Current Events in February 2021

When thinking about peanut allergies, many consumers’ minds immediately go to kids. However, a new study conducted by researchers from Northwestern University has found that this widespread food allergy may be more prevalent among adults.  

According to the researchers, more adults in the U.S. are affected by peanut allergies than kids, and many of these allergies don’t begin to pop up until adulthood. 

“Currently, the sole FDA-approved peanut allergy therapy -- Palforzia -- is only indicated for pediatric patients,” said researcher Dr. Ruchi Gupta. “Given the high prevalence of peanut allergy among U.S. adults, additional therapies are needed to help address this growing burden of disease.” 

Allergy trends across the U.S. 

The researchers surveyed more than 40,000 adults across the country to determine how common peanut allergies are in adulthood. The participants answered questions about diagnosed allergies, symptoms they experience during allergic reactions, and how they typically handled allergic reactions, among other topics. 

The study revealed that peanut allergies during adulthood are much more common than many people may have realized. While just about three percent of the participants reported a diagnosed peanut allergy, nearly 17 percent of that group hadn’t developed their allergies until they were 18 or older. 

“Unlike allergies such as milk or eggs, which often develop early in life and are outgrown by adolescence, peanut allergy appears to affect children and adults to a similar degree,” said researcher Christopher Warren. “Our study shows many adults are not outgrowing their childhood peanut allergies, and many adults are developing peanut allergies for the first time.” 

Finding treatments for adults

One of the more concerning takeaways from this study is that many of the participants that had reported suspected peanut allergies have never had their symptoms confirmed by a health care professional, and they also don’t have a go-to treatment for their allergy symptoms. Many patients are prescribed EpiPens for severe allergies; however, this wasn’t the case for many of the participants in this study.  

“Worryingly, despite similar rates of severe reactions and annual food allergy-related emergency room visits, patients with adult-onset peanut allergy were less likely to report a physician-diagnosis as well as current epinephrine prescription,” Warren said. 

To ensure that symptoms can be managed at home and that consumers aren’t accidentally exposed to something that can spark a reaction, the researchers encourage anyone with a suspected food allergy to consult with their doctors. Taking this simple step can give peace of mind and provide consumers with better protection against any potential allergens. 

“Clinical information of suspected food allergies, no matter when their reported onset is, is critical to reduce the risk of unnecessary allergen exposure as well as to ensure patients receive essential counseling and prescription of emergency epinephrine,” said researcher Dr. Dawn Lei. 

General Motors is recalling 2,641,272 of the following vehicles:

• Model year 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalades, Escalade ESVs, Escalade EXTs, Chevrolet Avalanches, Silverado 1500s, Suburbans, Tahoes, GMC Sierra 1500s, Yukons, Yukon XLs, and model year 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500s, Silverado 3500s, GMC Sierra 2500s & Sierra 3500s originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A."
• Model year 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalades, Escalade ESVs, Escalade EXTs, Chevrolet Avalanches, Silverado 1500s, Suburbans, Tahoes, GMC Sierra 1500s, Yukons, Yukon XLs originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B."

The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger front inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant.

The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

What to do

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator with an alternate one free of charge.

Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed beginning March 1, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available.

Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at (800) 222-1020; Cadillac customer service at (800) 458-8006; and GMC customer service at (800) 462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 27,009,905 (26,990,269)

Total U.S. deaths:  463,584 (463,212)

Total global cases: 106,277,553 (105,097,000)

Total global deaths: 2,319,703 (2,313,792)

AstraZeneca trial halted in South Africa

An ongoing trial for AstraZeneca’s coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine candidate has been stopped in South Africa. Researchers say it is clear that the vaccine provides little protection against the South African variant of the virus.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said the AstraZeneca vaccine did not significantly reduce the risk of symptoms from the 501Y.V2 variant that caused a second wave of infections in the country. The variant doesn’t appear to be more deadly, but it spreads more easily.

During the early part of the trial, before the 501Y.V2 variant appeared, scientists said the vaccine showed an efficacy rate of around 75 percent.

Stimulus bill to provide more help for parents

Congressional Democrats are unveiling a key element of their proposed $1.9 trillion stimulus bill. The measure significantly increases the Child Tax Credit and changes the way it is distributed.

Specifically, it would expand the Child Care Tax Credit for one year so that families would get back as much as half of their spending on child care for children under age 13. Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, says the measure under consideration would give families at least $3,000 per child.

