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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Best of: Your Favorite Music Deadens Your Pain
24/01/2026 Duración: 39sFrom Feb 2023Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DT6DQatDCuV/Listening to music you love lowers your pain threshold. Dutch anesthesia-pain researchers studied the perception of pressure- and electrically-induced pain in 415 subjects. Tolerance for both types of pain was better for those listening to their preferred brands of music rather than music they found annoying. One odd finding: listening to music you hate prior to that you love improved its pain-reducing effect. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0280036 #pain #music #preferred #disliked
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Best of: Drinking and Smoking During Pregnancy Impacts Kids Brains
24/01/2026 Duración: 02minFrom Jan 2024Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DT6A_3Ejv-N/Even minimal alcohol and tobacco use by pregnant women affects their child’s brain performance later. This the conclusion of a multisite, collaborative study helmed by Columbia University psychiatrists. The researchers reviewed the brain wave studies of 649 children at various ages from 5 to 11 years looking at abnormalities as a function of maternal exposures to alcohol and/or tobacco. The good news is that 52% of the children’s mothers used NO alcohol and 87% did NOT smoke tobacco. The remainder of children demonstrated significant brain wave aberrations in association with their mothers’ exposures. Looking at alcohol exposures, children who mothers continued drinking through pregnancy evidenced double the EEG abnormalities compared with those who mothers discontinued drinking after the first trimester. Tobacco smoking during pregnancy led to significant EEG changes in the young offspring, but, interestingly enough, more so in young boys. O
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Best of: Learn To Use An AED—Save Lives
24/01/2026 Duración: 04minFrom Jan 2024Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DT6AdpPjloq/When most people encounter someone half conscious on the street, fewer than 1 in 5 Americans know how to use the automated external defibrillators placed in strategic public locations. It’s a shame since half of those suffering a cardiac arrest outside a hospital will be brought back to life with a timely shock. That’s the tragedy documented by University of Texas Southwestern cardiologists who reviewed some 10,000 patients with cardiac standstill. These AED devices are lifesaving if you know how to use them and have the guts to pull them off the wall and deploy them. To give you the confidence to save lives of friends, neighbors, strangers, and, maybe your family, I want you to watch this excellent video by the Washington Post featuring Dr. Landon Mueller of MedStar Health. (Video) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2813619 #AED #automatedexternaldefibrillator #cardiacarrest
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Best of: Anorexia Endangers Teen Boys More Than Girls
24/01/2026 Duración: 01minBest of: Anorexia Endangers Teen Boys More Than GirlsFrom Feb 2024Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DT5_p-MDf-o/Boys as well as girls do starve themselves to death. In fact, the mortality rate of anorexia nervosa is 1.5 to 6 times higher for males than females. The guys most at risk for developing anorexia are those engaged in so-called strength focused sports including cycling, running, and wrestling. The male groups who most often suffer anorexia include those that are racially diverse, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. Those in these groups tend to fast, purge, excessively exercise, and use body building drugs such as anabolic steroids. Anorexia is associated with significant disruptions in metabolism including electrolytes, lipids, and bone nutrition. It upsets both cardiovascular and. gastrointestinal functionality. Of most importance, this disease is life-threatening. Karen Carpenter succumbed to it and her beautiful singing voice was silenced by a heart attack at age 32. Anorexia’s standa
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Best of: Foods Can Conquer Acid Indigestion
24/01/2026 Duración: 01minFrom March 2024Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DT5_FagjbAj/Heartburn is common. At least 1 in every 4 persons in North America have it, andit seems that nearly everyone you know is on some type of acid-suppressingmedicine, prescription or over-the-counter or both. With the trend toward usingfood as medicine, let’s look at the foods that can help you control gastric acid andheartburn.Melons including cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon and bananas. Melons havelow acid content so they don’t add to the acid your stomach produces. Same istrue for bananas.Green vegetables including broccoli, asparagus, green beans, celery, andcauliflower are low acid and healthy.Fish don’t contribute to acid problems. Grill, bake or poach it. No frying.Lean chicken, turkey, and beef are low acid. Don’t fry or eat the skin. Fattyversions will trigger heartburn.Egg whites have good protein and are low acid.Then the carbs:Oatmeal has fiber which helps your gi system keep moving.Whole-grain bread has lots of vitamins, minerals, but
