Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQdnYr9jZwV/An exciting, ground-breaking clinical study now shows that children born with a defective gene coding for a vital inner ear protein can have that gene  repaired and hearing restored. This phenomenally successful preliminary clinical trial was recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.Genetic bioengineers at New York’s Regeneron Pharmaceuticals loaded a normal copy of the otoferlin gene into a dual adeno-associated virus acting as a Trojan horse.  Twelve children, born without the ability to synthesize otoferlin protein, received the gene injection, dubbed DB-OTO therapy, into their inner ears at 3 clinical centers: Harvard’s Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary, UC San Diego’s Children’s Hospital, and University College London.  Otoferlin is necessary for the inner ear’s ability to convert sound vibrations into electrical impulses.  At 24 weeks post-injection, 9 of the 12 children, 75%, regained measurable hearing.  Three, 25%, developed near normal hea

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQdmkOKCSjm/The Brits now tell us that they have some better remedies for the world’s constipation woes and they don’t include high fiber diets or harsh laxatives. A new meta-analysis from the nutritionists at King’s College, London rigorously reviewed 75 clinical trials and gives us some better suggestions for constipation relief.When the data were crunched, it showed significant constipation relief from kiwifruit, rye bread, and mineral rich water.  Also helpful were dietary supplements containing psyllium fiber, probiotics, and magnesium oxide. These suggestions are now endorsed by the British Dietetic Association.  If you continue to suffer from hard, infrequent stools, why not give them a try.  As you do, remember that enough daily water is critical for regular defecation.  For adult men, that number is 125 oz and for women 91 oz.  We parents do know that kiddies too can become constipated. The magic number for toddlers is 44 oz, for older children 57 oz, for young t

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQdlztLFFi-/The hot flashes and night sweats of menopause create a miserable midlife for so many women.  Hormones do offer relief, but many women cannot take them.  Enter a new non-hormonal drug just approved by the FDA.This medication, elinzanetant to be marketed as Lynkuet by Bayer, GlaxoSmithKline, and Nerre Therapeutics, is an oral neurokinin/tachykinin antagonist that normalizes thermal and sleep regulation.  A phase 3 multi-national study headed by researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine shows that 120 mg elinzanetant taken daily relieves both the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, improves sleep quality, and elevates moods. Improvement occurred for some study participants within the first week of therapy.Last year, the FDA approved another Bayer oral menopause drug fezolinetant, branded as Veozah. With one neurokinin receptor blocker, it reduces hot flashes only. This year’s new entry is more powerful as it blocks two neurokinin receptors

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQdknrnjVnr/For nearly the first time in the history of American public health, there is mass confusion and lack of credible information coming from our usual public health channels about which vaccines adults should receive. I want to arm all of you you with the latest immunization recommendations from the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.  These guidelines are all based on the latest scientific information which demonstrates that these vaccines are safe and very, very effective at preventing and/or minimizing the effects of sometimes deadly diseases. For Pregnant Women since you are immunizing for yourself and your new baby:TDap, in 3rd trimester; Influenza, anytime during flu season; CoVid, anytime; RSV, late 3rd trimester during RSV season.Adults, 18 through 64 year of age: Td/TDap, every 10 years; MMR, if not immune, 1-2 doses; Varicella, if not immune; HPV, through age 26 or 45 if never immunized; Infl

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQdjEezCeTe/With all the confusion and lack of credible information coming from the usual public health channels, I want to arm all you parents and grandparents with the latest immunization recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.  These guidelines are all based on the latest scientific information which demonstrates that these vaccines are safe and very, very effective at preventing and/or minimizing the effects of sometimes deadly childhood diseases. Now let’s review, by months and years, the AAP immunization blueprint. At Birth: The RSV protective antibody nirsevimab up to 6 mos if mom not vaccinated in pregnancy up to 6 mos; 1st dose of Hepatitis B vax. 1 month: Hep B, 2nd dose, to 2 mo.2 months: Rotavirus- RV1 Vax, 2 doses; RV5 Vax, 3 doses, 1st dose; DTaP (Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis); Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b); Pneumococcal; Inactivated Poliovirus4 months: RV1, RV5, 2nd dose; DTaP, Hib, Pneumococcal, Inact Poliovirus, 2nd

