Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DEQreFfJTle/ Chervon North America now recalls SKIL 40V 5.0Ah Lithium-Ion Batteries, model BY8708-00. These batteries overheat creating fire and burn hazards. Affected are batteries manufactured before May 1, 2021. About 63,000 of these batteries were sold in the U.S. and about 359 were sold in Canada individually or as part of SKIL 40V Brushless Mower kits at Lowe’s, other hardware stores, and online at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and Lowes.com. Stop using these batteries and contact Chervon North America at 1-833-476-5325 or via email at to receive a free replacement or refund. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Chervon-North-America-Recalls-SKIL-40V-50Ah-Lithium-Ion-Batteries-for-SKIL-Lawnmowers-and-Outdoor-Tools-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazard #skil #batteries #lithiumion #overheating #fires #burns #recalls

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DEQq2XYODfS/ Charmast now recalls for its Charmast W1056 Power Banks. These power banks’ lithium-ion batteries overheat and ignite creating fire and burn hazards. About 488,000 units were sold exclusively on Amazon.com between December 2018 and September 2024. Stop using these recalled power banks immediately. For a full refund, contact Charmast at 1-929-636-0293 or via email at rcus@charmast.com. To obtain your refunds, submit a photo of the product, including a label with your name and the date and the severed power cord. Dispose of the product safely. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Charmast-Power-Banks-Recalled-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Sold-by-Charmast-Exclusively-on-Amazon-com #charmast #powerbank #lithiumion #battery #overheating #fire #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DEQqAeVvJoe/ Thanks for watching and listening in 2024.  Upcoming in 2025 are live programs with call-ins so you can ask questions and make comments about your experiences in the health care system.  Happy New Year

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDxQcwGuj6-/ When is the best time for a pregnant mom to receive a vaccine in order to optimally protect her newborn? A study just published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology from the Mass General Hosp shows that all vaccines should be administered at least five weeks before the due date. This permits optimal development and then transfer of protective antibodies from mom to the her baby. This guideline holds true for each of the currently recommended prenatal vaccines: Influenza, RSV, Covid, and pertussis or whooping cough.  So do be sure to put this on your calendar and set up those appointments to receive the vaccines in a timely manner. https://www.vaccineadvisor.com/news/optimal-timing-of-maternal-rsv-vaccine-determined-to-be-at-least-five-weeks-before-delivery/ #pregnancy #vaccination #influenza #RSV #CoVid #pertussis #influenza

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DDvPzn2SGkU/ Many personal care products contain the toxic organic chemicals PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds.  These poisons are used in hair dyes, nail polishes, makeup, and other cosmetics.  Worse, a study from Brown University demonstrates that these chemicals migrate from your skin and hair into your bloodstream.  If you’re pregnant, they pass to your developing baby. If your breast-feeding, they will be in your breastmilk. PFAS exposures have been linked to higher risks of low birth weight and developmental issues. What's the Takeaway? Try to avoid exposure to any chemicals while you are pregnant and breast-feeding unfortunately, your skin and hair are not adequate barriers to filter out these harmful chemicals. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241112122810.htm# #pfas #pregnancy #breastfeeding

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDvPSeiSITJ/ The FDA and Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of the popular diet drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, are issuing a warning that versions of these drugs created using raw materials are dangerous.  To date, 346 adverse reactions have been reported, 100 persons have been hospitalized, and 10 deaths have occurred.  The problem stems from the fact that the agent in these counterfeits is not safe and effective semaglutide.  Only Novo’s version has been FDA-approved. I know that you may be thinking:  the company is just protecting its profits.  The fact is that the FDA has monitored this situation and issues this warning based on complications reported by medical teams unaffiliated with the company. https://www.mdlinx.com/article/off-brand-ozempic-leaves-10-dead-100-hospitalized/2QTH2Y7TMB2mJ99HJmRzvV?show_order=1&utm_campaign=reg_daily-alert_241114_daily-nl-am-v4_registered-users-a180&utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email #diet #semaglutide #compounded #ozem

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DDvOvRdyGHU/ Robots are hot commodities these days and telemedicine, meeting your medical team through your computer, continues to be popular after its intense use during the height of the pandemic.  Problem is your doctors and nurses can’t directly examine you by touch. Chinese scientists are on the brink of licking this problems.  They have developed a robotic finger that can mimic human touch.  They call it the Bioinspired Soft Finger and it can feel your pulse, note lumps on or under your skin, and feel skin thickening that might occur with an infection. Beware—- a creepy mechanical finger might be probing you…..someday soon. https://www.mdlinx.com/article/using-a-robotic-finger-to-conduct-exams/DStVf25WDHloeIekLh5Hu?show_order=1&utm_campaign=reg_daily-alert_241118_daily-nl-am-v4_registered-users-a180&utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email #robots #examination #telemedicine

