Current Events in July 2022

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2022

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    Amazon Prime Day is here, and scammers are looking for victims

    Researchers are warning the public about malicious emails, fake websites, and delivery scams

    Now that Prime Day 2022 has officially begun, scammers are coming out of the wings to take advantage of eager shoppers.

    According to the latest Spear Phishing Report from email security firm Tessian, Amazon is already the third-most impersonated business by scammers in the United States (behind Microsoft and ADP). However, Prime Day is high season for cybercrooks.

    The first few days of July showed that scammers are out early and in droves. Check Point Research (CPR) analysts say they noted an increase of 37% in daily Amazon-related phishing attacks in the days leading up to Prime Day when compared to June’s daily average. 

    Prime shoppers beware

    ConsumerAffairs surveyed the Prime Day scam landscape and found several things consumers should be on the lookout for. They include:

    Fake websites: A lot of phishing is being done on websites that scammers have bought that contain Amazon-like URLs. Out of the 1,900 new domains using “amazon” in their online address, Check Point researchers said they determined that 9.5% (180) were determined to be either malicious or suspicious. 

    The #1 thing anyone searching for a special Prime deal should be leery of are websites that look like legitimate Amazon pages but don't have official "Amazon.com" URLs. When ConsumerAffairs went shopping for Amazon-related domain names at NetworkSolutions, we found that we could easily buy plenty of URLs that might seem official or trustworthy. Some examples included bestprimedeals.net, amazonprime.gift, amazonprime.security, getyourprimedeal.com, and amazonprime.site. Scammers can buy sites like those for only a few dollars, and if a fake site snares even one gullible person, it could be worth the time and effort of setting up the trap.

    Most of these fake sites may be set up to request consumers' personal or financial information, such as credentials that could be used to access bank and credit card accounts.

    The Better Business Bureau suggests that consumers hover over any link that might be suspicious. If it doesn’t begin with "https://" or doesn’t link to Amazon's website, that is a red flag.

    Emails:  Another way scammers conduct phishing scams is via emails. These messages are used to steal personal information and might also contain malware that can infect consumers' computers or personal devices. 

    As an example, CPR offered an “Amazon” email that allegedly informs the customer of a canceled order due to payment issues. However, it contained a file attachment that would have deposited executable malware on the recipient’s computer when it was opened.

    Here’s what one of these emails might look like:

    From: “Amazon Customer Support”

    Subject: Order Canceled Unpaid INV #XXXXXXXXX

    Thank you for your recent order. Please find your invoice attached to this email. We greatly appreciate your business. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do for you.

    Best regards

    Amazon Support Team

    Tessian added that there are three things within an email that are telltale signs of a likely scam: a generic “Hello” greeting, a request for payment details, and clumsy typos.

    Customer service phone calls: Criminals who use scam customer service phone calls will contact victims and say they represent Amazon. Oftentimes, they'll say they want to discuss a recent order, but they're actually trying to steal your personal information.

    The BBB says consumers should think before taking any action that the caller might suggest. If you didn't order the item the caller is talking about, that's a dead giveaway that it's a scam.

    Tracking/delivery scams: Dusting off a nugget from the 2021 holidays, scammers are once again using notifications about a fake delivery to get consumers to click on a malicious link. 

    Amazon provides resources to counter scams

    The thought of scams spoiling its Prime Day parade isn’t lost on Amazon. The retailer has put together a video explaining what tricks customers should be on the lookout for.

    It also has information on how to tell if messages or supposed Amazon webpages are legitimate and how to report anything that appears suspicious

    Now that Prime Day 2022 has officially begun, scammers are coming out of the wings to take advantage of eager shoppers.According to the latest Spear Ph...

    Frontier Airlines makes its last play for Spirit Airlines merger

    The company's CEO says he has made his best and final offer

    The Frontier-Spirit-JetBlue saga is not quite over yet. According to CNBC, Frontier Airlines has asked Spirit Airlines to delay a shareholder vote on their planned merger for just a little longer.

    In a letter that Frontier CEO Barry Biffle sent to his peers at Spirit, he called his airline’s most recent upgraded cash-and-stock bid the “last, best and final” offer.

    However, the real reason seems to be that Spirit’s stockholders aren’t fully buying into the Frontier purchase. “We still remain very far from obtaining approval from Spirit stockholders,” Biffle admitted in the letter.