"The pandemic is driving families deeper and deeper into poverty, and it's devastating,” Neal told CNN. “We are making the Child Tax Credit more generous, more accessible, and by paying it out monthly, this money is going to be the difference in a roof over someone's head or food on their table." 

Survey: Americans will continue precautions after pandemic

More people are getting COVID-19 vaccinations and looking forward to a happier and healthier future. But a new survey by the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center finds that most Americans say they’ll continue to take at least some precautions.

“While the progress we’re making toward recovery is exciting, it’s critical that we don’t ease up on the precautions that we know have worked thus far,” said Dr. Iahn Gonsenhauser, chief quality and patient safety officer at Wexner. “Masks and physical distancing are still our best weapons for limiting spread and, now that we have a vaccine, will make those precautions even more effective and will drive new cases way down if we stay the course.”

The survey found that nearly three-quarters of Americans plan to continue to wear masks in public, four out of five will still avoid crowds, and 90 percent plan to keep up frequent handwashing and sanitizer use after COVID-19. 

Pandemic boosts Target’s new workout clothes

Just before Americans were told to work from home and shelter in place, Target introduced a new line of workout clothing. In the months since the pandemic began, it has become the retailer’s best-seller.

Target announced today that the All in Motion brand has racked up $1 billion in sales since it launched. The company says they’ve almost become work clothes for people who are now working from home.

“Our owned brands are truly a differentiator for Target, and in its first year, All in Motion stood out in the marketplace, providing guests incredible activewear and sporting goods for whatever their daily lives bring — at an only-at-Target value,” said Jill Sando, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, style and owned brands, Target. 

Study finds pandemic causing decline in dental hygiene

The American Association of Endodontists reports that more than half of Americans say the COVID-19 pandemic has caused them to put off general dental check-ups; dentists say that can lead to serious oral health problems.

In a survey of consumers, the association found that the pandemic is taking its toll on those working or studying remotely when it comes to changes to their daily dental hygiene routine. 

Thirty-one percent said they were snacking on more sweets, 28 percent didn’t schedule a dental appointment when one was recommended, and 21 percent had stopped brushing their teeth in the morning.

Around the Nation

• Missouri: State health officials are cautiously optimistic that the pandemic is beginning to fade a bit. The seven-day average for daily COVID cases has dropped more than 62 percent from one month ago, and hospitalizations are at a three-month low.

• California: A number of churches across the state held services Sunday for the first time since the Supreme Court struck down a state order closing them during the pandemic. “This morning we declare that this house will be a house of freedom,” said Pastor Brittany Koopman at Harvest Rock Church near Los Angeles.

• Iowa: President Biden has declared a 100-day federal mask mandate, but Gov. Kim Reynolds has lifted the state’s mask requirement that had been in place since before the holidays. Reynolds’ new proclamation doesn’t require residents to wear masks while inside public buildings and removes limits on both indoor and outdoor gatherings.

Congressional Democrats are hammering out the details of a key element of their proposed $1.9 trillion stimulus bill. The measure would significantly increase the Child Tax Credit and change the way it is distributed.

Language in the stimulus measure instructs Congress to create a $25 billion emergency fund and spend $15 billion on an existing grant program to help child care providers.

Specifically, it would expand the child care tax credit for one year so that families would get back as much as half of their spending on child care for children under age 13. Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, says the measure under consideration would give families at least $3,000 per child.

"The pandemic is driving families deeper and deeper into poverty, and it's devastating,” Neal told CNN. “We are making the Child Tax Credit more generous, more accessible, and by paying it out monthly, this money is going to be the difference in a roof over someone's head or food on their table." 

What families would get

According to CNN, which obtained a copy of the proposed bill, the measure would pay families $3,600 per child under the age of six and $3,000 per child aged 6 through 17. The current Child Tax Credit pays $2,000 per child.

The benefit would last for a year and be limited to single parents earning up to $75,000 a year and for couples earning up to $150,000. 

The payments could be made on a monthly basis so that families could make it part of their household budgets. Typically, tax credits are distributed as part of income tax refunds. If passed by Congress, Neal said payments would begin in July.

Congress has yet to pass the $1.9 trillion aid package, but Democrats say they have the votes to do so. In the Senate, where no Republicans have signaled support, Democrats plan to use budget reconciliation to pass the measure with a simple majority.

Facebook has announced that it will soon start showing U.S. users information about where they can get COVID-19 vaccines. 

