Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE2_QIcPOUP/ Using an artificial intelligence-enhanced electrocardiogram model developed at Harvard’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, British cardiologists at Imperial College London have been able to pinpoint specific cardiac functional problems such as heart chamber malfunctions.  The EKG-AI analysis is even able to predict, besides heart pumping malfunctions, the likelihood of future hypertension, stroke, kidney failure, and death even in patients with apparently normal cardiograms and blood pressures.  The best news is that this this AI powered EKG model boosts 44% more accuracy than current, traditional, clinical approaches. https://academic.oup.com/ehjdh/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ehjdh/ztae090/7903004?login=false #EKG #AI #hypertension #heartfailure #kidneyfailure #stroke

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DE2-q55uiOm/ Ingesting calcium reduces a woman’s risk of colorectal cancer by some 17%.  This the report from the UK’s University of Oxford.  Epidemiologists there analyzed data from more than half million (542,778) women with a mean age of 60 years followed over 16 years.   Other foods besides those containing calcium also appeared to be protective though to a less significant degree.  Fruit and cereal reduced the risk by about 8%. The study’s findings were not all good news.  Alcohol boosts a woman’s risk of bowel cancer by 15% and red meat bumps it up by 9-10%. If you’re a woman with a family history of colorectal cancer, you should take this data to heart. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-55219-5 #women #colorectalcancer #calcium #alcohol #fruit #cereal

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEnkpCSP6Ht/ Costco and LNK International Inc. are recalling Kirkland Signature Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion, Lot Number P140082. This product has unspecified foreign bodies contaminating it. About 25,000 units of this cold medicine were sold nationwide at Costco locations including Massachusetts, New York, California, Florida, Texas, and other states, between October 30, 2024, and November 30, 2024. Do not to use this over-the-counter medication.  Return any remaining product to your local Costco warehouse for a full refund.  For more information, contact LNK International Inc. at 1-800-426-9391 or via email at complaints-inquiries@lnkintl.com. https://cdn.bfldr.com/U447IH35/as/mv4ttph69gfccfc53qg32r/KS_Cold_And_Flu_Member_Letter_123124 #costco #kirkland #lnk #cold #over-the-counter #foreignbodies #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DEnj8tiNQle/ Gardners Candies, Inc.has recalled its Cappuccino Meltaway® Bars, Lot Number 082725, and Gardners Meltaway Treat Boxes containing the Cappuccino Meltaway Bars, Lot Numbers 101625 and 112525. These products contain undeclared tree nuts (cashews) that create a risk of a serious allergic reaction for individuals with tree nut allergies. These candies recalled products were sold nationwide starting September 1, 2024, through retail stores and online via GardnersCandies.com. Do not consume these candies. Contact Gardners Candies for more information and replacement product by calling 1-800-242-2639. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gardners-candies-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-tree-nuts-cappuccino-meltawayr-bars-and-gardners #gardners #candies #meltaway #treenuts #cashews #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEnjakrMEhm/ Braga Fresh has recalled its Marketside Broccoli Florets, Lot Code BFFG327A6., Best if Used by Date” of December 10, 2024.  This product has listeria contamination.. This bacterium 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. . This broccoli product was sold at Walmart stores in Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington state, and Wyoming. Check your freezer for this recalled product and discard it immediately. For more information, call Braga Fresh at 1-877-456-7445 or email the company at WeCare@bragafresh.com. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/braga-fresh-issues-voluntary-and-precautionary-advisory-due-possible-health-risk #marketside #br

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DEni3I7PO-X/ Blue Ridge Beef now recalls its Kitten Mix   This pet food has salmonella contamination.   This bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal gastrointestinal and systemic infections in young children, elderly persons, and others with weakened immune systems. Affected is lot number N25-0716.. About 1,350 pounds of this product were sold in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. between July 18 and July 26, 2024. Stop feeding this mix to your cats.  Immediately dispose of it safely to prevent poisoning of children, pets, or wildlife. To prevent your or your cat from developing a salmonella infection, wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers. Carefully wash and sanitize your hands after handling this recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with it. To obtain a full refund, email Blue Ridge Beef at blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com or call 1-704-873-2072. https://www.fda

xContamination Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEniRRgOYwA/ Abbey Specialty Foods now recalls its Wicklow Gold Cheddar Nettle & Chive and Wicklow Gold Cheddar Tomato & Herb cheeses.  Both have contamination with listeria monocytogenes. listeria monocytogenes.  This bacterium causes a severe and sometimes fatal systemic infection in the very young, older frail individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.  Affected are lot numbers 1113880 and 1113881 with sell-by dates of June 2, 2025. About 6,900 units of these cheeses were sold in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Colorado. Don’t consume these recalled cheeses, return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.  More information is available at Abbey Specialty Foods by calling  1-862-210-8150 or emailing info@abbeyspecialty.com. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/abbey-specialty-foods-recalls-wicklow-gold-cheddar-nettle-chive-52-oz-and-wicklow-gold-cheddar #abbey #cheese #listeri