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDvNrimy_Q8/ MIT bioengineers, in cooperation with investigators at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Novo Nordisk company, have developed an ingestible capsule that can jet drugs into a patients intestinal wall avoiding the syringes and needles that many diabetics and others hate.  The device operates on the same principle as the jet propulsion techniques of the octopus and the squid. The capsule can be precisely planted in specific digestive tract regions using a gastrointestinal endoscope or swallowed.  The tests of the capsule in animal models demonstrated the successful CO2 powered jet injection of insulin and RNA-based drugs into the gastrointestinal linings with quantitative drug delivery comparable to that with a needle injection.  Though not ready for clinical implementation as yet, this jet capsule will make life easier for diabetics….. someday soon. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-11-ingestible-capsule-drugs-walls-gi.html https://www.nat

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DDvM3OwSPOb/ New York’s Mount Sinai neuroscientists call it Pose AI.  Using video and EEG data, it analyses the random movements of just born babies in the NICU and capably predicts neurologic dysfunction and abnormal states of consciousness permitting clinicians to intervene earlier and more effectively.  The system has been initially trained using some 16 million seconds of video from 115 infants, and additional training will no doubt continue to improve the PoseAI diagnostic accuracy. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(24)00498-X/fulltext #neonate #neurology #ai #nicu

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDvLmadSHkZ/ Eating at least 2 to 4 eggs a week appears to improve your brain’s performance particularly for women.  A UC-San Diego study found that the eggs slowed memory decline and enhanced cognitive skills.  Other studies have shown the same effect for men as well.  For years, the humble egg has been blamed for raising cholesterol because it contains this component.  Truth is that elevated cholesterol is driven by the cholesterol your body makes, and that occurs when you wolf down the saturated fats in those fries and donuts.  Eggs are low in sat fat and high in the nutrients your brain craves including choline, carotenoids, and protein.  Bottom line: eggs in moderation. https://www.mdlinx.com/news/study-finds-eggs-might-protect-brain-health-and-lower-cholesterol/11oN0kADDM1y4WQ55helyT?show_order=7&utm_campaign=reg_evening-edition_241115_daily-nl-pm-v4_registered-users-a180&utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email #egg #dementia #cognitive #women

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DDvKxBNSoJ7/ If you were waiting until age 50 to get your first mammogram, you’ll now be 10 years too late.  ACOG, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are now recommending that all women start having breast imaging for early detection of cancer every 1 to 2 years beginning at age 40.  Why the change?  Breast cancer is popping up more often in younger women, and when it does it is more aggressive and more difficult to treat. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2826624 #women #breast #cancer

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DDvCTv2yG5Z/ Over the past 4 years, the numbers of US kids receiving their measles shots before entering kindergarten has been on the decline.  The result: this year saw a 4-fold increase in serious measles outbreaks, 16 versus 4 in 2023. Measles vaccine has saved more lives over the past 50 years than any other vaccine.  Measles is highly contagious and there is no treatment for it.  Many people say, “big deal…some skin blotches.”  It is a big deal since measles can trigger life-threatening pneumonia, seizures, and brain infections called encephalitis. Make sure that your child gets the measles vaccine, the MMR or Measles, Mumps, Rubella or so-call German Measles vaccine.  If you haven’t had the vaccine or a natural measles infection, get it for yourself as well as for your kids.  https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-11-falling-vaccination-spikes-measles-worldwide.html#google_vignette #measles #vaccine #seizures #pneumonia

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DDvBn4syhB1/ A Florida Atlantic University study shows that alcohol has led to twice as many deaths in 2020 as occurred in 1999.  This sobering statistic isn’t driven by deaths in middle-aged or older Americans with weakened bodies.  The age group with the most deaths was 25 to 34 years where the death rate due to booze quadrupled.  The guys bellying up to the bar had the highest overall death rate, but the ladies were right behind them with the largest proportional increase.  You guys and gals in the mid-West had the largest spike. What should you do:  don’t drink as often and definitely say no to those second rounds. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-11-alcohol-deaths-trends-reveals.html #alcohol #deaths

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DDvA_8EytTK/ Boozing to excess when you’re young permanently degrades the ability of your brain cells, your neurons, to communicate with one another.  Such changes are exactly the same seen in those with the cognitive decline of dementia including  Alzheimer’s.  Penn State neurobiologists make this observation with a mouse model where young mice were fed an excess of alcohol. Even after an intervening period of abstinence, the brains of these bingeing mice showed inactivation of neurons that facilitate proper executive function and activation of those neurons that typically put the brakes on complex thought process. This study is a warning to all young people and those who love them to avoid excess exposure to alcohol.  When the server, bartender or even a supposed friend suggests a second, third, or fourth drink, the smart answer, the answer that will help you maintain your smarts, is a NO THANK YOU. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019745802400172

