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Stop these V-day scams before they break your heart and your bank account

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valen

As Valentine’s Day approaches, many people have love on the brain. Online romance, however, has complicated courtships and coupling dynamics by adding a layer of potential deception to every connection. While we do want to keep romance alive, it’s important to enter the world of online dating with open eyes and ears as much as open hearts. It’s vital to stay vigilant this Valentine’s Day so you don’t become a victim of a scamming Casanova.

One of the most common risks of online dating is falling for a catfish, someone who pretends to be someone else online. This is why Patricia’s email to us felt particularly relevant.

“I need your help. I have met a guy online and have been chatting for months. At first I was able to chat through his email and also by phone. Recently, some things have been said that are making me feel uneasy. I have used Truthfinder, People Finder, and Been Verified and can’t get any information on this guy. When I asked him about that, he told me has been hacked several times, so he doesn’t put anything on the internet.

Someone suggested that it’s possible he is using a VPN. Could this be possible, and if you think it is, can you please tell me how I can get the information I am seeking about this guy? Until recently, I was beginning to think that we may have a lot of things in common, but now, I am not sure.”

—Patricia, Mt. Pleasant, WI

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS, AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER 

valentine's scams 1

Someone holding a mobile phone showing an online dating match. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson )

The high stakes of romance scams

Patricia, you aren’t the only one who has concerns over a developing online relationship. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in the most recent data, about 70,000 people have reported being victims of a romantic scam with reported losses of up to $1.3 billion; there are high stakes involved beyond just experiencing potential heartbreak.

MORE: BEST VALENTINES DAY GIFTS 2024

Behind the virtual veil

It is certainly possible that the person you’ve been chatting with online could be using a virtual private network (VPN), which is a tool that encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a remote server. While the use of a VPN can make it hard to connect the online activity to a physical location, it would not be able to keep his information from being online.

There are, however, data removal services such as the ones we’ve covered here that can be used to limit his information online. Either he’s being proactive about his privacy and safety, or he’s a scammer with a well-thought-out strategy to scam you out of your money, personal information and identity.

MORE: DON’T EVER DO THIS ON A DATING APP

5 warning signs of online heart-breaking scammers

1) Quickly tell you they love you or try to create a strong emotional connection with you

2) Always have an excuse for not meeting you in person or video chatting with you

3) Ask you for money, gift cards or other favors, often for urgent or personal reasons

4) Send you links or attachments that may contain malware or phishing sites

5) Have inconsistent or vague details about themselves, their location or their work 

valentine's scams 2

Woman in front of laptop making a heart symbol with hands.

MORE: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMMERS

Top scams to look out for this Valentine’s Day

With a special eye toward Valentine’s Day, here are some top scams that are particularly rampant during this holiday.

Don’t click that Valentine: Scammers are sending out automated Valentine’s Day cards (usually through chatbots) made to look like they’re from friends and family, but once opened or link clicked (to retrieve the e-card), malicious software can be installed or your device hacked.

Be careful where you look for love: There has been an increase in new domains registered with romantic words around this time of year. Many of these websites have been flagged as potentially dangerous. Stick to established online dating services that include security measures. You can always do a separate search with the name of the dating site you want to check out with words like “scam” or “fake” to see if there has been any negative feedback or experiences.

Do practice good judgment about what you share: Sextortion is a technique where romantic scammers get you to send compromising photos or videos of yourself and then blackmail you for more compromising materials or money.

Sometimes, random scammers will bluff and claim they have a pornographic video of you that will be sent to all your contacts on your phone or computer if you don’t pay them, usually in Bitcoin. While this is an empty threat, shocked recipients of these types of emails have fallen victim to sending over money.

MORE: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM & ‘VISHING’ SCAMS

3 steps to avoid romance scammers and stay safe

1) Go slow: Don’t rush into any action, whether it is giving away your personal information or paying for anything. Trust takes time, so it’s okay to build this relationship one interaction at a time. You wouldn’t give a stranger at the grocery store your Social Security number or hand over all your money in your wallet in exchange for a check with your fitness instructor.

2) Trust your instinct: If something doesn’t feel right, it’s OK to end the connection with or without “evidence.” Don’t do anything that feels unsafe or wrong.

3) Saying goodbye: If you don’t feel safe, it is okay to end the connection without a conversation, especially if you feel like you’ll be manipulated into further conversation. It is okay to cut off contact and sometimes even block this person online.

MORE: HOW TO AVOID THE WORST DATING APP SCAMMERS 

What to do if you suspect someone is scamming you online?

Do not send money or personal information: If you receive unsolicited requests for money, bank account details or other personal information, do not comply. Scammers often use urgency and emotional manipulation to pressure victims into sharing sensitive data or making payments.

Stay skeptical: Be cautious when dealing with unknown individuals online. If something seems too good to be true (such as winning a lottery you never entered), it probably is. Trust your instincts and verify any claims independently.

Verify the source: Before taking any action, verify the legitimacy of the person or organization contacting you. Search for their name, email address or phone number online. Look for reviews, complaints or warnings related to their activities.

Check for red flags: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to rush victims into making decisions. Offers that promise huge rewards for minimal effort are often scams. Be cautious if someone asks for your Social Security number, credit card details or passwords. Scammers may ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.

