Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
617-488-9699
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RoundUp - 4th Week of October 2024
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HEALTH REPORTS
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Don’t Forget The Pneumonia and RSV Vaccines
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuEaHSt2nH/
With the colder weather on its way, you’ve heard lots of talk about the Influenza and CoVid vaccines. It’s now time to get both of these but two others as well to protect you and yours against pneumococcal pneumonia and respiratory syncytial viral pneumonia. These two diseases as well as the flu and CoVid could land you in the hospital or in a box.
The CDC’s immunization advisory panel is now recommending that ALL adults 50 years or over receive the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or PCV. This expands the previous CDC recommendations that all children younger than age 5, adults 19 through 65 with underlying medical issues, and all those over 65 receive the latest pneumococcal vaccine, so called PCV21.
The FDA has expanded its recommendation that ALL adults receive the RSV vaccine. The vaccine was previously recommended only for those 60 years and older as well as for pregnant women in order to protect their babies at birth.
https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/vaccines/112538
#pneumococcus #rsv #pneumonia #influenza #CoVid #vaccine
pneumococcus, rsv, pneumonia, influenza, CoVid, vaccine
The Diet Drug Semaglutide Could Stop You From Losing Your Mind
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuFOozsd4X/
Taking semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease by 40 up to 70 percent, compared with other medications. This the finding of a large retrospective case study of over 1 million type 2 diabetics by Cleveland’s Case Western University and published in the Alzheimer’s Association journal.
The researchers compared the incidence of a first time diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in those diabetics taking semaglutide versus those taking insulin or other diabetic medications. Semaglutide reduced the risk of this dementia by 67% compared with insulin and even a more moderate 41% compared with other GLP-1 receptor agonists but not the newest tirazepatide. This benefit was true for type 2 diabetics with or without a diagnosis of obesity.
This observation, if confirmed with prospective randomized studies, could add Alzheimer’s Disease prevention to the list of benefits for the GLP-1 receptor agonists which already include cardiovascular disease and stroke.
https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.14313
#semaglutide #alzheimers #glp1ra #diabetes #obesity
semaglutide, alzheimers, glp1ra, diabetes, obesity
A New Drug Strategy For Preventing Migraine Headaches
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuF7AgNVJX/
The American Headache Society is just out with a position statement recommending the use of anti-CGRP drug therapy for the prevention of migraines. Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptides, CGRPs for short, have been recognized as drivers of these devastating headaches. A meta-analysis of the studies that tested the drugs that block them have proven their effectiveness.
These drugs include the antibodies erenumab, marketed as Aimovig, galcanezumab, branded as Emgality, fremanezumab, marketed as Ajovy, and epitinezumab, branded Vyepti. Also extremely effective are the gepant drugs atogepant, marketed Qulipta, zavegepant, branded Zavzpret, rimegepant, marketed as Nurtec, and ubrogepant, marketed as Ubrelvy.
Neurologists specializing in the management of headaches have embraced the use of these drugs. They now recommend their use to primary care physicians who manage 75% of patients with migraine headaches. If you are a migraine sufferer, do ask your medical team about these medications.
https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/head.14692
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-first-line-therapies-migraine-2024a1000edv
#migraines #CGRP #antibodies #gepants #prevention #headaches
migraines, CGRP, antibodies, gepants, prevention, headaches
At-Home Electrical Brain Stimulation For Depression
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuGughN6DG/
Neuroscientists in London and Texas now report the successful management of major depression using at-home application of transcranial direct current electrical stimulation. A total of 174 subjects with depression participated in the 10 week trial. Half of the group received 30 minute at-home electrical stimulations with a week current between two electrodes while the other half, the controls, received sham stimulation.
Those receiving true stimulation enjoyed a 3-fold greater improvement in their depression severity. The rate of depression remission was twice as high for the treatment group versus the controls.
At-home electrical stimulation offers another mode of therapy to those depressed individuals who either have side effects with medications or fail to respond to them.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03305-y
#depression #transcranial #dcstimulation #home
depression, transcranial, dcstimulation, home
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FUTURE MED
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A Possible Norovirus Vaccine
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/
A good many ocean cruises have been abruptly ruined by a norovirus infection literally galloping through the hapless passengers. Two norovirus vaccines are in development that may put a stop to this vacation-disrupting pathogen.
Moderna, famous for its CoVid vaccine, is developing a single shot mRNA vaccine against 3 common subvariants of norovirus. Initial trials show that the vax is well-tolerated and triggers the development of a significant antibody response against norovirus. A large phase 3 study to prove its effectiveness to prevent and stifle norovirus is now underway.