    Where will this all stop?

    This merger saga has been packed with twists and turns. Spirit spurned JetBlue’s advances three times, but it decided last week that it would give new consideration to the larger carrier's proposal. Spirit's board pushed back a shareholder vote so that it could have one more round of talks with both airlines and take the temperature of its stockholders. For it's part, Frontier would like for all of this to come to a close too.

    “As has been the case throughout this process, we remain committed to this transaction,” Biffle wrote in his letter to Spirit. “However, should the Spirit Board of Directors conclude that it would instead desire to pursue an alternative transaction with JetBlue, we would appreciate being advised of that determination.”

    Biffle also reminded Spirit in his letter that a recent decision by the Department of Transportation that granted Spirit an additional 16 slots at Newark Liberty International Airport gave the airline a competitive advantage over JetBlue.

    “The path to regulatory approval of a JetBlue-Spirit combination seems more impossible by the day,” he wrote.

    The Frontier-Spirit-JetBlue saga is not quite over yet. According to CNBC, Frontier Airlines has asked Spirit Airlines to delay a shareholder vote on their...

    Summer is the season for vacation rental scams

    Florida’s attorney general offers tips for spotting one

    Jammed airports may be the most visible sign that Americans are in the mood to travel again after two years of a pandemic. Another sign is the sharp increase in hotel and vacation rental bookings.

    While booking a hotel room is pretty straightforward, scammers have recently capitalized on the growing popularity of short-term vacation rentals to post fraudulent listings. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has seen an increase in complaints as the summer vacation season heats up.

    “Florida is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the nation,” Moody said. “Scammers will take advantage of this by creating fake vacation rental listings in hopes of stealing personal information and money. Whether you are traveling within the state or from out of state, make sure to take extra precautions when renting a vacation home to avoid being burned this summer vacation season.”

    It’s easy to create a fake listing

    Scammers can easily steal pictures of actual homes and apartments from real estate sites. Once they put an ad together, they can offer the fake property on social media or through classified sites like Craigslist.

    The scammers often request an application fee or security deposit. In an even bigger red flag, they may ask to be paid using gift cards instead of credit cards. Families may also show up on the day of vacation and find that the actual owners of the property have no record or intention of renting. 

    The chances of being scammed are less when you book through a short-term rental platform like Airbnb or Vrbo. But scammers have been known to invade those platforms with fake properties and then ask for payment outside the platform.

    Moody says that is a dead giveaway that the property is a scam. Payments should always be made through the platform, which will accept a credit card and hold the money and pay the host at the appropriate time.

    Red flags

    Moody says there are several steps consumers can take to ensure that they're not falling victim to a vacation property scam. Here's what she advises:

    • Check to see if photos of the rental property are affiliated with other listings by using a reverse image search

    • If something seems suspicious, ask for additional photos of the listing

    • Use a reputable rental website that offers protection in the event of fraud or offers payment transfer options

    • Make payments through a payment portal on the listing website to ensure money is held in escrow until keys are in hand

    • Do not rely solely on email to contact the landlord and be wary of listings with foreign telephone numbers

    • Check for reviews and, if possible, visit the property to ensure everything is up to par

    • Pay for a rental with a credit card since it is easier to dispute a fraudulent charge

    Jammed airports may be the most visible sign that Americans are in the mood to travel again after two years of a pandemic. Another sign is the sharp increa...

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      Fathers who have depression may pass symptoms to their kids, study suggests

      This was true even for mixed and adoptive families

      When one person in a family experiences depression, it's important that they get support from the rest of the household. Unfortunately, new research suggests that depression symptoms can spread among family members under certain circumstances.

      Findings from a recent study suggest that children who have fathers with depression may develop similar symptoms and behavior issues over time. Interestingly, the researchers found that fathers and their children did not have to be genetically related for this to happen.

      "A lot of research focuses on depression within biologically related families," said Penn State professor Jenae Neiderhiser. "Now more information is becoming available for adoptive families and blended families."

      Depression and behavior problems 

      The researchers came to their conclusions after studying over 700 families who participated in the Nonshared Environment in Adolescent Development study. Family members were asked to answer questions about depression symptoms, behaviors, and parent-child conflicts. The team then took that data and examined how fathers' depression symptoms were related to their children's behaviors.