Install good antivirus software on all your devices because while you may be swayed by sweet nothings, your antivirus software won’t be. Having antivirus software on your devices will make sure you are stopped from clicking on any potential malicious links which may install malware on your devices, allowing hackers to gain access to your personal information. Find my review of Best Antivirus Protection here.

SCAMS ARE THE POLICY PROBLEM NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT

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Hands holding an iPhone with breakup texts. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW CUNNING ROMANCE SCAMMERS DUPED FLORIDA MAN OF NEARLY A HALF MILLION DOLLARS

What to do if you suspect you’re a victim of a romantic scammer?

If, like Patricia, you suspect you may have fallen prey to a romantic scammer, check out some of the resources and action steps to take.

1. Log out of accounts

First, log out of all your accounts on every web browser on your computer. Once you’ve done that, you should clear your browser history.

2. Scan your device

Use a trusted antivirus program to run a comprehensive scan to detect and remove any lingering traces of malware. The best way to protect yourself from having your data breached by romance scammers is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. Find my review of Best Antivirus Protection here.

3. Change your passwords

If romance scammers expose your passwords, be sure to change them immediately. Be sure to create strong passwords for your accounts and devices, and avoid using the same password for multiple online accounts. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords. It will help you to create unique and difficult-to-crack passwords that a hacker could never guess. 

4. Use 2-factor authentication

Implementing 2-factor authentication is just an extra shield that will prevent a romance scammer from getting into your accounts. This way, even if someone steals your password or if you gave your password to a scammer, they will not be able to access your account without the second factor, such as a code sent to your phone or email.

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5. Report the romance scammer

If you encounter a suspicious profile or communication on social media, online marketplaces or dating apps, report it to the platform. Also, report scams to your local police and file a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint or to the Internet Crimes Complaint Center.

6. Search BBB’s scam tracker

Another tool to use is the BBB’s Scam Tracker. You can use it to search keywords or by category to see if your specific scenario or person is being mentioned in any scams posted.

7. Contact your financial institutions

Contact your bank, credit card company or other financial institutions if you suspect any fraudulent activity on your accounts.

8. Monitor credit reports

Monitor your credit reports and scores for any signs of identity theft or unauthorized inquiries.

9. Invest in Identity theft software

You’ll also want to invest in identity theft software to protect your identity and financial accounts. Theft protection companies can monitor personal information like your home title, Social Security number (SSN), phone number and email address and alert you if it is being used to open an account.  They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

Kurt’s key takeaways

New scams, romantic or otherwise, seem to multiply, especially during the holidays, as these scammers prey on tender heartstrings. There are many dos and don’ts when it comes to online dating and cyber safety, but nothing replaces your instinct and common sense.

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What’s the worst romantic scam you or someone you know has experienced? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.



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Sleep deprivation dangers: How pulling an all-nighter affects your physical and mental health

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Most people have sacrificed sleep at some point, but those extra waking hours could come at a price.

While it can be tempting to burn the midnight oil — whether it’s to get some work done, knock out a home project or care for a loved one — forgoing rest can wreak havoc on your health.

Fox News Digital spoke to experts about the short- and long-term effects of pulling an all-nighter — and how to rebound after a period of missed sleep.

DOES THE ‘SLEEPY GIRL MOCKTAIL’ REALLY WORK? EXPERT WEIGHS IN ON THE VIRAL SLEEP TREND

Here’s a deep dive.

What does staying up all night do to the body?

Pulling an all-nighter can have several impacts on the body, both physically and mentally, according to Dr. Leah Joseph, a primary care physician with New York-based Teladoc Health. 

Pulling an all-nighter can have several impacts on the body, both physically and mentally, doctors warned. (iStock)

“The physical effects include weakening your immune system, which makes you more susceptible to illnesses,” she told Fox News Digital. 

“Your body may also release a higher level of cortisol, which leads to elevated stress levels.”

In addition, sleep deprivation can result in impaired memory, concentration and overall cognitive function, Joseph noted.

GOOGLE SEARCHES FOR ‘SLEEP’ REACHED ALL-TIME HIGH IN 2023, NEW STUDY NOTES

“The mental effects include mood changes, which can contribute to irritability, anxiety or depression,” she said. 

“It also affects your decision-making, as your judgment may be negatively affected.”

Alex Dimitriu, M.D., who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and is founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, also warned of adverse effects.

“Even a single night of insufficient sleep leads to a buildup of toxins in the brain similar to those seen in people with Alzheimer’s disease.”

“There is evidence that even a single night of insufficient — or worse yet, absent — sleep leads to a buildup of toxins in the brain similar to those seen in people with Alzheimer’s disease,” he told Fox News Digital. 

“Similar to Alzheimer’s, even one night of lost sleep can cause fatigue, impaired impulse control, mood instability, diminished attention and memory — all symptoms similar to ADHD.”

Man with insomnia

Staying up all night can significantly disrupt your sleep schedule and circadian rhythm, a doctor warned.  (iStock)

“Underslept” people are more likely to suffer from a variety of psychiatric conditions, Dimitriu said. 

Those include depression, anxiety, substance use, memory impairment and possibly an eventual increased risk of dementia. 

“The brain needs sleep to clean up and reset,” he said.

Physically, lost sleep causes increased carb craving, diminished immunity and increased stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, he added. 

“The brain needs sleep to clean up and reset.”

“The increased stress hormones, in turn, can elevate heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar.”

