Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DN0_LWeXrmH/The answer is yes if you can’t tolerate certain foods such as those containing lactose.  Canadian sleep researchers at the University of Montreal and MacEwan University surveyed 1082 college students and found an impressive link between nightmares and diet.Data gathered included dietary information, food intolerances, allergies, personality type, measures of sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and dreams using the Nightmare Disorder Index. The results. About a third of participants reported frequent nightmares, and women were more likely than men to experience poor sleep, remember dreams, and report food sensitivities. Forty percent of all surveyed reported that their diet affected their sleep quality.  Sweet desserts were blamed by 31% while 22% blamed dairy.  Healthy food intake avoiding late night ingestion was associated with better dream recall.  The opposite: a diet of fatty, greasy, spicy foods and including late night gorging led to

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DN0-HNvXPcP/An already FDA-approved cancer vaccine was spectacularly effective in controlling pancreatic cancers that carry the KRAS markers.  A multi-center phase 1 study, helmed by oncologists at New York’s Sloan Kettering and Texas’ MD Anderson, studied the vaccine labeled ELI-002 developed by Boston’s Elicio Therapeutics.  The results demonstrated that the vaccine can trigger a vigorous killer T cell response to this KRAS marker carried by 88% of pancreatic cancers. They also showed that 65% of patients who mounted this T cell response to the vaccine enjoyed no radiographic progression of their cancers.  Even more exciting, five of the sewpatients were free of tumor relapse without any subsequent therapy following the vaccine.  When the study ended after nearly 20 months, these excellent responders were all alive without evidence of cancer recurrence.  In contrast, the untreated controls developed cancer relapses in an average of 3 months and only survived an average

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DN09U9v2nzK/I recently reported the troubling surge in laughing gas recreational use highlighting the damage that this nitrous oxide gas can do to your mouth and throat as it cools.  This rising use of the drug is also killing more of us each year. I am sad to report that 1240 Americans lost their live sto nitrous oxide poisoning between the years 2010 and 2023.This widely-used medicinal gas safely helps to smooth the induction of general anesthesia in the operation room.  In the party room, though, its careless inhalation from pressurized canisters that serve as whipped cream chargers leads to oxygen deprivation, neurological damage, and death.Don’t let that happen to your or your children.  Educate, educate, educate.https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2836925#laughinggas #nitrousoxide #whippets #hypoxia #death

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DN08cgWau2f/What’s the trick?  A small modification in your walking gait could delay any need for knee replacement surgery for years.  So say University of Utah bioengineers and musculoskeletal researchers after studying a select group of 68 patients with knee arthritis in a year-long placebo-controlled trial.Their Lancet Rheumotology study revealed that a slight change in the foot angle while walking reduced both the pain and destructive changes of osteoarthritis as effectively as pain and anti-inflammatory medications.  The necessary change in foot angle varied for each individual: for some, turning the toes slightly inward did the trick, while for others, turning outward worked better.The study participants trained with motion-capture and biofeedback.  They then practiced at home until their slightly modified gait felt natural. Remarkably, they stuck with the adjustment for the duration of the study.The most exciting findings: At the study’s conclusion, the MRI scans o

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DN07cQI3q01/Gold nanoparticles, coated with specific antibodies to viruses, bacteria, or virtually any disease-causing agent, now form the basis of a diagnostic system 100,000 times more sensitive than current technologies and capable of delivering a result in about 15 minutes.  Molecular bioengineers at Arizona State University have developed the reagents and the detection device they’ve named the NasRED, which stands for Nanoparticle-Supported Rapid Electronic Detection.For example, when exposed to say antigens from CoVid viruses, the CoVid-antibody coated gold nanoparticles clump together and capably reflect light in the NasRed detector. This one-drop blood test can rapidly and precisely detect COVID-19, influenza, HIV, Ebola, and/or Lyme with unprecedented precision. Each test costs about two dollars, a fraction of the price of current lab methods.  The detection device is small and portable permitting its use in rural hospital and clinics.  Work is already underway t