      The researchers found that there was a link between depression and behaviors between fathers and children, even in blended families where there was no genetic link. They say conflicts between fathers and their children may be a factor that causes depression or behavior problems in young people. However, further studies would likely be necessary to determine a causal link.

      "It would be great to do more studies on step and blended families," said Neiderhiser. "They tend to be an underutilized natural experiment we could learn more from to help us disentangle the impacts of environmental factors and genetics on families."

      The full study has been published in the journal Development and Psychopathology.

      When one person in a family experiences depression, it's important that they get support from the rest of the household. Unfortunately, new research sugges...

      Phthalates pose danger to pregnant women and their children, researchers say

      Study findings show that the chemicals increase the chances of a preterm birth

      Earlier this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opted not to impose a total ban on phthalates in consumer products. However, findings from a recent study suggest that pregnant women could be endangered by that decision.

      Researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that pregnant women who are exposed to these chemicals have a higher chance of experiencing a preterm birth.

      "Having a preterm birth can be dangerous for both baby and mom, so it is important to identify risk factors that could prevent it," said Dr. Kelly Ferguson, an epidemiologist and the study's senior author.

      Preterm births spiked when phthalates were present

      The research team analyzed data from over 6,000 pregnant women in the U.S. and found that those who had higher levels of phthalate metabolites in their urine were more likely to experience a preterm birth. Preterm births were defined as a delivery that occurred three or more weeks before the expected due date.

      The researchers stated that the most consistent levels of phthalate metabolites came from personal care products like nail polish and cosmetics. Using statistical models, they predicted that lowering phthalate metabolite levels by 50% could prevent 12% more preterm births, on average. 

      "It is difficult for people to completely eliminate exposure to these chemicals in everyday life, but our results show that even small reductions within a large population could have positive impacts on both mothers and their children," said first study author Dr. Barrett Welch.

      The researchers recommend that consumers reduce their phthalate exposure by eating more fresh, home-cooked foods and avoiding processed foods that come in plastic containers and wrappings. They also say pregnant women can opt for fragrance-free or "phthalate-free" products to help lower their exposure.

      The full study has been published in JAMA Pediatrics.

      Earlier this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opted not to impose a total ban on phthalates in consumer products. However, findings from a...

      New cars sold at a record-high average price in June

      Many buyers are paying well above the sticker price

      Consumers who purchased new cars in June paid an average of $48,043. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) reports that the average transaction price (ATP) was a record high and another sign that many dealers are continuing to mark up vehicles over the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).

      June’s ATP beat the previous high of $47,202 set in December 2021. June prices rose 1.9%, or $895, from May, and they were up 12.7%, or $5,410, from what consumers paid in June 2021.

      KBB reports that the average price paid for a new car or truck has been "over sticker" throughout 2022. In June, new vehicles from Honda, Kia, and Mercedes-Benz were selling for between 6.5% and 8.7% over MSRP on average. 

      On the other side of the spectrum, consumers were able to purchase a new Buick, Lincoln, or Ram at nearly 1% below MSRP.

      Concern about damage to brands

      Auto manufacturers have scolded dealers for marking up the price of vehicles – sometimes by thousands of dollars over the sticker price – but these companies have little control over how prices are set. Automakers have expressed concern that overly aggressive pricing will hurt their brands if consumers feel like they are being gouged.

      Dealers are able to charge just about whatever they want because of limited inventories and strong demand. Even the average price paid for a new non-luxury vehicle last month was $43,942, $615 more than in May. According to KBB, these buyers paid on average $1,017 above the sticker price. Consumers have paid roughly $1,000 more than MSRP in each month of 2022. That compares to only $158 over MSRP in June 2021.

      "While prices for the industry are, on average, higher than MSRP, there are some non-luxury segments that are more affordable such as compact cars and compact SUVs/crossovers," said Rebecca Rydzewski, research manager of economic and industry insights for Cox Automotive. "These segments are selling for more than 30% less than the industry average transaction price."

      Compromises and expanding your search

      New car sales remain robust because the price of used vehicles has risen even faster, leaving people who need a car or truck with fewer options. In addition to compromising on brand, body type, color, and trim level, industry experts say there are some other things consumers can do to find a better price.

