Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHD3ybgMZCK/If you live in an area with more high-heat days, with a heat index above 90°F, you are likely to experience faster biological aging than if you reside in a cooler region.  In fact, you are likely to age an extra 14 months over a six-year period.This study from the University of Southern California just published in Science measured epigenetic changes in 3,686 subjects 56 years old and older.  DNA methylation patterns were used to estimate biological aging.  The data suggests that extreme heat may speed up aging in older adults at the molecular level.Older adults are vulnerable to heat-driven body damage because ineffective sweating makes it harder for their bodies to cool down.  This latest information suggests that traditional warm weather retirement destinations that now clock many days of extreme heat may be unhealthy.https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr0616#heat #aging 

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHD28nmuKit/So say neurologists at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital.  In a mouse model, they show that a nasal spray containing an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody significantly reduces brain inflammation and speeds recovery after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This antibody, sprayed into the nasal cavities, activates regulatory T cells, Tregs, that then travel to the brain and release IL-10 that in turn reduces microglial-medial inflammation there.This anti-CD3 nasal spray must still prove its effectiveness in humans.  If so,  it will become a treatment for the TBI that follows concussions, motor vehicle accidents, and other sports-related head trauma.https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-025-01877-7#traumaticbraininjury #tbi #sports #cd3 #treg #il10 #mva #nasalspray

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHD2SrsvrnU/University of South Carolina neurologists just reported to the International Stroke Conference that that regular flossing lowers the risk of certain strokes.  Their study followed 6,278 participants for more than 25 years.Those who flossed at least once weekly had a 21% lower incidence of ischemic stroke and a 44% lower risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation.  The flossing prevents gum disease and reduces plaque buildup that both increase the level of inflammation in brain blood vessels but also in the heart leading to atrial fibrillation.There is growing evidence that oral health is closely linked to heart health.  Regular flossing as well as brushing are habits that have major health benefits.  The study looked at once a week, but we all should be flossing as well as brushing after every meal.https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/regular-flossing-tied-reduced-ischemic-stroke-risk-2025a10002t7?ecd=a2a#flossing #stroke #perio

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHD1deAvsDU/A clinical trial just published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otolaryngology found that children who ate ice cream after surgery had better pain control compared to those who didn’t.   The study group included 48 children undergoing this common childhood surgery.The data showed that, at 6, 12, and 18 hours post-op, children consuming ice cream reported significantly less pain, required less pain medication, and were able to resume oral intake sooner.  The ice cream did not trigger an increase in post-operative complications.  Children recovering from a tonsillectomy do need some non-narcotic pain medications.  Cold, sweet ice cream does help the medicine go down.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165587625000412#tonsillectomy #icecream #pain  #analgesics 

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHD0mJEujL2/A shocking 60% of commercial baby foods on the shelves of US grocery stores fail to meet accepted international nutritional guidelines set by the World Health Organization.  This wakeup call comes from the researchers at Australias’s George Institute for Global Health and North Carolina’s Gillings Global School of Public Health.The investigators analyzed 651 products.  Not only were the majority of these foods nutritionally deficient, especially the snack-sized packages, but also not one of the products met the standards set for factual promotion.  Every product had at least one prohibited claim on its package, and some products displayed as many as 11 bogus claims.All of these baby foods are sold in the top 10 grocery/supermarket chains across the United States and are widely accessible to parents and other caregivers.  This study underscores the urgent need for improved regulations on infant and toddler food labeling and nutritional c

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHDz1lkRXs9/The vaccine against the human papilloma virus, Gardasil, was first recommended for teens and those younger than 45 in 2006.  Since then, this vaccine has been instrumental in cutting the incidence of cervical pre-cancerous lesions by 80% according to a just-published CDC analysis.   Since the vaccine’s introduction, vaccination rates have steadily increased resulting in that dramatic 80% decline in the most dangerous pre-cancerous cervical lesions, so-called carcinoma-in-situ or CIS.  This data confirms the effectiveness of Gardasil to curb the tide of the devastating cervical cancer.  Though vaccination rates have risen, the latest data shows that only 61% of teens 13-15 years have received the vaccine.  Since sexually-active teens can spread the infection, Gardasil is also recommended for teen boys but only 57% of them have been vaccinated.This lifesaving vaccine should be universally adopted.  All teens should receive a 3 shot Gardasil course at 13 years

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHDzLeQstGx/Nothing worse than a cold sore, a fever blister, blossoming on your lip the day of your big event. Nearly all of us become infected with the herpes virus early in life during almost unnoticeable infections, but what makes the virus bloom.Now University of Virginia microbiologists have identified the key to herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) reactivation.  What awakens this sleeping villain is the viral protein UL12.5.  It appears and triggers herpes reanimation just before it also turns on an antiviral immune response.  The latter apparently comes too little too late.Now that UL12.5 is identified as the reactivation trigger, it becomes a target for therapy for preventing those embarrassing outbreaks. This same mechanism that triggers oral herpes may also underlie the reactivation of genital herpes.  Since latent herpes infections in both parts of the body are lifelong infections, stopping reactivation could have major implications for milli

