Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/qs5K2yhNu7I   The CPSC and the Gabby company have recalled D-Ring Fritz Mirrors.  The ring and wire mirror hanging mechanism is defective leading to the mirror detaching from the wall, falling, and creating laceration and other injuries.   About 930 of these mirrors were sold at interior, design and home furnishing stores nationwide.  Consumers should contact Gabby via phone at 1-844-735-0250 or via email at [email protected] to arrange for a free replacement mirror and instructions for removal of the old mirror.  As is often the case, you will submit a photo of the old item with certification that it will no longer be used.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Gabby-Recalls-Fritz-Mirrors-Due-to-Injury-and-Laceration-Hazards   #gabby #mirror #injury #laceration #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/mJ_IXI3q-GQ   The CPSC and Liu Xianli are recalling Samnyte Tattoo Numbing Cream.  This product contains the topical anesthetic 5% lidocaine and must be sold in child-resistant packaging which it is not.  About 9000 tubes of this numbing cream were sold online at amazon.com.   Store this cream container out of each of children,  contact Liu Xianli by email at [email protected] to arrange a refund and safe disposal instructions.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Samnyte-Tattoo-Numbing-Creams-Recalled-Due-to-Failure-to-Meet-Child-Resistant-Packaging-Requirement-Sold-Exclusively-at-Amazon-com-Risk-of-Poisoning-Imported-by-Liu-Xianli   #tattoo #numbingcream #lidocaine #packaging #childsafe #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/zCBrgeUegi8   The CPSC and  Rosso Motors are recalling Rosso Motors eQuad X 800 watt and eQuad Q 1000 watt youth all-terrain vehicles.  These ATVs designed for children 6 and older are unsafe for 4 reasons: their maximal speeds are dangerously high; their suspensions fail to meet safety standards; the units do not meet other safety standards; and these ATVs were imported without a CPSC-approved plan.  About 2800 of these ATVs were sold online at rossomotors.com.  Stop allowing your children to use these ATVs and contact Rosso Motors at 1-855-546-2453 to arrange for a pro-rated refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Rosso-Motors-Recalls-Youth-Model-All-Terrain-Vehicles-ATVs-Due-to-Violations-of-Federal-Safety-Standards-Sold-Exclusively-on-RossoMotors-com   #rosso #atvs #safety #speed #suspensions #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/_l5h6I1n3XA   The CPSC and Sundance Spas have recalled Jacuzzi J200, J300, J400, and J500 Hot Tubs and Sundance series 680, 760, 880, and 980 Spas.  The temperature sensors on these units malfunction and display incorrect and cooler water temperatures resulting in user exposure to dangerously hot water, heat stroke, and burns.  About 23,700 of these tubs were sold in the US, 5400 were sold in Canada, and 40 were sold in Mexico.  If you have one of these spas installed, use an accurate thermometer to check that the water temperature is not higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit before entering the tub.  If you find that your unit is displaying incorrect temperatures, contact your local Jacuzzi or Sundance Spa dealer to schedule a free repair.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Sundance-Spas-Recalls-Jacuzzi-and-Sundance-Spas-Brand-Hot-Tubs-Due-to-Injury-and-Thermal-Burn-Hazards   #jacuzzi #sundancespa #temperaturesensors #heatexhaustion #burns #recall  

  Vidcast:https://youtu.be/gXaugX7dleY   The CPSC and ESS Universal are recalling Waterproof Foam Mattresses sold in twin twin XL, and full sizes.  These mattresses fail to meet federal flammability requirements creating fire and burn hazards.  About 1800 of these mattresses were sold online at essuniversal.com.  Immediately discontinue sleeping on these mattresses and contact ESS Universal at 1-833-259-9009 or via email at [email protected] to receive a zippered mattress cover that does meet US flammability standards.  The cover fits over the foam core.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/ESS-Universal-USA-Recalls-Mattresses-Due-to-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Standard-for-Mattresses-Fire-Hazard-Recall-Alert   #foammattress #essuniversal #flammability #fires #burns  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/OQIf51Rtw5o   The FDA and Exportadora Copramar are recalling James Farm Frozen Raspberries.  These fruits contain the Hepatitis A virus.  This virus causes a contagious liver infection with wide-ranging symptoms and disease from mild to severe including fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice with possible progression to liver failure snd the need for a liver transplant.  These raspberries were sold at Restaurant Depot/Jetro locations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.  They bear a best if used by date of June 14, 2024.  Return this product to the point of purchase for a refund.  