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DN06krQ2q-f/Immunologists at the Medical University of South Carolina have found a way to direct the body’s immune system to censor itself permitting transplanted human organs to flourish with medicinal immunosuppression.  Their study appeared recently in Frontiers in Immunology.The investigators genetically engineered so-called regulatory T cells, Treg lymphocytes, to selectively destroy those B lymphocytes programmed to produce the antibodies that attack transplanted organs. This self-immunosuppression could extend the life of transplanted organs and permit so-called presensitized patients with pre-existing B lymphocytes ready to churn out anti-organ antibodies an opportunity for successful transplantation. Let’s hope clinical trials demonstrate the utility of this approach.https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250817/Genetically-engineered-immune-cells-show-promise-for-preventing-organ-rejection.aspxhttps://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DN05tuXXix_/In the search for ever more effective and selective ways to fight cancer, researchers at Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science in collaboration with those at Rockefeller University have bioengineered a bacterium that selectively ferries a cell-killing virus into cancer cells.  They call this system CAPPSID which stands for Coordinated Activity of Prokaryote and Picornavirus for Safe Intracellular Delivery.The prokaryote in question is a salmonella species and the picornavirus is the Senecavirus.  This salmonella selectively invades tumor cells and delivers not only the virus but also an enzyme necessary to activate the virus once inside the tumor cell.  This permits the virus to slip past the immune system, sneak into cancers, and attack tumor cells from the inside.Using a preclinical mouse model, the bacteria successfully homed in on their tumors, delivered the virus, and then self-destructed to release it. To prevent the virus from

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DN04xTN2nvK/Blah, blah blah you’re thinking.  Yea, yea, yea Dr. Smith I’ve heard this all before.  PLEASE don’t click off and give me a couple minutes to help you save your own life or the lives of those you love.An astounding 77% of Americans do not know that blood pressures greater than 130/80 are a significant risk for heart attack and stroke as well as dementia, kidney failure, and blindness.  One in 4 still think the numbers are the old cutoffs 140/90.  So discovered University of Pennsylvania public health researchers after they they surveyed 1653 of our friends and neighbors this past April.Among their key findings:-24% don’t know the blood pressure levels that are considered high.  The cutoff is now 130/80, not 140/90.-37% assume incorrectly that high blood pressure always has noticeable symptoms like dizziness and shortness of breath; they don’t know that high blood pressure is a silent illness.-39% think that your blood pressure is fine if you are calm and relax

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DN038nZ3AWE/Even a mild case of CoVid will age your vital arteries 5 years.  This from a study by French cardiologists recently published in the European Heart Journal. The cardiovascular researchers studied data from 2090 individuals in 16 countries from late 2020 through early 2022.  Arterial aging was estimated by measuring the degree of vessel stiffness using pulse wave propagation measurements.  The negative effects of a CoVid infection were more significant in women and in those reporting lingering, long CoVid symptoms.On the positive side, those vaccinated against CoVid suffered less arterial stiffening following a CoVid infection.  Add this to the other benefits of vaccination including a less severe infection with a significantly lower risk of death.It’s important to note that vascular aging, when “natural” or prodded along by CoVid, can be reduced by exercise, blood pressure control, healthy eating, and cholesterol-lowering medications.  Just to repeat, If unche

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DN023UfWjJq/So-called “clear e-cigarettes that contain synthetic cooling agents trigger greater blood pressure and heart rate increases than menthol flavored e-cigarettes.  Yale and Boston University researchers issue this warning following their study of 200 young adult vapers and non-vapers.  They analyzed 3 groups: 23 clear-ecig vapers; 111 non-clear vapers; and 73 non-vapers. Their paper appears in the Journal of the American Heart Association.These “clear” vapes contain WS-23 or WS-3, both synthetic coolants that mimic menthol’s cooling effects but impart no flavor to the vapor. The data revealed that these agents were associated with greater heart strains than e-cigs containing menthol itself. The investigators suggest that these synthetic cooling agents have been introduced to circumvent bans against flavorings in vaping products, such as the ones in Massachusetts, California, New York State, Delaware, and elect cities around the country,.While this study only look

