Dr. Howard Smith Reports

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/YF3QFYqfPS4   This is my last set of health reports for 2020.  I’ll be back in January with more Health News You Should Use and Health news Capsules covering drug, food, and product safety recalls from the FDA and the CPSC.  When I return, I’ll be broadcasting from a new studio.  Meanwhile, I do hope that you have happy remaining days of Chanukah, a Merry Christmas, and that we all have a happy and healthy celebration of the New Year 2021.  During this coming year, we should see a control of the pandemic here in the US and around the world.  Before that occurs, stay well by wearing your mask consistently, physically distancing from those not in your bubble, washing your hands, and, as soon as you have the opportunity, take one of the CoVid vaccines.

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/UlxK36EMGLU   The CPSC and Thermo Tents USA Inc. are recalling 3 tents in the Mór series: Crua Tri, Crua Loj, and Crua Cottage.  These tents are not fire-retardant though labelled as such.  About 260 of these tents were sold online via cruaoutdoors.com, Moosejaw.com, CampSaver.com, Walmart.com, Cabella.com, Basspro.com, and amazon.com.  Stop using these tents around any open flames.  Thermo Tents USA says that you can contact them by calling 1-888-480-2550 to request a new label that states they are not fire-retardant.  To me, this is ludicrous.  I’d contact your point of purchase and arrange to send the tent back for a refund.  Then buy a safe, non-flammable tent.  If you get pushback, call the company or your state’s consumer protection office.    https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Thermo-Tents-Recalls-Mor-Series-Tents-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Tents-are-Mislabeled-as-Fire-Retardant-Recall-Alert   #tent #flammable  Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/m-85zttpkyk   The CPSC and the Homfa company have recalled Homfa HPB-087 and HPB-106 Cabinets.  These furniture pieces are unstable unless anchored to the wall, and they may tip over creating entrapment and injuries for children.  They fail to comply with US safety standards.  If you own one, unload it and keep children away from it.  Remove the cabinet’s drawer slides and email the company at service@myhomfa.com to receive instructions regarding where to send the slides to qualify for a refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Homfa-Cabinets-Recalled-Due-to-Tip-Over-and-Entrapment-Hazards-Made-by-Shenzhen-Luosi-Ge-Trading-Co-Recall-Alert   #cabinet #tipover #entrapment Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/dqQ_UC0ZLxU   The CPSC and the Scentsy company are recalling the Scentsy Luminary Jack Warmer and the Scentsy Bless This Home Warmer.  The electrical components within are corroded creating a fire hazard. Apparently a shipping container transporting these products required fumigation due to a cockroach problem, and the chemical used created the damage.  About 7805 of these were sold in the US and about 260 were sold in Canada.  If you have one, stop using it and take a photo of the warmer with its wires cut.  Contact Scentsy by calling 1-877-855-0617 for instructions about where to send your picture to receive a full refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Scentsy-Recalls-Electrical-Oil-Warmers-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Recall-Alert   #oilwarmer #fire Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/4pF7tueTHsM   The CPSC and the Spirit Halloween company have recalled 3 children’s flashlights: ZAG Miraculous flashlight, the Ghostbusters flashlight, and the My Little Pony flashlight.  The batteries in these flashlights may overheat creating burn and fire hazards.  There were 6100 sold in the US and 380 in Canada.  Immediately take these flashlight away from your children, remove the batteries, and dispose of the flashlight.  Contact Spirit Halloween by calling 1-866-586-0155 for a refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Spirit-Halloween-Recalls-Childrens-Flashlights-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards   #flashlight #overheating Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Cc_4xw7qvkA   The CPSC and Goal Zero are recalling Yeti 25A Fast Charge Power Supply.  The link between the power supply and the output cord can become loose leading to overheating and a fire hazard.  If you have one of the 4500 of these sold, stop using it and contact Goal Zero at 1-888-794-6250 for a free repair.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Goal-Zero-Recalls-Power-Supplies-Due-to-Fire-Hazard   #powersupply #yeti #overheating Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/7tidOWhcV10   The CPSC and Grillblazer have recalled the Su-Vgun and Grillgun propane torch guns. Propane could leak from these products leading to fire hazards.  