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Klong Kone Shrimp Paste Contains Lead
16/01/2026 Duración: 57sVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlicWuj-xa/Lead contamination poses a serious health risk as it poisons the nervous system and is particularly toxic for children.This recalled shrimp paste was sold directly at two retail stores located in Iowa and New Jersey between April 2023 and December 2023.Do not consume this recalled Klong Kone Shrimp Paste and return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Gusto Group Inc. by phone at 1-862-264-6774 or by email at ings@gustofood.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gusto-group-inc-recalls-shrimp-paste-klong-kone-454-g-1-lbs-and-910-g-2-lbs-because-possible-health#klongkone #shrimppaste #lead #poison #recall
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Modern Warrior Ready Dietary Supplement Contains Dangerous Medications
16/01/2026 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlh0E_DU3N/This supplement is marketed for metabolism boosting, improving brain function, and reducing cravings. It illegally contains undeclared 1,4-DMAA, a stimulant, aniracetam, a cognitive enhancer, and tianeptine, an anti-depressant. These substances are not approved for use in dietary supplements and pose serious health risks. The recall applies to all lots of Modern Warrior Ready capsules.This recalled product was sold at retail locations in the US and sold online. Sales occurred between April 2022 and December 2025.Stop using this product immediately. Return the product to the place or website of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Modern Warrior by phone at 1-314-713-1984 or via email at theviking@modernwarrior.life.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/modern-warrior-recalls-modern-warrior-ready-dietary-supplement-due-undeclared-14-dmaa-and-aniracetam#modernwarrior #supplement #14dmaa #aniracetal #tianeptine
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HerbsForever Brand Hingwastik Churna Powder, Hingwastika Extract capsules, and Gastro Care Capsules Have Undeclared Wheat
16/01/2026 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlhPLsjq8g/Those with wheat or gluten sensitivities or who have celiac disease can develop serious allergic reactions. Affected are Hingwastik Churna Powder batch number 622-2, Hingwastika Extract capsules batch number 133-14, and Gastro Care capsules batch number 124-4.These products were sold nationwide in the US via mail order.Do not not consume these recalled produces if you have a wheat or gluten allergy or sensitivity or have celiac disease. Contact HerbsForever LLC by email at contact@herbsforever.com for instructions on how to return the products and receive a full refund.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/herbsforever-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-herbsforever-brand-dietary-supplements#herbsforever #hingwastik #gastrocare #wheat #gluten #allergy #recall
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Silintan Dietary Supplement Capsules Contain A Dangerous Prescription Medication
16/01/2026 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlgmJxlf-0/This supplement contains undeclared meloxicam, a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug sold under the brand name Mobic, used to relieve pain and inflammation from conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Dangerous side effects can include heart attack, stroke, serious gastrointestinal bleeding, and kidney injury. Prescription drugs are not permitted in any over-the-counter dietary supplements. The recall applies to all lots and all expiration dates of these Silintan capsules.These recalled Silintan capsules were sold at US retail locations and online through 123herbals.com. Stop using this product, and return it to the place of purchase or the website for a refund or discard it. If you are taking blood thinners or other anti-inflammatory medications, consult your medical team especially if you experience any of the symptoms I mentioned.For more information, consumers can contact Anthony Trinh, 123Herbals LLC by phone at 1-626-656
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Outside the Breadbox Bread Crumbs Contain Undeclared Egg and Milk
16/01/2026 Duración: 55sVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlf9R4iQCv/Those with allergies egg and or milk could develop a serious or life-threatening reaction should they consume this product. The affected breadcrumbs have an expiration date of May 20, 2026.These recalled bread crumbs were sold at Colorado retail stores and via mail order between November 2025 and December 2025.Do not consume this product if you have an egg or milk allergy. Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact VH Foods Inc. by phone at 1-719-633-3434.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/vh-foods-inc-dba-outside-breadbox-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-and-milk-bread-crumbs#outsidethebreadbox #breadcrumbs #egg #milk #allergy #recall
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True Sea Moss Brand Sea Moss Gel Superfood Can Trigger Botulism