Throughout the pandemic, Facebook has tried to help people weather the pandemic safely by launching COVID-19 information centers and flagging false claims about vaccines. The company says it will now start directing users to local health agency websites where they’ll be able to find authoritative information about their eligibility to get vaccinated. 

“Starting this week in the U.S., we’ll feature links in the COVID-19 Information Center to local ministry of health websites to help people understand whether they’re eligible to get vaccinated and how to do so,” the company said in a blog post. 

Helping people get vaccinated

Facebook added that, in the coming weeks, it will “continue to expand this feature to more countries and improve it to make it easier for people to see where and when they can get vaccinated in just a few taps.” 

The social media giant is also giving health agencies worldwide $120 million in ad credits so they can run campaigns about COVID-19 vaccines. 

Additionally, Facebook will be teaming up with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to ensure that “science and evidence-based” vaccine information reaches communities where vaccine access may be lower. This includes Native American communities, Black communities, and Latinx communities, Facebook said. 

Banning false claims

Facebook’s previous efforts to provide accurate information about vaccines have focused on debunking myths and false information about COVID-19 vaccines. In December, the platform said it would remove claims about COVID-19 vaccines that have been declared false by public health experts, such as posts falsely claiming that the vaccines contain microchips. 

Since then, the company has broadened its criteria for ban-worthy vaccine posts. Facebook now prohibits posts falsely claiming that the virus is man-made or manufactured, as well as posts that claim face masks don’t prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Kang-Xing Jin, Facebook's head of health, said last year that Facebook is focusing on getting people access to “credible information from trusted sources in the moments that they’re seeking it out.” 

“Misinformation really thrives when there’s a void or an absence of accurate information or trusted information,” he said.

Elon Musk is jumping on the fast-moving Bitcoin bandwagon in a big way. In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Tesla announced that it has invested $1.5 billion in the cryptocurrency as part of its investment in “alternative cash reserve assets.” Moreover, the company says its plans include accepting bitcoin as a form of payment for its products in the near future.

“We believe our bitcoin holdings are highly liquid,” the company wrote. However, it said that it’s fully aware that digital asset prices can be volatile. They’ve proven to be just that several times in the last two years, hitting an all-time high of $35,000 just a few short weeks ago.

Questions raised about Musk’s cheerleading

Musk -- a tech entrepreneur with strong ties to Tesla, SpaceX, and PayPal -- has never been one to play wallflower when it comes to crowing about his investments on Twitter. In fact, he crossed the line a little too assertively for the SEC in 2018 and got on his shareholders’ bad side in 2019. Now, some are questioning his latest enthusiasm for digital currencies.

“The moves raise questions around CEO Elon Musk’s recent behavior on Twitter, where he has been credited for increasing the prices of cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and dogecoin by posting positive messages that have encouraged more people to buy the digital currencies,” commented CNBC’s Steve Kovach.

Two weeks ago, Musk bravely added the hashtag #bitcoin to his Twitter bio, a rah-rah move that may have contributed to pushing up the price of the cryptocurrency by close to 20 percent. Forty-eight hours later, he championed Bitcoin even further on the social media chat site Clubhouse, saying “I do at this point think bitcoin is a good thing, and I am a supporter of bitcoin.” 

Musk’s Bitcoin love quickly showed up in the market. Bitcoin prices moved up 13.96 percent from late Sunday to midday Monday, hitting $44,200 before leveling off to $43,223.19. The price of Tesla stock also shot up to $871 at the opening bell before settling in the mid-$160s.

Here, Doge, Doge

Over Super Bowl weekend, Musk pushed the envelope again, this time tweeting that digital currency Dogecoin was the “future currency of Earth.” 

With support from peer celebrities like KISS’ Gene Simmons and Snoop Dogg, Dogecoin -- a crypto coin that started out as a joke based on the “doge” meme -- shot up 37 percent over the course of 24 hours to a record high before falling to half of that uptick by noon on Monday.

The real Musk vs. the fake Musk

There’s no doubt that Musk can move the needle on things whether they’re investments or innovations. One scammer decided they’d masquerade as Musk to show just how bullish he is on digital currencies. 

A fake Musk took to both Twitter and Medium with an offer to double any bitcoin a person sent them. They even said they’d throw in a free Tesla Model S to anyone who would send in 2 bitcoins or 100 ethereum. As you might guess, this is a royal scam. 

“This website is [run] by a scammer and they say that they will give double money to the users instantly when they deposit money into their bitcoin address. It’s a scam!!!,” declared one post on the site BitcoinAbuse.