Around 10,000 of the products have been sold online.  If you bought one of these, stop using it and contact Grillblazer at 1-888-267-9022 to receive a free repair.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/GrillBlazer-Recalls-Propane-Torch-Guns-Due-to-Fire-Hazard   #grillblazer #propaneleak Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/1-7pXum2ARI   The CPSC and Black and Decker have recalled the CRAFTSMAN® 10-inch corded chain saw, model CMECSP610.  This chain saw may unexpectedly start without pressing the power switch when the extension cord adapter is connected upside down. This poses a severe laceration hazard.  It was sold at Lowe’s and other stores as well as online at amazon.com.  If you have one of the 82,000 units sold, stop using it and contact Craftsman at 1-855-237-6848 to receive a free repair kit.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Black-and-Decker-Recalls-CRAFTSMAN-10-Inch-Corded-Chain-Saws-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard   #craftsman #chainsaw #powerswitch Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/ivE2_YyV-ys   The CPSC and LG Sourcing, Inc. are recalling Allen + Roth 62 inch Electric Fireplaces.  These units have wiring connectors that may overheat and lead to a fire hazard.  If you have one of the 48,000 of these sold, stop using it and contact LG Sourcing by calling 1-888-251-1019 to receive a free repair kit and to schedule free in-home repair.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/L-G-Sourcing-Recalls-to-Repair-Electric-Fireplaces-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Lowes-Stores   #fireplace #electric #overheating Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/PGEErB1sZh4   The CPSC and Fiskars Brands have recalled Fiskars 16 foot Extendable Pole Saw/Pruners.  The telescoping sections of this product may come apart permitting the saw blade and pruner head to fall and create injuries.  More than 467,680 of these have been sold in the Us and 95,000 sold in Canada.  If you own one, stop using it and contact Fiskars Brands at 1-888-847-8716 for instructions regarding how to dispose of the product an obtain a refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Fiskars-Brands-Recalls-16-Foot-Pole-Saw-Pruners-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard   #extensionsaw #extensionpruner #fiskars Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/y1sXfgBIqG0   The CPSC and the Neptune Benson Company are recalling Delta Ultra-Violet Generators For Pools and Spas.  This product with the identifier EA-4H-10 lacks sufficient water proofing permitting fluid to leak into the generator with heat buildup and a fire hazard.  If you have one of the 4560 units sold, unplug it and discontinue its use.  Contact Neptune Benson for a free inspection or replacement by calling 1-888-847-8710.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Neptune-Benson-Recalls-Delta-Ultra-Violet-Generators-For-Pools-and-Spas-Due-to-Fire-Hazard   #uvgenerator #firehazard Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/HP9Dgf1hi6Y   The CPSC and the Washington Shoe Company have recalled Western Chief Toddler Boots.  The rivets that attach handles to the boot may detach create a choking hazard for children.  These were sold at Target stores and target.com.   If you have these boots, don’t permit your child to wear them.  Return them to the store for a refund.  For additional information, call the Washington Shoe Company at 1-855-545-0862.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Washington-Shoe-Company-Recalls-Western-Chief-Toddler-Boots-Due-to-Choking-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Target   #boots #toddler #choking Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/XTgU0SfjbHk   The FDA and George DeLallo Co., Inc. are recalling Publix Bakery 20 OZ Holiday Cookie Platters.  This product contains undeclared pecans.  Those with pecan allergies run the risk of a serious allergic reactions.  These cookies were distributed by Publix in certain Florida counties, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.  If you purchased these cookies and have a person with a pecan allergy in your family, return them to the store for a refund.  If you have questions, contact the company at 1-800-433-9100. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/george-delallo-co-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-pecans-20-oz-publix-bakery-holiday-cookie   #cookies #pecans #publix Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/YK96zGh6izg   The FDA and Market of Choice have recalled Market of Choice Sour Cherry Baked Brie.  This product has undeclared almonds.  Those who are almond allergic could develop serious or life-threatening allergic reactions.  This product was sold at Market Cheese Shops in Ashland, Bend, Corvallis, Eugene, Portland, and West Linn in Oregon.  If you have this product and an allergy to almonds, discard it or return it to the store.  Call Market of Choice at 1-541-345-0566, Ext. 3127.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/market-choice-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-almonds-sour-cherry-baked-brie   #brie #almonds Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/7rAu9zup0xE   The FDA and Flowers Foods, Inc. are recalling Canyon Bakehouse Mountain White Bread and Canyon Bakehouse Everything Bagels.  These products are labeled as Gluten-free but contain gluten.  Those with a gluten or wheat sensitivity or allergy and those with celiac disease could develop gastrointestinal disease or significant allergic reactions.  These products were distributed in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.   If you have these, discard them or return them to the store for a refund.  For more information, call Flowers’ Consumer Relations Center allergic rhinitis 1-866-245-8921.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/flowers-foods-issues-voluntary-recall-two-canyon-bakehouse-products-due-possible-presence-gluten   #bread #bagels #canyonbakehouse Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/qZULLNWJnTc   The FDA and RLC Labs, Inc have recalled two thyroid replacement products, Nature-Throid® and WP Thyroid®.  These products have been found to have substandard amounts of thyroid hormone.  Levels as low as 87% of the expected dose have been measured.  Those using these replacement medications may develop symptoms of hypothyroidism including fatigue, cold sensitivity, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, puffy face, slowed heart rate, and depression.  If you purchased these products, do not discontinue their use without speaking with your doctors.  If you have further questions, call RLC Labs at 1-877-797-7997.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/rlc-labs-inc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-all-lots-nature-throidr-and-wp-thyroidr-current   #thyroid #naturethroid #wpthyroid Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/kRVjowvzjp8   The FDA and Fresco Food, Inc. are recalling the Ancient Grain Jackfruit Bowl.  This product contains undeclared fish.  The item was distributed in AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, TN and VA.  The product has been discontinued.  If you have a fish allergy, do not consume this product.  For information about a refund, contact Fresco Foods at 1-813-551-2100.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fresco-foods-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-fish-anchovies-ancient-grain-jackfruit-bowl   #grainbowl #fish Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/g1pjBEC4zTo   The FDA and The Pretty Thai Company announce the recall of Pretty Thai Sweet Chili Sauce.  The jars of this sauce actually contain Pretty Thai Peanut Sauce.  This mislabeling of the peanut sauce is a huge risk for any peanut allergic persons.  If you have any of this chili sauce on your shelves, you may return it to the point of purchase for a refund or to obtain a jar of actual chili sauce.  For questions, you may contact Pretty Thai by calling 1-512-981-6170.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/pretty-thai-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanuts-mislabeled-peanut-sauce   #chilisauce #peanut Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/fhgmyqAEbhs   The FDA and multiple companies have recalled their hand sanitizers because of contamination with poisonous methanol.  The companies and brands include: M Alcohol Antiseptic 80%; bio aaa hand sanitizer; Always Be Clean and Just Hand Sanitizers; V Clean, Medical Minded, and Protz Hand Sanitizer; Florance Morris Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer 70% Alcohol.  If you have any of these products, do not use them.  Methanol is a poison and can produce severe nerve damage.  Return the products to the store for a refund.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts   #sanitizer #methanol Â

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/KJwf-WKd8V8   The CPSC and WHILL announce the recall of its personal mobility vehicle model Ci.  The vehicle’s control pad is defective, and intermittently turns power on and off causing speed instability.  This poses crash and injury hazards.  Stop using the vehicle and contact the company to arrange for a repair and replacement of the affected parts.  Call WHILL at 1-844-699-4455.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/WHILL-Recalls-WHILL-Personal-Electric-Vehicles-Due-to-Crash-and-Injury-Hazards   #mobilityvehicle #whill Â