Is an occasional all-nighter safe?

While pulling an occasional all-nighter may include include fatigue, irritability, impaired cognitive function and a temporary disruption of the sleep-wake cycle, Joseph said it may not cause significant long-term damage on its own.

Man sitting on bed

Consistently skipping sleep over an extended period can lead to chronic sleep deprivation, which can have severe consequences over time.  (iStock)

“Occasional all-nighters may not cause significant long-term damage if followed by sufficient recovery sleep,” she said. “The human body is resilient and can generally recover from short-term sleep deprivation.”

Consistently skipping sleep over an extended period can lead to chronic sleep deprivation, however, which can have more severe consequences over time. 

Those impacts can include an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, impaired immune function and mental health issues, Joseph said.

NEW YEAR CAN BRING BETTER SLEEP AT NIGHT IF YOU FOLLOW THESE 9 SMART STEPS

Sleep deprivation will affect different people in different ways, she noted, as individual factors and resilience play a role. 

“An all-nighter never killed anyone,” Dimitriu agreed. “However, they add up, and you will still feel miserable after a night of no sleep, and will not perform at your best.”

woman blowing nose

The physical effects of all-nighters include weakening of the immune system, which makes people more susceptible to illness. (iStock)

What to do after an all-nighter

Staying up all night can significantly disrupt your sleep schedule and circadian rhythm, Joseph said.

“The circadian rhythm is a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours,” the doctor said. 

“When you stay up all night, you throw off this cycle, leading to several potential effects on your sleep schedule.”

SLEEPING LONGER OVER THE WEEKEND COULD HELP PREVENT HEART ATTACKS, SAYS STUDY

After pulling an all-nighter, it may take some time for the body to readjust, and this can lead to temporary insomnia or difficulties falling asleep at the usual time, according to Joseph. 

“Some potential effects that someone can suffer from include delayed sleep onset, irregular sleep patterns, increased sleep debt and difficulty regaining normalcy,” she said.

Morning sun

Exposure to morning sunlight can help regulate the circadian rhythm and get back to a regular sleep schedule, experts say. (iStock)

To mitigate the impact on your sleep schedule, prioritize getting back on track as soon as possible, said Joseph. 

Some strategies include shifting to an earlier bedtime, spending time outdoors during daylight hours to help regulate your circadian rhythm, and establishing a consistent sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, according to Joseph.

“Personally, I also like to limit caffeine close to bedtime and stay hydrated,” she said. “If I do need a nap, I limit it to 20 to 30 minutes.”

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Dimitriu also recommended getting some sunlight exposure in the morning to reset your rhythm.

“Morning light is really important to getting you to bed at night,” he said.

Getting outdoor physical activity during the day, eating a light dinner and going to bed a little earlier than usual can also help regulate sleep cycles, the doctor advised.

woman sleeps in bed

“Prioritizing regular, sufficient sleep is essential for your overall well-being,” a doctor advised. (iStock)

Both experts agreed that the best strategy is to plan for healthy sleep and avoid all-nighters.

“Your performance after a night of not sleeping can be markedly diminished,” Dimitiu said. “All-nighters are often the result of poor planning, so try to plan ahead and avoid nights of lost sleep.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Joseph added, “While occasional all-nighters may not have severe long-term consequences, making them a habit can contribute to health issues over time.”

“Prioritizing regular, sufficient sleep is essential for your overall well-being.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

UN torture expert urges UK to halt Julian Assange’s US extradition over fears of torture

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A United Nations expert on torture is calling on the U.K. government to halt the possible extradition of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange to the U.S., citing concerns that he would be at risk of treatment amounting to torture or other forms of ill-treatment or punishment.

The U.N. Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, said in a press release that Assange “suffers from a long-standing and recurrent depressive disorder” and that he “is assessed as being at risk of committing suicide.”

The hearing for Assange’s possible final legal appeal challenging his extradition to the U.S. to face charges for publishing classified U.S. military documents will be held at the High Court in London on Feb. 20 and 21. If he is extradited to the U.S. after exhausting all his legal appeals, Assange would face trial in Alexandria, Virginia, and could be sentenced to up to 175 years in an American maximum-security prison.

“If extradited, he could be detained in prolonged isolation while awaiting trial, or as an inmate. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 175 years in prison,” Edwards said.

UK HIGH COURT SETS DATE FOR JULIAN ASSANGE’S FINAL APPEAL CHALLENGING US EXTRADITION

A United Nations expert on torture is calling on the U.K. government to halt the possible extradition of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange to the U.S., citing concerns that he would be at risk of treatment amounting to torture. (AP)

Assange, 52, is facing 17 charges for allegedly receiving, possessing and communicating classified information to the public under the Espionage Act, and one charge alleging a conspiracy to commit computer intrusion.

The charges were brought by the Trump administration’s Justice Department over WikiLeaks’ 2010 publication of cables leaked by U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning detailing war crimes committed by the U.S. government in the Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, detention camp, Iraq and Afghanistan. The materials also exposed instances of the CIA engaging in torture and rendition.

WikiLeaks’ “Collateral Murder” video showing the U.S. military gunning down civilians in Iraq, including two Reuters journalists, was also published 14 years ago.

