Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C0Qm8DwLhE2/ Those continually experiencing constipation with bowel movements occurring 3 days or more apart have reduced cognitive skills equal to someone 3 years older.  Harvard Medical School investigators analyzed data from 12,696 female and male subjects in two Nurses Health Studies looking at bowel emptying frequency and cognitive skills as measured by a standard neuropsychological test battery. Compared with those having daily bowel movements, those who had to wait 3 days or more for a movement scored significantly worse on their cognitive function tests.  Their cognitive skills equaled those of persons from 1 to nearly 5 years older.  These constipated individuals were also 73% more likely to suffer cognitive decline with aging. This is yet another instance of an association between gastrointestinal and brain function.  Then again, we all know people with their proverbial heads up their butts. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/998412?ecd=a2a #constipation

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C0Ql0KSrBZx/ This disconcerting result popped up on a national survey conducted by the Ohio State University.  The poll of 1,007  respondents by the SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus showed that about 33% didn’t feel the need to become vaccinated against CoVid, influenza, or RSV thinking they were not at high risk.  They were either unaware or didn’t care that their decision put others, particularly the very young, older individuals, or those with weakened immune systems at greater risk for severe and life-threatening respiratory infections. This attitude is just plan selfish.  Loyal Americans support good public health.  Everyone 6 months and older should be getting both the flu and the CoVid vaccinations.  Those 60 and older and pregnant women in late pregnancy should be getting the RSV vaccination.  Those 65 and older and those ages 5 to 64 with chronic lung or heart diseases or weakened immune systems should be getting the pneumonia vaccines. So… don’t be selfish. Protec

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C0Qk0VGrXEc/ Pregnant women using cannabis in any form face higher risk of a preterm birth, a baby with a low birth weight, and the need for a neonatal intensive care stay.  University of Toronto investigators reached these conclusions after reviewing and meta-analyzing 57 studies.  Specifically, the pregnant cannabis users were 1.7 fold more likely to have a preterm birth, 2.6 fold more likely to bear a low birth weight baby, and 2.5 times more likely to have their baby require specialized care in the NICU. We can’t say it often enough:  don’t use recreational drugs of any kind during pregnancy.  Try to avoid using any medications as well.  If you must, be certain that you take meds under the watchful eye of your medical team. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.16370 #cannabis #pregnancy #lowbirthweight #prematurity #nicu

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C0QkAyLrN2w/ CoVid infections are on the rise again.  If you do contract the virus, the regular use of saline gargles and nasal saline aerosol irrigations will reduce your chances of landing in the hospital with a severe or a life-threatening case by nearly 70% (69%).   Texas clinicians reports this finding after studying 55 CoVid patients using the saline washes in their throats and noses in comparison with more than 9000 (9398)infected controls who did not.  The patients studied had average ages between 39 and 45. This is incredibly simple home therapy.  If you do get infected, be prepared with saline for irrigation as a gargle and sterile nasal saline aerosol so you can launch into action AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/998454?ecd=a2a #CoVid #saline #gargles #nasalspray #hospitalization

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C0QiYtsrqcY/ Teen guys with 2 or more concussions in a year were twice as likely to make a suicide attempt as those with only one concussion.  Teen girls with any concussions in a year were twice as likely to have tried suicide.  University of South Carolina public health and pediatric researchers report these conclusions after analyzing survey responses from 23,445 students. The bottom line:  teens suffering concussions, particularly girls and boys with more than one such event, should be monitored carefully for depressive and suicidal ideas and behaviors.  When noted, these teens should be aggressively treated. https://meridian.allenpress.com/jat/article/58/9/751/487667/Concussion-Exposure-and-Suicidal-Ideation-Planning #adolescents #concussions #depression #suicide

