Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DH9Vp3hM_8f/LED units emitting both red and blue light effectively help resolve acne.  This the conclusion of a Harvard Brigham snd Women’s Hospital meta-analysis that reviewed 6 randomized trials with a total of 216 subjects aged 12 to 50 years.  The results are now published in JAMA Dermatology.The LED lamps tested emitted red light with wavelengths of 630-670 nm and blue light with wavelengths of 630-670 nm.  Such lamps my be purchased online.When used for 1-3 months, this phototherapy improved the overall acne appearance as well as the inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions by 46%.   The most effective devices radiated both red and blue light.  The treatment had only mild side effects with skin drying, redness, and mild discomfort.Future studies will compare this light therapy with topical medicinal therapy.https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2830694#acne #phototherapy #led #red #blue

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH9UqL2spnA/Cells taken from the edge of a healthy cornea can become a magic bullet to repair a previously considered irreparable cornea in the opposite eye.  Ophthalmologists at Harvard’s Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary developed what they term the CALEC procedure, an acronym for Cultivated Autologous Limbal Epithelial Cells.  The limbal region of the cornea contains stem cells that constantly renew the corneal surface.  These cells are harvested and grown out into a tissue graft in a laboratory at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  The graft is then implanted in the diseased eye.The researchers report their preliminary trial of 14 patients in the journal Nature Communications.  The procedure boasts a 93% success rate for significant corneal repair with 79% of the subjects enjoying complete restoration of their injured corneas by 1 year postoperatively.After additional trials are complete, this procedure will be ready to restore sight in eyes once considered hopeless

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DH9T5j3NU5v/Regular use of the over-the-counter headache medications acetaminophen, Tylenol, or the NSAIDS including ibuprofen, Motrin and Advil, led to as much as 21% faster functional concussion recovery.  Neurology researchers at Seattle’s University of Washington studied the records of 1661 NAAA athletes and military cadets with a mean age of 18 years and will present their data during this April’s American Academy of Neurology 2025 Annual Meeting.Using activity records pinpointing days until  the athletes’s unrestricted return to play (URTP) and time until completely free of symptoms (daysASYMP), the data indicated that over-the-counter pain medication use leads to the 21% faster URTP as well as 15% shorter daysASYMP.These over-the-counter pain medications, analgesics in medical jargon, reduce brain tissue inflammation.  Since much of this inflammation occurs within the first 24 hours after injury, that’s the best time to consistently use thes

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH9TAN0uCfa/If you live in an area with measles outbreaks, your baby should receive the measles vaccine vaccine, the MMR or measles, mumps, rubella vaccine, as early as 6 months of age.  The CDC is recommending this earlier vaccination strategy in contrast to the usual pediatric schedule that recommends the first MMR at 12 to 15 months of age with a booster at age 4 to 6 years.  If you plan an international trip, you should also vaccinate earlier.If your child receives this “early” dose of the MMR, two additional doses at the usual ages is still recommended.  Since a baby’s immune system is immature at 6 months, the latter shots are necessary to guarantee proper protection.Measles is a highly contagious virus, and one infected person can readily spread the disease to as many as 18 others.  Infectious virus can remain airborne for as long as 2 hours.  Measles is more than a rash.  The virus can damage your child’s eyes, ears, brain, and lungs.  In addition to early vacc

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DH9SFeIs78Z/Women under 60 years of age with the most significant calcium buildup in their breast arteries, compared with those who had the least, were 2.8 times more likely to die from cardiac disease within a 5 year period.  This from an Emory University and Mayo Clinic collaborative study of 56,000 mammograms presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session.Visualizing calcium plaques in breast arteries seen on cancer-screening mammograms can incidentally predict cardiovascular disease.  Other studies have shown that such calcium deposition in the breast arteries breast arteries is associated with a 51% higher risk of not only heart disease but also stroke.The AI model looked at the severity of breast artery calcification and divided women into 3 groups. Then it analyzed the incidence of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke for each group.  Greater levels of calcification was associated with risk of these diseas