“The risk of being placed in prolonged solitary confinement, despite his precarious mental health status, and to receive a potentially disproportionate sentence raises questions as to whether Mr. Assange’s extradition to the United States would be compatible with the United Kingdom’s international human rights obligations, particularly under article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as respective articles 3 of the U.N. Convention against Torture and the European Convention on Human Rights,” Edwards said.

“Diplomatic assurances of humane treatment provided by the Government of the United States are not a sufficient guarantee to protect Mr. Assange against such risk,” Edwards said. “They are not legally binding, are limited in their scope, and the person the assurances aim to protect may have no recourse if they are violated.”

Assange, an Australian journalist and publisher, has been held at London’s high-security Belmarsh Prison since he was removed from the Ecuadorian Embassy on April 11, 2019, for breaching bail conditions. He had sought asylum at the embassy since 2012 to avoid being sent to Sweden over allegations he raped two women because Sweden would not provide assurances it would protect him from extradition to the U.S. The investigations into the sexual assault allegations were eventually dropped.

Last month, a group of Australian lawmakers wrote a letter to U.K. Home Secretary James Cleverly demanding Assange’s U.S. extradition be halted over concerns about his safety and well-being. The letter asked the U.K. government to make an independent assessment of Assange’s risk of persecution.

AUSTRALIAN MPS PEN LETTER URGING UK GOVERNMENT TO STOP JULIAN ASSANGE’S US EXTRADITION, CITING HEALTH CONCERNS

Alice Jill Edwards

The U.N. Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, said Assange “suffers from a long-standing and recurrent depressive disorder” and that he “is assessed as being at risk of committing suicide.” (Getty Images)

A cross-party delegation of Australian lawmakers also visited Washington, D.C., last year and met with U.S. officials, members of Congress and civil rights groups to demand the charges against Assange be dropped. Multiple bipartisan efforts were also made last year by U.S. lawmakers who demanded Assange’s release.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also repeatedly called on the U.S. in the last year to end the prosecution of Assange.

No publisher had been charged under the Espionage Act until Assange, and many press freedom groups have said his prosecution sets a dangerous precedent intended to criminalize journalism. U.S. prosecutors and critics of Assange have argued WikiLeaks’ publication of classified material put the lives of U.S. allies at risk, but there is no evidence that anyone was put in danger as a result of the documents being published.

The editors and publishers of the U.S. and European outlets that worked with Assange on the publication of excerpts from more than 250,000 documents he obtained in the Cablegate leak — The Guardian, The New York Times, Le Monde, Der Spiegel and El País  — wrote an open letter in 2022 calling for the U.S. to drop the charges against Assange.

The Obama administration elected not to indict Assange in 2013 over WikiLeaks’ 2010 publication of the classified cables because it would have had to also indict journalists from major news outlets who published the same materials. Former President Obama also commuted Manning’s 35-year sentence for violations of the Espionage Act and other offenses to seven years in January 2017, and Manning, who had been imprisoned since 2010, was released later that year.

But the Justice Department under former President Trump later moved to indict Assange under the Espionage Act, and the Biden administration has continued to pursue his prosecution.

“I call on the Government of the United Kingdom to carefully review Mr. Assange’s extradition order with a view to ensuring full compliance with the absolute and non-derogable prohibition of refoulement to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and to take all the necessary measures to safeguard Mr. Assange’s physical and mental health,” Edwards said.

Julian Assange sign

The hearing for Assange’s possible final legal appeal challenging his extradition to the U.S. will be held at the High Court in London on Feb. 20 and 21. (Fox News Digital/Landon Mion)

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Assange’s lawyer in the U.K., Jennifer Robinson, has previously said she fears he “would not survive if extradited to the U.S.”

Under the Trump administration, the CIA allegedly had plans to kill Assange over the publication of sensitive agency hacking tools known as “Vault 7,” which were leaked to Wikileaks, Yahoo reported in 2021. The agency said the leak represented “the largest data loss in CIA history.”

The CIA was accused of having discussions “at the highest levels” of the administration about plans to assassinate Assange in London and allegedly followed orders from then-CIA director Mike Pompeo to draw up kill “sketches” and “options.” The agency also had advanced plans to kidnap and rendition Assange and had made a political decision to charge him, according to the Yahoo report.

WikiLeaks also published internal communications in 2016 between the Democratic National Committee and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s campaign that revealed the DNC’s attempts to boost Clinton in that year’s Democratic primary.

Popular Super Bowl foods were recalled due to possible listeria contamination

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Super Bowl staples were recalled because of a listeria outbreak effecting seven-layer bean dip, chicken enchiladas, cilantro salad dressing and taco kits.

Dairy products made by Rizo Lopez Foods are the source of the listeria outbreak that has killed two people and sickened more than two dozen since 2014, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a press release.

The agency said that the recalled dairy products and products made with recalled dairy products expanded on Friday to include popular brands like Trader Joe’s and 365 Whole Foods Market.

Other brands include: Bright Farms, Campesino, Casa Cardenas, Dole, Don Francisco, Don Pancho, Dos Ranchitos, El Huache, Food City, Fresh Express, H-E-B, La Ordena, Marketside, President’s Choice, Ready Pac Bistro, Rio Grande, Rizo Bros, Rojos, San Carlos, Santa Maria, Tio Francisco, Trader Joe’s, 365 Whole Foods Market.

