Sinopsis
Howard G. Smith, M.D. is a former radio medical editor and talk show host in the Boston Metro area. He was heard on WBZ-AM, WRKO-AM, and WMRE-AM presenting his "Medical Minute" of health and wellness news and commentary. His popular two-way talk show, Dr. Howard Smith OnCall, was regularly heard Sunday morning and middays on WBZ. He also was a fill-in host during evenings on the same station.More recently, he has adopted the 21st century technology of audio and video podcasting as conduits for the short health and wellness reports, HEALTH NEWS YOU SHOULD USE, and the timely how-to recommendations, HEALTH TIPS YOU CAN'T SKIP. Many of these have video versions, and they may be found on his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKPOSWu-b4GjEK_iOCsp4MATrained at Harvard Medical School and a long-time faculty member at Boston Childrens Hospital, he practiced Pediatric Otolaryngology for 40 years in Boston, Southern California, and in central Connecticut. Now that his clinical responsibilities have diminished, he will be filing news reports and creating commentaries regularly. Then several times a month, the aggregated the reports will appear as DR. SMITH'S HEALTH NEWS ROUNDUPS on his YouTube and podcast feeds. If you have questions or suggestions about this content, please email the doctor at drhowardsmith.reports@gmail.com or leave him a message at 516-778-8864. His website is: www.drhowardsmith.com.Please note that the news, views, commentary, and opinions that Dr. Smith provides are for informational purposes only. Any changes that you or members of your family contemplate making to lifestyle, diet, medications, or medical therapy should always be discussed beforehand with personal physicians who have been supervising your care.
Episodios
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Kubota Tractor RTV-Series Utility Vehicles Have A Steering Defect
09/05/2025 Duración: 01minA ball joint can loosen and separate from the front suspension arm causing a driver to lose wheel support, stability, and steering leading to crashes and injuries. The affected models include RTV-X900, RTV520, RTV-X1120, and RTV-X1140.About 49,640 units were sold through authorized Kubota dealers from January 2021 through December 2024.Stop riding these recalled vehicles and contact an authorized Kubota dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair.For more information, contact Kubota Tractor Corporation at 1-888-458-2682 or visit kubotausa.com.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Kubota-Tractor-Corporation-Recalls-RTV-Series-Utility-Vehicles-Due-to-Crash-Hazard#kubota #utilityvehicles #frontsuspension #steering #crashes #injuries #recall
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Kohl’s St. Nicholas Square Christmas Tea Light Candle Holders Flame Out
09/05/2025 Duración: 57sVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcQ8ITsA6w/This product catches fire creating serious burn hazards.About 1,960 units were sold nationwide at Kohl’s stores and online at Kohls.com between September 2024 and April 2025.Stop using these candle holders immediately and return them to any Kohl’s location for a full refund either as a Kohl’s gift card or in the original form of payment. If you bought the item online, Kohl’s will send you a pre-paid return shipping label.For more information, contact Kohl’s at 1-855-564-5705.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Kohls-Recalls-Tea-Light-Candle-Holders-Due-to-Fire-Hazard#kohls #nicholassquare #candleholders #fires #burns #recalls
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SharkNinja Foodi OP300 Series Multi-Function Pressure Cookers Can Scald You
09/05/2025 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcQRStPPv-/These pressure cookers have lids that can be opened while the cooker is still pressurized\ permitting the superheated contents to escape and cause severe burns. The recall includes models OP300, OP301, OP302, and others in the OP300 series.About 1,846,400 units were sold across the United States, and an additional 184,240 were sold in Canada. Sales occurred nationwide at retailers including Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, and Amazon as well as on the NinjaKitchen.com website from January 2019 through March 2025.Immediately stop using the pressure-cooking function though others such as air frying may still be used. SharkNinja is offering a free replacement lid, and to receive it, visit the recall page at ninjakitchen.com and click “Recalls” under “Support” to begin the process. For more information, contact SharkNinja at 1-888-370-1733 or via the email sharkninja@rqa-inc.com.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/SharkNinja-Recalls-1-8-Million-Foodi-Multi-Fun
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Best Time To Take Proton Pump Inhibitors
02/05/2025 Duración: 02minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJKcyZ6PDwM/If you are taking a proton pump, inhibitor such as omeprazole, Prilosec, esomeprazole, Nexium, or lansoprazole, Prevacid, you are likely not taking it at an optimal time with respect to meals. Most directions given with these drugs vaguely recommend taking them an hour or so before eating. Lab data pinpoints a more specific time.It turns out that the best time to take any of these drugs is exactly 20 to 30 minutes before you begin eating. Let’s find out why. The role of these proton pump inhibitors is to shut off acid production in the stomach. They work on acid producing cells in the stomach lining known as parietal cells. However, the drugs as you swallow them are not capable of performing this task. They must first be converted to active forms within the acidic crevices of the parietal cells called canaliculi. This process requires approximately 20 to 30 minutes to occur.If you begin eating before taking these drugs or before 20-30 minutes after taking the