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DDu_-Q2ySqz/ Infants 6 months and younger were less likely to be hospitalized and die from CoVid if their mothers received a CoVid vaccine at least 5 weeks before delivery.  This from a CDC analysis of multisite hospital data collected from 2022 through 2024. Our infants are as $ susceptible to severe CoVid as older Americans 65 through 74 years of age yet they cannot receive the vaccine directly. Their mothers though can and should since pregnancy makes a women more likely to develop a severe and life-threatening case of CoVid.  Vaccination with any FDA approved CoVid vaccine, including the newest mRNA vaccines, is safe and effective at any time during a pregnancy.  It protects both mom and passes that immunity on to baby.  The vaccine must be given at least 5 weeks before you are due to deliver to be sufficiently effective. https://www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/news/covid19-vaccine-and-pregnancy-are-infants-protected-via-maternal-vaccination/ #CoVid #newborn #pr

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DDfd-zTgupi/ IHA Beverage now recalls Super Cinnamon Powder due to lead contamination. Lead is toxic to the nervous system and it particularly dangerous for growing children. This cinnamon powder was sold in California retail stores and at a few other locations across the U.S. Stop using this cinnamon powder and either discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Questions?  Contact IHA Beverage at 1-323-724-8551. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/iha-beverage-issues-voluntary-recall-super-cinnamon-powder-4oz-because-lead-contamination #super #cinnamon #powder #lead #poisoning #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DDfdMwHs8Sh/ Sugar Foods is recalling Fresh Gourmet Tortilla Strips Santa Fe Style due to undeclared wheat. Affected product has a Best By Date of June 20, 2025. Fresh Gourmet Crispy Onion Strips containing wheat, were packaged in Tortilla Strip packaging. These mislabelled packages were sold in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Texas, and Washington state. Stop consuming these tortilla strips and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.  For more information, contact Sugar Foods’ Consumer Care Department at 1-332-240-6676 or via email at Customerfeedback@sugarfoods.com. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sugar-foods-recalls-fresh-gourmet-tortilla-strips-santa-fe-style-35-ounce-pouch-due-undeclared-wheat #freshgourmet #tortillastrips #wheat #onionstrips #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DDfcpBQJeoU/ Carolina Prime Pet, Inc.now recalls Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips, lot number 20051324L2 and an expiration date of 11/13/25.  These dog treats have salmonella contamination. About 400 bags of these treats were sold at Hollywood Feed stores in 19 states including Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, and Texas, as well as online at HollywoodFeed.com. Stop giving these treats to your dogs. Contact Carolina Prime Pet at 1=828-394-6460 or via email at treats@carolinaprimepet.com to arrange a return for a refund or replacement. Be careful handling these treats and cleanse all surfaces they have contacted.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/carolina-prime-pet-inc-recalls-hollywood-feed-carolina-made-chicken-chips-because-possible #Hollywoodfeed #dog #treates #salmonella #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DDfb7LYJkFU/ Handsome Brook Farms is recalling Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs, lot number 327, due to contamination with almonella.  This bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal gastrointestinal and systemic infections in young children, elderly persons, and others with weakened immune systems.  The affected eggs have a use by date of 1/5/2025. About 10,800 boxes of these eggs were sold at 25 Costco locations in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee starting November 22, 2024.  Do not consume these eggs but return them to your local Costco store for a full refund or dispose of the product safely.  More information from Handsome Brook Farms is available at 1-646-733-4532, ext. 1  or via email at recall@hbfeggs.com. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/handsome-brook-farms-issues-recall-kirkland-signature-organic-pasture-raised-24-count-eggs-because #kirkland #eggs #salmonella #infect

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DDfa9G6uNwa/ SunFed Produce, LLC has recalled its whole fresh American cucumbers.  This salmonella contaminated produce is packaged in containers labeled “SunFed” brand or in boxes labelled “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V” and were sold between October 12, 2024, and November 26, 2024. About 3,000 cases of these tainted cucumbers were sold in Alaska, Arizona, California, New York, Texas, and other states as well as Canadian provinces such as Alberta and Ontario. These contaminated cucumbers should not be consumed, served, or sold. Dispose of the cucumbers and clean all surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled cucumbers. For additional information, call SunFed’s recall hotline at 1-888-542-5849 or email the company atsupport@sunfedproduce.com. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sunfed-produce-llc-recalls-whole-fresh-american-cucumbers-because-possible-health-risks-due #sunfed #cucumbers #salmonella #infection #recall