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHDygk-shuL/Immunotherapy has been a resounding success for melanoma skin cancer and small cell lung cancer.  Not so for ovarian cancer.  Cancer immunologists at the University of Virginia have now discovered what underlies this failure.Their research discovered that flagellin protein from gut bacteria blocks the effectiveness of the checkpoint inhibitors that power most current immunotherapy.  This bacterial flagellin inhibits immune cell communication helping tumors flourish rather than die. Using a mouse model and blocking flagellin action restored immunotherapeutic effectiveness with 80% of treated animals enjoying long-term tumor control. If this approach is effective for human ovarian cancer patients, coupling flagellin blocking with checkpoint immunotherapy may be a winning therapeutic strategy …..someday soon.https://newsroom.uvahealth.com/2025/02/11/ovarian-cancer-discovery-could-turn-ailed-treatment-into-lifesaver/https://aacrjournals.org/cancerimmunolres/art

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHDxzayvjCg/Treating acute and chronic lung disease like influenza, CoVid, and emphysema is challenging since may therapeutic agents fail to reach the deep and peripheral portions of the lungs.  RNA innovators at the University of Pennsylvania report the development of new mRNA therapy that can do just that.  Housed in a lipid nanoparticle, the mRNA infused directly to the lungs instructs the distant pulmonary tissues to produce proteins that repair damage from CoVid, influenza, and RSV infections. It can also be employed in the battle against lung cancer.This novel approach could yield more targeted treatments for not only pulmonary disease but also other damaged organs. It can also be employed in the battle against lung cancer.https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-releases/2025/february/new-mrna-therapy-could-repair-damaged-lungshttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56448-y#mRNA #pneumonia #emphysema #CoVid #influenza #rsv 

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHDxDQMuX1-/The different organs in our bodies age at different rates. When certain of our vital organs are older than our years would predict, the risk of serious illness escalates. British and Finnish investigators studied blood samples from 6235 middle-aged adults and tracked their health over a 20 year arc. Accelerated aging in the heart, liver, and brain was was associated with life-limiting heart failure, liver failure, and lung cancer. More rapid aging in one of these vital organs was linked to a higher risk of multi-organ failure.So what can you do to stop that aging.  Eating a healthy diet and exercising protects your heart.  Avoiding toxins like alcohol and recreational drugs protects your liver and your brain.  Avoiding head trauma in during sports also keeps your brain processing in an optimal fashion.https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landig/article/PIIS2589-7500(25)00006-8/fulltext#aging #organs #heart #liver 

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHDwCTEPLKc/Neurologists at Canada’s University of Ottawa, alarmed at the discovery of microplastic and nanoplastic particles in brains of those suffering from dementia, now offer concrete suggestions about how all of us can reduce this threat.  They report that drinking filtered tap water rather than bottled water can reduce your microplastic intake by as much as 90%. Other studies have reported that that Americans who drink bottled water ingest a whopping 90,000 microplastic particles per year.  Compare that figure to just 4,000 such particles for those who drink filtered tap water.Besides those plastic water bottles, there are other sources of this plastic blizzard that you can avoid. Plastic containers and plastic tea bags release millions of microplastic particles when you heat them. Instead use glass and metal containers, steep your tea in paper teabags or metal tea strainers,  processed foods, and use HEPA air filters in your home to trap ai

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHDvDa9ukWT/Since the late 20th century its been all the rage.  The oil industry made it so cheap, it virtually replaced all other packaging material.  But now, we are paying the piper.A study just published in ScienceAdvances reports that microplastics, tiny microscopic plastic fragments, can and will block blood vessels in the brain. These plastic obstructions then form clots that cause strokes.  Chinese biologists, using a mouse model, injected microplastics and found that they accumulated in brain’s blood vessels impeding blood flow and triggering decreased animal mobility. While some of these plastic blockages cleared with time, others persisted longer term leading to lasting neurologic deficits.These ubiquitous microplastics have previously been linked to fertility issues, immune suppression, and cancer.  Despite these warnings, plastic production is predicted to triple by 2060.I said at the outset both ends of your body.  We covered your brain, and, guys, I buri

  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHCJIq8Rlq8/The 12 new health reports Plastic Packaging Attacks Both Ends of Your BodyReducing Your Microplastic ExposureYour Vital Organs May Age Faster Than YouTreating Deep Lung DiseaseImproving Ovarian Cancer ImmunotherapySolving The Cold Sore MysterySuccess: Vaccine Prevention of Cervical CancerAmerican Baby Food Is JunkIce Cream Gets Your Kid Though A TonsillectomyFlossing Lowers Stroke RiskNasal Spray Blunts Traumatic Brain InjuryExtreme Heat May Age You