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Urine Test Diagnoses Early Prostate Cancer
01/05/2025 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHrndtOyB4/A painless, shot-free urine test could diagnose prostate cancer at its earliest, treatable stages. Biochemists in Sweden, the UK, and China, led by those at the Karolinska Institute, studied mRNA activity in more than 2000 patients with and without prostate cancers. They used AI to identify the proteins specific for prostate cancer that show up in the urine of those with this disease.Following this identification phase, the researchers now plan to further validate this urine prostatic cancer test in larger clinical trials. Once this type of testing becomes the standard for prostatic cancer diagnosis, expect its use for monitoring following the medical and surgical therapeutic measures to eradicate prostate cancer.https://dx.doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-25-0269https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-urine-reveal-prostate-cancer.html#prostate #cancer #urine #screening #ai
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Smart Bandage Monitors Healing Wounds
01/05/2025 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHrDdspb_Y/A high tech bandage combining the power of biosensors, microfluidics, and machine learning capably detects signs of wound infection and inflammation some 3 days before clinical signs appear. Developed by bioengineers at Caltech, the California Institute of Technology, and surgeons at the USC School of Medicine, the iCares device not only continuously monitors the wound fluids for reactive oxygen, nitrogen species, pH, and temperature, but it removes and facilitates healing by keeping the tissues dry. It transmits data to a smartphone app using Bluetooth.Following preclinical studies in diabetic mice, the research team tested the smart bandage in 20 patients with chronic wounds due to diabetes and suboptimal blood flow. Their smartphone algorithm is able to classify wound severity and healing potential. Their study now appears in the journal Science Translational Medicine.https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adt0882https://www.sciencedaily.com/r
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Child CoVid Triggers Chronic Heart, Kidney, and Gastrointestinal Disease
01/05/2025 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHqSLvgbvj/Infection with the CoVid virus is associated with a 63% higher risk of cardiovascular disease, up to a 35% risk of chronic kidney disease, and a 28% risk of gastrointestinal problems. This from a series of University of Pennsylvania epidemiological studies reviewing the case histories of those with continuing issues following cases of youth CoVid.Studying more than 1.2 million pediatric patients with or without congenital heart disease, the data revealed that almost 2 of every 3 who suffered a CoVid infection developed arrhythmias, heart inflammation, chest pain, palpitations, and/or hypertension. The review of 1.9 million patients showed that more than one in 3 young CoVid patients developed mild to severe kidney damage impacting function from 1 to 24 months following their infections. Finally, the studies of more than 1.5 million children showed that 1 in 4 developed abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or irritable bowel syndrome between 6 months and 2 years fo
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Brown Rice Unsafe For Young Kids
01/05/2025 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHpsVIJN6v/Brown rice contains almost double the amount of arsenic as white rice and threatens the health of infants, toddlers, and preschool children. So say food scientists at the Michigan State University following their analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) looking at the arsenic levels and nutritional content of rice from various sources and undergoing different processing.They found that brown rice contains 72-98% more inorganic arsenic, a known carcinogen, than comparable quantities of white rice. They warn that children under five who regularly consume brown rice may exceed international safety limits for arsenic exposure consuming up to three times more arsenic per body weight than adults. They add that infants are most at risk. On the other hand, the nutritionists note that brown vs white rice has a higher fiber and nutrient content. Brown rice of U.S. origin has less arsenic that that coming from overseas. The
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Micronanoplastics Associated With Those Blocked Arteries That Trigger Strokes
01/05/2025 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHpCRNPMX2/The number of micronanoplastic particles found in plaques blocking the carotid or brain-feeding arteries was 51-fold higher in those persons suffering debilitating strokes. This the key finding of studies by University of New Mexico vascular surgeons reported to the 2025 American Heart Association’s Vascular Discovery Scientific Sessions.Studying some 50 individuals, the investigators found that the concentration of these plastic particles was significantly higher in the blood vessel plaques of those who suffered strokes, mini-strokes, and vision losses. Although the embedded plastics did not appear to precipitate more inflammation in the blood vessels, they did alter gene function and reduced the inflammation fighting capabilities of immune cell types such as macrophages.The bottom line: micro- and nano-plastics appear to be likely cofactors along with pathological lipid metabolism that fuels the arterial disease responsible for strokes. Future studies wil
