Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2f4nwAr41p/ A wearable gyroscope on a glove effectively steadies the hands of those with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and strokes.  Presented at this month’s Consumer Electronic Show by the UK’s GyroGear, the battery powered glove utilizes the spinning gyroscope’s stabilization to permit those with hand tremors to resume activities that demand fine motor skills. The hand stabilizing glove allows those with handicapping tremors to once again work in the kitchen, sew, play musical instruments, and once again precisely move their hands and fingers. The device is not yet FDA cleared or approved and it is currently very pricey.  Each glove is $5900 on sale.  Hopefully, these gloves will pass the necessary clinical tests and be covered by health insurance…..someday soon. https://www.ces.tech/innovation-awards/honorees/2024/honorees/g/gyroglove.aspx #gyroglove #gyrogear #gyroscope #tremors #parkinsons #ms #

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2f3xu4rQCl/ Researchers at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia Spain have developed a nanorobotic system for precision delivery of therapeutic radiation to bladder cancers.  The nanotransporters are porous silica spheres coated with the enzyme urease.  When the coated nanosphere contacts the urea in urine within the bladder, it is propelled forward exposing its payload, radioactive iodine, to bladder surfaces.  Working with a mouse model, these radioactive nanorobots reduce the volume of bladder tumors by 90%.  Lots more testing lies ahead, but, hopefully this nanotechnology will help conquer bladder cancer……someday soon https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-023-01577-y #nanorobot #bladder #cancer #radiation 

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2f3B2wrmye/ Male smokers are 84% more likely than non-smokers to lose their head of hair with aging.  University of Toronto dermatologists report this association following their meta-analysis of eight studies covering 1537 smokers and 1756 never-smokers. Besides concluding that cigarette smoking is associated with male balding, the data also shows that heavier cigarette smoking was associated with more baldness.  Those smoking more than half pack a day versus those smoking less than that were 96% more likely to lose their hair. So men, if you want to do all you can to preserve the hair on your heads, you’d be well advised to never smoke.  If you are a smoker, stopping or at least cutting down your cigarette consumption will improve your changes of avoiding baldness as well as untimely lung and heart disease. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.16132 #smoking #baldness #alopecia #menshealth

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2f2SWurO1F/ The psychoactive drug ibogaine can curb symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder by some 88%.  This the conclusion of s Stanford University study of 30 Gulf War special ops veterans. Administration of ibogaine for only one month also produced an 87% reduction in depressive symptoms, an 81% drop in anxiety, and marked improvements in concentration, memory, information processing, and tendencies toward impulsive behavior.  Every vet receiving the drug showed improvement.  Previous studies with other medications have failed to yield such dramatic improvements for PTSD sufferers.   The bad news: while ibogaine is available in Canada and Mexico, it is a  restricted Schedule I drug in the US and should only be administered under close supervision.  Ibocaine can also trigger cardiac issues, and must be administered with magnesium supplementation.  This small, preliminary study requires repetition on a larger scale to confirm its effectiveness and to begin und

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2f1NmorVHE/ In this day when patients complain bitterly that their doctors and other medical team members spend too little time with them, a study from the University of Texas Southwestern offers a solution.  When a chair was placed within 3 feet of a patient’s hospital bed versus further away, the doc was 21-times more likely to sit and engage with the patient about their issues leading to greater patient satisfaction on those surveys that inundate all of us.  Though the closer chair placement was not associated with more time spent with the patient, the patients’ satisfaction with the communication was significantly higher.  The next time you visit your medical team and they tend to stand with one foot out the door, just say, “have a seat and let’s chat ….I have some questions for you.” https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj-2023-076309 #communication #patientsatisfaction #surveys

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2fz-Lvr5e4/ When most people encounter someone half conscious on the street, fewer than 1 in 5 Americans know how to use the automated external defibrillators placed in strategic public locations. It’s a shame since half of those suffering a cardiac arrest outside a hospital will be brought back to life with a timely shock. That’s the tragedy documented by University of Texas Southwestern cardiologists who reviewed some 10,000 patients with cardiac standstill. These AED devices are lifesaving if you know how to use them and have the guts to pull them off the wall and deploy them.  To give you the confidence to save lives of friends, neighbors, strangers, and, maybe your family, I want you to watch this excellent video by the Washington Post featuring Dr. Landon Mueller of MedStar Health. (Video) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2813619 #AED #automatedexternaldefibrillator #cardiacarrest 