Meanwhile the San Francisco company Vaxart is developing an oral vaccine. While effective, it was unable to prevent a significant percentage of infections. In a small study, this norovirus pill did reduce the incidence of emesis by 35% and reduced viral shedding.
The good news is that these vaccines will be refined and be able to prevent this nasty virus from flushing away your long-planned dream cruise…. someday soon.
https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/idweek/112552
https://vaxart.com/portfolio-item/norovirus/
#norovirus #vaccine #moderna #mRNA #vaxart #cruise
norovirus, vaccine, moderna, mRNA, vaxart, cruise
An Implant To Prevent Opioid Overdoses
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuIToZNyHR/
Northwestern University bioengineers in conjunction with Washington University-St. Louis surgeons and anesthesiologists have developed an implantable device, dubbed the Naloximeter, that monitors opioid levels and automatically administers the antidote naloxone as such levels rise to life-threatening levels. The device has an integral optical sensor to measure opioid levels and a reservoir of naloxone to source an automatic injection. The device will also alert medical first responders.
Narcotic overdoses kill more than 75,000 Americans yearly, and that number is on the rise. The Naloximeter, when clinically available, will put a dent in that statistic….. someday soon.
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr3567
#opioids #overdose #naloxone #naloximeter #washingtonU #northwest #recall
opioids, overdose, naloxone, naloximeter, washingtonU, northwest, recall
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WARNINGS
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A New Sign of Concussion
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuJCUjMyO0/
When someone, usually an athlete such as a football or hockey player, sustains a head injury on the field of play, coaches and parents wonder whether the injury is significant, whether it is a true concussion requiring additional medical attention. Now a retrospective survey from Boston University’s CTE and Alzheimer’s Research Centers suggests that a simple head shake following head injuries correlates closely with true concussions.
The sign of concussion, called the SHAAKE which stands for Spontaneous Headshake After a Kinematic Event, is a rapid back and forth head motion following a blow to the head. For all sports, SHAAKE had a 72% positive predictive value for diagnosing a self-reported concussion. For football, the positive predictive value was 99.5%.
This easily recognizable sign should alert all concerned that an athletic has very likely sustained a concussion and requires further medical diagnostic and therapeutic measures.
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/14/20/2314
#shaake #headshaking #concussion #sports #football #cte
shaake, headshaking, concussion, sports, football, cte
Standing Desks May Be Unhealthy
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuJxmPtGth/
Standing desks have become popular as health experts have warned us about the dangers of sitting for prolonged periods of time. An Australian study from the University of Sydney, just published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, now shows that standing at a desk during the workday does not reduce cardiovascular risks and triggers other dangers including deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins.
Studying data from more than 83 thousand adults followed for nearly 7 years, the researchers found that standing did not reduce cardiovascular risk compared with sitting. Standing compared with sitting triggers a higher so-called orthostatic circulatory risk due to blood pooling in the legs that leads to blood clots and vein dilatation.
The takeaway point: don’t sit or stand too long during the work day. Get up and walk around to exercise your heart and to prevent blood pooling in your legs.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39412356/
#standingdesk #cardiovascular #orthostatic #thrombosis #varicoseveins
standingdesk, cardiovascular, orthostatic, thrombosis, varicoseveins
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CPSC Recalls
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Powerblock Weight Sets have weights that fly off
Vidcast: Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuKfpqsyxK/
The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Powerblock company now recall Powerblock Commercial Pro 100 Weight Sets sold with 5 lb grip handles. The weight plates above 55 lbs dislodge from the defective 5 lb grip handles leading to user and bystander injuries.
About 1,845 of the weight sets were sold in the US and about 18 were sold in Canada at Advanced Exercise Equipment, Advantage Sport & Fitness, American Barbell, BeaverFit USA, BSN, Carolina Fitness Equipment, Gopher Sport, Sorinex, and US Fitness Holdings and online at powerblock.com, roguefitness.com, lifefitness.com.
Stop using these weight sets and contact PowerBlock at 1-800-997-3999 to receive replacement 5 lb grip handles.
#powerblock #weights #griphandles #detachment #injury #recall
powerblock, weights, griphandles, detachment, injury, recall
CFMOTO CFORCE ATVs have a mind of their own
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuLcqVuDyJ/
The Consumer Product Safety Commission and CFMOTO Powersports are recalling 2024 CFORCE 800 Touring and 2024 CFORCE 1000 Touring All-Terrain Vehicles. The throttle lever won’t return to the idle position when the driver releases it causing unexpected acceleration, crashes, and injuries to the driver and bystanders.