Impersonation scams are starting to grow on Twitter, YouTube, and other platforms, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned everyone to be careful. One victim recently told ConsumerAffairs’ Mark Huffman just how easy it is to be conned by scammers. Once they’ve got you in their snare, you could quickly see $20,000 of your hard-earned money go up in smoke.

What women do during pregnancy can affect their babies’ growth and development -- and that includes consuming caffeine.

A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center has found that women’s caffeine intake during pregnancy can impact their babies’ brain development. Their findings suggest that serious effects aren’t likely, but the team says steering clear of caffeine during pregnancy can yield the best health outcomes. 

“These are sort of small effects and it’s not causing horrendous psychiatric conditions, but it is causing minimal but noticeable behavioral issues that should make us consider long-term effects of caffeine intake during pregnancy,” said researcher John Foxe, PhD. “I suppose the outcome of this study will be a recommendation that any caffeine during pregnancy is probably not such a good idea.” 

How does caffeine affect brain development?

The researchers came to their conclusions after analyzing MRI brain scans for over 9,100 children between the ages of nine and 10. Over 4,100 mothers had reported consuming caffeine during pregnancy, and the researchers wanted to see how this caffeine exposure affected development.

Ultimately, the researchers observed some noticeable differences between kids who had been exposed to caffeine in the womb versus those who hadn’t. Kids exposed to caffeine in utero were more likely to struggle with paying attention and had more issues acting out, which the researchers linked with changes to white matter in their brains. White matter serves two important functions: it connects different parts of the brain, and it is also responsible for developing the ability to learn new things. When it becomes compromised due to early caffeine exposure, the researchers say these attention and behavioral issues are more likely.

The researchers also hypothesize that infants are unable to process caffeine in the same way that adults do while in utero. This, in turn, can affect healthy brain development and trigger hyperactivity. 

“What makes this unique is that we have a biological pathway that looks different when you consume caffeine through pregnancy,” said researcher Dr. Zachary Christensen. “Previous studies have shown that children perform differently on IQ tests, or they have different psychopathology, but that could also be related to demographics, so it’s hard to parse that out until you have something like a biomarker. This gives us a place to start future research to try to learn exactly when the change is occurring in the brain. 

Always consult with a doctor

When it comes to drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages during pregnancy, the researchers recommend that women always consult their doctors. However, they also encourage women to think in terms of moderation so they can get the best health results for themselves and their children. 

“Current clinical guidelines already suggest limiting caffeine intake during pregnancy -- no more than two normal cups of coffee a day,” Dr. Christensen said. “In the long term, we hope to develop better guidance for mothers, but in the meantime, they should ask their doctor as concerns arise.” 

The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) is investigating digital payment app Venmo over its debt collection practices.

A new regulatory filing shows that Venmo’s owner PayPal received a Civil Investigative Demand from the CFPB towards the end of last month. The investigation pertains to “Venmo’s unauthorized funds transfers and collections processes, and related matters.”

PayPal added that the CFPB requested documents and answers to written questions and that it intends to comply with the request. 

“We are cooperating with the CFPB in connection with this CID,” the company said.

Scrutiny regarding collection efforts

Venmo, which has been part of PayPal since 2013, has faced criticism over its debt collection practices before. The Wall Street Journal reported in 2019 that the company threatened to send debt collectors after users with negative balances in their accounts -- even those who may have been the victims of scammers.

The company’s debt collection efforts have reportedly continued at the same rate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Venmo said it complies with all applicable laws when it sets out to recoup money, and it stated that its user agreement clearly outlines its potential use of collections.

News of the CFPB's probe comes just a few days after PayPal released its fourth quarter earnings. The payments giant reported net income of $1.57 billion for Q4, up from $507 million a year earlier. 

The company said Venmo’s active accounts increased 32 percent in 2020 to nearly 70 million. In the coming months, the company said it intends to add support for cryptocurrencies.

In its annual Valentine’s Day survey, the National Retail Federation (NRF) found that consumers are likely to spend a little less than they did last year. 

The NRF said just over half of U.S. adults (52 percent) plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year. Average expenditures will drop $32 this year (from $196 last year to $165 this year). In total, Americans are expected to spend around $21.8 billion -- a 20 percent decline from this time last year, before COVID-19 had become a major concern. 

Despite the drop in spending, the NRF says Valentine’s Day 2021 is still poised to be the second highest Valentine’s Day in terms of expected spending. It comes “on the heels of a record-setting winter holiday season,” noted Katherine Cullen, senior director of industry and consumer insights for the NRF. 