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Repurposed Drug Curbs Alcohol Cravings And Pain
01/05/2025 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHoaqqROQk/An FDA-approved psoriasis drug turns help those addicted to alcohol turn the corner. That drug is apremilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor sold under the brand name Otezla.Preclinical testing of the drug at San Diego’s Scripps Research Institute using mouse lines that are prone to over consume alcohol shows that apemilast not only reduces craving for the drink but also lessens a characteristic accompanying heightened pain sensitivity known as mechanical allodynia. These beneficial effects occurred in both female and male mice.Seeking to explain the drug’s effects, the investigators found that apemilast increases signaling by the amino acid neurotransmitter GABA, gamma-aminobutyric acid. GABA is known to slow down and calm brain activity thereby reducing stress, anxiety and fear. This drug is already FDA-approved for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis nd that’s a plus for getting it into the clinic for curbing alcoholism.The next step will be clinical tri
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What About Cuffless Blood Pressure Monitors
01/05/2025 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHnp56RT5F/A raft of wearable and other electronic devices are vying to replace the old blood pressure cuffs and squeeze balls. Should they?A panel of cardiologists led by the University of Washington School of Medicine give them all a thumbs down. When I say all, I refer to the smartwatches, rings, chest patches, ultrasound wearables, phone-based sensors, and, yes, smart toilet seats that can measure all your cardiac vital signs every time you sit.These devices test out to be unreliable yielding readings either lower or higher than the gold standard blood pressure cuff. That leads to under- or over-treatment of high blood pressure. Under treatment can lead to strokes or heart attacks while overtreatment leads to fainting and falls or a stroke.Another problem occurs for patients with darker skin. Many of these devices rely on a light sensor and often fail to deliver accurate readings. There is no easy way to change their factory calibration.Though these devices ar
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The Measles Explosion
01/05/2025 Duración: 10minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHldhBtMEW/Dr. Smith discusses objections to the measles vaccines, medications that all but eliminated measles in the US some 25 years ago. Covered are: the vaccines-autism hoax, the religious objections; the ethical concerns, the fear of side effects and complications, and the efficiency of the vaccines. Watch and pass on to family and friends who refuse vaccination for themselves and their kids. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(10)60175-4/abstracthttps://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/113/2/259/66877/Age-at-First-Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Vaccination-in?redirectedFrom=fulltexthttps://www.chop.edu/vaccine-education-center/vaccine-safety/vaccine-ingredients/ingredients-by-vaccine/mmr-vaccine-ingredientshttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150421111240.htmhttps://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vaccines/mmr-vaccine.html#measles #autism #safety #pneumonia #
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Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Generic Drugs Could Be Toxic
24/04/2025 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI16wk0vP5e/The Indian company Glenmark Pharmaceuticals is recalling 26 types of over-the-counter and prescription. The company is in violation of federal standards for pharmaceutical manufacturing that yields safe and effective medications.The recalled medications are used to treat a variety of common conditions, including heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, pain, and infections. I’m going to list the drugs that have been recalled and provide you with a link to an AARP article that provides the details regarding doses of the drugs, lot numbers, and expiration dates.Over-The-Counter:Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cetirizinePrescription:Carvedilol, Clindamycin, Colesevelam, Diltiazem, Fenofibrate, Fluphenazine, Frovatriptan, Gabapentin, Indomethacin, Lacosamide, Metformin, Naproxen, Nitroglycerin, Pravastatin, Prochlorperazine, Propafenone, Ranolazine, Rosuvastatin, Rufinamide, Saxagliptin, Solifenacin, Teriflunomide, Voriconazole.If
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Sondiko Butane Torches Lack Child-Resistant Starters
24/04/2025 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DI16H_3vnqZ/These torches violate mandatory federal safety regulations for multipurpose lighters as they create risks for fires, burns, and serious injuries or death to children. Affected is model number S400. About 33,650 torches were sold in the US and an additional 1,425 were sold in Canada exclusively online at Amazon.com from October 2023 through March 2025.Stop using and dispose of these recalled torches. To receive a full refund, contact Sondikodirt by emailing recalltorch@outlook.com for return instructions.#sonkiko #butane #torch #children #Starter #fire #burns #recall