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH9RTkqxwwO/Pregnant women with very slightly elevated but consistently near normal blood pressures but no second trimester blood pressure drop are nearly 5 times more likely to develop serious blood pressure problems within 5 years after delivery.  Epidemiologists at the USC School of Medicine report this phenomenon in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology following their study of 854 women during their pregnancies and for 5 years afterwards.The tabulated data separated these women into 3 groups.  The majority, 80.2%, had consistently normal to low pressure readings, and these women risked no later pressure issues..  Then 7.4% of the group had abnormally high pressures but a mid-pregnancy drop, and they were likely to suffer serious consequences including pre-eclampsia during their pregnancies and were more than 5 times more likely to also have pressure issues later.The most interesting group were the 12.4% with pressures on the high normal side throughout

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DH9OeHitn2J/When a woman and a man both sustain injuries to their pain-generating nerves, only the woman produces a unique hormone that intensifies that pain.  University of Calgary researchers report this discovery in the journal Neuron.  Their study was in part triggered by a 2019 Canadian Pain Task Force report that verified the higher incidence of chronic pain in females versus males of every age including children.Utilizing rodent animal models, their data showed that neuropathic pain, pain out of proportion to a harmful stimulus, is mediated by pannexin1 microglial and T cells channels in both men and women.  In females, nerve injury leads to activation of T cells and the hormone leptin which potentiates pain.  In males, the injury leads to release of a vascular endothelial growth factor from microglial cells and this VEGF blocks pain transmission.Discovery of this gender-dependent generation of chronic pain could well lead to strategies for

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH9NiUTtOcR/Obesity due to consistent ingestion of a high-fat diet limits that ability of your white blood cells to effectively fight bacterial infections.  Pediatric researchers at the University of Michigan studied this phenomenon in a mouse model and now report their findings in The Journal of Immunology.Obesity was induced with a sustained, 16 week, high fat diet.  The bacteria-fighting lymphocytes, so-called neutrophils, generated by these obese mice produce diminished bactericidal secretions, are less capable of ingesting or phagocytosing these pathogens, and lack normal regenerative capabilities in comparison to those neutrophils found in control mice with normal weights.This study adds yet another reason for obese persons to cut out fats in their diets and normalize their body weights.  Besides reducing the risk of heart attacks and alleviating the burdens their joints and backs must bear, they will repower their immune systems to protect them against serious a

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DH9MacqsZKC/A novel, bivalent RSV vaccine provides lasting protection against respiratory syncytial viral disease over two rather than only one season.  This the result of a phase 3 so-called RENOIR trial that tested 36,862 participants 60 to over 80 years of age at 241 sites in 7 countries.  Helmed by University of Rochester infectious disease researchers, it was just reported in the Clinical Infectious Diseases journal.The vaccine, developed by Pfizer, contains both RSV-A and RSV-B antigens.  Tested against a placebo, the vaccine provided 88.9% protection from one month after immunization through the first season and 77.8% protection through the second season.  The already available monovalent RSV vaccines from both Pfizer and GSK are verified protective for only one season.This bivalent vaccine, named RSVPreF, can be safely and effectively co-administered with both the influenza vaccines and the CoVid vaccines.  That provides a comprehensive shi