For more information, contact Exportadora Compramar at 1-302-401-6474 ext 223.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/exportadora-copramar-recalls-james-farms-frozen-raspberries-due-possible-health-risk   #jamesfarm #frozenraspberries #hepatitis #infection #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/_5DbtfWilE4   The FDA and Cranberry Sweets and More are recalling 4 and 8 ounce packages of  Cranberry Sweets Mint Meltaways.  These candies contain undeclared peanuts.  Those with peanut allergies may develop serious and life-threatening allergic reactions should they consume these mint meltaways.  This product was sold in Oregon and Washington state.  If you bought these candies, return them to the place of purchase for a refund.  For additional information, call Cranberry Sweets at 1-800-527-5748.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/cranberry-sweets-more-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanuts-mint-meltaways   #cranberrysweets #mintmeltaway #peanuts #allergy #recall cranberrysweets, mintmeltaway, peanuts, allergy, recall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/4vYW51xEifI   The FDA and Lidl US have recalled Favorina-branded 8.4 ounce Advent Calendars composed of premium chocolate with a creamy filling.  This holiday product is contaminated with salmonella.  This bacterium triggers serious and sometimes fatal gastrointestinal and systemic infections in the very young, frail elders, and in those with weak immune systems.  This product was sold in Lidl stores from mid-October until December 5th of this year.  These chocolate calendars best a best if used by date of 2023.  Don’t eat these calendars but return them to the Lidl store for a full refund.  For additional information, reach the Lidl US Customer Care Hotline at 1–844-747-5435.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lidl-voluntarily-recalls-84-oz-favorina-branded-advent-calendar-premium-chocolate-creamy-filling-due   #lidl #adventcalendar #chocolate #salmonella #infection #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/ElrJ-Opqf0g   The FDA and Northern Food I/E Inc announce the recall of the 8.3-ounce packages of Lukai sweetened jujube.  This product contains undeclared sulfites.  Those with sensitivities to sulfites could develop a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction should they ingest this food.  If you bought this product, return it to the place of purchase for a refund.   For more information, call Northern Foods at 1-516-942-0146.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/northern-food-ie-recalls-sweetened-jujube-due-undeclared-sulfites   #lukai #jujbe #sulfites #allergies #recall  

Cordless Window Shade Battery Packs May Ignite Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Tt31uI5ezzg   The CPSC and the Ningbo Dooya Mechanic and Electronic company are recalling their Cordless Window Shades Battery Packs.  These battery packs may overheat leading to fires and burns.  About 56,000 of these units were sold in the US and about 1450 were sold in Canada at 3 Day Blinds, Budget Blinds, Blinds to Go, The Shade Store and other window treatment stores and online at Blinds.com.  If you bought these battery-powered window shades, stop using their batteries and contact the Ningbo Dooya Mechanic and Electronic company’s service center at 1-888-943-2391 to obtain a free replacement battery pack and to obtain a postage-paid shipping carton to return your batteries.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Cordless-Window-Shades-Battery-Packs-Recalled-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Manufactured-by-Ningbo-Dooya-Mechanic-and-Electronic-Technology-Co   #windowshades #batteries #overheating #fires #burns #recall  

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/r8K1sUIX_vQ   The CPSC and the 3M Company are recalling Scotch TL1302 Thermal Laminators.  These units may overheat creating fire and burn hazards.  About 516,500 of these units were sold at Walmart, Staples, Costco and other stores nationwide and online at Walmart.com, Amazon.com and Staples.com.  Stop using these laminators and go to the scotchbrand.com online site to fill out the recall registration form.  Once you do, 3M will contact you for more information to process the refund as well as to give you disposal instructions. For more information, call 3M at 1-800-772-4337.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/3M-Recalls-Scotch-Thermal-Laminators-Due-to-Fire-Hazard   #3m #scotch #laminator #overheating #fire #burn #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/YDw9P29TcGg   The CPSC and Ortal USA are recalling Ortal Traditional 90 and Traditional 110 Gas Fireplaces.  Improper installation of these fireplaces less to dangerous heat accumulation, fires, and burns.  About 400 of these furnaces were sold nationwide.  Stop using these fireplaces and contact Ortal at 1-800-238-7000 to determine if your unit requires a retrofitted plate.