. Contact Jammers Apparel Group at 1-888-526-6377 or via email at recall@jammers.com. To obtain refunds, you must destroy the garments and provide the company photo evidence at the same email.
#jcpenney #nightgowns #dollieandme #childrens #flammable #recall
jcpenney, nightgowns, dollieandme, childrens, flammable, recall
UP Fashion Children’s Rings Have Lead
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/5a6CvV0TRDA
The CPSC and UP Fashion are recalling UP Fashion Children’s Rings. This play jewelry contains levels of lead above those permitted by federal safety regulations. Lead is a neurotoxin and particularly toxic to growing children. About 1800 of these rings were sold at Dollar stores and other discount stores nationwide. Take these rings away from your children. Contact U.P. Fashion at 201-438-0908 or via email at upfashionny@hotmail.com to receive instruction about product disposal and refunds.
#upfashion #rings #children #lead #poisoning #recall
upfashion, rings, children, lead, poisoning, recall
Magic Chef Air Fryers Can Dangerously Overheat
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/48G16vxgNWA
The CPSC and Newair now recall Magic Chef Digital Air Fryers ovens with Model #s MCAF56DB in black and MCAF56D in white. This appliance overheats and creates fire and burn hazards. About 11,750 of these air fryers were sold online at Newair.com, Walmart.com, Wayfair.com, Amazon.com, and Target.com. Immediately discontinue use of these air fryers. To obtain a refund, upload a photo of the appliance’s rating label to newair.com/pages/newair-magic-chef-digital-air-fryer-recall and receive instructions about how to disable the fryer and receive a $50 credit. You can obtain additional information about this recall on the newair.com website.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Newair-Recalls-Magic-Chef-Air-Fryers-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards
#magicchef #airfryer #overheating #fires #burns #recall
magicchef, airfryer #overheating #fires #burns #recall
U-Line Built-in Outdoor Convertible Freezers Overheat
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/-AXHnEHZHFw
The CPSC and U-Line are recalling U-Line Outdoor Series 24-inch Built-In Convertible Freezers. The affected model number is U-1224FZRSOD-00A manufactured between 2017-2018. These freezers overheat and create fire and burn hazards. About 90 of these freezers were built and sold. Immediately unplug these freezers. Contact U-Line at 1-833-614-7788 to schedule a free appliance pickup and delivery of a replacement unit.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/U-Line-Recalls-Outdoor-Freezers-Due-to-Fire-Hazard
#uline #freezer #overheating #fire #burns #recall
uline #freezer #overheating #fire, burns #recall
Ancheer E-Bikes Have Exploding Batteries
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/rmfvVS7dso0
The CPSC and Ancheer have recalled Ancheer E-Bikes with water bottle-shaped cylindrical batteries. The lithium ion batteries that power these bikes may spark, ignite, and explode with subsequent burn injuries to riders and bystanders. The affected model number is AM001907. About 22,000 of these bikes were sold online at aliexpress.com, ancheer.shop, amazon.com, ebay.newegg.com, overstock.com, rakuten.com, sears.com, walmart.com, and wish.com. Stop using these bicycles and contact Ancheer at 1- 888-661-1330 for via email at service@ancheer.shop to obtain a replacement, safe battery.
#ancheer #ebike #lithiumbattery #fires #burns #explosion #recall
ancheer, ebike, lithiumbattery, fires, burns, explosion, recall
Little Senses Shape Sorter Toys Are A Choking Hazard
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/XDbuF8aj6wQ
The CPSC and the Just Play company are recalling Early Learning Center Little Senses Lights and Sounds Shape Sorter Toys. The red cube may detach from the toy releasing a small white ball that poses a choking hazard for young children. About 9300 of these toys were sold online at amazon.com. Two batches are affected: 1420WB01 manufactured on May 21, 2020; and 3280WB01 manufactured on Nov 23, 2020. Take these toys away from your children and detach and discard the red cube and its contents. Contact the company Just Play at 1-888-974-9477 or by email at hello@addoplay.com to arrange for a replacement red cube. The toy may be used without the defective red cube.
#littlesenses sorter toy #foreignbody #choking #children #recall
littlesenses sorter toy, foreignbody, choking, children, recall
Cressi-sub Scuba Buoyancy Compensator Devices Could Trigger Drownings
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/lwzmwBUgk7E
The CPSC and Cressi-sub USA are recalling Scuba Buoyancy Compensator Devices (BCDs) with LP inflator hoses. This critical unit has defective metal fittings on the inflator hose that produce airflow restriction and failure to inflate or improper inflation of the BCD. These flaws create a drowning hazard for the diver. About 1350 of these devices were sold nationwide. The recalled inflator hoses have serial numbers 007/22, 019/22 or 035/22 stamped into the metal fitting that attaches the hose to the compensator device. Stop using these recalled bouncing compensator devices and contact Cressi-sub USA at 1-800-338-9143 or via email at orders@cressiusa.com to receive a free replacement LP inflator hose, installation instructions, and a pre-paid mailing label to return the defective hose.
