Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyEyKsusdW/Many studies that look at the effect of diet on the human body depend on diaries that the participants fill out.  Now the University of Washington’s Institute from Systems Biology has developed the proverbial “better mousetrap.”  Their technique analyzes food-derived DNA in stool samples to determine exactly what a person has consumed.  The method, both objective and non-invasive, works effectively on infants, children, and adults.The investigators have dubbed their technique MEDI, which stands for Metagenomic Estimation of Dietary Intake.   As this method is refined, it could become the de facto standard for diet quantitation.https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250218114019.htm#google_vignettehttps://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-025-01220-1#diet #stool #dna #medi #genetics

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyEOILpDLH/A new study from the University of Toronto suggests a simple blood test could help identify expectant mothers at risk for preterm delivery.   The researchers followed over 9,000 pregnant women and found that low levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) at 24-28 weeks  are associated with a 50-fold higher risk of delivery before 34 weeks.Since PlGF testing is already used in early pregnancy screenings, experts believe it could be easily integrated into routine prenatal care.Early detection could allow for better monitoring, medication to manage blood pressure, and delivery planning at specialized hospitals—potentially improving outcomes for both mother and baby.https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-02-blood-mothers-preterm-delivery.html#google_vignettehttps://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2826174#prematurity #pregnancy #women #test #pigf

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyDQezO_4s/A new health trend is taking off—adaptogenic mocktails, alcohol-free drinks infused with herbs and plant-based adaptogens that claim to reduce stress and create a natural buzz. But experts warn that these trendy beverages may come with health risks.Adaptogens, such as ashwagandha and certain mushrooms, are marketed as stress relievers, but research on their actual effects is limited. According to dietitian Dr. Dana Hunnes, the doses of these natural ingredients in these drinks may not be high enough to be effective—or may be too high, leading to unintended side effects.Doctors also point out that adaptogenic beverages are unregulated by the FDA, meaning their safety and potency are unclear. Hepatologist Dr. Brian Lee expresses concern about the mind-altering claims, warning that consumers don’t always know what they’re ingesting. Additionally, some adaptogens have been linked to health issues, including liver toxicity.Experts advise caution when consuming thes

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyCI-ZOjLW/New research suggests that aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, may increase the risk of heart disease by triggering insulin spikes that lead to artery-clogging plaques—a key factor in heart attacks and strokes.The study, published in Cell Metabolism, found that mice consuming aspartame daily—equivalent to drinking three cans of diet soda—experienced persistent insulin surges. This led to chronic inflammation and the buildup of fatty plaques in their arteries, a process linked to cardiovascular disease.Researchers believe the artificial sweetness tricks the body’s insulin receptors, causing a greater-than-expected insulin response. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.While aspartame is FDA-approved and widely used in diet sodas, baked goods, and processed foods, experts caution that frequent consumption could have long-term health risks. Researchers plan to investigate whether these find

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyBfPGt7Qf/Two indoor cats in Michigan have died from bird flu (H5N1), raising concerns that they may have contracted the virus from their dairy worker owners, according to a CDC report.The first case involved a 5-year-old cat that showed symptoms like lethargy and neurological issues before being euthanized. Testing confirmed it had the same strain of bird flu found in local dairy cattle. A second cat in the home also showed symptoms but recovered. The owner, a dairy worker, experienced vomiting and diarrhea before the cats became sick but declined testing.A second case involved a 6-month-old cat from a different household. It developed severe neurological symptoms and died within 24 hours. Its owner, another dairy worker, frequently handled unpasteurized milk without protective equipment and reported “splash exposures” to the face and clothing. Their cat often rolled in their contaminated clothing, while another cat in the home, which did not, remained healthy. The wor

Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyAAm-uMD9/Those of us who frequent the operating room know the drug as the gas nitrous oxide.  You know it as laughing gas.  Its most accessible source are those small cartridges that power homemade whipped cream containers and you probably know them as “whippets.”A report just out in Mdlinx reviews the gnarly side of laughing gas abuse, and its no laughing matter.  Because the nitrous euphoria is so short-lived, those who party with it tend to take repeat hits.A study from New York’s Mt. Sinai Medical Center reviewed 91 cases of nitrous toxicity as well as another group of 29 deaths linked to abuse of laughing gas.  Besides cases of gas escaping into the chest cavity, pneumomediastinum, the study show that repeated use of the gas depletes your supply of Vitamin B12 which is responsible for undesirable neurologic consequences including myeloneuropathy, a malfunction of the spinal cord.So…this so called safe recreational drug is anything but.https://www.mdlinx.com/article

Possibly due to the strain of last night’s Academy award streaming, I’m going to have to delay the live stream from noon to 2 PM today and hopefully our fiber optic upload speeds will be normalized by then. Thank you for your patience. 

Dr. Howard Smith LIVE Monday March 3 around Noonish.   Action-packed program with health reports and your texted or phoned-in ?s and comments. Hope you’re around.  Streaming on TikTok, Instagram. 

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGl5zrsP4Xn/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.At least 38 illnesses and 11 deaths have been caused by this product. These recalled supplemental shakes were distributed nationwide to long-term care facilities but were not sold at retail.Immediately quarantine any recalled shakes and do not allow anyone to consume them. For more information, contact frozenshakerecall@lyonsmagnus.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lyons-magnus-recalls-lyons-readycare-and-sysco-imperial-frozen-supplemental-shakes-manufactured#lyonsmagnus #lyons #sysco #supplemental #shakes #listeria #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGl5RBWAEwh/Affected is lot number K4351 with a best by date 07 2026.The recalled product was sold at World Market and Abraham & Sons, Inc. both in Southern California.Those with almond allergies who purchased this product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Those with questions may contact Mauna Loa Customer Service at 1-888-255-5998.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mauna-loa-macadamia-nut-company-llc-issues-product-recall-undeclared-almonds-mauna-loa-milk#maunaloa #chocolate #macadamia #snack #almonds #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGl4vJIviA3/Affected is  lot #1097901 with an expiration date of 2/25/2025.This product was sold at Kroger and Meijer retail stores in Arkansas, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Minnesota, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. If you, a family member, or a household visit has a wheat or egg allergy, return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, call Naturipe at 1-239-598-6045 or email at info@naturipefarms.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/naturipe-value-added-fresh-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-eggs-berry-buddies-berries#berrybuddies #naturipe #snackls #wheat #eggs #allergy #recall 