16/01/2026 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlfCs4jX8i/Botulism is a potentially fatal illness caused by a toxin from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that attacks the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and difficulty breathing. This recall applies to all lots, all batch numbers, and all flavors of the product manufactured prior to January 2026.The company did not report how many units were sold. This Sea Moss Gel Superfood product was sold nationwide at select retail locations, via online sales, and using other distribution channels prior to January 2026.Do not consume this dangerous product. Contact your place of purchase and follow their instructions regarding return or disposal of the product. If you experience symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, double vision, or difficulty speaking or swallowing following consumption of this product, seek emergency medical care. For additional information, contact Diva Fam Inc. by phone at 1-818-751-3882 or by email at support@divafam.com.https://www
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Karison brand Panjiri, Alsi Pinni, Punjabi Pinni, Besan Laddoo, and No Sugar Added Besan Laddoo Have Undeclared Milk Allergen
16/01/2026 Duración: 58sVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlekbDFIEf/Those with an allergy to milk could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume this product. Affected products have an expiration date of August 29, 2026.These recalled products were sold at retail stores in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia. If you, family members, or household visitors have a milk allergy or sensitivity, do not consume these products. Return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. For questions, contact Karison Foods & Snacks Inc by phone at 1-516-944-9000.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/food-business-karison-foods-snacks-inc-recalls-panjiri-alsi-pinni-punjabi-pinni-besan-laddoo-and-no#karison #panjiri #pinni #ladoo #milk #allergy
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Spring & Mulberry Chocolate Bars Have Salmonella Contamination
16/01/2026 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTld5ZzjZcL/This bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal gastrointestinal and systemic infections in young children, elderly persons, and others with weakened immune systems. Affected are Earl Grey lot number 025258; Lavender Rose lot numbers 025259 and 025260; Mango Chili lot number 025283; Mint Leaf lot number 025255; Mixed Berry lot numbers 025275, 025281, and 025337; Mulberry Fennel lot number 025345; Pacan Date lot numbers 025261, 025265, 025267, 025268, 025339, and 025343; and Pure Dark Minis lot number 025273.These recalled chocolate bars were sold nationwide online and through select retail partners between September 2025 and January 2026.Do not eat these recalled chocolate bars but dispose of them. The company advises customers to dispose of the recalled chocolate bar. To obtain your refund or for additional information, contact Spring & Mulberry by email at recalls@springandmulberry.com and provide a photo showing the lot code 025255 from the packagi
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KEAWIS Crib Mattresses Entrap and Suffocate
16/01/2026 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTldZKnDoLt/This mattress fils to adequately fit certain play yards or non-full-sized cribs. This creates gaps that pose entrapment and suffocation hazards and violate the mandatory standard for crib mattresses. Affected is model number XX-BM-01.About 1,500 crib mattresses were sold online at Amazon.com from August 2024 through July 2025.Stop using this recalled crib mattresses. To obtain a full refund, contact Yixing Trading by email at support@keawis.com and follow the refund instructions. You will have to cut a large “X” across the main surface of the mattress, write your name and date directly on the mattress, take a photo of the destroyed mattress, and email the photo to the company.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Yixing-Trading-Recalls-KEAWIS-Crib-Mattresses-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Entrapment-and-Suffocation-Violates-Mandatory-Standard-for-Crib-Mattresses#keawis #mattress #infant #entrapment #suffocation #recall
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Adams RealComfort and StyleWell Adirondack Patio Chairs Dump You
16/01/2026 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlcviOj2zE/These chairs crack and collapse during use leading to falls and injuries. The recalled chairs are labeled ML837-15 width a manufacture date of August 2025.About 6,100 of these Adirondack-style patio chairs were sold at Lowe’s and The Home Depot stores from August 2025 through October 2025.Stop sitting in these recalled chairs. To obtain a full refund, return the chairs to any Lowe’s or The Home Depot store. For more information, contact Adams Manufacturing by phone at 1-866-546-1806 or via email at recalls@adamsmfg.com.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Adams-Manufacturing-Recalls-Adirondack-Patio-Chairs-Due-to-Injury-and-Fall-Hazards#adams #adirondack #chair #collapse #injury #recall
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HEZI Branded Power Strips Electrocute