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2fzTIlrfSX/ Vaccinating your children against CoVid can cut their risk of developing devastating Long CoVid by half.  So say researchers at CHOP, the renown Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia, following their chart review of more than one million children. Long CoVid prevention by vaccination was most effective for teens at 50.3% but reduced risks for those 5 to 11 years by 24%.  The vaccine was most effective at preventing Long CoVid for the first 6 months after getting the shot at 61% with than figure dropping to 11% by 18 months after vaccination. Even if you don’t choose vaccination for yourself, and I highly recommend that you do, don’t be guilty of child abuse by failing to vaccinate your children. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/doi/10.1542/peds.2023-064446/196419/Vaccine-Effectiveness-Against-Long-COVID-in?autologincheck=redirected #CoVid #longcovid #vaccination #adolescents #childabuse

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2fycd7rwDv/ When men take a drug for erectile dysfunction along with a nitrate-containing medication, it nearly doubles their risk of needing coronary artery surgery and increases their chance of dying by 40%.  Swedish researchers now report these grim statistics after studying 55,777 men with previous significant heart problems such as a heart attack or coronary revascularization over a 7 year period. The ED drugs these men take, so called phosphodiesterase inhibitors or PDE drugs, include Viagra branded sildenafil and Cialis branded tadalafil.  The nitrate drugs, most often taken for angina, include: nitroglycerine or the brands Nitro-dur, Nitrolingual, Nitrotime, Rectiv, and Nitromist; isosorbide mononitrate or the brands Isordil and Dilatrate, and amyl nitrate. The bad news: taking these ED and angina drugs together increases the overall risk of death by 39%, the risk of a heart attack by 72%, of heart failure by 67%, and the risk of needing heart surgery by some

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2Iq2V0LZ-P/ The FDA and Win Luck Trading Inc. are recalling Tasty Snacks Dried Plums due to undeclared sulfites.  Those with an allergy to sulfites could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume this product.  This product was sold in New York and in New Jersey. Do not consume these plums.  Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.   For more information, contact the company at 1-201-332-8878. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/win-luck-trading-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-sulfites-dried-plums #tastysnacks #plums #sulfites #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2IpvBRx1kb/ The FDA and ToYou Snacks are recalling ToYou Snack Bars due to the presence of undeclared soy in the following flavors: Coconut Mocha, Chocolate Mango, Salted caramel dark chocolate, Mint Dark chocolate, Banana foster, and Mango Yogurt. Those with an allergy to soy could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume this product.  These products were sold at retail locations nationally and online at amazon.com. Return these snack bars to the place of purchase for a refund if you or household members have a soy allergy.  For more information, contact the company at toyousnacks@me.com. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/toyou-snacks-issues-allergy-alert-toyou-snacks-snack-bars-due-undeclared-soy #toyou #snackbars #soy #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2IoEsULD-l/ The FDA and D&D Commodities Ltd. are recalling 3-D Pet Products Premium Parrot Food in a 4 lb. jar, Lot Number 102525G due to salmonella contamination.   This food can sicken your parrot with a gastroenteritis and the bacterium can be passed to you from the pet or by handling the contaminated pet food.  In humans, salmonella causes a gastroenteritis and systemic sepsis. The contaminated parrot food was sold in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.  Return this recalled parrot food to the place of purchase for a full refund.  Handle it very carefully to avoid contracting a salmonella infection.  For more information, call D&D Commodities at 1-218-991-8015. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/urgent-voluntary-recall-dd-commodities-ltd-3-d-pet-products-premium-parrot-

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2InTgYrrqI/ The FDA and HY Success Inc. are recalling Fat Choy Kee Dried Longan due to undeclared sulfites.  Those with an allergy to sulfites could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume this product.  The affected product has an expiration date of 12/31/2024. Return the product to the place of purchase.  For more information about the recall and refunds, contact the company at 1-646-533-2162. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hy-success-inc-alert-undeclared-sulfites-fat-choy-kee-dried-longan #fatchoykee #longan #sulfites #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2ImVcwr-pp/ The FDA and Benny T’s are recalling Benny T’s Vesta Dry Hot Sauces are they contain undeclared wheat.  This includes the vesta hot sauce types: Ghost, Hot Reaper, Scorpion, and Very Hot.  Affected are lot #s FX001500 and FX001582. If you or household members have a wheat allergy, discard the product.  Contact Benny T’s at 1-919-656-7688 for more information about the recall and refunds. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/vesta-fiery-gourmet-foods-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-15oz-glass-jars-benny-ts-vesta-dry #bennyts #hotsauce #wheat #allergy #recall 