      “If you can expand your search from a 10- to a 20-mile radius around your house to a 100- to a 200-mile radius, you can greatly expand your opportunities to buy from different dealers,” Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars.com, recent told ConsumerAffairs.

      “If you spend a total of six hours driving to and from an out-of-town dealer but save $1,200, then you’ve made $200 an hour.”

      Consumers who purchased new cars in June paid an average of $48,043. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) reports that the average transaction price (ATP) was a record h...

      Homebuyers walked away from 15% of sales contracts last month

      The increase in canceled contracts may be giving remaining buyers more leverage

      In what could be good news for people who want to purchase a home, the number of buyers canceling deals in June hit its highest level since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

      A report from real estate broker Redfin shows that nearly 15% of all sales contracts last month were canceled, the highest rate since April 2020, when the pandemic temporarily brought the housing market to a standstill. 

      The reason for the increase is no mystery – it’s due to the combination of higher mortgage rates and rising home prices. The monthly payment on the same house might be several hundred dollars more a month than it was at this time last year.

      The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage started at around 3% in 2022 and has been rising steadily ever since. It briefly hit 6% in mid-June, and the average mortgage rate is still around 5.75%, according to Mortgage News Daily.

      Advantage, buyers

      This turn of events gives a slight edge to buyers who have had to compete in this market with multiple offers on a declining number of available homes. With a significant number of buyers backing out of deals, the remaining buyers should face less competition – at least as long as mortgage rates remain at current levels.

      Chase Gardner, a researcher at Insurify, says fewer people shopping for homes should take some of the pressure off of home prices.

      “Additionally, housing markets typically see their greatest yearly supply between July and September — a time period we’re just now entering,” Gardner told ConsumerAffairs. “Fewer buyers on the market plus increased housing stock is likely to slow the recent spike in home value growth and demand in coming months.”

      Recession worries

      Jody Kahn, senior vice president at JBREC, told CNBC that she is seeing a sharp increase in cancelations that are occurring not long after the contract is signed, especially where new construction is concerned.

      “Builders state buyers are nervous about a potential recession, struggling to get comfortable with higher payments, or expecting home prices to decline,” she said.

      Buyers now may have the most leverage they have enjoyed since the housing market took off two summers ago. Taylor Marr, Redfin’s deputy chief economist, says that gives them more room to negotiate. 

      A year ago, it was common for buyers to offer over the asking price without seeing the property and to waive inspections. Marr says that is no longer happening except in the most competitive segments of the housing market.

      In what could be good news for people who want to purchase a home, the number of buyers canceling deals in June hit its highest level since the start of th...

      Ford recalls model year 2022 Lincoln Navigators

      The side marker and daytime running lights may fail

      Ford Motor Company is recalling 965 model year 2022 Lincoln Navigators.

      The headlight control module software may cause the side marker and daytime running lights to fail.

      A loss of exterior lighting can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

      What to do

      Dealers will update the headlight control module software and recalibrate the headlights free of charge.

      Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 11, 2022.

      Owners may contact Ford customer service by phone at (866)436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C14.

      Ford Motor Company is recalling 965 model year 2022 Lincoln Navigators.The headlight control module software may cause the side marker and daytime runn...

      DOT officials tell airlines that younger children should always be seated next to parents

      Officials say parents should still take steps before a flight to ensure that their child is seated next to them

      The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) is advising U.S. airlines to do everything possible to ensure that children under the age of 14 are seated next to their parents at no additional charge.  

      While the number of family seating complaints that the agency receives is relatively low compared to other types of complaints, officials believe that airlines are going too far when they charge travelers extra for child seating accommodations.

      “Airlines should do everything that they can to ensure the ability of a young child (age 13 or younger) to be seated next to an accompanying adult (over age 13) family member or other accompanying adult, without charging fees for adjacent seating,” the Department stated

      Expectations and "what if" scenarios

      The DOT is giving airlines a little time to get their act together on this issue. Beginning November 8, 2022, the Department will be monitoring airlines to ensure that carrier policies and practices do not create a hurdle to a young child being seated next to an adult family member or accompanying adult. 

      Parents traveling with children can also do some homework so that they know what their rights are regarding seating arrangements on flights. The DOT offers these two suggestions:

      Understand your airline’s seating policies. Parents can get information about a specific airline’s family seating policies directly from the airline. ConsumerAffairs found that the U.S.’ four largest carriers -- Delta Air LinesUnited AirlinesAmerican Airlines, and Southwest Airlines -- all had that information on their websites. Consumers who need additional information can also contact the airline through its reservations system.