LISTERIA OUTBREAK ACROSS MORE THAN TEN STATES LINKED TO RECALLED DAIRY PRODUCTS, 2 DEATHS: CDC

This image provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 shows brands of cheese recalled due to a decade-long outbreak of listeria food poisoning that killed two people and sickened more than two dozen. (CDC via AP)

The CDC said that 26 people had been infected with the outbreak strain of listeria from eleven states.

The agency noted that 23 of those infected were hospitalized, and two people died in Texas and California

The CDC noted that the “true number” of sick people from this listeria outbreak is “likely higher” because some people recover without medical care or are never tested.

States:  Number of sick people:
Arizona 4
California 8
Colorado 4
Florida 1
Georgia 1
Nevada 1
North Carolina 1
Oregon 1
Tennessee 2
Texas 2
Washington 1

Health officials investigated illnesses in 2017 and 2021, but were only able to confirm the source based on new laboratory and inspection information when more people fell ill in December, officials said.

TEXAS CITY REPORTS SYPHILIS OUTBREAK AMID ‘LIMITED SUPPLY’ OF PENICILLIN DRUG

“CDC investigated this outbreak in 2017 and 2021. Epidemiologic evidence in previous investigations identified queso fresco and other similar cheeses as a potential source of the outbreak, but there was not enough information to identify a specific brand,” the CDC said. “CDC reopened the investigation in January 2024 after new illnesses were reported in December 2023 and the outbreak strain was found in a cheese sample from Rizo-López Foods.”

ENOKI MUSHROOMS LINKED TO LISTERIA OUTBREAK IN TWO STATES: PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS

Symptoms of Listeria

Listeria, which can cause serious and even fatal infections in young children or people with weakened immune systems. 

Among pregnant women, listeria can cause a miscarriage or stillbirth.

Pregnant women usually have a fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. 

Symptoms usually start within 2 weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria, but may start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after, the CDC said.

The CDC said that people who are not pregnant usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. They may also get a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.

Listeria

U.S. health officials said at least one death is tied to an outbreak of listeria food poisoning associated with sliced deli meats and cheeses that has sickened 16 people in six states, including 13 who were hospitalized.   ((Elizabeth White/CDC via AP, File / AP Newsroom))

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The CDC urged shoppers who may have purchased the recalled products to throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

“Do not eat any recalled cheeses or dairy products,” the CDC said.

Rizo-López Foods said in a press release that “consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers for any of the products listed and dispose of them.”

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The company advised consumers to contact the company at (833)296-2233, which is monitored 24 hours a day.

Rizo-López Foods did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Fetterman calls Rand Paul ‘peckerhead’ over Friday night, Super Bowl votes

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Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) called Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) a “peckerhead” for forcing colleagues to grind through procedural votes Friday night and Super Bowl Sunday in order to pass a funding package for Ukraine and Israel.

Fetterman, who often sports a Pittsburgh Steelers beanie around the Senate, didn’t seem pleased at all over Paul’s threat to keep senators churning through votes during the Super Bowl to make the process of passing an emergency defense spending supplemental as arduous as possible.

“Really, the biggest story is we’re all here tonight at 8 o’clock on Friday night because of just one peckerhead,” Fetterman fumed to reporters outside the Senate chamber.

The Pennsylvania senator than joked that he should wear a tee-shirt that just says: “It’s because of the Republicans.”

“That’s the answer. No border? Well, because of the Republicans,” he said, referring to most of the Senate Republican conference voting this week to block a bipartisan border security deal that Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) negotiated with the White House and Senate Democrats over four months.

Fetterman vented his frustration over Paul’s tactics after the Kentucky senator repeated his threat not to let Senate colleagues speed up the timeline for passing the aid package.

“I’m doing everything I can to slow down and stop this horrible bill,” Paul wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

He said 32 Senate Republicans “want to keep fighting” to add strict border security reforms to the Ukraine and Israel funding package.

“The leadership of the Senate under [Senate Republican Leader] Mitch McConnell [Ky.] is more concerned with sending your money to Ukraine than they are with the invasion of the southern border and I’ve had enough,” Paul told Fox Business.

“I’ve told them they can vote when hell freezes over,” he declared.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.

Italian, Swedish and Turkish astronauts land off Florida’s coast

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Astronauts from Turkey, Italy and Sweden returned to Earth on Friday, ending a private three-week mission to the International Space Station.

The trio were accompanied by a retired NASA astronaut who now works for Axiom Space, the Houston company that arranged the chartered flight. The crew returned in a SpaceX capsule that parachuted into the Atlantic off the Florida coast.

Turkey celebrated Alper Gezeravci’s launch from Cape Canaveral last month. A former fighter pilot and captain for Turkish Airlines, he became the first person from his country to fly in space.

HOW SPACEX AND COMMERCIAL FLIGHT ARE OPENING A UNIVERSE OF POSSIBILITIES ABOARD THE ISS: ASTRONAUTS

Gezeravci was joined on the trip by Italian Air Force Col. Walter Villadei, Sweden’s Marcus Wandt, a former fighter pilot chosen as a reserve astronaut by the European Space Agency in 2022 and Michael Lopez-Alegria, their escort.

A SpaceX capsule landing in the Atlantic Ocean

The SpaceX capsule parachuting down off Florida’s coast on Feb. 9, 2024.  (Axiom Space via AP)

Turkey, Italy and Sweden financed the mission, paying roughly $55 million apiece. It was Axiom’s third private mission to the space station; the fourth is planned later this year.