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQLokX_D1Pk/Small, naturally occurring stones from the rice farm are foreign bodies in the rice and create risks for oral and digestive tract injuries. Affected are: Long Grain White Rice with batch codes 533ELGRV22 and 534ALGRV22; Whole Grain Brown Rice with batch codes 534AMGRV22, 534BMGRV22, and 534DMGRV22; and Long Grain & Wild Rice with batch codes 533BMGRV22, 533CLGRV22, and 533CMGRV22—all with best-by dates of August 2026.This rock-laden rice was sold at H-E-B, Target, United Markets, Amazon, and Piggly Wiggly in the United States. Do not eat this rice. Contact Ben’s Original Consumer Care at 1-800-548-6253 to arrange a return, receive instructions for a refund, or for more information.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bens-originaltm-issues-voluntary-recall-select-bens-original-long-grain-white-whole-grain-brown-and#bensoriginal #rice #foreignbodies #stones #injuries #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQLnBsMjD9O/Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts risks a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this popcorn. Affected is lot number 2519907B1.This contaminated popcorn was sold in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon, and Texas, as well as in other states.Don’t munch on this popcorn.  Return it to the place of purchase for a refund. For more information, call the Jody’s Inc. at 1-757-422-8646 extension 103.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/jodys-inc-recalls-cabot-creamery-sea-salt-caramel-cheddar-popcorn-due-undeclared-peanuts-corrected#cabotcreamery #popcorn #peanuts #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKaKsFkbYv/Salmonella triggers serious and sometimes fatal gastrointestinal and systemic infections in young children, elderly persons, and others with weakened immune systems. Affected are eggs with best-by dates ranging from October 11 through October 17, 2025.These recalled Kenz Henz Pasture Raised Eggs were sold in Houston, Texas at stores including HEB and Kroger.Do not eat these eggs and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For additional information, contact Kenz Henz at 1-409-457-5934.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kenz-henz-recalls-pastured-raised-eggs-because-possible-health-risk#kenzhenz #eggs #salmonella #infection #recall

This shrimp, imported from Indonesia, contains low levels of cesium-137, a human carcinogen.This contained shrimp was sold nationwide in the US.Do not eat this shrimp and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, call AquaStar at 1-800-331-3440.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/aquastar-usa-corp-recalls-shrimp-because-possible-health-risk#aquastar #BestYet #WaterfrontBistro #Publix #shrimp #radfioadcf

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKXzemDQgE/This contamination occurs since containers of vanilla ice cream actually contain French Vanilla Ice Cream with a mismatched French Vanilla lid.Those with egg allergies can develop serious or life-threatening allergic reactions should they consume this ice cream. Affected are half-gallon containers with a “Sell By” date of June 19, 2026 This recalled ice cream was sold at Publix stores in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida, except for stores in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Tampa, and Sarasota. Publix stores in Virginia and North Carolina are not affected.Do not consume this recalled ice cream but return it to your local Publix store for a full refund. For additional information, contact Publix at 1-800-242-1227 or visit publix.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/publix-rich-creamy-vanilla-ice-cream-voluntarily-recalled-select-areas#publix #vanilla #icecream #eggg #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKXFB7D6j-/Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to cashews could face a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.  Affected are 4-ounce packages with lot code 1.22 and a “Best By” date of September 29, 2026.These recalled nuts were sold in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nevada, Florida, and Wisconsin. The product was also sold online through Amazon and NatsNuts.com.Do not eat these pecans. Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Nat’s Nuts at 1-585-310-0157 or by email at info@natsnuts.comhttps://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/nats-nuts-issues-allergy-alert-potential-undeclared-cashews-nats-nuts-brand-cinnamon-whiskey-pecans#natsnuts #pecans #cashews #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKV0-AjiDf/Lead is a neurotoxin and creates a serious health risk. It is particularly dangerous for children and causes cognitive and developmental problems. Affected is product with a “Best By” date of February 9, 2025. This contaminated cinnamon was sold at supermarkets nationwide.Stop using this recalled cinnamon immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you or family members consumed this product, consult with your medical team about testing for lead exposure. For more information, consumers can contact Haitai, Incorporated at 1-323-890-0101 or by email at info@haitaiusa.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haitai-inc-recalls-haetae-ht-brand-cinnamon-powder-8-oz-possible-risk#haitai #cinnamon #lead #poison #children #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKUs62jMdk/The these golf cars fail to brake properly leading to crashes, serious injuries, and possible death. Affected are DR2A and DR2E Personal Transportation Vehicle models with serial numbers that begin with J0D, J0E, and J2D. About 4,300 of these recalled golf cars were sold through Yamaha dealers from June 2018 through July 2025. Stop riding these recalled golf cars and contact an authorized Yamaha Golf Car dealer to arrange for installation of new brake shoes and pads. If you can’t bring your vehicle to a dealer,  contact Yamaha at 1-866-747-4027 or by email at ygc_callcenter@yamaha-motor.com to arrange a repair at your location.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Yamaha-Recalls-Model-Year-2017-2024-Golf-Car-Vehicles-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Crash-Hazard#yamaha #golfcar #brakes #collision #injuries #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKUA7OACIY/These vehicles are rear-end accidents waiting to happen leading to serious neck and chest injuries. Affected are Drive 2 Personal Transportation Vehicles and Super Hauler versions, with multiple serial number ranges affected.About 19,300 of these recalled Yamaha golf car vehicles were sold through Yamaha dealers from June 2020 through July 2025. Stop riding these recalled golf cars and contact an authorized Yamaha Golf Car dealer to schedule a free installation of working stoplights. Alternatively, contact Yamaha at 1-866-747-4027 or via the email ygc_callcenter@yamaha-motor.com to arrange a free repair at your home or business.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Yamaha-Recalls-Model-Year-2021-2025-Golf-Car-Vehicles-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Crash-Hazard#yamaha #golfcars #stoplights #injuries #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKSye7iXhr/The exhaust duct on these water heaters crack and allow poisonous gases including carbon monoxide to escape inside your home leading too chemical asphyxiation or death. Affected are model numbers VRS-150, VRS-199, VRP-150, VRP-199, VRS Plus-150, VRS Plus-199, VRP Plus-150, VRP Plus-199, VTS-150, VTS-199, VTP-150, and VTP-199.About 36,700 of these dangerous water heaters were sold in the United States and about 3,500 were sold in Canada at plumbing supply stores from May 2017 through July 2025.Immediately stop using these recalled water heaters and contact VESTA.DS at 1-888-505-5525 or by email at condensingwaterheater@realtimeresults.net to schedule a free repair by a certified technician. If you must continue using these water heaters before the repair, have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed in your home.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/VESTA-DS-Recalls-VST-Brand-Tankless-Water-Heaters-Due-to-Carbon-Monoxide-CO-Poisoning-Hazard-and-Risk-of-S