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C0QhVdfrGXe/ Normally flu cases begin to escalate in December and January.  The CDC now reports significantly higher than normal activity already in Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Carolina,  the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.  Flu cases are also cropping up in the Northeast, the Mid-Atlantic states, and on the west coast. So far, only about 35% of US adults and 33% of kids have received the flu vaccine, and the numbers are even lower in the south where cases are surging. Get the vaccine now.  Those over 65 should get the high strength influenza vaccine, and all others should receive the vaccines that are age-appropriate.   https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm #influenza #vaccines

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C0QfwBPLJr-/ Both coffee and alcohol have negative effects on your sleep patterns.  Psychiatrists and sleep scientists at Seattle’s University of Washington now report this conclusion following their study of 17 financial traders with a mean age of 30.  These driven individuals tend to chain drink coffee during their days using caffeine to turbocharge their performance.  They drink alcoholic beverages in the evening to bring themselves down and, they think, promote better sleep.  The study data reveals some support for this self-medication paradigm. As conventional wisdom holds, caffeine improves performance.  It keeps you up and overall reduces your sleep duration. Every cup of coffee robs you of 10.4 minutes of sleep.  Coffee does not significantly affect sleep quality.  Alcohol makes you drowsy, but it does impact sleep quality with each glass responsible for a 3% decrease in quality.  It has no impact on overall sleep duration.  While evening alcohol cuts quality,

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CzrbjqpLdQn/ Problem:  The FDA and the Hearn Kirkwood company are recalling variously branded Croissant Sandwiches because its labeling did not identify the soy and milk allergens in the products.  The brands include Food Unlimited; Jack and Olive; and Sprig and Sprout. Sold: The affected sandwiches were sold from October 20, 2023 and November 3, 2023, in: Alabama, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Actions:  Those with allergies or sensitivities to soy or milk should not consume and discard these sandwiches. For more inforrmation, email the company at RetailSalesDistribution@CoastalSunbelt.com or call 410-799-9900. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hearn-kirkwood-issues-safety-alert-undeclared-soy-and-milk-various-croissant-sandwiches #crossant #sandwiches #soy #milk #allergies #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Czra1z0LU9h/ Problem:  The FDA and SOFIA PRODUCE, LLC dba Trufresh are recalling all sizes of fresh cantaloupes packaged in cardboard containers labeled with the “Malichita” label because they are contaminated with Salmonella.  This bacterium causes a severe gastroenteritis in the very young, elders, and in those with weakened immune systems and the gastrointestinal infection can become a systemic septicemia. Sold: In Arizona, California. Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida and Canada but also possible resold in other states. Actions:  Return these cantaloupes to the place of purchase.  For more information,  call Tru Fresh at 1-520-394-7370. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sofia-produce-llc-dba-trufresh-recalls-fresh-cantaloupe-because-possible-health-risk-due-salmonella #malichita #cantaloupes #salmonella #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CzraRjOrWDh/ Problem:  The FDA and Frito-Lay are recalling Off The Eaten Path Chickpea Veggie Crisps since they contain undeclared milk ingredients due to the unintended presence of caramel seasoned crisps.  Sold : In Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Actions:  Do not consume this snack.  Return it to the place of purchase. For more information, contact Off The Eaten Path Consumer Relations at 1-844-683-7284. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/frito-lay-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-eaten-path-chickpea-veggie-crisps #offtheeatenpath #crisps #milk #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CzrZjQCL8oZ/ Problem:  The CPSC and the Amer Sports Winter & Outdoor Company are recalling these ski bindings since their toe components tend to fail which allows the ski boot to disconnect from the ski, creating fall and injury hazards. Sold:  About 4,250 bindings were sold in the US and about 1,446 were sold in Canada at ski stores nationwide and online at armadaskis.com, atomic.com and salomon.com. Actions:  Immediately stop using these recalled ski bindings and return them to any authorized Armada, Atomic Ski, or Salomon dealer for a free inspection and replacement of the toe portion of the ski bindings.  The dealers can verify if your binding is included in this recall based on its serial number. Consumer Contact: E-mail: recall-notice.en@armadaskis.com Phone: 1-833-944-1062 https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Amer Sports Winter & Outdoor Recalls Ski Touring Bindings Due to Fall and Injury Hazards #armada #atomic #salomon #skibindings #detachment #injuri

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CzrYfNhrV2a/ Problem:  The CPSC and Polaris are recalling Model Year 2023 RANGER XP 1000 NorthStar and XP 1000 NorthStar Crew Off-Road Vehicles due to improperly installed center brake lines that cause the rear brakes to remain activated leading to overheating, reduced braking, and the creation of fire, burn, and crash hazards. Sold:  About 1,025 vehicles were sold in the US and about 40 were sold in Canada. Actions: Stop riding these recalled vehicles and contact Polaris or an authorized Polaris dealer to schedule a free inspection, and repair if necessary. Contact info: E-mail: Owner.Connections@polaris.com Phone: (800) 765-2747 https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Polaris-Recalls-RANGER-Off-Road-Vehicles-Due-to-Fire-and-Crash-Hazards-Recall-Alert #polaris #ranger #offroad #brakes #overheating #crash #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CzrXzMYrCuK/ Problem:  The CPSC and DR Power Equipment are recalling DR Power branded Tow-Behind Field & Brush Mowers since these units have easily breakable exhaust pipes which cause damage to the unit and operators due to excessive heat. Sold:  About 2,930 mowers were sold in the US and about 102 were sold in Canada at DR Power Equipment dealers nationwide and online at drpower.com and Generac.com. Actions:  Immediately stop using these recalled mowers and contact DR Power Equipment for a prorated refund or credit toward a new DR Power product. The prorated refund or credit will be determined based on the age of the unit. Consumer Contact: E-mail: recalls@DRPower.com Phone: 1-800-854-1565 https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/DR-Power-Equipment-Recalls-Tow-Behind-Field-Brush-Mowers-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards #drpower #mowers #exhaust #overheating #fire #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CzrXH4OLFSu/ Problem:  The CPSC and IMOONZZZ are recalling IMOONZZZ Girls Nightgowns since they  fail to meet federal flammability standards for children’s sleepwear and create a risk of burn injuries for children. Sold:  About 13,300 nightgowns were sold on amazon.com. Actions:  Take the recalled nightgowns away from your children and contact iMOONZZZ for a full refund. You’ll will be asked to destroy the garments by cutting them in half, take a photo of the destroyed nightgowns, and send the photo to imoonzzz-recall@cdreame.com. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Childrens-Nightgowns-Recalled-Due-to-Burn-Hazard-and-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Standards-Sold-by-iMOONZZZ-Exclusively-on-Amazon-com #imoonzzz #nightgowns #girls #flammability #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CzrWYKrrX7l/ Problem: The CPSC and Twin Star International are recalling Style Selections 42-inch-wide Infrared Quartz Electric Fireplaces since they overheat creating fire and burn hazards. Sold:  About 14,670 of these fireplaces were sold exclusively at Lowe’s. Actions: Stop using and unplug these recalled electric fireplaces and contact Twin-Star for a refund of the purchase price.  To obtain the refund, you must complete the online recall registration form at twinstarhome.com/recall or call Twin-Star for information. Contact information: Phone: (855) 884-9651 https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Twin-Star-International-Recalls-Infrared-Quartz-Electric-Fireplaces-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Lowes #styleselections #lowes #electricfireplaces #overheating #fires #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CzrVjOSrsha/ Problem:  The CPSC and IKEA are recalling wall mirrors since the plastic fittings that attach thea mirror to the wall break causing the mirror to fall and create a laceration hazard. Sold:  About 14,600 were sold in the US and about 10,500 were sold in Canada. Actions:  Immediately stop using these recalled mirrors and contact IKEA to order a free set of replacement wall fittings and instructions.  Customers can also return their mirrors to any IKEA store for a full refund. Contact Info: Phone: 1-888-966-4532 https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/IKEA-Expands-Recall-of-Mirrors-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard #IKEA #wallmirror #detachment #injury #lacerations #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CzrUyU_LE5M/ Problem:  The CPSC and Textron Specialized Vehicles are recalling Model Year 2022 and 2023 Arctic Cat Prowler Pro / Pro Crew and Tracker Off Road 800SX / 800SX Crew Side by Side Recreational Off Highway Vehicles since these vehicles are able to move on an incline even though “park” is displayed on the digital dash.  This leads to crashes and injuries to operators and bystanders. Sold:  About 6,800 were sold in the US and about 700 were sold in Canada. Actions:  Stop riding these recalled vehicles and contact Textron Specialized Vehicles to schedule a free repair that includes modifications to the shift mechanism and sensor. Contact info: E-mail: arcticcatwarranty@textron.com Phone: (800) 279-2281 https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Textron-Specialized-Vehicles-Recalls-Arctic-Cat-and-Tracker-Side-by-Side-Recreational-Off-Highway-Vehicles-Due-to-Crash-Hazard-Recall-Alert #textron #arcticcat #tracker #offroad #parkingbrake #crash #injuries #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CzrThMMrtb7/ Problem: CPSC and Textron Specialized Vehicles Recall E-Z-GO PTV And Tracker OX EV Vehicles since these vehicles’ internal motor wiring can become damaged over time permitting the vehicle to move unintentionally creating crash and injury hazards for the operator and bystanders. Sold:  About 1,660 vehicles were sold in the US, about 60 were sold in Canada, and about 20 were sold in Mexico. Actions:  Immediately stop using the E-Z-GO PTV and Tracker OX vehicles and contact your Textron dealership or Textron Specialized Vehicle for a free repair. Contact: E-mail: jcook03@textron.com Phone: (888) 525-6040 https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Textron-Specialized-Vehicles-Recalls-E-Z-GO-PTV-And-Tracker-OX-EV-Vehicles-Due-to-Crash-Hazard-Recall-Alert #textron #offroad #motorcontrol #crash #injuries #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CzpBtSBr3j-/ Stanford ER docs collaborating with University of Toronto bioengineers have developed speech analysis models for phones and also for smart speakers capable of detecting alcohol intoxication with 98% accuracy.  The researchers tested their algorithm on a small group of 18. Nearly three-quarters of the subjects were male with ages ranging from 21-62 years.  The participants were asked to read a tongue-twister after drinking an excess of weight-based alcohol over a 7 hour period.  The speech spectrographic patterns could predict a blood alcohol level over 0.08% and higher with a 98% sensitivity, a 97% specificity and positive predictive value, and a 98% negative predictive value.  It won’t be long before your car demands an error-free rendition of the flag pledge before sparking the ignition. https://www.jsad.com/doi/10.15288/jsad.22-00375 #smartphone #smartspeaker #alcohol #breathalyzer #voicespectrum #intoxication

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CzpA1iRLwH6/ Northwestern University dermatologists and chemical bioengineers have cooked up a synthetic form of the naturally occurring pigmented polymer melanin.  The natural melanin lends color to human tissues, protects the tissues from harmful ultraviolet radiation, and has antioxidant characteristics that help neutralize the reactive oxygen metabolic waste products that arise in our tissues.  The synthetic nanoparticle melanin does all these things but better.  The biocompatible, nontoxic, clear, non-absorbable material sits on the skin’s surface and protects against not only UV radiation but also toxic chemicals.  It features a modified chemical structure with enhanced anti-oxidative properties that efficiently scavenges oxygen free radicals.  It protects while it speeds healing.  It works both before and after sun exposure.  This super melanin cream moderates the skin’s own protective systems to prevent autoimmune-type damage as healing occurs. The currently-a