      Book your ticket as early as possible. DOT officials say families should book their flights early to get the best chance of reserving seats next to each other. They note that children should be booked on the same reservation as adults because airlines generally regard all travelers as belonging to one party if they are on the same reservation record. That means they will assign seats with priority given to parents and children on the same reservation. 

      For cases in which parents and children are booked on different reservations, the DOT recommends that parents contact their airline as soon as possible to ask if the entire party can be put on the same reservation record or, at a minimum, have their reservations cross-referenced in the booking notes.

      Since Murphy’s Law doesn’t exclude airlines, parents need to be ready if something goes wrong and the family is not able to obtain seats together. In those situations, the Department advises parents to ask the airline how it can accommodate the family. Again, the earlier this request is made, the better. 

      “Discuss with the airline your concerns about a child being seated alone,” the DOT advises. “Even if the airline is unable to seat the whole family together, they may be able to assure you that each child is seated next to an adult family member.”

      The agency offers a list of contacts for consumers who might need to reach out to a specific airline. That list is available here.

      The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) is advising U.S. airlines to do everything possible to ensure t...

      Home affordability hits lowest level since 2006

      Experts are divided on what that means for the housing market

      Many Americans who could afford a home purchase a year ago no longer can. The average home price has surged over the last 12 months, with the average mortgage rate nearly doubling since January.

      In its latest report, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) put home affordability at its lowest level since 2006, the peak year of the housing bubble. The organization said its housing affordability index fell to 102.5 in May, the lowest since it hit 100.5 in July 2006. The affordability index incorporates median existing-home prices, median family incomes, and average mortgage rates.

      With fewer people able to afford homes, what will that do to the housing market? Will sales fall and pull down record-high prices at the same time? ConsumerAffairs asked a number of industry experts to weigh in on those questions, and as you’ll see, there is no clear consensus.

      Not much change

      Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty in Birmingham, Ala., doesn’t expect a significant adjustment to the housing market.

      “The demand for homes has so greatly exceeded available homes for sale, there will still be more buyers than sellers in the coming months, and even through 2023 and 2024,” he told us. “There is not sufficient new home construction to completely balance the market, even with increases in mortgage rates.”

      But in the New York City housing market, Mike Biryla, a real estate agent at Triplemint, is already seeing signs of a market slowdown, with fewer buyers willing or able to take on today’s much higher mortgage payments.

      “My prediction for home prices through 2022 will be a continuation of a market correction,” Biryla said. “The Fed’s intentionally increasing the interest rates to cool down the housing market is a much different scenario than the 2008 financial crisis, and even with the interest rates potentially climbing even more through 2022, lenders have been more careful and will likely see fewer foreclosures.”

      So, the decline in home prices should be more orderly than it was more than a decade ago. Biryla expects that home prices will continue to depreciate as interest rates climb and inventory increases.

      Shmuel Shayowitz, president and chief lending officer at Approved Funding, agrees that the housing market will respond to the Fed’s actions. In fact, he says the Fed is specifically targeting the housing market as a chief source of inflation.

      “Their action will and is slowing the housing market and will soften prices,” Shayowitz told ConsumerAffairs. “This however will not lead to a market crash in housing and will likely cause a correction of 0% to 5% at worse.”

      “I do not expect widespread price reductions as it varies by market and neighborhood,” Michael Gifford, CEO & co-founder of Splitero, told us.”Price reductions usually happen when sellers have a high price expectation, demand drops, or the seller is very motivated to sell. In this market, seller motivation is still low because relocating is difficult.” 

      With declining affordability, Ran Eliasaf, founder and managing partner of Northwind Group in New York, is already seeing a drop in demand for homes. He says there have been fewer offers and not as many showings lately, but tight inventory levels will continue to favor sellers.

      “Overall there is still a housing shortage across the U.S.,” he said. “This shortage will help initially keep pricing levels at their current status. However, a continued rise in interest rates, coupled with stagnation in wage increases will have a negative effect on the housing market, with many potential buyers opting to rent as the cost of rent will be lower than the cost of ownership.”

