Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcZBDaN59c/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 lot numbers are R4467 and R4470.These tomatoes were sold between April 23 and April 28, 2025 to wholesalers and retail outlets in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.The tomatoes should not be consumed but rather returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have questions, contact Jason Breland at 1-843-866-7707 or 1-843-599-5154.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/williams-farms-repack-llc-recalls-tomatoes-due-possible-salmonella-contamination#williamsfarms #HandCFarms #tomatoes #salmonella #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcYY3fMcVd/These tomatoes have 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. The recalled lots are RM250424 15250B and RM250427 15250B.These tomatoes were sold by Gordon Food Service Stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.Do not consume these tomatoes. Return them to the place of purchase for a refund. For more information contact Ray & Mascari Inc. at 1-317-637-0234.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ray-mascari-inc-recalls-4-count-vine-ripe-tomatoes-because-possible-health-risk#rayandmascari #tomatoes #salmonella #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcXpKIuD10/The company supplying the cilantro for these products indicates the presence of this wood foreign body in the lot used for production between December 19, 2024, and March 17, 2025. Affected are the following salsas: mild, Medium, and Hot; Traditional; Pineapple; Verde; Mens Room Roasted Red; and Costco 32 oz. Medium.If you purchased any of the affected salsa products at Costco stores, return the product to the place of purchase. For questions, concerns, or to verify is your salsa is included in the recall, contact Sandy Albright at sandy@sanjuansalsa.com.https://cdn.bfldr.com/U447IH35/as/67bhbkpkfbx8qv7mcqvqmb9/1174728_San_Juan_Salsa_Recall_Notice#costco #sanjuansalsa #wood #foreignbody #recall

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcWgCSxHRF/Those with an allergy to almonds could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume this product.This recalled snack mix was sold by independent grocery markets and convenience stores throughout New England, as well as in New York and Pennsylvania.Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.  For questions, contact New England Village Foods at 1-603-554-1873.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/new-england-village-foods-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-almonds-19th-hole-snack-mix#newenglandvillage ##snackmix #Almonds #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcVtQJuzhl/Both the 0.6-ounce and 4-ounce bags have undeclared almonds and cashews. The affected lot numbers are K5069C1 and K5069C2 for the 0.6-ounce bags with a best-by date of October 2026, and B4339E1 and B4340E1 for the 4-ounce bags with a best-by date of July 2026.The recalled products were sold in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Guam.If you or household members have an almond and/or cashew allergy, do not eat this product. Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.  For more information, 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-allergy-alert-undeclared-almonds-and-cashews-mauna-loa#maunaloa #macadamias #almonds #cashews #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcU5EPNf4x/The problem occurred since 500 units of the salad were mistakenly packaged with parmesan cheese crumbles instead of crispy onions.  The affected lot numbers include Use By dates of April 28, 2025, and April 29, 2025.The recalled salads were sold exclusively at Trader Joe’s locations in the following states: Alabama, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.Do not consume this product if you or anyone in your household has a sensitivity or allergy to milk.  For a refund or more information, call Taylor Fresh Foods at 1-855-455-0098.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/trader-joes-sesame-miso-salad-salmon-voluntarily-recalled-due-undeclared-milk-allergen#traderjoes #sesamemisosalad #milk #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcUHOzMDGZ/The lithium-ion battery in these bikes overheats creating fire and burn risks.About 2,850 of these electric bicycles were sold in the US and an additional 550 were sold in Canada all Santa Cruz dealers from October 2021 through January 2025.Stop charging and riding these bicycles, disconnect the battery from both the bike and the charger, and visit santacruzbicycles.com/pages/recall-heckler-9-lithium-ion-battery to check if you bike is in the recall. If so, register for a free replacement battery. To get the refund, upload a photo of the battery labeled “Recalled.” Dispose of the batteries at a local recycling facility. For more information, contact Santa Cruz Bicycles at 1-833-944-8335.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Santa-Cruz-Bicycles-Recalls-Electric-Bicycles-Due-to-Fire-Hazard#santacruz #ebike #lithiumion #battery #overheating #fires #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcTa4AOnqD/The lithium-ion batteries inside these chargers overheat cresting risks of fires and burns. Affected is model number BS-30KP365.About 55,380 units were sold online nationwide through Amazon.com, AliExpress.com, Walmart.com, and Baseus.com between April 2020 and April 2025.Stop using these chargers \and go to baseus.com/pages/recall_select_BS-30KP365 to register for a free replacement. To get the replacement, submit a photo of the recalled charger showing the model and serial numbers. Dispose of the old charger at a local recycling center. For additional information, contact Baseus at 1-888-568-7216 or via the email care@baseus.com.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Baseus-Portable-Chargers-Recalled-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Sold-on-Amazon-com-by-Shenzhen-Baseus-Technology#baseus #chargers #lithiumion #battery #overhewating #fires #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcSZ5_syAe/These clips contain lead levels that violate the lead paint ban. Lead is particularly toxic the developing nervous systems of young children. Affected are multipacks of 120 painted metal clips in various colors and patterns.About 3,800 units were sold online nationwide through Amazon between April 2024 and September 2024.Immediately stop using these clips, keep them away from children, and contact YFLGOTOO via by email at YGLGOTOOrecall@yeah.net to receive a refund. To receive the refund, you must provide a photo showing that the clips have been properly trashed.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Dlesot-Snap-Childrens-Hair-Clips-Recalled-Due-to-Lead-Poisoning-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Ban-for-Lead-in-Paint-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon-by-YFLGOTOO#Diesot #hairclips #lead #poison #children #recall