The NRF says consumers will also celebrate a little differently this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Celebrating differently 

The NRF’s survey of 7,882 adult consumers yielded the following key insights:  

• Just 24 percent say they will celebrate with an evening out this year, the lowest percentage in the survey’s history.

• Another 41 percent say they will plan a special dinner or celebration in the comfort of their own home.

• Nearly half of consumers (46 percent) say they are actively avoiding in-person gatherings. This translates to $1.5 billion less in spending on an evening out this year.

• Twenty-seven percent of those celebrating Valentine’s Day are planning to buy gifts and other treats for their pets.

• Fewer young consumers are planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, but those who do plan to celebrate are spending a little more than they normally would. Those aged 18-24 were the only age group to increase their planned spending on Valentine’s Day, from $109 to $184.

While celebrations may look a little different this year, the NRF said it expects things to look more typical in 2022. 

“Nothing can mask love permanently, and we expect consumers will return to their typical Valentine’s Day traditions next year,” the firm said. 

Still on the hunt for that perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Check out ConsumerAffairs’ top Valentine’s Day Deals for 2021 here.

Cannabis-based products are no longer just for consumers struggling with cancer or other serious medical conditions. In fact, recent studies have found that many older adults have started using cannabis as a means of treating more traditional health care concerns. 

Now, researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have found that cannabis could play a role in helping older adults lower their blood pressure. 

“Older adults are the fastest-growing group of medical cannabis users, yet evidence on cardiovascular safety for this population is scarce,” said researcher Dr. Ran Abuhasira. “This study is part of our ongoing effort to provide clinical research on the actual physiological effects of cannabis over time.” 

Blood pressure improvements

To put cannabis to the test, the researchers had 26 participants all over the age of 60 involved in the study. The participants used cannabis for three months, and the researchers compared vital measurements -- blood tests, blood pressure readings, and ECG -- from the start of the study with results at the end of the experiment. 

The researchers learned that the effects of using cannabis occurred pretty quickly. Within just three hours of cannabis use, the participants recorded their lowest blood pressure readings. Overall, the researchers found that both systolic and diastolic readings were lower after the participants used cannabis long-term. On average, systolic readings dropped by 5 mmHg after cannabis use while diastolic readings were roughly 4.5 mmHg lower. 

Another key finding came from the increase in participants who experienced a healthy dip in their blood pressure readings at night. The researchers explained that when the body is functioning normally, blood pressure should be about 10 to 20 percent lower at night than what it is during the day. At the start of the study, just over 27 percent of the participants were experiencing a healthy dip in blood pressure; however, after using cannabis, more than 45 percent of the participants were experiencing that healthy dip in blood pressure. 

As more and more states are legalizing cannabis use, it’s important for the medical benefits to be clearly communicated. The researchers hope that these findings provide insight into how cannabis can be used to achieve better health outcomes.

In what could be a game-changer for those who struggle with snoring and sleep apnea, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved eXciteOSA, a new device designed to treat both those conditions. 

Up to this point, many consumers have depended on CPAP machines to treat snoring and sleep apnea; these devices are usually worn while sleeping and create positive air pressure to assist breathing. However, eXciteOSA is the first device intended for use during the day, and it reportedly only needs to be worn for 20 minutes.

“Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) not only impacts sleep quality, but can have other serious health impacts if untreated. Today’s authorization offers a new option for the thousands of individuals who experience snoring or mild sleep apnea,” said Malvina Eydelman, MD., director of the Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental Devices in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

Retraining the tongue

The FDA says the device is innovative because it’s the first of its kind that’s cleared to treat sleep apnea and snoring by improving tongue muscle function. The product works by delivering electrical stimulation to the tongue through a mouthpiece worn for 20 minutes a day over a period of six weeks. The agency’s assessment states that the device “helps retrain the tongue to prevent it from collapsing backwards and blocking airflow during sleep.”

Before you pop open the champagne, the device has some limitations. The company behind eXciteOSA says its device is useful for “mild” sleep apnea and snoring. After testing the device with 115 patients, the FDA said it found eXciteOSA reduced loud snoring by more than 20 percent in 87 of those patients.

The FDA says that patients should get a comprehensive dental examination before they use the device. It determined that the device should not be used by patients with temporary or permanent implants, dental braces, intraoral metal prosthesis/restorations/appliances, or dental jewelry in the mouth.