About 2650 of these ATVs were sold.
Stop riding these CFMOTO ATVs and contact an authorized CFMOTO dealer to schedule a free repair. For more information, contact CFMOTO Powersports at 1-888-823-6686 or via email at info@cfmotousa.com.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/CFMOTO-Recalls-All-Terrain-Vehicles-Due-to-Crash-Hazards
#cfmoto #atvs #allterrainvehicles #throttle #crashes #injuries #recall
cfmoto, atvs, allterrainvehicles, throttle, crashes, injuries, recall
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FDA Recalls
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Kirkland Salmon has salmonella contamination
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuMF5WJ5b4/
The Food and Drug Administration and the Acme Smoked Fish Corporation are recalling Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon in twin 12oz packages. Affected is Lot# 8512801270, Best-by-Date 11/13/2024. This salmon is contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium causes a severe and sometimes fatal systemic infection in the very young, older frail individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Listeria can also trigger miscarriages and stillbirths.
This salmon was sold at Costco Warehouse stores in Florida.
Do not consume this salmon. Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For additional information, contact Acme at 1-718-383-8585 or via email at mkluger@acmesmokedfish.com or mkluger@acmesmokedfish.com.
#kirkland #salmon #smoked #listeria #infection #recall
kirkland, salmon, smoked, listeria, infection, recall
Gourmet Café Chicken Caesar Salad Bowls have listeria-contaminated chicken
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuMv3nP5y-/
The Food and Drug Administration and Fresh Express Incorporated is recalling Gourmet Café Chicken Caesar Salad Bowls. This prepared food contains chicken from the BrucePac company that is contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium causes a severe and sometimes fatal systemic infection in the very young, older frail individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Listeria can also trigger miscarriages and stillbirths. Affected is product with package codes S281, S282, S285, and S288 with Use By dates 10/26-11/4/24.
These salad bowls were sold in California, Louisiana, Texas, and Washington state.
Do not consume these salad bowls. Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, call the Fresh Express Consumer Response Center at 1-800-242-5472.
#gourmetcafe #chicken #caesarsalad #listeria #infection #recall
gourmetcafe, chicken, caesarsalad, listeria, infection, recall
Grand Central U-Bake Pies have undeclared egg
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuNZ_4g8Tt/
The Food and Drug Administration and the Grand Central Bakery now recall Grand Central U-Bake Pie Crust, U-Bake Apple Pie, U-Bake Marionberry Pie, U-Bake Chicken Pot Pie. These frozen pie products contain undeclared egg. Those with an allergy to eggs could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume this product. Affected is product with expiration dates between 02/01/2025 and 04/20/2025.
These products were sold at Grand Central Bakery Cafés in Seattle WA and Portland OR.
If you, family members, or household visitors have an egg allergy, do not consume these pie products. Contact Grand Central Bakery at 1-503-232-0575 or via email at retailfeedback@grandcentralbakery.com to receive a refund.
#grandcentralbakery #ubake #pies #egg #allergy #recall
grandcentralbakery, ubake, pies, egg, allergy, recall
Sprouts Chicken Street Taco Meal Kit has listeria
Vidcast: Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuOCbFPeaw/
The Food and Drug Administration and Sprouts Farmers Market are recalling Sprouts Chicken Street Taco Meal Kits due to listeria contamination. This bacterium causes a severe and sometimes fatal systemic infection in the very young, older frail individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Listeria can also trigger miscarriages and stillbirths. Affected are meal kits with Best by Dates between 9/2/2024-11/7/2024.
Do not consume this item. Return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Since listeria can survive at refrigerator temperatures and spread to other foods, clean all surfaces touched by this product. For additional information, contact the company online at sprouts.com/contact.
#sprouts #chicken #taco #kit #listeria #infection #recall
sprouts, chicken, taco, kit, listeria, infection, recall
Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits contain allergens
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuOwMGJshi/
The Food and Drug Administration and the Con Yeager Spice Company are recalling Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits. This product contains undeclared soy and wheat. Those with an allergies to soy and/or wheat a well as those with celiac disease could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume this product. Affected are kits with lot # B241851006 with a Best by Date of 2-08-27. In addition, this bologna kit was mistakenly packed in Hickory Jerky Kit packaging.
If you, family members, or household visitors have soy or wheat sensitivities, contact Con Yeager at 1-724-202-6513 to arrange a return and replacement.
#trailbologna #meatprocessingkit #soy #wheat #celiac #allergy #recall
trailbologna, meatprocessingkit, soy, wheat, celiac, allergy, recall