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DG_oiQZJ4pL/Dr. Howard Smith here inviting you to join me this Monday, March 10th on my live webcast on TikTok and Facebook beginning at 2 pm EASTERN, 1 pm CENTRAL, 12 noon MOUNTAIN, and 11 am o the West coast..  I’ll be featuring 12 brand new health reports, health news your can use to change your life.  Besides that there’s the oppportunity for you to text me with questions or comments about the health news or anything.  If you’re brave, you can have me call you live on the stream so you can ask or comment by phone.The 12 new health reports Plastic Packaging Attacks Both Ends of Your BodyReducing Your Microplastic ExposureYour Vital Organs May Age Faster Than YouTreating Deep Lung DiseaseImproving Ovarian Cancer ImmunotherapySolving The Cold Sore MysterySuccess: Vaccine Prevention of Cervical CancerAmerican Baby Food Is JunkIce Cream Gets Your Kid Though A TonsillectomyFlossing Lowers Stroke RiskNasal Spray Blunts Traumatic Brain InjuryExtreme He

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DG3pK6lPzuj/Confirmed testing detected Staphylococcus  contamination. Affected is lot number 024122661A1.This product was sold nationwide.Discontinue use of the Sinucleanse nasal wash system immediately. Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund.  Former info about this recall, please contact Ascent Consumer Products Inc. by email at cs@ascentconsumerproducts.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ascent-consumer-products-inc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-sinucleanse-soft-tip-squeeze-bottle#ascent #nasal #wash #staph #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG3oc5UpJFd/This product contains undeclared tadalafil. This prescription medication is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that can dangerously depress blood pressure particularly in those taking nitrate-containing medications such as nitroglycerin.This product is sold through Amazon and Walmart in every state.Immediately stop using this product and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For further information, contact Natural Dior LLC at in Columbia, South America +57 315 2814091 or email the company at vitafer.original@gmail.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/natural-dior-llc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-vitafer-l-gold-liquid-due-presence-undeclared#vitafer #goldliquid #tadalafil #hypotension #nitrates #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DG3ntr_vfnL/These kits have undeclared fish and wheat allergens.  Those with an allergies to fish and wheat as well as celiac disease could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume this product.  Affected is lot number 050011 with a Enjoy By date of 3/8/25.These salad kits were sold in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire at Ahold USA Freetown, Kilduff, Stew Leonard’s, Associated Grocers of New England, Shapiro Produce, and C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc between February 20, 2025, and February 22, 2025.Return these kits to the place of purchase for a full refund.  For more information, call 1-(844) LIL-LEAF or email hello@littleleaffarms.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/little-leaf-farms-announces-limited-voluntary-withdrawal-specific-lot-code-southwest-salad-kit-due#littleleaf #salad #kits #fish #wheat #allergy #recall

Contamination Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG3m-EovZVD/Lots #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672 and #22664 with a Best Buy date of 12/25 are possibly contaminated with Influenza H5N1, bird flu.If you fed your cat any of this product,  look for signs of bird flu such as fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs like tremors, stiff body movements, seizure, lack of coordination, or blindness.  If you see any of these, call your vet.Safely discard of this contaminated raw cat food and contact your place of purchase for a refund.  For more information, email info@wildcoastraw.com or call 1-(360) 591-3543.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/voluntary-recall-wild-coast-raw-boneless-free-range-chicken-formula-raw-pet-food-because-possible#WildCoast #raw #chicken #cat #birdflu #h5n1 #infection #recall

Vidcast:   https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DG3l0muNGWz/These garments violate federal flammability regulations for children’s sleepwear creating the risk of serious burn injuries and death.About 9,400 pj sets were sold exclusively at Nordstrom Rack in every state.Immediately stop allowing your kids to wear these garments. Destroy the garments by cutting them in half, take a photo, and complete the online registration form available at pjsalvage.com/pages/recall-information.  Upload the photos of garment destruction.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/PJ-Salvage-Recalls-Pajama-Sets-and-Robes-Due-to-Burn-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Regulations-for-Childrens-Sleepwear-Sold-Exclusively-at-Nordstrom-Rack#pjsalvage #pajamas flammability #burns #recall

Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG3kFI9NpbY/The electrical wires at the adjustable joints are easily damaged leading to electric shocks,, burns, or electrocution.About 2,760 of these sconces were sold in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. About 215 sconces were sold in Canada.Inspect your Kichleer wall sconce and verify that it is installed as a plug-in fixture without an electrical box. If so, unplug it immediately and stop its use. To see if your unit is included in this recall, call Kichler at 1- (866) 558-5706Then,