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Ortal-Recalls-Gas-Fireplaces-Due-to-Fire-Hazard   #ortal #fireplace #overheating #fire #burns #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/67UGHKsukAI   The CPSC and the Life Is Good company are recalling Life Is Good branded Darkest Blue Fleece Women’s Sweatshirts and Men’s Shorts.  These garments fail to meet federal flammability standards for clothing textiles and create burn hazards for wearers.  About 750 of these garments were sold online at lifeisgood.com and at independent clothing stores nationwide.   Stop wearing these garments and contact Life Is Good st 1-888-339-2987 or via email at [email protected] to request a prepaid shipping label in order to return these products for a full refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/The-Life-is-Good-Company-Recalls-Darkest-Blue-Womens-Fleece-Sweatshirts-and-Mens-Fleece-Shorts-Due-to-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Standard-and-Burn-Hazard   #lifeisgood #sweatshirts #shorts #flammability #burns #recall  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/iOVqB2XL6VU   Glycosaminoglycans are sugars that undergo unique structural changes when normal cells become malignant.  Swedish researchers now report the results of their multisite, international study that successfully detected all 14 different types of cancer that were under investigation.  Comparing the detection of altered glycosaminoglycans with neoplasm DNA fragment detection as a means of implementing so called Multi-Cancer Early Detection or MCED, the investigators were heartened to find that the sugar analysis detected more types of cancer at the earliest stages than DNA detection.   The best news: glycosaminoglycan analysis is relatively cheap opening up the possibility of its wide application.  The technique is being commercialized by the startup Elypta, a Chalmers University of Technology spinoff.   https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2115328119   #cancer #glycoaminoglycans #sugar #polysaccarides #oncology #earlydetection #mced  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/5T2aHV2jLqQ   Loss of bone calcium and structural integrity is a scourge of aging that particularly affects women.  The common treatment stops bone dissolution with bisphosphonate drugs like Fosamax or Actonel.  The more direct approach is the stimulation of bone formation which usually requires repeated injections of parathyroid hormone.  Now endocrinologists at Harvard’s Mass. General Hospital have identified a small molecule SK-124 that, when administered orally, has parathyroid hormone-like effects including raising blood levels of calcium and vitamin D leading to new bone formation.  SK-124 works in mice and will be developed into a drug for humans in collaboration with the Radius Health pharmaceutical company.   https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2214396119   #osteoporosis  #parathyroidhormone #bisphosphonates #osteoclasts  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/50X2_G70_VM   You’re well aware that your palms get sweaty when you’re under duress, and palm moisture is a time-tested indicator of stress.  Problem is that measurement of that stress level conventionally requires lots of electronic equipment.  Bioengineers at the University of Texas Austin have developed a nearly invisible graphene etattoo that can be applied to the palm.  The tattoos communicate with a smartwatch on the wrist via serpentine graphene-gold connectors that maintain the circuit despite palm and wrist movements.   The signal processing may occur in the watch or in a bluetooth-linked phone permitting non-stop monitoring of your stress levels.   https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-34406-2   #stress #etattoo #smartwatch #bluetooth #sweat  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/eXkn5EkmNbE   Australian and Iraqi engineers have developed an artificial intelligence-based system that permits contactless measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressures using video cameras.  The technique captures video data from two forehead regions over a 10 second interval and uses artificial intelligence algorithms to extract estimates of the subject’s blood pressure that are 90% accurate when compared to those gathered with conventional arm cuffs.  The same researchers have worked on measuring other vital signs including respirator rates, oxygen saturations, body temperatures, and jaundice.  All of this in support of telemedicine that is rapidly becoming more sophisticated.   https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5134/7/3/84   #bloodpressure #contactless #video #artificialintelligence  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/odP-sDjsFqk   With CoVid infections raging, the percentage of Americans who have received a complete series of CoVid vaccinations as well as the updated bivalent Omicron booster is nothing short of disgracefully low.  CoVid cases are up 55% in New York City, 127% in LA, 139% in Atlanta, 59% in DC, 54% in Miami, 92% in Houston, 73% in Chicago, and 121% in Los Vegas.   