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DEnhB_Rs5Cd/ DLWL-US is recalling Euqee Wintergreen Essential Oils.  This product’s packaging lacks child-resistant features and creates a poisoning risk if a child ingests the oil. About 3,750 bottlex\s were sold exclusively on Amazon.com between December 2023 and August 2024. Immediately store this essential oil out of children’s reach. Email DLWL-US at gzzlhus@163.com to arrange a full refund and request a pre-paid label and free packaging. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Euqee-Wintergreen-Essential-Oils-Recalled-Due-to-Risk-of-Poisoning-Violation-of-the-Poison-Prevention-Packaging-Act-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon-com-by-DLWL-US #equee #oil #packaging #children #poisoning #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEngaPjsdEc/ LordRoads is recalling its Yaomiao Children’s Jewelry Sets .  The components have dangerous levels of lead and cadmium that pose significant health risk to your children. About 6,900 units were sold exclusively on Amazon.com between January 2022 and March 2024. Stop allowing your children to play with these jewelry set.  Contact LordRoads at imlordroadple@163.com to obtain a full refund. To receive the refund, email a photo of the disposed items to the same email. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Yaomiao-Childrens-Jewelry-Sets-Recalled-Due-to-Risk-of-Lead-and-Cadmium-Poisoning-Violations-of-the-Federal-Lead-Content-Ban-and-Federal-Hazardous-Substances-Act-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon-by-LordRoads #lordroads #yaomiao #jewelry #lead #cadmium #poisoning #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DEnfrnpPbRD/ Kawasaki Motors USA now recalls John Deere ZTrak™ Zero Turn Mowers equipped with Kawasaki engines. Affected are models Z720E, Z730M, Z740R, and Z760R.  The Kawasaki engines have defective voltage regulators that trigger engine overheating creating fire and burn hazards. About 39,000 of these mowers were sold nationwide through authorized John Deere dealers from October 2018 to September 2024. Immediately stop using these recalled mowers. Contact an authorized John Deere dealer to schedule a free repair.  For more information, contact Deere & Company at 1-800-537-8233. You can also all Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA at 1-866-836-4463. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Kawasaki-Motors-USA-Recalls-John-Deere-ZTrak-Zero-Turn-Mowers-with-Kawasaki-Engines-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards #kawasaki #deere #mowers #electrical #overheating #fires #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEne0YfsmK4/ Those following a vegetarian diet and regularly wolfing down plant-based foods such as burgers had a 42% higher risk of developing clinical depression.  Uk University of Surrey researchers studied 5122 subjects all of whom were vegetarians and two-thirds of whom regularly ate plant-based meat alternatives or PBMA. The fact is that these PBMAs are ultra-processed foods and their consumption is associated with higher blood pressures, increased inflammation, and reduced levels of good cholesterol. So it turns out that Impossible Burgers and Beyond Burgers may not be as healthy as claimed.  The important watchword is moderation. https://iadns.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fft2.532 #plantbasedmeats #pbm #vegetarian #ultraprocessed

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DEnd7Yfsovo/ A whopping 41% of smart and fitness watchbands contain dangerous levels of the fluroelastomer PFHxA, a type of PFAS.  University of Notre Dame researchers tested 22 watchbands sold at various price points by a variety of manufacturers. The levels of this toxic compound varied with some bands containing up to 16,662 nanograms per gram (ng/g) of PFHxA.  As these bands are often worn 16 hours a day or more, this toxin has ample opportunities for absorption through the skin. When in the market for a watchband, check the material used in its fabrication.   The safest is a metal such as aluminum or titanium or a woven synthetic material such as nylon or polyester.  The red flag is up when you see fluroelasteomer. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fitness-watch-bands-laden-pfhxa-may-pose-health-risks-2024a1000olw?form=fpf #watchband #fluoroelastomer #PFAS #PFHxA #toxin

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEndCjhPLun/ UC-San Diego neurosurgeons now report in the journal Cell Reports Medicine the successful transplantation and long-term viability of neural stem cells placed in damaged spinal cord tissue.  This Phase I study involved 4 subjects with spinal cord injuries in their upper spinal cords underwent transplantation of neural stem cells from the NSI-566 cell line. The transplanted cells were well-tolerated. Two of the four patients demonstrated improvement in their motor and sensory capabilities though not all improvement was sustained. This is the first step in using stem cells to regenerate healthy spinal cord tissue.  It shows that these helper cells can remain viable and begin to repair devastating spinal cord damage.  We can only hope that additional and sustained progress with this treatment approach occurs….someday soon. https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-medicine/fulltext/S2666-3791(24)00612-8?_returnURL=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S266