Before leaving the space station, Gezeravci thanked his country for its “bold and determined decision” to send a citizen into space as part of its 100th anniversary as a republic.

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While in orbit, the astronauts conducted science experiments and chatted with schoolchildren and officials from their countries. They enjoyed a few extra days at the space station, waiting for the weather to improve in the splashdown zone.



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AI tool translates what your baby’s cries mean

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If you’re a parent, then this quiet adult cry for help into the abyss is all too familiar in those first few months of parenthood.

“I just wish I knew what my baby wanted!”

Though babies tend to cry when they need a diaper change, food, or sleep, it’s not that straightforward. Any parent knows that even when you go through the checklist and address all of these, your baby could very well still be crying.

Now what? Do they want to be held? Do they want a pacifier? Are they in pain or uncomfortable? Is the room too cold? It’s hard to know. And, sometimes, if you’re guessing as to why they are crying, you may accidentally stir them when all they wanted was to fall asleep.

Much of it is a guessing game, no matter how many baby books you read. But, what if you could take the guessing part out? What if you could know what your baby was trying to say? What would it do for your sleep (and your sanity?) in those first few months of welcoming a baby into the world?

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Well, now you can with Capella, which promises to be “Your partner in your parenting journey.” Their new app is hoping to “alleviate the two biggest challenges of new parenthood: lack of sleep and worry over your baby’s [well-being].” Intrigued? Yeah, so are we.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Now, you can analyze your baby’s cries with a new AI tool

Capella is a new AI tool that helps parents better understand their baby’s needs by analyzing their cries and what they mean. With this information, parents can better determine whether or not they should — for instance — go into the room and check in on them, get the bottle heated up or prepared to nurse, or let them try to settle on their own. Having this information can go a long way if you’re in the midst of the newborn phase.

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How does the app work?

If you’re thinking, “Wow, I need this NOW,” we don’t blame you. But, if you’re equally baffled at how it all works, here’s the low-down according to Capella’s site:

Download the app on two smartphones: One phone is placed in the baby’s room and the other stays with you. You connect them both with a tap, and then they act as baby monitors.

Let Capella monitor your baby’s sounds: The app’s advanced AI listens to your baby’s sounds/cries and interprets what they mean.

Get alerts with actionable insights: Lastly — and, the reason you’re all here — is to find out why your baby is crying. If the baby cries, you’ll get an instant notification, and the app will tell you that your baby is hungry, tired, uncomfortable, in pain, etc., all by analyzing those cries. This means Capella takes it one step further than regular ordinary monitors, which only tell you that your baby is crying, but not why.

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Of course, the app isn’t able to tell you exactly what to do to make your baby comfortable; this is where human intuition trumps technology. Luckily, Capella also has a community of parents, which can be a great resource to help figure out what to do then after the app tells you why your baby is having a particular cry about something.

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But, how does the AI tool actually work?

Good question. After all, an app that can translate a baby’s cries must have some magical superpower, right? Well, not quite. According to an interview with Capella’s CEO, Apolline Deroche, the company partners with hospitals to record the baby’s cries that are used to train the AI. Then, with the support of doctors who have years of experience understanding these cries, they can match the crying sounds to what we, as adults, understand them to mean.

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What else can the app do?

The app also allows you to track your baby’s sleep, feeding and diaper changes, too. Before Capella, parents would have to use a baby monitor and another tracking app to keep tabs on their babies and have a better understanding of their needs overall. Unfortunately, the mental fatigue of having to keep track of more and more apps and devices sometimes defeats the purpose for tired parents.

woman with baby

Mom holding her child (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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What parents need to know about technology

Capella’s CEO says that this technology should work anywhere in the world, as a baby’s cries generally mean the same regardless of the language spoken at home. However, this may not necessarily be the case and is just one of the many concerns regarding this technology. Additionally, it’s not foolproof. There’s still a lot of mystery to babies, and there is still a long way to go with technology, too. Not to mention, usually, after a few months, babies’ needs change, as do their cries. At the same time, parents tend to get a better hang of what their baby wants.

Additionally, an app can only go so far. AI cannot replace a human. It cannot replace what we’ve biologically been able to do with and for our newborns for hundreds of thousands of years. So, it must be used only as a tool and not as a replacement. And, if there are serious concerns about your baby’s crying that you don’t understand, always talk to your pediatrician, as it could be something neither Capella nor a parent can decipher.

All this considered, the idea is that Capella — and other AI apps in the baby industry — can give new parents even a little bit of relief. Whether it’s a hands-free stroller, monitoring your baby’s breathing with a special sock, or understanding what your baby is trying to tell you, it doesn’t hurt to have some help from the village — even if that village is a bunch of robots.

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Where can I try the app?

Right now, Capella is available to download at the App Store. The Android app will launch soon, though; you can sign up for the waitlist here.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Capella is just one of the many apps hitting the market that are utilizing AI technology and are being designed to help make life a little easier for their target audience. For parents who are finding out just how to get through that exhausting newborn phase, Capella may be part of the answer. But, only a part. We still have a long way to go before this technology gets anywhere close to how good a parent is at detecting the meaning of a baby’s cries. So, maybe we shouldn’t rely on this too much just yet. We’ll have to see.