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHmHh3XAJSc/This cheesecake contains undeclared pecans. Those with an allergy to pecans could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume this product.   Affected is lot code 25028A1 000039133.About 250,000 cheesecakes were sold exclusively by Target in California, Florida, Iowa, Ohio, and Texas between February 14, 2025, and March 7, 2025.Stop consuming these affected cheesecakes and Target Guest Relations at 1-800-444-0680 for a full refund. You can also contact the cheesecake manufacturer Dessert Holdings at 1-720-766-9060 or by email at marketing@dessertholdings.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dessert-holdings-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-tree-nut-allergen-favorite-daytm-gourmet-new-york#target #cheesecake #pecans #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHmGrSqpSAz/These defective dumbbells allow weight plates to dislodge from the dumbbell handle during use leading to impact injuries for users and bystanders. Affected is Model 9034.About 12,400 units were sold exclusively online at Walmart.com from September 2023 through June 2024.Stop using these recalled dumbbells and contact Tzumi Electronics at 1-866-363-2237 or via the email XLRecall@tzumi.com for a free repair that includes a new dumbbell handle and storage tray.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Tzumi-Electronics-Recalls-SmartBell-XL-Quick-Select-Adjustable-Dumbbells-Due-to-Impact-Injury-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Walmart-com#tzumi #dumbbells #handle #injury #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHmF80lv78L/These accessories are defective allowing skis to detach from your snowmobile creating crashes serious injuries.About 1,980 units were sold in the United States and 2,600 units were sold in Canada at Kimpex USA dealers nationwide and online at Kimpex.com and other websites from April 2022 through January 2025.Stop riding snowmobiles equipped with these recalled ski and adaptor kits and contact a Kimpex dealer for a free repair kit. For more information, call Kimpex Inc. at 1-800-561-6461 or email the company at service@kimpex.com.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Kimpex-Recalls-Snowmobile-Ski-and-Adaptor-Kits-Due-to-Crash-Hazard-and-Risk-of-Serious-Injury#Kimpex #skicarriers #crash #injuries #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHmFS8VN0lv/These robotic pool cleaners have large current adapters that overheat creating burn and fire hazards.About 32,660 pool cleaners were sold in the United States and 2,530 units were sold in Canada at Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart stores nationwide, and online at aiper.com, Amazon.com, Bestbuy.com, Homedepot.com, Lowes.com, and Walmart.com from March 2023 through May 2024.Stop using these recalled pool vacuums and contact Aiper at 1-888-968-0666 or via the email recall@aiper.com for a free replacement Aiper Scuba S1 robotic pool cleaner. Aiper will provide a free return label for consumers to send the recalled product back and then ship the replacement. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Aiper-Seagull-Pro-Cordless-Robotic-Pool-Vacuum-Cleaners-Recalled-Due-to-Burn-and-Fire-Hazards-Distributed-by-Shenzhen-Aiper-Intelligent-Co#aiper #pool #cleaner #robot #charging #overheating #fire #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHmEjQKup8b/A loose part, broken off from the engine control module, could enter the throttle body area with loss of control, a crash, and serious injuries or death. Affected are model year 2025 snowmobiles equipped with 600R E-TEC, 850 E-TEC, or 850 E-TEC Turbo R engines.About 4,144 snowmobiles were sold in the United States and 2,205 units were sold in Canada at authorized BRP Ski-Doo and Lynx dealers nationwide from February 2024 through November 2024.Immediately stop riding these recalled snowmobiles and contact a BRP dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair.  For more information, consumers can contact BRP at 1-888-272-9222.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Bombardier-Recreational-Products-BRP-Recalls-Ski-Doo-and-Lynx-Snowmobiles-Due-to-Crash-Hazard#bombadier #skidoo #lynx #snowmobile #throttle #crash #injuries #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHmD6DmxrEc/This detergent has pseudomonas bacterial contamination. This bacterium can cause serious, life-threatening infections in those with weakened immune systems or those with external medical devices, especially if the bacteria enter through the eyes or a break in the skin. Affected are lot codes S24364, S24365, and S24366.About 16,200 containers of this detergent were sold exclusively on Amazon.com in January 2025.Immediately stop using this recalled detergent and contact Reckitt at 1-800-228-4722 or via the email ConsumerCare_USA@reckitt.com for a full refund. To obtain the refund, write you name and “Recalled” in permanent marker on the back of the product, take a photo with the UPC and lot code visible, and email the photo to the email. Once you receive the refund, dispose of the product by tightly sealing the bottle and placing it in household trash.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Woolite-Delicates-Detergent-Recalled-by-Reckitt-Due-to-Risk-of-Exposure-to-