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2Ilb9trwzy/ The FDA and Ventura Foods are recalling Publix Deli Carolina-Style Mustard BBQ Sauce since the packaging actually contains Traditional Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce with an undeclared fish (anchovy) allergen.  Affected is product with a use by date of April 8, 2024. The product was sold at Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virgina. Return the product to your local Publix store for a refund.  For more information, contact Ventura Foods Customer Relations at 1-888-500-0086. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ventura-foods-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-fish-anchovy-allergen-publix-deli-carolina-style #publix #mustardBBQ #fish #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2IkZEcLoO3/ The FDA and Wegman’s Markets are recalling Outrageous Oat Cookies sold at their in-store bakeries as they also contain undeclared wheat.  Those with a wheat allergy could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume this product.  The affected cookies were sold at all Wegmans locations in D.C, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. If you or household members or visitors have wheat allergies return these cookies to a Wegman’s customer service desk for a full refund.  For additional information, call Wegman’s at 1-855-934-3663. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wegmans-food-markets-inc-issues-allergy-alert-outrageous-oat-cookies-undeclared-wheat #wegmans #oatcookies #wheat #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2IjifMrAMC/ The FDA and the Rizo Bros California Creamery are recalling Rizo Bros. Aged Cotija Mexican Grating Cheese due to listeria monocytogenes 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 is batch #4DW-23318 with a sell by date of 5/12/2024. Do not consume this cheese.  Return it to the place of purchase for a refund.  For more information, contact Rizo Lopez Foods at 1-800-626-5587. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/rizo-lopez-foods-inc-recalls-aged-cotija-mexican-grating-cheese-8oz-because-possible-health-risk #riobrothers #cotija #cheese #listeria #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2IisyZLARe/ The FDA and the U.S. Trading Company are recalling Dragonfly Jelly Bars sold in Dragonfly Jelly Handbags and Jelly Backpacks as the jelly bars contain konjac powder that creates a dangerous texture and consistency leading to choking hazards particularly for small children but also for adults. Return these jelly bars and their packaging to the place of purchase for a refund.  For additional information, contact the U.S. Trading Company at 1-510- 781-1818. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/us-trading-company-hayward-ca-recalling-dragonfly-jelly-bars-because-it-contains-konjac-powder-and #dragonfly #jellybars #konjac #choking #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2Igxe8rM7X/ The CPSC and the  H.H. Brown Shoe Company are recalling Redeemer Men’s Work Boot Model DH 5379 as the sole of the boot is not sufficiently puncture-resistant and creates a risk of foot injuries.  Affected are boots with manufacturing codes VCJJ22, VCJC23, VCJD23 and VCJF23. About 2360 of these work boots were sold at shoe and workwear stores nationwide and online at doublehboots.com. Stop wearing these recalled work boots and contact H. H. Brown at 1-800-441-4319 or via the email DH5379recall@hhbrown.com to receive a prepaid label for boot return and a free replacement pair of work boots with safe soles. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/H-H-Brown-Shoe-Company-Recalls-Redeemer-Work-Boots-Due-to-Injury-Hazard #redeemer #workboots #hhbrown #soles #puncture #injury #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2If9Y-rqjA/ The CPSC and Homedics are recalling Homedics Therapist Select Percussion Personal Massagers due to overheating while charging and risks of fire and burn hazards. About 46,000 of these percussion massagers were sold in the US and about 41,000 were sold in Canada at Macy’s, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Lowe’s, JCPenney, The Home Depot and other stores nationwide and online at Homedics.com, Macys.com, BJs.com, Lowes.com, HomeDepot.com and Amazon.com. Immediately stop charging and using these massagers and contact Homedics at 1-800-466-3342 to determine if your massager is included in the recall and to arrange a refund or a product credit. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Homedics-Recalls-Massagers-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards #homedics #massager #overheating #burns #fire #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2IfANZLKkT/ The CPSC and Ride Aventon are recalling Aventon Class 2 Sinch.2 Folding E-Bicycles as they tend to accelerate unpredictably leading to loss of control, cash, and injury hazards to the rider and bystanders. About 2300 of these e-bike were sold at bicycle stores nationwide and online at BestBuy.com and Eriksbikeshop.com. Stop riding these recalled e-bikes and contact a Ride Aventon dealer to schedule a free repair including a software update to the controller.  For more information, contact Ride Aventon at 1-866-300-3311or via email at info@aventon.com. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Ride-Aventon-Recalls-Sinch2-Folding-E-Bicycles-Due-to-Crash-and-Injury-Hazards #aveton #ebike #controller #injuries #recall