      In fact, Sissy Lappin, co-founder of ListingDoor, says the decline in the number of buyers probably won’t affect the market all that much. She predicts that higher interest rates will also result in fewer sellers and that current homeowners won’t want to give up their low mortgage rates.

      “Think about it; 90%, or nine out of 10 mortgages, have an interest rate below 5%,” she told ConsumerAffairs. “This means that instead of jettisoning that mortgage, they will stay put.”

      Many Americans who could afford a home purchase a year ago no longer can. The average home price has surged over the last 12 months, with the average mortg...

      Adding salt to your food can increase your chances of dying prematurely, study finds

      Researchers say removing excess salt from your diet can provide health benefits

      Are you the kind of person who immediately reaches for the salt shaker after getting your meal at a restaurant? If so, you might be taking years off your life.

      Findings from a recent study suggest that adding extra salt to your food increases your risk of dying prematurely. Luckily for consumers, the research team found that reducing the amount of salt you consume and eating more fruits and vegetables can benefit your health.

      "Even a modest reduction in sodium intake, by adding less or no salt to food at the table, is likely to result in substantial health benefits, especially when it is achieved in the general population," said Lu Qi, a professor at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

      Salt intake and higher risk of premature death

      The researchers came to their conclusions after analyzing data on salt use from over 500,000 people. The team adjusted their results for several factors, including age, sex, race, deprivation, body mass index, physical activity, diet, medical conditions, whether participants smoked, and how often they drank alcohol.

      The team found that those who always added salt to their food increased their chances of dying prematurely by 28% when compared to people who never or rarely added salt to their food. 

      The study showed that life expectancies for people who always added salt to their food could be reduced by several years by age 50, with women shortening their lives by 1.5 years and men lowering their life expectancies by 2.28 years when compared to those who rarely or never added salt to their food.

      Fruits and vegetables help

      While consuming more salt was linked to a higher chance of dying prematurely, the researchers found that incorporating more fruits and vegetables into a person's diet could help reduce some of that risk.

      "We were not surprised by this finding as fruits and vegetables are major sources of potassium, which has protective effects and is associated with a lower risk of premature death," said Qi.

      Going forward, the researchers plan to continue analyzing the link between salt intake and life expectancy. Their study has been published in the European Heart Journal. 

      Are you the kind of person who immediately reaches for the salt shaker after getting your meal at a restaurant? If so, you might be taking years off your l...

      Intermittent fasting may promote less severe COVID-19 symptoms, study finds

      Consumers who regularly fasted were less likely to be hospitalized or die after being infected

      The threat of COVID-19 is still very real for consumers around the world, but findings from a recent study suggest that your diet could lower your chances of developing severe symptoms. 

      Researchers from Intermountain Healthcare say people who have practiced intermittent fasting for longer periods of time tend to experience less severe health complications when they're infected with the coronavirus. 

      "Intermittent fasting has already shown to lower inflammation and improve cardiovascular health. In this study, we're finding additional benefits when it comes to battling an infection of COVID-19 in patients who have been fasting for decades," said Dr. Benjamin Horne, the director of cardiovascular and genetic epidemiology at Intermountain Healthcare.

      Combatting inflammation from COVID-19

      The researchers came to their conclusions after analyzing COVID-19 outcomes in over 200 patients who tested positive for the virus between March 2020, and February 2021.

      The team found that participants who regularly fasted at least once per month had a lower rate of hospitalization and death due to the coronavirus. The researchers noted that intermittent fasting wasn't associated with a lower chance of testing positive for COVID-19; it was only connected to outcomes after participants were infected. 

      Horne explained that hyperinflammation is a common symptom that's associated with COVID-19. He suggests that intermittent fasting may counteract this because it tends to reduce inflammation in the body. He also says fasting changes how the body uses certain molecules like linoleic acid.

      "There's a pocket on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 that linoleic acid fits into -- and can make the virus less able to attach to other cells," he explained.

      Shouldn't be used in place of a vaccine

      While intermittent fasting could help consumers avoid serious complications from a coronavirus infection, the researchers stated that the eating plan shouldn't be used as a substitute for a COVID-19 vaccination.

      "It should be further evaluated for potential short and long-term preventative or therapeutic use as a complementary approach to vaccines and anti-viral therapies for reducing COVID-19 severity," Horne said.