A ball joint can loosen and separate from the front suspension arm causing a driver to lose wheel support, stability, and steering leading to crashes and injuries. The affected models include RTV-X900, RTV520, RTV-X1120, and RTV-X1140.About 49,640 units were sold through authorized Kubota dealers from January 2021 through December 2024.Stop riding these recalled vehicles and contact an authorized Kubota dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair.For more information, contact Kubota Tractor Corporation at 1-888-458-2682 or visit kubotausa.com.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Kubota-Tractor-Corporation-Recalls-RTV-Series-Utility-Vehicles-Due-to-Crash-Hazard#kubota #utilityvehicles #frontsuspension #steering #crashes #injuries #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcQ8ITsA6w/This product catches fire creating serious burn hazards.About 1,960 units were sold nationwide at Kohl’s stores and online at Kohls.com between September 2024 and April 2025.Stop using these candle holders immediately and return them to any Kohl’s location for a full refund either as a Kohl’s gift card or in the original form of payment. If you bought the item online, Kohl’s will send you a pre-paid return shipping label.For more information, contact Kohl’s at 1-855-564-5705.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Kohls-Recalls-Tea-Light-Candle-Holders-Due-to-Fire-Hazard#kohls #nicholassquare #candleholders #fires #burns #recalls

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcQRStPPv-/These pressure cookers have lids that can be opened while the cooker is still pressurized\ permitting the superheated contents to escape and cause severe burns. The recall includes models OP300, OP301, OP302, and others in the OP300 series.About 1,846,400 units were sold across the United States, and an additional 184,240 were sold in Canada.  Sales occurred nationwide at retailers including Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, and Amazon as well as on the NinjaKitchen.com website from January 2019 through March 2025.Immediately stop using the pressure-cooking function though others such as air frying may still be used. SharkNinja is offering a free replacement lid, and to receive it, visit the recall page at ninjakitchen.com and click “Recalls” under “Support” to begin the process.  For more information, contact SharkNinja at 1-888-370-1733 or via the email sharkninja@rqa-inc.com.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/SharkNinja-Recalls-1-8-Million-Foodi-Multi-Fun

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJKcyZ6PDwM/If you are taking a proton pump, inhibitor such as omeprazole, Prilosec, esomeprazole, Nexium, or lansoprazole, Prevacid, you are likely not taking it at an optimal time with respect to meals. Most directions given with these drugs vaguely recommend taking them an hour or so before eating.  Lab data pinpoints a more specific time.It turns out that the best time to take any of these drugs is exactly 20 to 30 minutes before you begin eating. Let’s find out why. The role of these proton pump inhibitors is to shut off acid production in the stomach. They work on acid producing cells in the stomach lining known as parietal cells. However, the drugs as you swallow them are not capable of performing this task. They must first be converted to active forms within the acidic crevices of the parietal cells called canaliculi. This process requires approximately 20 to 30 minutes to occur.If you begin eating before taking these drugs or before 20-30 minutes after taking the

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHrndtOyB4/A painless, shot-free urine test could diagnose prostate cancer at its earliest, treatable stages.  Biochemists in Sweden, the UK, and China, led by those at the Karolinska Institute, studied mRNA activity in more than 2000 patients with and without prostate cancers.  They used AI to identify the proteins specific for prostate cancer that show up in the urine of those with this disease.Following this identification phase, the researchers now plan to further validate this urine prostatic cancer test in larger clinical trials.  Once this type of testing becomes the standard for prostatic cancer diagnosis, expect its use for monitoring following the medical and surgical therapeutic measures to eradicate prostate cancer.https://dx.doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-25-0269https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-urine-reveal-prostate-cancer.html#prostate #cancer #urine #screening #ai