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What are your thoughts on using an AI tool to interpret your baby’s cries? Do you think it’s a good thing, or are we relying too much on technology to raise our kids? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Higher-dose naloxone spray doesn’t boost overdose survival, NY study finds

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  • A study comparing a new, higher-dose nasal spray for opioid overdoses to the standard dose found no increase in survival rates but more side effects.
  • The 8-milligram naloxone spray, approved two years ago, was compared to the previous standard dose in rural parts of New York.
  • The study, published by the CDC, found no added benefit from the higher dose, with survival rates remaining the same.

A new, higher-dose nasal spray for reversing opioid overdoses did not save more lives than the previous standard dose, but it did cause more vomiting and other side effects, researchers wrote in a study published Thursday.

The 8-milligram naloxone spray — twice as potent as the highest dose previously available — was approved two years ago after pressure from experts and patient advocates who noted lower-dose antidotes often were being given multiple times to people suffering overdoses.

The new study, which was limited to more rural parts of New York state, is being called the first to provide real-world data on the differences between the two sprays. The paper was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but the federal health agency was not involved in the research.

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The higher-dose “did not provide added benefit,” the authors wrote.

Naloxone, used to treat narcotic overdoses, is seen at a safe injection site at OnPoint NYC on Jan. 24, 2022 in New York, NY. A new, higher-dose nasal spray for reversing opioid overdoses did not save more lives than the previous standard dose, but it did cause more vomiting and other side effects. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

“What was really remarkable was the survival was the same, but the amount of withdrawal symptoms was significantly larger in the people that got the 8-milligram dose,” said one of the authors, Dr. Michael Dailey of Albany Medical College.

Dailey said the study did not lead him to endorse one product over another. But, he said, “its important for us to recognize that the potential for increased side effects is real.”

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The researchers worked with the New York State Police, who respond to emergencies along highways and in rural areas.

Three troops in eastern New York were given 8-milligram sprays. Eight troops based further away from Albany were stocked with 4-milligram doses. The study results were based on 354 instances in which troopers administered naloxone sprays from late March 2022 to mid-August 2023.

In cases where overdose patients were still alive when troopers arrived, 99% survived after getting naloxone, no matter which dose was given.

People who got 4-milligram sprays usually got more than one dose — 1.67 doses on average, equivalent to 6.7 milligrams. But so too did those treated with the 8-milligram sprays, who got 1.58 doses, or 12.6 milligrams, on average.

In both groups, disorientation and lethargy were common when people came to.

But other problems were significantly more common in the patients who got the higher-dose sprays. About 38% experienced signs and symptoms of withdrawal, including vomiting, abdominal pain, sweating, shaking and diarrhea. Only 19% of those getting the lower dose had those problems, the study found.

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That’s a concern because it could actually contribute to future overdose deaths, said Dr. Alexander Walley, a Boston Medical Center addiction specialist who also works with the Massachusetts health department.

If someone has extra withdrawal symptoms when they are rescued from an overdose, they may remember the pain and discomfort of that experience and — experts fear — might actually avoid having someone with naloxone around when they take drugs in the future, Walley said.

The study is limited and imperfect in how it randomized who got which doses, Walley said, but it’s nevertheless “good quality evidence.”

“The solution to a more potent (illicit) drug supply is not necessarily a more potent naloxone,” he said. “It’s having people be witnessed when they use the drugs, and have that witness be someone who can administer naloxone and call for help.”

How Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain chip works

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Have you ever wished you could control your computer or phone with your mind?

Well, you might not have to wait too long for that to happen.

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and visionary, has just announced that his brain-chip start-up Neuralink has successfully implanted a device in a human patient for the first time.

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operating room

An operating room (Neuralink)

A breakthrough in brain-computer interface technology

Earlier this month, Neuralink performed its first human implant of its BCI on a volunteer patient. A BCI is a device that can record, stimulate or modulate the electrical activity of neurons in the brain, allowing the user to control external devices or software with their thoughts.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

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Neuralink illustration (Neuralink)

The patient, whose identity has not been disclosed, received the implant in a region of the brain that controls movement. The implant consists of a small chip, slightly larger than a U.S. quarter, and ultra-fine threads that can detect and transmit neural signals.

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How the Neuralink brain chip is designed to work

The device is designed to replace a small chunk of a human skull and fit completely underneath a person’s skin. Once the device is in place, its 64 needle probes are inserted into the brain, which then allows 1,024 channels of two-way communication between the brain and a computer chip.

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Implant of BCI (Neuralink)

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Once that communication channel is set, then the device can communicate from the human brain to external devices, which would basically allow a person to communicate with a device like an iPhone, for example, using just their mind. The device can be charged wirelessly as well.

The device is currently in clinical trials, which are open to some individuals who have quadriplegia due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or a spinal cord injury. Musk says that the first Neuralink product will be called Telepathy and will initially be used by people who have lost the ability to use their limbs. If you are interested in learning whether you qualify for future Neuralink clinical trials, you can join their patient registry by logging on here.

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How is the human implant patient recovering?

According to Musk, the patient is recovering well, and the initial results show promising neuron spike detection. This means that the implant can capture the electrical impulses that the brain uses to communicate with the body.

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How the technology could improve the lives of people with neurological disorders

Neuralink’s technology could have a transformative impact on the lives of millions of people who suffer from neurological conditions, such as paralysis, ALS, or stroke. By using a BCI, they could regain some of their lost abilities, such as moving, speaking or typing. Neuralink also envisions a future where healthy people can use a BCI to enhance their cognitive and sensory capabilities, such as memory, learning or vision.