Other warnings go out to patients who are or may become pregnant, patients suffering from ulcerations in or around the mouth, and those with a sleep apnea index of 15 or higher.

Do you know one snore from another?

The manufacturer said consumers considering purchasing its device need to consider if a person’s snoring problem is a true disorder rather than something brought on by other factors.

“If snoring is having a negative effect on your life and sleep quality, it is helpful to know about the various different types of snoring. This way, you can get a general idea if you are a sporadic snorer or a potential OSA patient and need to see a doctor.”

Telling the difference between “primary snoring” and OSA-related snoring is pretty straightforward. Here are the four considerations consumers should take into account that are not OSA-related:

• The anatomy of a person’s mouth and nose: “A low, thick, soft palate can narrow your airway and facilitate snoring,” the manufacturer notes.

• Alcohol consumption: eXciteOSA will not likely remedy a snoring situation brought on by drinking alcoholic beverages, which tend to relax the muscles of the airway.

• Sleeping position: Sleeping on your back allows gravity to narrow your airway and can cause snoring.

• Being overweight: Fat deposits in the back of the throat may narrow the airways and also cause snoring. Being overweight is simply something eXciteOSA can’t address.

More information about eXciteOSA and CPAP-related machines

The manufacturer has yet to announce availability or prices for eXciteOSA, but interested consumers can sign up to be notified when it is available to purchase. The company will also offer a 14-day money-back guarantee.

As you can tell, there are a lot of directions people can go to try to reduce “regular” snoring or OSA-related snoring. For example, buying an adjustable bed might help eliminate snoring. ConsumerAffairs has done some of that homework for you by preparing a guide on CPAP machines, including reviews, costs, and FAQs. You can find that guide here.

TikTok, currently a social media platform made up of viral videos, is reportedly planning a major push into e-commerce, a move viewed as a challenge to Facebook.

The Financial Times reports that the company, owned by China’s ByteDance, has discussed its plans for 2021 with major advertisers. The publication quotes several ad executives as saying TikTok has an ambitious plan to “livestream shopping.”

The Times says TikTok has declined to comment, but its sources describe the plan as a version of TV shopping channels that would stream on mobile devices. TikTok stars would be recruited to pitch products, and viewers could click to buy the products.

One executive said TikTok is well placed to take advantage of "the dissolving distinction between content and commerce." He says it will seem more appealing to younger consumers because of TikTok’s "lack of polish."

Taking on Facebook

Such a move could put TikTok on a collision course with Facebook, which has recently expanded its e-commerce offerings. Instagram recently introduced tools to make it easier for users to buy products directly. It also has a digital shopping channel on its Facebook site.

TikTok’s future in the U.S. appeared in doubt last year after President Trump threatened to force ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations. Trump signed an executive order in August expressing concern that TikTok and other Chinese apps could gather data from users and share it with the Chinese government.  

“TikTok automatically gathers vast swaths of information from its users, including internet and other network activity information such as location data and browsing and search history,” the executive order alleged.

Walmart briefly joined an effort to purchase TikTok, apparently planning its own shopping channel.

According to the Financial Times, many advertisers see value in TikTok’s plans since it opens access to a new group of young consumers who are not easily swayed by traditional advertising.

BMW of North America is recalling 21 model year 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5M, X5 xDrive45e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive40i and X7 M50i vehicles.

The steering column shaft's universal joint connection may not have been tightened to specifications, and can become loose.

A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and -- depending upon the inspection -- either the bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, or the steering column shaft, universal joint, and bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin March 23, 2021.

Owners may contact BMW customer service at (800) 525-7417.

Food Evolution of Schiller Park, Ill., is recalling approximately 6,806 pounds of ready-to-eat dips and salads.

The products contain meat that did not undergo federal inspection.

There are no confirmed reports of adverse reactions.

The following items, containing meat and produced from November 9, 2020, through January 29, 2021, and have “USE BY” dates through February 6, 2021, are being recalled:

• 31-oz. container containing “Taco Dip With Refried Beans, Chili, Sour Cream, Cheddar, Onions, Black Olives, Jalapenos, & Red Pepper thoughtfully handmade —fresh to you — Fresh, Fast, Gourmet.”
• 18-oz. container containing “Taco Dip With Refried Beans, Chili, Sour Cream, Cheddar, Onions, Black Olives, Jalapenos, & Red Pepper thoughtfully handmade —fresh to you — Fresh, Fast, Gourmet.”
• 7-oz. container containing “Tri-Colored Italian Style Rotini Pasta Salad with Salami thoughtfully handmade — fresh to you — Fresh, Fast, Gourmet.”
• 8-oz. container containing “German Style Potato Salad with Bacon thoughtfully handmade — fresh to you — Fresh, Fast, Gourmet.”

The recalled products, bearing establishment number “EST. 34309” inside the USDA mark of inspection, were shipped to retail locations in Illinois.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled products should not consume them, but discard or return them to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions may contact Art Sezgin (818) 837-7600.

The Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for raw ground beef produced by Greater Omaha Packing Co of Omaha, Neb.

The product may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. A recall was not requested because the product in question is no longer available for purchase.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions.

The 2-lb (approximately) trays containing raw ground beef labeled with a retail label with “PACKED” dates ranging from JAN 28 2021, through JAN 31 2021, were sold by Art’s Food Market located in Sandwich, Illinois.

What to do

Customers who purchased the product in question should not consume it, but discard or return it to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions may can contact Angel Besta by email at abesta@greateromahs.com.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 26,700,945 (26,574,522)

Total U.S. deaths: 456,461 (451,454)

Total global cases: 105,097,000 (104,572,592)

Total global deaths: 2,289,979 (2,273,515)

A third vaccine may soon be available

Another vaccine against the coronavirus (COVID-19) could be on the way soon. Johnson & Johnson says it has requested emergency use authorization (EUA) for its coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine after completing a successful clinical trial.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will make a decision after it reviews the trial data on Feb. 26. Assuming an EUA is granted, Johnson & Johnson said it has millions of doses and could begin distributing its single-dose vaccine almost immediately.

Unlike the mRNA vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna, the Johnson & Johnson drug requires only one dose. In the trial, it was highly effective at preventing serious cases of COVID-19.

Economy produced tepid job growth in January

The U.S. economy struggled to produce jobs in January amid a surge of coronavirus cases. The Labor Department reports that there were 49,000 new jobs created, far short of the 250,000 economists expected. 

However, there was a sizable drop in the unemployment rate -- down to 6.3 percent. The number of Americans classified as “unemployed” declined to 10.1 million. Notable job gains that occurred in professional and business services and in both public and private education were offset by losses in leisure and hospitality, retail trade, health care, and transportation and warehousing.

"We expect to see payroll growth gathering momentum, starting as soon as February, in the wake of the reopening of outdoor dining in California, indoor dining in Michigan and Colorado, and the scattered easing of restrictions elsewhere," Ian Shepherdson, chief economist for Pantheon Macroeconomics, wrote in a note.

Democrats’ relief bill moves forward

Congressional Democrats appear to be headed for passage of President Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief package without any Republican support. Both the House and Senate have cleared hurdles to pass the measure as part of a “budget reconciliation,” a procedure that could pass the Senate on a simple majority vote.

The measure calls for direct payments to every American of $1,400, an extra $400 per week unemployment benefit that would last through September. It would also provide $20 billion for vaccine distribution and give struggling consumers $30 billion for rent and utility assistance.

Republicans have balked at many of the provisions, including $350 billion for state, local, and tribal governments and money for schools that have remained closed. Biden says he would like to have some GOP support and is open to targeting direct payments to people most in need.

Recovered from COVID-19? You still need a shot

Millions of people have contracted the coronavirus and recovered, and a side benefit is that their bodies have created antibodies against it. But health officials say that even if you have recovered from the virus, you still need a vaccination.

In a FAQ page on its website, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that COVID-19 survivors get the vaccine “due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that reinfection is possible.” 

That said, the CDC also recommends that people wait three months after infection to be vaccinated.

Few Americans wear hi-fi masks

A survey of Americans between the ages of 18 and 65 shows that 77 percent wear a mask in public to protect themselves against the virus. But the survey also shows that as few as 14 percent wear a high-filtration (hi-fi) mask that filters out more of the germs.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House’s top advisor on the virus, recently recommended that Americans consider wearing two masks to provide additional protection against COVID-19 variants, which spread more easily.

Around the nation

• New York: New York has joined a growing list of states where the virus appears to be on the decline. Gov. Andrew Cuomo reported a decrease in hospitalizations and a decline in positivity rates. “The good news is New York's numbers continue to show progress as the holiday surge recedes," Cuomo said.

• Florida: An NBC correspondent filmed the inside of Oakes Farms Seed to Table Market in Naples this week showing none of the staff or customers wearing masks. The store’s owner, Alfie Oakes, says the mask mandate exempts people with a medical condition, so he assumes anyone without a mask has such a condition. The video created a sensation on social media.

• Texas: The state’s economy is still reeling from the pandemic, but business leaders around the state are predicting a sharp rebound once the recovery begins. In 2020, the state’s population grew by almost 374,000, far more than any state and more than the year before COVID-19 emerged.

Travelers hoping to break away from the coronavirus situation in the U.S. mainland and take a cruise to Alaska, where the number of positive cases and hospitalizations is declining, may have to rethink that plan. The Canadian government has decided that idea is no-go for the rest of 2021.

On Thursday, Canada banned cruise ships carrying 100 or more people from its waters through the end of the year, which pretty much puts the kibosh on Alaska cruise season before it even sets sail.

If you’re asking what Alaska has to do with Canada, the answer is two-fold: 1) It’s hard to get to Alaska without going through Canadian waters; and 2) Many Alaska cruises start in Vancouver, Canada, and the ones that start in Seattle have to have a one-day stop in Victoria to satisfy certain U.S. maritime laws.

Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Minister of Transport, said that the country’s decision came about over concern that cruise vessels in Canadian waters pose a risk to Canada’s health care systems. 

“Temporary prohibitions to cruise vessels and pleasure craft are essential to continue to protect the most vulnerable among our communities and avoid overwhelming our health care systems. This is the right and responsible thing to do,” Alghabra said.

Cruise lines raise concerns

Understandably, the cruise ship companies aren’t happy with Canada’s ban because cruising in the 50th state is big business. The state welcomed 1.3 million cruisers in 2019, and it was anticipating to welcome 1.4 million in 2020 before the pandemic struck. 

“While it remains unclear what will happen with Alaska cruises in 2021, it looks like Canada is not yet moving in a direction friendly to cruises,” Royal Caribbean International, a major player in the Alaska cruise game, fumed on its company blog.

Economic impact is also a concern. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA-NWC) says the ban could have a devastating impact on local businesses. 

“Two years without cruising in Canada will have potentially irreversible consequences for families throughout the country,” said Charlie Bell, Chair of CLIA-NWC. He notes that the cruise industry has creates $4.25 billion in economic activity for Canada and pays out $1.43 billion in wages while creating 29,000 Canadian jobs.

“We hope to have an opportunity to revisit this timeline and demonstrate our ability to address COVID-19 in a cruise setting with science-backed measures, as CLIA members are doing in Europe and parts of Asia where cruising has resumed on a limited basis,” Bell added.

Johnson & Johnson has requested emergency use authorization (EUA) for its coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine after completing a successful clinical trial.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it will review the trial data later this month. Assuming an EUA is granted, Johnson & Johnson could begin distributing its single-dose vaccine almost immediately.

In the portion of the trial conducted in the U.S., the vaccine was 72 percent effective at preventing COVID-19, less than the efficacy rate of vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna. However, when subjects did get the virus the vaccine was 85 percent effective in preventing severe cases.

In the study, the definition of severe COVID-19 disease included laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 and one or more of the following: signs consistent with severe systemic illness, admission to an intensive care unit, respiratory failure, shock, organ failure or death, among other factors. 

‘A promising moment’

“These topline results with a single-shot COVID-19 vaccine candidate represent a promising moment,” said Dr. Paul Stoffels, Johnson & Johnson’s chief scientific officer. “A one-shot vaccine is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be the best option in pandemic settings, enhancing access, distribution, and compliance.”

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine may also present fewer logistical challenges than its counterparts. The developers say it can be transported and stored with simple refrigeration and does not require extreme temperatures. Doctors are also pleased that the vaccine appears to provide protection against severe cases of the virus.

“Eighty-five percent efficacy in preventing severe COVID-19 disease and prevention of COVID-19-related medical interventions will potentially protect hundreds of millions of people from serious and fatal outcomes of COVID-19,” Stoffels said. “It also offers the hope of helping ease the huge burden placed on healthcare systems and communities.”

Generally consistent protection

The company said the trial showed the vaccine provides protection generally consistent across race, age groups, including adults over 60 years of age, and across all variants and regions studied, including South Africa where nearly all cases of COVID-19 were due to infection with a SARS-CoV-2 variant].

Johnson & Johnson has been producing the vaccine during the time it was being tested in clinical trials. The company said it has millions of doses ready to ship once the FDA flashes the green light.

An FDA advisory committee has scheduled a meeting for Feb. 26 to review the data.