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHrDdspb_Y/A high tech bandage combining the power of biosensors, microfluidics, and machine learning capably detects signs of wound infection and inflammation some 3 days before clinical signs appear.  Developed by bioengineers at Caltech, the California Institute of Technology, and surgeons at the USC School of Medicine, the iCares device not only continuously monitors the wound fluids for reactive oxygen, nitrogen species, pH, and temperature, but it removes and facilitates healing by keeping the tissues dry.  It transmits data to a smartphone app using Bluetooth.Following preclinical studies in diabetic mice, the research team tested the smart bandage in 20 patients with chronic wounds due to diabetes and suboptimal blood flow.  Their smartphone algorithm is able to classify wound severity and healing potential.  Their study now appears in the journal Science Translational Medicine.https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adt0882https://www.sciencedaily.com/r

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHqSLvgbvj/Infection with the CoVid virus is associated with a 63% higher risk of cardiovascular disease, up to a 35% risk of chronic kidney disease, and a 28% risk of gastrointestinal problems.  This from a series of University of Pennsylvania epidemiological studies reviewing the case histories of those with continuing issues following cases of youth CoVid.Studying more than 1.2 million pediatric patients with or without congenital heart disease, the data revealed that almost 2 of every 3 who suffered a CoVid infection developed arrhythmias, heart inflammation, chest pain, palpitations, and/or hypertension.  The review of 1.9 million patients showed that more than one in 3 young CoVid patients developed mild to severe kidney damage impacting function from 1 to 24 months following their infections.  Finally, the studies of more than 1.5 million children showed that 1 in 4 developed abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or irritable bowel syndrome between 6 months and 2 years fo

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHpsVIJN6v/Brown rice contains almost double the amount of arsenic as white rice and threatens the health of infants, toddlers, and preschool children.  So say food scientists at the Michigan State University following their analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) looking at the arsenic levels and nutritional content of rice from various sources and undergoing different processing.They found that brown rice contains 72-98% more inorganic arsenic, a known carcinogen, than comparable quantities of white rice.  They warn that children under five who regularly consume brown rice may exceed international safety limits for arsenic exposure consuming up to three times more arsenic per body weight than adults.  They add that infants are most at risk. On the other hand, the nutritionists note that brown vs white rice has a higher fiber and nutrient content. Brown rice of U.S. origin has less arsenic that that coming from overseas.  The

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHpCRNPMX2/The number of micronanoplastic particles found in plaques blocking the carotid or brain-feeding arteries was 51-fold higher in those persons suffering debilitating strokes.  This the key finding of studies by University of New Mexico vascular surgeons reported to the 2025 American Heart Association’s Vascular Discovery Scientific Sessions.Studying some 50 individuals, the investigators found that the concentration of these plastic particles was significantly higher in the blood vessel plaques of those who suffered strokes, mini-strokes, and vision losses.  Although the embedded plastics did not appear to precipitate more inflammation in the blood vessels, they did alter gene function and reduced the inflammation fighting capabilities of immune cell types such as macrophages.The bottom line: micro- and nano-plastics appear to be likely cofactors along with pathological lipid metabolism that fuels the arterial disease responsible for strokes.  Future studies wil

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHoaqqROQk/An FDA-approved psoriasis drug turns help those addicted to alcohol turn the corner.  That drug is apremilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor sold under the brand name Otezla.Preclinical testing of the drug at San Diego’s Scripps Research Institute using mouse lines that are prone to over consume alcohol shows that apemilast not only reduces craving for the drink but also lessens a characteristic accompanying heightened pain sensitivity known as mechanical allodynia.  These beneficial effects occurred in both female and male mice.Seeking to explain the drug’s effects, the investigators found that apemilast increases signaling by the amino acid neurotransmitter GABA, gamma-aminobutyric acid.  GABA is known to slow down and calm brain activity thereby reducing stress, anxiety and fear.  This drug is already FDA-approved for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis nd that’s a plus for getting it into the clinic for curbing alcoholism.The next step will be clinical tri

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHnp56RT5F/A raft of wearable and other electronic devices are vying to replace the old blood pressure cuffs and squeeze balls.  Should they?A panel of cardiologists led by the University of Washington School of Medicine give them all a thumbs down.  When I say all, I refer to the smartwatches, rings, chest patches, ultrasound wearables, phone-based sensors, and, yes, smart toilet seats that can measure all your cardiac vital signs every time you sit.These devices test out to be unreliable yielding readings either lower or higher than the gold standard blood pressure cuff.  That leads to under- or over-treatment of high blood pressure.  Under treatment can lead to strokes or heart attacks while overtreatment leads to fainting and falls or a stroke.Another problem occurs for patients with darker skin.  Many of these devices rely on a light sensor and often fail to deliver accurate readings.   There is no easy way to change their factory calibration.Though these devices ar