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The challenges and risks of Neuralink’s technology

While Neuralink’s goals are ambitious, so are its risks. At least forty-two people worldwide have had brain-computer implants, but not all of those products are as physically invasive as Elon Musk’s Neuralink.

Four U.S. lawmakers asked the Securities Exchange Commission to investigate whether Elon Musk had misled investors after veterinarian records indicated that neural link experiments on monkeys had resulted in debilitating health effects.

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Experiments on monkeys (Neuralink)

The technology does raise important questions about its safety, ethics and impact. Nevertheless, the brain-chip start-up charges ahead. Musk says that he wants to put humans on a path to “symbiosis with artificial intelligence,” and says he will put the chip in his own brain someday.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Neuralink is definitely a game-changer in the field of BCI, but it also comes with many uncertainties that will be uncovered down the road. Whether you are a fan or a skeptic of this technology, you have to admit that it is fascinating and worth exploring. However, as it advances, we need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks and ensure that it is used in a responsible and ethical manner.

What do you think about Neuralink and its technology? Would you ever consider getting a brain implant? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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How are prescription drugs named? A drug development expert shares the process

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Some drugs may seem like they were named by throwing darts at the alphabet – but the process of drug naming is actually very intentional.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Dave Latshaw, CEO of the AI health care company BioPhy, revealed how medicines are labeled.

The Philadelphia-based doctor, formerly the AI drug development lead at Johnson & Johnson, said that he, too, at first questioned, “How do they even come up with these [names]?”

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Naming drugs can be viewed as a “staged process,” based on drug advancement, which begins with the chemical name, Latshaw said.

“If you’re talking about a small molecule, which is the most prevalent type of drug in development, that’s usually a combination of chemical-type names that you’ve probably seen mashed into a single line,” he said.

Naming drugs can be viewed as a “staged process,” based on drug advancement, which begins with the chemical name, a doctor said. (iStock)

“If it’s a biologic molecule, its chemical name is typically whatever sequence it happens to be, so that’s the actual chemical composition of the drug itself.”

Once a drug program is picked up by a company, Latshaw said, it is given an “internal code name.”

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That code is generally “less complicated” than the chemical name.

“And it usually reflects something about the name of the company and potentially what number in the pipeline it is,” he said.

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Once a drug program is picked up by a company, it is given an “internal code name,” the doctor said. (BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

For example, the rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis drug Humira, which is developed by AbbVie (formerly Abbott), is referred to by its drug code, “ABT-D2E7.”

As the drug progresses, it is given a more formal yet generic name for its introduction to the public, Latshaw said.

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These evolved names are chosen through collaboration among a few different organizations, including the United States Adopted Names Council (USAN), which is part of the American Medical Association (AMA).

Since the 1960s, the USAN program has assigned generic names to all active drug ingredients in the U.S., in partnership with the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), according to the AMA Journal of Ethics.

pharmacist helps a customer

Drugs names are chosen through a collaboration among a few different organizations, including the United States Adopted Names Council (USAN), which is part of the American Medical Association (AMA). (iStock)

“With few exceptions – [such as] prophylactic vaccines and mixtures not named by the USAN Council – a drug cannot be marketed in the United States without a USAN,” the publication wrote.

A drug’s generic name involves nomenclature that “tells you what the drug is,” Latshaw said, but in words rather than chemical structure.

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The doctor used the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra as an example, noting its formal name of Sildenafil.

The generic name uses a prefix and a suffix – the suffix, or “stem,” identifies the drug family, and the prefix serves as the drug’s “unique identifier.”

viagra tablet

A drug’s generic name involves nomenclature that “tells you what the drug is,” an expert said, but in words rather than chemical structure. For the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra, its formal name is Sildenafil. (Alex Segre/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

“You have the suffix that is supposed to tell you what type of drug it is, and then they try to make the prefix as different as possible, relative to the other drugs within that family, so there’s minimal confusion when it comes to prescriptions … to minimize error,” Latshaw told Fox News Digital.

The prefix is most likely one or two syllables, according to the AMA.

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Once the drug is fully developed and ready for consumers, its brand name is used for commercial marketing, such as Humira or Viagra.

Humira’s generic name is “adalimumab,” with the “-mab” suffix identifying that the type of molecule in the drug is a monoclonal antibody.

The AMA offered the cancer drug “imatinib” as another example on its website, noting how the stem “-tinib” refers to the drug’s function as a tyrosine kinase (TYK) inhibitor.

humira in a pharmacy

Humira, the injectable rheumatoid arthritis treatment, is pictured in a pharmacy in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2006. (Jb Reed/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Latshaw shared that involved parties “do an incredible amount of research” when coming up with brand names to best differentiate them.

The USAN Council is “aware of the importance of coining names that will not be confused with other drug names, compromise patient safety, or mislead health care professionals and patients about the action or use of a new drug substance,” as stated in the AMA Journal of Ethics.

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“Once you know this information, if you start seeing the names of drugs referenced, at least you can sort of understand it … and know there’s a relationship there,” Latshaw said.

“If somebody’s talking about a particular drug that might be beneficial to them, that might help them understand, at least at face value, that there are other alternatives … within the same drug family that they might consider or at least bring up with their doctor.”

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