Only 71% of  men and 66% of women have finished their 2 shot initial CoVid vaccination series and a dismal 15% of men and 12% of women have receive the updated Omicron booster.  Even worse, only 5% of young children and 32% of older children have been vaccinated and only 3% of young children and 5% of older children have received the Omicron booster.   Are we doing any better with the flu?  Not really.  The flu season is well underway, and everyone should have already gotten the flu jab.  To date, though, only 26% of adults and 43% of children have had the flu vaccine.  That’s slight better than this time last year but not good enough.   We currently have a tridemic raging: CoVid, Flu, and RSV.  The good news is that we have vaccines to help control CoVid and Influenza.  An RSV vaccine is on the way, but not just yet.  For the two diseases for which we do have vaccines, the vaccination rates should be closer to 100%.   What is wrong with us?  These vaccines are like any other medicine.  If you have a strep throat, would you refuse to take penicillin or another antibiotic.  If you have diabetes, would you refuse insulin.   If you’re constipated, would you skip Ex-Lax. Fact is, these CoVid vaccines are likely as safe as the drugs you freely buy in the drugstore for your colds and your sleepless nights.   What’s more, so far, these vaccines are FREE.  They don’t cost you or your family a penny.  Ever wonder why that is?  It’s because responsible public health officials have advised our governmental leaders that having a vaccinated and boosted American population is essential for the well-being of us all.  It keeps us healthy, out of the hospital, working to support the almighty US dollar, and, of most importance, out of the grave.   So we all need to get off our butts, get vaccinated for CoVid and the flu, get boosted, in order to not only protect ourselves but also to protect the ones we love and all of our neighbors.  The CDC has just approved the CoVid Omicron booster for infants and children 6 months to 5 years.  It’s another chance for Americans to finally wake up and protect our youngest kids.   What’s more, doing your part to stop CoVid and the flu doesn’t stop with vaccination.   It includes masking when around others in the absence of safe ventilation which means indoors, on trains and buses, and in crowds.   <a href= "https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccination-demogra

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/RiomZ2exPlU   Consuming a so-called green Mediterranean diet enriched with plant-based polyphenols and reduced red and processed meats more than triples the loss of intra-abdominal, visceral adipose tissue compared with merely following health dietary guidelines.  The green Med diet doubles the belly fat loss compared with a standard Mediterranean diet.   These findings stem from an international collaborative study of 286  subjects 88% of whom were men.   The green Mediterranean diet was polyphenol-enriched by the addition of green tea and green shake drinks.   Following either Mediterranean diet led to a modest weight loss, 2.7% for the standard variety and 3.9% for the green supplemented variety.  The effect of which diet the subjects followed was more significant on the loss of visceral adipose tissue. Those on a standard, healthy diet lost 4.2%, on a Mediterranean diet lost 6%, but those on the green Mediterranean diet dropped 14%.   https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-022-02525-8   #beerbelly #visceraladiposetissue #vat #Mediterraneandiet #greenMediterraneandiet  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/1EuZS-tjrBc   Ninety-seven percent of US children 2 and under have not received any CoVid vaccination protection, and 95% of those ages 2 to 5 years haven’t as well.  These are the latest CDC estimates as CoVid hospitalization rates are rapidly rising for American infants and toddlers.   The good news is that better protection is now available for all children 6 months through 5 years of age.  The Omicron-specific bivalent vaccine has recently been CDC and FDA approved for this age group.   Remember too that the only protection available for our infants 6 months and under comes from their mothers, if they received CoVid vaccinations or a booster during their pregnancies.  The protective CoVid antibodies pass across the placenta to the developing fetus before birth and pass to the baby in breastmilk after birth.   CoVid rates are now surging in all US metropolitan areas following the Thanksgiving holiday. They will continue to rise during the December holidays.  To protect our most vulnerable neighbors including the very young and the oldest, it is critical that all of us not only keep our CoVid vaccinations and boosters current but also return to the defensive use of masking when indoors, on mass transit, and in crowds.   https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccination-demographics-trends   #CoVid #vaccine #booster #omicron