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNrzfRnaKSG/This bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. It can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Affected is Lot Number 615.About 12 cases of this cheese was sold at Cheese Plate Brooklyn – Park Slope and Cheese Plate Brooklyn – Carroll Gardens between July 24 and August 13, 2025.Return this cheese to the place of purchase for a full refund.   For questions, contact Fromi USA at 1-212-583-4920 or via the email info@fromiusa.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fromi-usa-recalls-brie-royal-faucon-1kg-because-possible-health-risk#fromi #brie #cheese #listeria #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNrymjdWsfn/This bacterium causes a severe and sometimes fatal systemic infection in the very young, older frail individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.  Listeria can also trigger miscarriages and stillbirths.  The affected items include 100% Grass-Fed Pepper Jack Cheese with Lot Code 251661; Copia Collective 100% Grass-Fed Pepper Jack Cheese with Lot Code 251661; Horseradish Flavored Cheese with Lot Code 2524061; Monterey Jack Cheese with Lot Code 251672 and s dated 7-16-25B; and Farmers Cheese in the same sizes and codes.About 5,433 pounds of cheese were sold in Ohio between July 14 and August 7, 2025. The products were shipped to manufacturers, distributors, and sold in retail stores across the state.Do not not eat these cheeses. Return them to the place of purchase for a refund. For questions, contact Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op at 1-440-632-5567 or via the email nevinbyler@middlefieldcheese.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq6jI3M-Yh/These frozen shrimp are contaminated with the radionuclide Cesium-137. Cesium-137 is a man-made radioisotope, and long-term, repeated low-dose exposure may increase the risk of cancer. Affected products include raw and cooked frozen shrimp with lot numbers including 087305, 095944, 111154, 095946, 109562, 109540, 109541, 109542, 125143, 130632, 128267, 134010, and 128275. The frozen shrimp were sold in Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington state between July 17 and August 8, 2025. Do not eat this recalled frozen shrimp. Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. For questions, contact Southwind Foods at 1-323-262-8222.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/southwind-foods-llc-recalls-frozen-shrimp-because-possible-health-risk#southwind #frozen #shrimp #radioactive #cesium137 #Cancer #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq54scp_T2/These hair dryers lack an immersion protection device thereby creating a risk of death or serious injury from electrocution or shock if the hair dryers fall into water while plugged in. Affected is model number D3190DCDNAbout 56,300 hairdryers were sold in the US at Walmart Marketplace, Target Marketplace, and Amazon from March 2024.Immediately unplug and stop using these dangerous hair dryers. To receive a full refund, submit a photo of the hair dryer with its power cord cut in half through the recall registration portal at remingtonproducts.com/product-recalls and follow the disposal instructions provided on the website. For more information, contact Empower Brands at 1-844-695-2134 or via the email HairdryerRecall@Spectrumbrands.com.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Empower-Brands-Recalls-Remington-Hair-Dryers-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Electrocution-and-Shock-Hazards#remington #hairdryer #electrocution #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq5RgHJ50p/The locking mechanisms on these ladders jam and fail to fully lock into place creating fall hazards. The recalled ladders are model numbers ALMP-20IAA and ALMP-24IAA.About 122,250 ladders were sold in the US at Home Depot stores nationwide and online at HomeDepot.com from November 2021 through February 2024.Stop climbing on these recalled ladders and contact Werner at 1-888-624-1907 or via email ladder@realtimeresults.net to obtain a full refund. Register at wernerco.com/recalls to receive disposal instructions. Once disposal is confirmed, Werner will issue a refund by check.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Werner-Recalls-20-and-24-Multi-Max-Pro-Multi-Purpose-Ladders-Due-to-Fall-Hazard#werner #ladders #collapse #falls #injuries #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq4nTJp4gJ/This fuel bottle’s nozzle applicator is not child-resistant creating a deadly poisoning hazard since these bottles contain volatile hydrocarbons that cause chemical pneumonias and fatal lung damage. The bottles are also incorrectly labeled as “Non-Toxic.”About 11,275 fuel bottles were sold in the US at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and Fireflyfuel.com from August 2019 through May 2025.Immediately remove the nozzle applicator and reinstall the original child-resistant closure. If the child-resistant closure is not available, secure the fuel bottles out of the reach of children. Contact Firefly Fuel at 1-888-472-6740 or via email support@fireflyfuel.com to obtain a free corrected label and a free child-resistant lid if the original is missing.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Firefly-Fuel-Recalls-Firefly-Safe-Green-32-oz-Fuel-Bottles-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Poisoning-to-Young-Children-Violates-Multiple-Mandatory-Standards#firefly #fuelbottle #nozz