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Kids Thrill Shape Sorter Car Toys Can Choke Your Child
24/04/2025 Duración: 54sVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI15ZL7uqCf/The wooden toy includes small ball-shaped pieces that pose a choking risk for young children and could result in serious injury or death. Affected is model number MZL-038.About 5,950 of these were sold online exclusively through Amazon.com between October 2023 and January 2025.Stop allowing your children to play with this shape sorter toy. To receive a full refund, contact Deals Oasis at shapesorterrecall@gmail.com for return instructions and a prepaid shipping label.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Deals-Oasis-Recalls-Shape-Sorter-Car-Toys-Due-to-Choking-Hazard-Violation-of-Small-Parts-Requirements-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death#kidsthrill #shapesorter #toy #smallparts #choking #children #recall
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Kawasaki 2025 KX series Competition & Cross-Country Motorcycles Have Dangerously Defective Drive Trains
24/04/2025 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DI14yB7x6XW/The primary gear for the crank shaft tends to fail increasing the risk of a crash with injuries to riders and bystanders.The recall involves motorcycles with model numbers KX450MSFNN, KX450PSFNN, and KX450NSFNN.About 3,400 cycles were sold at authorized Kawasaki dealers nationwide between June 2024 and March 2025.Immediately stop riding these recalled motorcycles and contact an authorized Kawasaki dealer for a free repair. For more information, contact Kawasaki Motors USA at 1-866-802-9381.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Kawasaki-Motors-USA-Recalls-Model-Year-2025-Competition-and-Cross-Country-Motorcycles-Due-to-Crash-Hazard#Kawasaki #motorcycles #competiton #crosscountry #crankshaft #crashes #injuries #recall
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Huffy Torex 24-Volt Children’s Ride-On Utility Terrain Vehicle Can Burn
24/04/2025 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI14LztPzy4/The wiring in these trucks is defective and can lead to overheating creating fire and burn risks. Affected are models 17249 and 17310 with date codes ranging from 16919 to 11122.About 24,700 units were sold nationwide exclusively at Walmart retail stores as well as online at walmart from August 2019 through December 2024.Stop charging and allowing your kids to ride these recalled UTVs and contact Huffy at 1- 800-872-2453 or via the email torex@huffy.com to schedule a free repair. You can arrange your own repair, and Huffy will reimburse you $50.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Huffy-Recalls-Childrens-Ride-On-Tonka-Dump-Trucks-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards#huffy #torex #utv #wiring #fires #burns #recall
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BTAMREE Roll Up Window Blinds Entangle and Strangle
24/04/2025 Duración: 56sVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DI13njENUhM/This recall applies to all of the company’s blinds with long operating cords that pose a risk of strangulation and entanglement to children.About 20,380 blinds were sold exclusively online through Amazon.com from May 2021 through December 2024.Stop using these recalled blinds. To receive a full refund, remove the blinds, mark them with the word “Recalled,” and dispose of them in the trash after taking a photo. Email the pic to BTAMREE at sales@cy-bamboo.com to register for the recall and to initiate the refund process.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Roll-Up-Window-Blinds-Recalled-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Strangulation-and-Entanglement-Hazards-Violation-of-Federal-Regulations-for-Window-Coverings-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon-com-by-BTAMREE#BTAMREE #roller #blinds #entangle #strangle #cords #recall
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LuckupShein Window Roll Up Shades Can Strangle Family Members
24/04/2025 Duración: 55sVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI121qEOic0/These shades have dangerously long control cords and violate federal regulations for window coverings and product labeling. The recall applies to all sizes and colors of the shades.About 545 units were sold exclusively online at SHEIN.com between May 2023 and December 2024.Immediately stop using the recalled shades and cut the operating cord to eliminate the hazard. Contact LuckupShein by email at luckupshein@163.com and provide a photo of the shade with the cord cut to receive a free repair kit.#luckshein #rollup #shades #cords #entangle #strangle #recall
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Huffy 12-volt Children’s Ride-On Tonka Dump Trucks Can Ignite
24/04/2025 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DI10Vt_MRW_/The controller in these trucks can overheat creating fire and burn risks. Affected are models 17362 and 17323 with date codes ranging from 15623 to 18724.About 23,260 units were sold nationwide at Target and Sam’s Club retail stores, as well as online at Target.com and SamsClub.com, from June 2023 through March 2025.Stop charging and allowing your kids to ride these recalled toy dump trucks and contact Huffy at 1- 800-872-2453 or via the email service@huffy.com for a free replacement controller.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Huffy-Recalls-Childrens-Ride-On-Tonka-Dump-Trucks-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards#huffy #tonka #dumptrucks #controller #fires #burns #recall