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHmDJ4dvWTk/These lithium-ion batteries overheat and ignite leading to fires and burns. Affected is model number ZHX-PB21.About 89,500 batteries were sold exclusively online at velvetcaviar.com and Amazon.com between November 2022 and October 2024.Stop charging and using these recalled power banks and contact VC Group via email at recall@velvetcaviar.com for a free replacement. To obtain the replacement, upload photos of your power bank with the word “Recalled” written on it in permanent marker to https://velvetcaviar.com/pages/magsafe-battery-pack-recall. Then dispose of the power bank following local and state hazardous battery disposal procedures.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/VC-Group-Recalls-Wireless-Portable-Power-Banks-with-Lithium-Ion-Batteries-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards#vcgroup #battery #overheating #fire #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHmCcewtB9k/These defective expresso makers have brew cup handles that eject forcefully during use shattering the glass carafe and creating burn and laceration hazards. Affected are Bella Pro Series Steam Espresso Maker, Model 90195, and Cooks Steam Espresso Maker, Model 22395.About 12,300 expresso makers were sold at JCPenney stores nationwide and online at BestBuy.com and JCPenney.com between August 2023 and January 2025.Stop brewing with these recalled espresso machines and contact Sensio at 1-855-647-3125 for a full refund or more information.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Sensio-Recalls-Steam-Espresso-Machines-Due-to-Burn-and-Laceration-Hazards#bellapro #expresso #carafe #shatter #laceration #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHmBMh5RRk_/These 10 Drawer Dressers, if unanchored to the wall, easily tip-over and entrap children leading to injuries and death. Affected is model number HI1318_13.About 28,590 of these dressers were sold exclusively on Walmart.com between September 2023 and January 2025.Immediately stop filling these recalled dressers and place them out of reach of children if they are not wall-anchored. Contact ONME Direct at 1-833-449-5777 or via the email onmeus@outlook.com for a full refund.  To get the refund, submit a photo of the product’s disposal to the same email..https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/GIKPAL-Dressers-Recalled-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Tip-Over-and-Entrapment-Hazards-Violations-of-Federal-Regulation-for-Clothing-Storage-Units-Sold-Exclusively-on-Walmart-com-by-ONME-Direct#walmart #gikpal #dresser #tipover #entrapment #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHmAj7GtjCo/These scooters have a defective frame that allows the handlebars or stem to fold unexpectedly creating serious fall and injury hazards. Affected models: gray Max G30LP and the black Max G30P with yellow accents.About 220,000 scooter were sold at Best Buy, Costco, Walmart, Target, and Sam’s Club nationwide and online at Segway.com and Amazon.com between January 2020 and February 2025.Stop riding these recalled scooters and contact Segway at 1-800-914-6110 or via the email recall@segway.com to determine if the folding mechanism needs adjustment. Segway will provide a free maintenance kit with tools and instructions to inspect and properly tighten the folding mechanism.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Segway-Recalls-Segway-Ninebot-Max-G30P-and-Max-G30LP-KickScooters-Due-to-Fall-Hazard-and-Risk-of-Serious-Injury#segway #kickscooter #folding #fall #injury #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHl_8XMPk-3/These bottles violate federal regulations regarding child-resistant packaging. The product is an antihistamine, a poisoning risk to young children if swallowed.About 2,300 bottles were sold online at Amazon.com between July 2023 and October 2024.Immediately secure these Benadryl bottles out of reach of children.   Contact Arsell via the email recall@arsellsupport.com for a full refund. For the refund, submit your Amazon order number and a photo showing disposal of the recalled product.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Arsell-Recalls-Benadryl-Liquid-Elixir-100-mL-Bottle-Due-to-of-Child-Poisoning-Violation-of-Federal-Regulation-for-Child-Resistant-Packaging-Sold-on-Amazon-com#arsell #benadryl #childsafety #poisoning #recall