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGl4PLRPb_9/This supplement contains unlisted sildenafil and tadalafil. These phosphodiesterase inhibitors are active ingredients in FDA-approved medications used for erectile dysfunction.  They can cause dangerously low blood pressure, particularly if taken along with prescription nitrate drugs such as nitroglycerin.These Vitality capsules were sold nationwide through retail outlets.Immediately stop using the product and return it to the place of purchase for a refund.For more information, call One Source Nutrition at 1-501-778-3311 or email at onesourcelr@gmail.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/one-source-nutrition-inc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-vitality-capsules-due-presence#vitality #male #supplement #tadalafil #sildenafil #hypotension #nitrates #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGl3lqRt9Uk/They include sesame, soy, wheat, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, and Red No. 6.These products were sold in Texas through both wholesale and retail stores.Return  affected product to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Kedake Inc. at 1-713-996-7550.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kedake-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-sesame-soy-wheat-yellow-no-5-yellow-no-6-and-red-no-6#lasollas #snacks #sesame #soy #wheat #yellow5 #yellow6 #red6 #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGl3D9PNDIM/These baked goods contain undeclared wheat, egg, and/or milk.Affected products were sold in retail stores across 31 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Colorado, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia, and Ontario, Canada.Any of these affected products should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. With questions, contact ZB Importing LLC at info@ziyad.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/zb-importing-issue-voluntary-recall-and-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-wheat-and-milk-certain-ulker#ulker #rolls #biscuits #wafers #egg #wheat #milk #allergies #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGl2pfMvSWN/Affected product has a lot code 02092024.These chocolates were sold a retail stores primarily in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut as well as on amazon.com from October, 2024, through February 14, 2025.If you have these chocolates, return the product for a credit or refund.  For additional information, call Kayco at 1-718-369-4600 or email the company at Customercare@kayco.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kayco-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-limited-units-glicks-dark-chocolate-conettos#glicks #kayco #chocolates #conettos #milk #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGl2HGaNPAt/Their lithium-ion batteries overheat leading to housing melting, ignition, and fires with serious injuries and death.About 17,970 units were sold nationwide at Walmart and Sam’s Club stores, as well as online at Walmart.com and SamsClub.com, from May 2018 through October 2024.Immediately stop using and charging these recalled scooters, cut the throttle cord, and dispose of the entire product following local hazardous waste disposal procedures for lithium-ion batteries. Walmart and Sam’s Club will contact owners via email with refund instructions.  If they don’t and for more information, call Walmart at 800-925-6278.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Walmart-Recalls-Swagtron-SG-5-Boost-Commuter-Electric-Scooters-with-Lithium-Ion-Batteries-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-and-Death#walmart #Swagtron #escooters #overheating #fires #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGl1iaZvHiO/These toys contain toxic levels of lead in the red tape on the cups.  Lead is a well-known neurotoxin for children that can trigger serious developmental issues.About 2,400 units were sold nationwide at bowling alleys from January 2018 through July 2019.Stop allowing your children to use these recalled sipper cups. To receive a full refund, contact Nazzaro at 1-800-777-2235 or via email at service@rebeccas.com.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Nazzaro-Recalls-Children-Bowling-Pin-Sipper-Cups-Due-to-Risk-of-Lead-Poisoning-Violation-of-Federal-Lead-Content-Ban#rebeccas #nazzaro #bowlingpin #sippercup #lead #poisoning #children #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGl0-WquNr-/The clutch cable breaks and diminishes braking power creating accidents and injuries.  Affected is model MX5400DTC.About 2,600 tractors were sold in the United States and 180 units were sold in Canada through authorized Kubota dealers from February 2020 through December 2024.Immediately stop riding these recalled utility tractors and contact an authorized Kubota dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair.  For more information, call Kubota Tractor Corporation at 1-888-458-2682.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Kubota-Recalls-Utility-Tractors-Due-to-Crash-Hazard#kubota #tractor #clutch #brakes #crashes #injuries #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGlz_wAvxKX/The lithium coin battery in these sights can be easily accessed by children due to absence of child-resistant packaging and required warning labels. There is a serious risk of internal chemical burns or death if these batteries are swallowed.  About 9,400 sights were sold nationwide through retailers including Primary Arms, EuroOptic, GRITR Sports, Davidson’s, MidwayUSA, Carolina Sporting Arms, Palmetto State Armory, and online at OpticsPlanet.com between February 2023 and August 2024.Stop using the recalled Firearm Dot Sights around children. Contact Holosun Technologies at 1-888-869-1180 or via the email cpscinquiries@holosun.com to receive a free recall kit which could include a new battery compartment enclosure or tray, an updated manual, and new packaging.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Holosun-Technologies-Recalls-Two-Firearm-Dot-Sights-Due-to-Battery-Ingestion-Hazard-Violations-of-Reeses-Law-Federal-Safety-Regulations-for-Consumer-Products-with-Coin-B

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGlzLFFRXV4/If not wall-anchored, these tall dressers can fall over and entrap, injure, and possibly kill children.  Affected are lot numbers SPG0000905N, SPG0000905BN, SPG0000905B.About 900 dressers were sold exclusively on Amazon.com between September 2023 and August 2024.Immediately stop filling these recalled dressers unless they are secured to a wall. Keep children away from them. To receive a full refund, contact SEJOV at 1-800-331-9670 or email the company at SEJOVrecall@aliyun.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/SEJOV-Dressers-Recalled-Due-to-Tip-Over-and-Entrapment-Hazards-Violation-of-Federal-Regulation-for-Clothing-Storage-Units-Sold-on-Amazon-by-SEJOV#sejov #dressers #5drawer #tipover #entrapment #injury #death #children #recall