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKR9tUDjoK/The screen console overheats and ignites leading to fires and burns. Affected are model numbers NTRW19147.0 through NTRW19147.3.About 44,800 rowing machines were sold in the United States and 700 were sold in Canada at brick-and-mortar stores and online at Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nebraska Furniture, and ABT, as well as on nordictrack.com and Amazon.com between November 2018 and April 2022.Stop using and unplug these recalled rowing machines. Contact iFIT at 1-833-680-4348 or by email at ntrw19147-recall@ifit.com to arrange a free home repair and screen console replacement performed by an authorized technician.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/iFIT-Recalls-NordicTrack-Rowing-Machines-Due-to-Fire-Hazard#nordictrack #rowingmachine #console #overheating #fire #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKRPV9D46V/These tall and top-heavy dressers are unstable if not anchored to a wall.  They tip-over and entrap leading to serious injuries or even death for children. Affected dressers best the package marking ASNG092. About 76,500 dressers were sold on Amazon between September 2023 and August 2025. Stop filling and using the dressers if they are not anchored to a wall. Move the dresser to a child-inaccessible zone.  Contact WLIVE at 1-833-367-7572 or by email at wliveproductrecall@wlivehome.com to obtain a full refund once you have properly disposed of the dresser and emailed a photo to document this disposal.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/WLIVE-Fabric-12-Drawer-Dressers-Recalled-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Tip-Over-and-Entrapment-Violates-Mandatory-Standard-for-Clothing-Storage-Units-Sold-on-Amazon-by-WLIVE#wlive #dresser #12drawer #entrapment #injury #death #children #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKQh5YjzGU/Fuel leaks at the quick-connect fitting between the fuel line and the fuel injector mounted on the engine leading to risks of serious injury and potential fire hazards. This recall affects the 2020-2025 RXV Freedoms, as well as the 2020-2022 TXT Freedoms and Valor PTV models with various serial numbers.About 90,800 vehicles in the United States and 7,300 were sold in Canada at Textron dealerships and distributors nationwide from September 2019 through June 2025.Stop fueling and riding these recalled vehicles immediately and contact Textron E-Z-GO at 1-888-438-3946 or via email at ezgowarranty@textron.com to check if your particular serial number is affected and to obtain inspection instructions.  You can also reach out to an authorized dealer to schedule a free inspection. If fuel leakage is found, the dealer will replace the fuel line at no cost.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Textron-E-Z-GO-Recalls-Personal-Transportation-Vehicles-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-In

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DP2-NfNjPIE/This product contains toxic levels of lead.  Lead is neurotoxic, particularly to the developing brain of children. Affected is batch #N06 B:02, Best by May 2026.This lead-contaminated cinnamon was sold at grocery stores in California and Michigan from August 24, 2024, through October 6, 2025.Do not use this cinnamon and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Eureka Inc. at 1-951-444-7779.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/durra-ground-cinnamon-100-g-because-possible-health-risk#durra #cinnamon #lead #poison #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DP29kD-jViL/Listeria 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 Del Mar spinach lots are 250107A, 250107B, 250107C, 250107D, 2501071, and 2501073 with expiration 1/7/27. The affected Sno PAC spinach lots are SPM1.190.5 with best by 7/9/27, SPC1.160.5 with best by 6/9/27, SPC2.160.5 with best by 6/9/27, and SPM1.097.5 with best by 4/7/27.Do not consume this tainted spinach and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Sno Pac Foods at 1-507-725-5281 or email snopac@snopac.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sno-pac-foods-recalls-del-mar-35-lb-bulk-frozen-spinach-and-10-oz-organic-frozen-cut-spinach#delmar #snopac #spinach #listeria #infection #recall