      The full study has been published in the journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health.

      The threat of COVID-19 is still very real for consumers around the world, but findings from a recent study suggest that your diet could lower your chances...

      FDA to consider over-the-counter sale of birth control pills

      The drugmaker said the timing of its application is not related to the overturning of Roe vs. Wade

      A French pharmaceutical company is petitioning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to sell its birth control pills over-the-counter. Since they were introduced in the early 1960s, birth control pills have required a doctor’s prescription.

      HRA Pharma produces and markets hormone-based contraceptives – the most common form of birth control pills. The application comes days after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion. The company said the latest ruling from the high court was completely unrelated to its application.

      “For a product that has been available for the last 50 years, that has been used safely by millions of women, we thought it was time to make it more available,” Frederique Welgryn, HRA’s chief strategy officer, told the Associated Press.

      The company said it has conducted extensive research to back up its claim that women now have enough experience using the pills that they can determine the risks and benefits themselves.

      An FDA decision is not expected right away, but the agency has shown recent signs of relaxing the way some prescription drugs are handled. Just last week, the agency amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the COVID-19 treatment pill Paxlovid to allow pharmacists to prescribe it to patients.

      Pressure in Congress

      Pressure was building in Congress to provide over-the-counter access to birth control pills long before the Supreme Court’s ruling that overturned Roe vs. Wade. HRA Pharma’s application, if granted, would only apply to the company’s pill – Opill. If granted, other drugmakers would likely file their own applications.

      In March, the House Pro-choice Caucus sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf, asking his agency to “follow the science” as it considers making birth control pills available to Americans over the counter and without the need for a prescription.

      “This is a critical issue for reproductive health, rights, and justice,” the lawmakers wrote. “We ask for your ongoing commitment to advance public health and follow the science and data in all decisions, including the timely review of the oral contraception applications.”

      Physicians have long supported the requirement for a prescription for birth control pills because the drugs can carry a risk. Specifically, doctors screen women for the potential for blood clots before prescribing the pills.

      A French pharmaceutical company is petitioning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to sell its birth control pills over-the-counter. Since they wer...

      Charging and range concerns continue to hold back electric vehicle sales

      A new survey shows the industry has yet to overcome those two road blocks

      The idea of owning an electric vehicle (EV) is highly appealing to many people, especially during this period of near record-high gasoline prices. But the logistics of owning and operating a car that runs on electricity are causing hesitation, according to a new survey.

      Consumer Reports surveyed around 8,000 Americans and found that about half of the respondents were unaware that federal and state tax incentives would pay for part of the cost of the vehicle. But even that was not sufficient to overcome several perceived challenges.

      Only 14% of consumers said they would “definitely” choose an EV if they were purchasing a new car today. Still, that’s considerably higher than the 4% who said the same thing in 2020 when gas prices were considerably lower.

      The survey found that consumers’ biggest concerns involve charging the vehicles and the range that the cars can be driven between charges. 

      While a gas tank can be filled in five to 10 minutes, fully charging an EV battery can take much longer depending on the charging infrastructure. Using a “Supercharger” system, such as the only one designed by Tesla, can take 30 minutes to an hour.

      Cost of gas vs. electricity

      If an EV is being charged at home using a household electrical outlet, charging can take several hours, if not days. And while most consumers are keenly aware of the price of gasoline and how much it costs to fill a tank, most people are less aware of the cost of electricity.

      EV range was also cited as another reason for hesitation. People who drive only a few miles each day are much more likely to choose an EV because they may need to recharge only once a week or so. 

      As we reported last year, many EV owners in California have gone back to an internal combustion engine. A study by researchers at the University of California Davis questioned California consumers who purchased an EV between 2012 and 2018. It found that nearly 20% no longer drove one, having traded it in for a gasoline-powered car.

      “For the market share of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) to continue to grow and reach 100% of new vehicle sales, adopters of the technology, who initially buy PEVs, will need to continue choosing them in subsequent purchases,” the researchers wrote.

      Quinta Warren, Consumer Reports’ associate director of sustainability policy, believes the industry is making progress in addressing these consumer concerns.

      “Many of these barriers to owning a battery-electric vehicle EV can be addressed through experience and education,” she said.

      The idea of owning an electric vehicle (EV) is highly appealing to many people, especially during this period of near record-high gasoline prices. But the...