16/01/2026 Duración: 54sVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlcP7XDuGd/These power strips have an ungrounded metal enclosure that can become energized creating a risk of electrocution and death.About 1,320 of these HEZI branded power strips were sold online at Amazon.com, Ebay.com, Kmart.com, and Sears.com from May 2024 through October 2025.Stop plugging in these recalled power strips. To obtain a full refund, consumers contact HEZI HOME by phone at 1-602-804-6830 or by email at recall_hezi@163.com and follow the instructions provided to complete the refund process.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/HEZI-Brand-Power-Strips-Recalled-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Electrocution-Sold-by-HEZI-HOME#hezi #powerstrip #shock #electrocute #recall
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Greatale Self-feeding Pillows Lead To Aspiration and Suffocation
16/01/2026 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlb0JjlvQw/These pillows hold a baby bottle at an unsafe angle and keep it fixed in place so an infant cannot pull away which can lead to aspiration of milk or formula and a risk of suffocation and death.About 1,260 self-feeding pillows were sold online at Amazon.com from September 2024 through July 2025.Stop using these recalled self-feeding pillows. To receive a full refund, contact Greatale by email at greatale-recall@outlook.com for instructions. You will be instructed to cut the pillow with scissors and submit a photo of the destroyed product, including the product’s tag, by email. If you removed the product tag, you can provide your Amazon proof of purchase in the email to demonstrate eligibility for the refund.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Greatale-Recalls-Self-Feeding-Pillows-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Aspiration-and-Suffocation#greatale #selffeeding #pillow #aspiration #choking #recall
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RootStim Beard Growth Serum Is A Child Danger
16/01/2026 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlbPABFK32/RootStim Beard Growth Serum, 5% Minoxidil, is not packaged in non-child-resistant packaging, violating mandatory child-resistant packaging requirements and posing a risk of serious injury or death if swallowed by young children.About 16,900 units are affected. The products were sold online at Amazon.com nationwide from November 2024 through September 2025.Secure this recalled beard growth serum bottle out of sight and reach of children. To receive a replacement product, contact RootStim by phone at 1-202-743-1714 or by email at finergraceing@gmail.com for instructions. You will have photo the original bottle discarded and submit it to the email I mentioned.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/RootStim-Recalls-Beard-Growth-Serum-Spray-Bottles-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Child-Poisoning-Violate-Mandatory-Standard-for-Child-Resistant-Packaging#rootstim #beard #packaging #children #minoxidil #recall
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Frigidaire-Brand Minifridges Shortcircuit
16/01/2026 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlaj2alCo2/The minifridges’ internal electrical components short circuit and ignite the surrounding plastic housing leading to fire and burn hazards. Affected is model EFMIS121 with serial numbers between A2001 to A2310.About 330,000 of these Frigidaire-brand minifridges are included in this expanded recall. The units were sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide and online at Target.com from January 2020 through October 2023.Stop using these recalled minifridges. To obtain a refund, follow the instructions to register at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge. You will have to should unplug the unit, cut the power cord, and write “Recall” using a permanent marker on the front door of the minifridge. Your recalled units should then be disposed of in accordance with local and state regulations.For more information, contact Curtis International by phone at 1-888-727-0198 or by email at recall@curtiscs.com.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Curtis-International-Expands-Recall-of-F
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Renovating Damaged Joint Cartilage
13/01/2026 Duración: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTduuSIDpnJ/Once joint cartilage is damaged or simply wears away it doesn’t heal. Patients are offered pain relief and, eventually if necessary, joint replacement.Stanford orthopedic surgery researchers now report in the journal Science a breakthrough that leads to cartilage regeneration. They find that blocking an protein called 15-PGDH, short for 15-hydroxy prostaglandin dehydrogenase, that increases with aging, permits cartilage regrowth in older mice and in those with knee injuries. The blocking drug also triggers cartilage regeneration in mice and in human knee cartilage samples obtained from patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.An oral version of this 15-PGDH blocking drug is now available for clinical trials. Hopefully, this agent may reduce the need for joint replacements…..someday soon,https://scitechdaily.com/anti-aging-injection-regrows-knee-cartilage-and-prevents-arthritis/https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adx6649#cartilage #joints #pain #jo