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq3i2BN-WU/This kettle’s infuser basket lid loosens and falls off during use creating a burn hazard. The affected kettles have lot codes 022020, 022021, 022022, 042022, 022023, or 032023.About 40,000 kettles were sold in the US online at HSN.com and through the HSN television network from August 2020 through January 2025.Stop using the recalled tea kettles and contact Synergy Housewares at 1-855-837-4111 or by visiting claims.synergyhousewares.com/recall to receive a free replacement lid.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Synergy-Housewares-Recalls-Wolfgang-Puck-Petite-Tea-Kettles-Due-to-Burn-Hazard-Sold-on-HSN#wolfgangpuck #teakettle #lid #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq2lgrJ071/These bottles fail to withstand normal operating pressures during use and create serious impact, laceration, and hearing damage hazards. The affected bottles have expiration dates between January 2026 and October 2026.About 106,200 bottles were sold in the US, and about 5,000 were sold in Canada online at iDrinkproducts.com, Walmart.com, Amazon.com, Target.com, and HomeDepot.com from April 2023 through October 2024.Stop using these recalled bottles and contact Drinkmate at 1-844-812-6241 or via the email support@idrinkproducts.com in order to receive a free replacement or more information. You will be asked to complete a replacement form, upload a photo of the bottle marked with the word “Recall” to idrinkproducts.com/pages/drinkmate-safety-recall-of-1l-pet-bottles.  Then, dispose of the bottle and use the code provided by the website to order a free replacement with shipping included.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Drinkmate-Recalls-1-Liter-Carbonation-Bott

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq1y7fJ0CN/This unit’s lithium-ion battery overheats creating fire and burn hazards. Affected are models 2G520, 2G505B, and 2G512B.About 24,000 units were sold in the US, and about 9,900 were sold in Canada online at Amazon.com, Homedepot.com, and Esrtech.com from September 2023 through July 2025.Stop using these recalled power banks and contact Waymeet at 1-888-990-0280 or via the email support@esrtech.com for a full refund. You will need to email your order number, if available, and a photo of your recalled unit showing the model number with the word “Recalled” written on it in permanent marker. Then dispose of the  product according to local hazardous waste disposal regulations and not in the trash, curbside recycling, or battery collection bins.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/ESR-HaloLock-Wireless-Power-Banks-Recalled-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Distributed-by-Waymeet#waymeet #powerbank #battery #lithiumion #overheating #fires #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNeAc9Iv79P/The best time to take a test is between 11 AM and 1 PM.  Psychologists at Italy’s University of Messina analyzed the results of 104,552 oral exams conducted at universities and found that those yielding passing grades occurred midday.  Pass rates tend to dip early in the morning and again late in the afternoon.  In addition, test scores among those with passing grades were higher during this day period.The researchers attribute this pattern to three factors: biological rhythms, decision fatigue, and chronotype mismatches between students and professors.  Students tend to be night owls while university professors have peak performances earlier in the day.The study also suggests that this pattern could impact other situations where sharp intellectual performances are critical.  These include job interviews, courtroom proceedings, and media appearances.So if given a choice, grab that midday slot.https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040928.htmhttps: