Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw8gWQmRmp_/ It’s all over the news.  President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act is initiating the practice whereby the US government will negotiate the prices it pays to buy drugs from our nation’s pharmaceutical manufacturers and provides to seniors with Medicare insurance.  The Act also caps the monthly price of insulin at $35, covers the costs of all senior vaccines including the pricey Shingles vaccines, and extracts rebates from Big Pharma for their prices that rise faster than inflation. Fact is that many countries around the world already negotiate drug prices with Big Pharma, and it effects prices you pay at the drugstore big time.  Let’s look at some medications you constantly hear hawked on TV, and compare the prices you’re charged versus those our neighbors to the north pay. Ozempic, semaglutide, the diabetes and diet drug, is nearly one-third the price.  Humalog and Novalog insulin is nearly 5 times cheaper.  Epipen is half as expensive.  And it goes o

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw8fKYcxZmy/ British neuropsychiatric researchers have identified two biochemical markers that accompany the handicapping cognitive impairments associated with Long CoVid.  Studying 1,837 hospitalized CoVid patients on a longitudinal basis, they discovered that elevated fibrinogen and D-dimer levels in such patients predict the development of CoVid “brain fog” 6 and 12 months later.  Fibrinogen is blood clot precursor, and D-dimer is a byproduct of blood clot dissolution.  The levels of these proteins are both elevated during CoVid in relation to a measure of inflammation, C-reactive protein.  We already know that CoVid infections tend to hyper stimulate both blood clotting and inflammation, and this latest finding suggests that brain damage with associated CoVid brain fog is somehow related to clotting overactivity.  Controlling this process may disperse the fog…..someday soon. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02525-y #CoVid #brainfog #cognitive #longCovid

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw8eM3KRGhF/ To take the guesswork out of spinal fusion surgery, New Zealand bioengineers have developed an implantable strain gauge that can measure the forces on the metallic devices used to prevent spinal column movement.  If the spinal fusion is functional, there should be measurable strain, and this device provides quantitative evidence before the surgery is complete and the patient’s incision is closed. Then, over ensuing weeks and months, the gauge telemetrically demonstrates the continued integrity of the fusion without the need for an internal battery.  The device should be ready for commercialization next year, and it may also be adapted to monitor joint prostheses in the hip and knee……someday soon. https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/news/2023/taking-the-guess-work-out-of-spinal-surgery.html #spine #fusion #gauge #strain #implant #telemetry

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw8dE74Rp4K/ Meta-analyses of new cancer drugs and the clinicians conducting them are twice as likely to report positive results when these studies and authors are funded by the companies manufacturing these medications.  Investigators at UC-San Francisco report these findings after evaluating 93 meta-analysis studies. Eighty-one percent of the 21 studies with pharma-funded authors and 78% of the pharma funded studies reported positive results compared with only 48% of those studies or authors without pharma funding.  Furthermore, those studies and authors with non-industry funding showed the lowest percentages of positive findings and the highest percentages of equivocal or frankly negative conclusions about the tested drugs. The bottom line: the funding sources of studies and investigators could affect the outcome of the studies.  They shouldn’t but they could.  As with all scientific studies, the credibility gold standard is confirmation by subsequent investigation

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw8cAjORhXJ/ From Boston and New York City come optimistic reports about the latest CoVid subvariant BA.2.86, nicknamed Pirola.   Harvard Beth Israel Deaconess virologist Dr. Dan Barouch reports that the blood from 66 Americans with CoVid immunity from monovalent vaccines, bivalent boosters, or recent CoVid XBB infections could effectively neutralize BA.2.86 pseudovirus test microbes as well as other circulating and legacy CoVid variants.   Meanwhile, NY City’s Columbia University virologist Dr. David Ho demonstrated similar results adding that the blood samples from those who experienced a recent XBB infection were most lethal to the BA.2.86subvariant. That’s good news since both the Moderna and Pfizer booster vaccines, planned for distribution later this month, code for XBB antigens.  They are arriving just in time, as the immunity we gleaned from last January’s bivalent boosters is now wearing out.  Be sure to get your CoVid boosts as soon as they are available.

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw8S-PwR4es/ The percentage of children born with gaps in their palates who had close to normal speech in kindergarten was about 40% higher when their palates were repaired at 6 months of age rather than waiting until their first birthdays.  From European pediatric reconstructive surgeons comes another ground-breaking study just published in the New England Journal of Medicine.  A total of 558 infants at 23 centers in Europe and South America participated. Half were randomly assigned to have their palatal repairs at 6 months and the remainder had them at one year of age.  Speech analysis for both groups was completed at 5 years of age.  Significant air escape during speaking, so called velopharyngeal insufficiency, occurred in 8.9% of the 6 month repair group compared with 15% of the 12 month repair group.  The infants who underwent earlier repair were also 20% more likely to be babbling by a year of age.  This study argues for earlier cleft palate repairs and demonstr

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw8R7-3xfvo/ Those with controlled HIV infections and undetectable virus levels enjoyed a 34% lower incidence of cardiovascular disease when treated with the blood cholesterol lowering agent pitavastatin.  This game-changing multisite study headed by Harvard Medical School researchers was just published in the New England Journal.  The Journal also published an excellent video that summarizes these remarkable results. Of the 7769 HIV-infected subjects taking continuing antiretroviral therapy who participated in this Phase 3, randomized, double-blinded study, nearly 88% had undetectable virus.  Half received pitavastatin 4mg daily and half received placebo.   At study termination in about 5 years, the incidence of major cardiovascular events was 4.81/1000 person-years in the pitavastatin group vs. 7.32/1000 person-years in the placebo group.  The risk of cardiovascular death was 35% lower for the pitavastatin group.  The statin use was associated with 31% drop in LDL c

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw8QkLpR3nX/ Pregnant women exposed to phthalates during their first trimester give birth to boys who suffer from neurodevelopmental problems.  Israeli neuroscientists studied 158 mothers and their children beginning at 11 to 17 months of gestation finishing at 23 to 30 months of age.  At study entry, urine levels of phthalates were measured.  At 2 years of age, the children underwent neurologic and cognitive testing. Maternal phthalate exposure during the first trimester was associated with developmental and behavioral deficits by 2 years of age, but only in the male children.  The children of mothers with high versus lower phthalate exposures had reduced personal-social skills, were more likely to internalize problems, were more anxious, and expressed more somatic complaints. So where do pregnant moms pick up these phthalates?  They are prominently featured in soaps, body washes, shampoos, cosmetics, and personal care products.  Ladies, please, please, avoid using t

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw8PBj_RUGi/ Smoking e-cigarettes is associated with as much as a 32% higher risk of adolescent asthma.  This the conclusion of a Texas A&M public health school study of 32,885 high school students aged 13-17 years.  About 9% of the teens lived in Texas. The numbers reveal a significant association of asthma development in those teens who have never smoked any combustable substances before.  Those most at risk lived in Texas with the one-third higher risk.  The average risk for all American kids is 18%. That’s bad news since about 60% of teens report constant e-cigarette smoking, and that smoking is more consistent in boys and in those with a history of depression. While some studies show that e-cigarettes can help tobacco smokers quit the habit, this study underscores the fact that these nicotine vaporizers are far from safe as they spew volatile organic compounds, irritating particulate matter, carcinogens, heavy metals, and toxic flavoring chemicals. https://

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CwgMgIGrCEl/ Recall by: FDA; David Oppenheimer and Company LLC Problem: All one-pound clamshells of Zespri organic green kiwifruit y have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  This bacterium causes serious disease in the very young, older, frail individuals, and in those with weakened immune systems. Listeria also triggers miscarriages and premature births. Sold: At stores in FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MI, NC, NY, OH, PA, TN, TX, VA, and WI.  Actions:  Return this product to the place of purchase for a refund.  For additional information, call David Oppenheimer and Company, LLC at 1-866-698-2580 or send an email to contact@oppy.com. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/david-oppenheimer-and-company-i-llc-voluntarily-recalls-organic-green-kiwifruit-due-possible-health #zespri #kiwi #listeria #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CwgLkfKpBuH/ Recall by: FDA; Real Kosher Ice Cream Problem: Soft serve on the go ice cream soft ice cream and sorbet are contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.  This bacterium causes serious disease in the very young, older, frail individuals, and in those with weakened immune systems. Listeria also triggers miscarriages and premature births. Sold: At grocery and convenience stores as well as canteens in CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, IL, MA, MD, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, VA, WV. Actions: Return these products to the place of purchase for a refund.  For more information, call the Soft Serve on the Go team at: 1-845-668-4346 or via the email info@softserveonthego.com. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/real-kosher-ice-cream-recalls-soft-serve-go-cups-because-possible-health-risk #softserveonthego #icecream #sorbet #listeria #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CwgK3FmRAr4/ Recall by: FDA; Unilever Problem:  Knorr Sopa Soup Mix products contain undeclared egg.  Those with egg allergies could develop severe allergic reactions should they consume this product. Affected are products with a Best if Used by Date of 7/6/2024. Actions:  Return these products to the place of purchase for a refund.  For additional information and a refund, visit knorrsoparecall.com.  To get the refund, submit a photo of the container with the UPC and Best if Used by Date in the pic. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/unilever-us-voluntarily-recalls-select-knorr-sopa-soup-mix-products-due-potential-undeclared-egg #knorr #sopa #soup #egg #allergies #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CwgJO9FLrO4/ Recall by: FDA; Nestle USA. Problem: NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough “break and bake” Bars are contaminated with wood chips.  The batches implicated have codes 311457531K and 311557534K. Actions:  Return this product to the place of purchase for a refund. For additional information, contact Nestlé USA by phone at 1-800-681-1678 https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/nestle-usa-announces-voluntary-recall-limited-quantity-nestler-toll-houser-chocolate-chip-cookie #nestles #chocolatechip #cookiedough #woodchips #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CwgJO9FLrO4/ Recall by: FDA; Stonewall Kitchens Problem: Stonewall Kitchens Peanut Butter Maltballs contain the undeclared allergens soy, wheat, and peanuts.  Well the label does say peanuts so let’s not nit pick.Those with an allergy to any or all of these allergens could develop serious allergic reactions if they ingest this treat.  Affected is product with a Best By date of 12/31/2024. Sold: Stonewall Kitchen Company retail stores located in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut and likely at other retail locations. Actions: If you or a family member have allergies to soy, wheat, or peanuts, return the product to the place of purchase.  To be on the safe side, even if you don’t have such allergies, return the product for a refund.  More information is available from Stonewall Kitchen Premier Guest Services by calling 1-800-826-1735 or by emailing the company at guestservices@stonewallkitchen.com. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawal

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CwgIPRCvN8P/ Recall by: FDA; Twin City Foods Problem: Not-Ready-To Eat Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) Super Sweet Cut Corn and Mixed Vegetables in retail bags sold at Food Lion and Kroger stores are contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.  This bacterium causes serious disease in the very young, older, frail individuals, and in those with weakened immune systems.Listeria also triggers miscarriages and premature births. Actions: To check if your particular product is involved and the recall, call Twin City Foods at 1-360-629-5678.  If so, you will be given info about proper disposal and refunds. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/twin-city-foods-inc-recalls-frozen-super-sweet-corn-and-mixed-vegetables-because-possible-health #kroger #foodlions #frozencorn #frozenvegetables #listeria #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CwewCGJAmfk/ Recall by: CPSC; Philips Avent Problem: The lithium-ion battery in the screen monitor unit overheat while charging creating fire and burn risks. Sold:  About 12,850 baby monitor units were sold at ToysRUs.com, Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Jet.com, and https://www.usa.philips.com. Actions:  Stop charging snd using these recalled Philips video monitors and contact Philips Avent online at philips.com/avent to obtain a replacement. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Philips-Avent-Digital-Video-Baby-Monitors-Recalled-by-Philips-Personal-Health-Due-to-Burn-Hazard #philips #babymonitor #video #battery #overheating #fire #burns

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CwevQeasjyo/ Recall by: CPSC; Daikin Comfort Technologies Problem: The DigiAir module compressor in these Amana Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps tends to overheat leading to burn and fire risks. Sold: About 62,100 units were sold in the US and about 302 were sold in Canada via HVAC dealers. Actions: Turn these units off and contact Daikin at 1-844-309-1141 for instructions you’ll need to safely disable the compressor and then arrange for a free repair. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Daikin-Comfort-Technologies-Recalls-Amana-Packaged-Terminal-Air-Conditioners-and-Heat-Pumps-Due-to-Burn-and-Fire-Hazards-Recall-Alert #amana #airconditioner #heatpump #compressor #overheating #fire #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CweueUhvCyO/ Recall by: CPSC; Maggie’s Farm Ltd. Problem: These pressurized aerosol cans can explode shooting shrapnel and risking lacerations and other injuries as well as skin and eye irritation from the chemical contents. Sold: About 14,500 cans of this insect killing aerosol were sold at Meijer, Big Y, Stop & Shop, Woodman's, and defense commissaries nationwide and online at maggiesfarmproducts.com, Walmart.com, and Amazon.com. Actions: Stop using this bed bug snd flea killer, take a photo of the can showing the lot number, wrap the can in several layers of paper and place in a plastic bag for disposal. For the refund, submit the photo with your contact info and a written pledge to dispose of the product to info@maggiesfarmproducts.com.  For more information, call Maggie’s at 1-844-368-2280 or email them at the same email. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Maggies-Farm-Recalls-Aerosol-Bed-Bug-Flea-Killer-Cans-Due-to-Injury-and-Laceration-Hazards #maggie

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwetwh2J7vE/ Recall by: CPSC; Target Problem:  These Threshold  Glass Jar Candles tend to crack and break leading to lacerations and burns. Sold: About 2.2 million candles were sold at Target stores nationwide and online at target.com. Actions: Stop lighting these recalled candlers and return them to any Target store for a refund.  For additional information, call Target at 1-800-440-0680. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Target-Recalls-2-2-Million-Threshold-Candles-Due-to-Laceration-and-Burn-Hazards-Sold-Exclusively-at-Target #target #candles #glassjar #laceration #burns #recall

Recall by: CPSC; Sensio Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwes9GmNYgD/ Problem: The lids on Bella, Bella Pro Series, Crux, and Cooks electric pressure cookers, as well as those on Bella stovetop pressure cookers may suddenly unlock permitting steam and scalding contents to splash out creating burns. Sold: About 860,000 pressure cookers were sold at JCPenney, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Macy’s and Target stores nationwide, and online at Amazon.com and other websites. Actions:  Stop using these pressure cookers and contact Sensio at 1-855-647-3125 for a refund and additional information. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Sensio-Recalls-Bella-Bella-Pro-Series-Cooks-and-Crux-Electric-and-Stovetop-Pressure-Cookers-Due-to-Burn-Hazard #sensoio #Bella #crux #cooks #pressurecookers #lids #burns #scalds #recall