      Ford recalls model year 2021 Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators

      An under-hood fire may break out while the vehicle is parked and turned off

      Ford Motor Company is recalling about 66,221 model year 2021 Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators.

      The vehicles may pose a risk of an under-hood fire, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off.

      The automaker has received 21 reports of under-hood fires.

      Ford says the cause of these vehicle fires can be traced to a change in manufacturing location by a supplier.

      What to do

      Ford is advising owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the dealer services their vehicle. However, it has not issued instructions to stop driving the vehicles.

      Dealers will first inspect the battery junction box for melting damage. If it finds evidence of damage, it will replace the entire component. The company will then remove the engine fan ground wire from the battery junction box in affected vehicles with an 800-watt cooling fan system, which represents about one-third of the recalled vehicle population

      The repair is the same for the remaining affected vehicles with a 700-watt cooling fan system except for the installation of an auxiliary box with a wire jumper.

      Parts for this repair are expected to be available starting in early September. Owners may contact Ford customer service by phone at (866) 436-7332 for more information.

      Ford Motor Company is recalling about 66,221 model year 2021 Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators.The vehicles may pose a risk of an under-hood fire...

      ShelterLogic Group recalls RIO-branded swinging hammock chairs

      The chair’s legs can collapse, posing an injury hazard

      ShelterLogic Group of Watertown, Conn., is recalling about 786,000 RIO-branded swinging hammock chairs.

      Improper insertion of the pins provided for assembly can cause the chair’s legs to collapse, posing an injury hazard.

      The firm has received 24 reports of incidents that resulted in injuries such as bruises, aches, and pains; head lacerations; back strain; concussions; and abrasions from consumers who fell while using the chairs.

      The folding chairs have a black or gray metal frame, a fabric seat, and a backrest with a pillow; some have a drink holder. They were sold in gray, navy, blue, red, and camouflage. RIO is printed below the pillow. Only chairs with warning tags on the back of the chair’s backrest or armrest are included in this recall.

      The chairs, which were manufactured in China, were sold at Blain’s Farm & Fleet, Camping World, Costco, Lowe’s, and Tractor Supply Company stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, CampingWorld.com, Costco.com, Lowes.com, Walmart.com, and other websites from January 2020, through June 2022, for between $40 and $60.

      What to do

      Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chairs until they have reviewed the new instructions and the pins are properly inserted into the chair’s legs.

      Consumers should contact ShelterLogic Group to receive the new instructions that will help verify proper and safe pin insertion.

      Consumers may contact ShelterLogic toll-free at (888) 635-3359 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday, by email at RIOcare@shelterlogic.com, or online for more information.

      ShelterLogic Group of Watertown, Conn., is recalling about 786,000 RIO-branded swinging hammock chairs.Improper insertion of the pins provided for asse...

      A&M Farms recalls Little Bear brand whole Vidalia onions

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogeness

      A&M Farms of Lyons, Ga., is recalling select whole Vidalia onions packed on one pack line between June 20, 2022, and June 23, 2022.

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses or adverse events have been reported to date.

      A list of the recalled products, sold at retail stores in five states, may be found here

      What to do

      Customers who purchased the recalled product should not consume it. Instead, they should discard or return it to the place of purchase with a receipt for a refund.

      Consumers with questions may contact the company by phone at (912) 585-2058 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (EDT).

      A&M; Farms of Lyons, Ga., is recalling select whole Vidalia onions packed on one pack line between June 20, 2022, and June 23, 2022.The products may be...

      Toyota recalls model year 2022 Tundras and Tundra Hybrids

      The axle shaft may separate

      Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling 46,176 model year 2022 Tundras and Tundra Hybrids.

      The flange nuts on the axle shaft sub-assemblies can loosen over time and potentially cause one or both axle shaft sub-assemblies to separate from the axle housing.

      Axle shaft separation can cause a loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

      What to do

      Dealers will inspect the rear axle assembly, tighten the axle flange nuts, and replace any damaged axle-related components -- if necessary -- free of charge.

      Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 15, 2022.

      Owners may contact Toyota customer service at (800) 331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA05.

      Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling 46,176 model year 2022 Tundras and Tundra Hybrids.The flange nuts on the axle shaft sub-assemblie...