#cressisub #scubaregulator #buoyancycompensator #bcd #hose #drowning #recall
cressisub, scubaregulator, buoyancycompensator, bcd, hose, drowning, recall
Children’s Bathrobes are Flammable
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/_4cFaTeJcxY
The CPSC and Ekouaer are recalling Ekouaer children’s bathrobes made of 65% cotton and 35% polyester and sold in both short- and long-sleeved versions and in various colors. These bathrobes fail to meet federal flammability standards for children’s sleepwear and create a risk of burn injuries. About 9200 bathrobes were sold online at amazon.com. Do not permit your children to use these bathrobes. Contact Ekouaer at 1-800-608-1432 or via email at walshkelly15@gmail.com to request a full refund. To obtain refunds, you must destroy the garments and provide the company photo evidence at the same email.
#ekouaer #bathrobes #childrens #flammability #burns #recall
ekouaer, bathrobes, childrens, flammability, burns, recall
Ski-Doo Snowmobiles Have Fuel Leaks
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/-UihJwAgQLk
The CPSC and Bombardier are recalling Ski-Doo MY2022 Backcountry 850 E-TEC and 850 E-TEC Turbo snowmobiles. The fuel injector hose retainer screw may loosen leading to a fuel leak, fires, and burns. About 62,300 snowmobiles were sold in the US and about 3900 were sold in Canada. Stop using these snowmobiles and contact your Ski-Doo dealers to arrange for a free repair that includes installation of a new E-TEC fuel injector hose retainer screw. For more information, reach Bombardier at 1-888-272-9222.
#skidoo #snowmobiles #fuelleak #fires #recall
skidoo, snowmobiles, fuelleak, fires, recall
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FDA Recalls
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Craftology Pasta Salad Contains Cashews
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/XcPlxTcMGvo
The FDA and Dutch Treat Foods have recalled Craftology This Is My Happy Place Pasta Salad. This product contains undeclared cashews. Those with an allergy to cashews could develop serious or life-threatening reactions after ingesting this pasta salad. All of the affected product has use by dates from 10/4/22 through 10/27/22. If you purchased this pasta salad, return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For additional information, contact Dutch Treat Foods at 1-616-772-5921.
#craftology #pastasalad #cashews #allergy #recall
craftology, pastasalad, cashews, allergy, recall
JLM TUB Sesame Sticks Mix and Roasted Salted Sunflower Meat Tubs Contain Cashews
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/y2fKZD2DXys
The FDA and Lipari Foods announce the recall of JLM TUB sesame sticks mix and roasted and salted sunflower meat tubs. These products contain undeclared cashews. Those with a cashew or a tree nut allergy could develop a severe or life-threatening infection after eating these products. These products were sold throughout Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. If you bought any of these products, return them to the point of purchase for s full refund. For more information, contact Lipari customer service at 1-800-729-3354.
#lipari #jlmtub #sesamesticks #sunflowermear #cashews #allergy #recall
lipari, jlmtub, sesamesticks, sunflowermear, cashews, allergy, recall
Tastykake and Mrs. Freshley’s Glazed Pies Have Hidden Soy
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/lfcnjlHj14E
The FDA and Flowers Foods Inc, are recalling Tastykake and Mrs. Freshley’s Glazed Pies. These pastries have undisclosed soy. Those with soy allergies could develop serious and life-threatening allergic reactions after eating these pies. The pies affected by this recall are the Tastykake and Mrs. Freshley’s branded apple, cherry, and lemon flavored packaged individually and in the Tastykake Variety Glazed Pie Shipper. The product codes are 307 2263 through 307 2274. The pies were sold throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico. If you bought one or more of these pies, return the products to the point of purchase. For questions about this recall, reach call Flowers’ Consumer Relations Center at 1-866-245-8921.
#tastykake #mrsfreshleys #pies #soy #allergy #recall
tastykake, mrsfreshleys, pies, soy, allergy, recall
The Caribou Coffee Fruit and Cheese Plate Has Listeria
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/CeD76zF5aGQ
The FDA and Cut Fruit Express are recalling the Caribou Coffee Fruit and Cheese Plate Item #3818. This product has contamination with listeria monocytogenes in its already recalled Bree cheese. This bacterium can trigger serious and life-threatening infections in the very young, in older, frail individuals, and in those with weak immune systems. Listeria can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths. These cheese plates have been sold at MSP Airport Caribou stores at the Minneapolis-St.Paul Airport. The affected product has use by dates of 9/30/2022 through 10/9/2022. If you bought this cheese plate, don’t consume it or offer any of it to others. Return it to the place of purchase for a refund. For more information about the recall, reach Shelley M. Ryan at 1-952.746.2705.
#cheeseplate #msp #cariboucoffee #brie #listeria #infection #recall
cheeseplate, msp, cariboucoffee, brie, listeria, infection, recall
Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic & Herb Falafel Are E.coli-Contaminated
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/pIpg7O3BIjQ
The FDA and Cuisine Innovations Unlimited LLC are recalling Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic & Herb Falafel. These products are contaminated with higa-toxin-producing E. coli. This bacterium can trigger a nasty gastroenteritis that is particularly dangerous for the very young, older, frail individuals, and those with weak immune systems. These falafel products were sold by ALDI stores in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. If you bought these falafel products, return them to the nearest ALDI store for a full refund. If you have questions call ALDI at 1-201-439-1036, Ext. 26.
#aldi #earthgrown #falafel #ecoli #infection #gastroenteritis #recall
aldi, earthgrown, falafel, ecoli, infection, gastroenteritis, recall