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DEncdQgsgAs/ Hyperbaric oxygen therapy over a 2 month period reduced veterans’ PTSD scores by some 40%.  Investigators at Israel’s TelAviv University report this promising result after testing 56 subjects in a controlled study protocol. The therapy consisted of 90 minutes of 100% oxygen administered at 2 atmospheres and improved PTSD scores.  The control group received a normal 20% oxygen concentration and showed no PTSD score improvement but rather a slight but significant decline. Besides better PTSD scores, those who received the hyperbaric oxygen also enjoyed better neuronal connectivity in those brain regions that control emotion and cognitive function. This groundbreaking study bears confirmation.  If these beneficial results are repeatable and consistent, those with PTSD may look forward to better symptom improvement….someday soon. https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-controlled-trial-veterans-ptsd/ #ptsd #hyperb

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEnbujSOlgR/ High estrogen levels are associated with a greater likelihood of binge drinking.  This the conclusion of a Cornell Medical College neuropharmacology study in a mouse model. The investigators found that female mice producing high levels of estrogen were more likely to consume excessive quantities of alcohol and to evidence other risky behaviors.  They found that circulating estrogen rapidly interacts with brain cells leading to these changes within 30 minutes. Though this is an animal study that has yet to be repeated in human, women should consider its implications.  Since estrogen levels surge during the first half of the menstrual cycle, during these days women should be aware of an impulse to consume excessive alcohol and possible engage in self-destructive social activities. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-54737-6 #estrogen #women #alcohol #binge #promiscuity

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DEnbKUyPVnE/ Atogepant is an oral CGRP receptor antagonist, that is a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist, that works exceptionally fast.  New York’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine now report a meta-analysis of 3 clinical trials involving 1243 people with episodic and chronic migraines.  The studies revealed that atogepant reduced the incidence of migraine on the first day of therapy by as much as 50%.  Those taking the drug reported fewer days with migraines over time and an improved quality of life. The 3 studies enrolled predominately white, female participants and must be repeated with a more diverse subject population.  Assuming confirmation of these findings, atogepant may offer rapid and welcome migraine relief. https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000210212 #migraine #atogepant #cgrp 

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEnaUSsMXOX/ PrEP or preexposure prophylaxis is helping to prevent spread of HIV., the human immunodeficiency virus.  Problem is: most PrEP therapy is daily, and many forget to take it every day.  Enter the long-acting retroviral agent $ lenacapavir.  Taken just twice yearly, it outperformed standard daily oral PrEP medication,h (F/TDF) for squelching HIV infections.  This according to a multisite clinical trial just published in the New England Journal of Medicine that compared the two therapies in a group of more than 3200 (3265) at risk individuals. Over a 2 year follow up period, the incidence of HIV infection was 9 fold higher in those on daily PrEP vs. twice yearly medication. Both regimens clearly work…. If you take them consistently.  This study shows once again that taking daily medications can be challenging. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2411858 #hiv #PrEP #ftdf #lenacapavir #aids #lgtbq

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DEnZqKeOfJ9/ The CDC is now advising a second COVID-19 vaccine dose this season for adults 65 and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised due to severe or chronic illness. If you’re in any of these categories, get this second dose six months after the first shot.  The CDC also cautions that you may need not 2 but 3 CoVid shots a year depending on your situation. Currently,  only 11.5% of adults have gotten the latest CoVid vaccination.  It seems that lots of folks don’t think that CoVid remains a threat. Think again: over the past 3 months, nearly 5 million Americans contracted CoVid, up to 130,00 were hospitalized, and as many as 15,000 died.  Make certain that you snd your family are not in those statistics. https://www.healio.com/news/infectious-disease/20241023/acip-recommends-2nd-covid-shot-for-some-lowering-age-for-pneumococcal-vaccination #CoVid #vaccine #seniors #immunoauppessed

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DEVofl2PllT/ Blue Ridge Beef has recalled 9,600 pounds of their Puppy Mix, lot numbers 08/06/N25 and 08/16/N25, sold between August 6, 2024, and August 23, 2024.  This puppy mix has salmonella contamination. This tainted puppy mix was sold in retail stores in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. Immediately return this product to the place of purchase or destroy it preventing access by children, pets, or wildlife. Wash and sanitize all pet food bowls, cups, storage containers, and your hands after handling the product.  For more information, call Blue Ridge Beef at 1-704-873-2072 or email the company at blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blue-ridge-beef-issues-voluntary-recall-blue-ridge-beef-puppy-mix-due-salmonella-contamination #blueridge #puppy #dogs #salmonella #infection #recalls

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DEVn-1DNiPA/ Atkinson Milling Company of Selma, North Carolina has recalled their Frozen Hushpuppies with Onions and Frozen Hushpuppies without Onions.  These products contain undeclared milk allergen. These hushpuppies were sold in Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. If you have these hush puppies in your freezer and you, family members, or household visitors have milk allergies, return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.  For more information, contact Atkinson Milling Company’s Consumer Department at 1-800-948-5707. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/atkinson-milling-company-recalls-frozen-1-lb-bag-frozen-hushpuppies-onions-2-lb-8oz-bag-frozen #Atkinsons #hushpuppies #milk #allergy #recalls