Synopsis
Howard G. Smith, M.D. is a former radio medical editor and talk show host in the Boston Metro area. He was heard on WBZ-AM, WRKO-AM, and WMRE-AM presenting his "Medical Minute" of health and wellness news and commentary. His popular two-way talk show, Dr. Howard Smith OnCall, was regularly heard Sunday morning and middays on WBZ. He also was a fill-in host during evenings on the same station.More recently, he has adopted the 21st century technology of audio and video podcasting as conduits for the short health and wellness reports, HEALTH NEWS YOU SHOULD USE, and the timely how-to recommendations, HEALTH TIPS YOU CAN'T SKIP. Many of these have video versions, and they may be found on his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKPOSWu-b4GjEK_iOCsp4MATrained at Harvard Medical School and a long-time faculty member at Boston Childrens Hospital, he practiced Pediatric Otolaryngology for 40 years in Boston, Southern California, and in central Connecticut. Now that his clinical responsibilities have diminished, he will be filing news reports and creating commentaries regularly. Then several times a month, the aggregated the reports will appear as DR. SMITH'S HEALTH NEWS ROUNDUPS on his YouTube and podcast feeds. If you have questions or suggestions about this content, please email the doctor at drhowardsmith.reports@gmail.com or leave him a message at 516-778-8864. His website is: www.drhowardsmith.com.Please note that the news, views, commentary, and opinions that Dr. Smith provides are for informational purposes only. Any changes that you or members of your family contemplate making to lifestyle, diet, medications, or medical therapy should always be discussed beforehand with personal physicians who have been supervising your care.
Episodes
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Ben’s Original Ready Rice Products Are Rocky Hard
24/10/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQLokX_D1Pk/Small, naturally occurring stones from the rice farm are foreign bodies in the rice and create risks for oral and digestive tract injuries. Affected are: Long Grain White Rice with batch codes 533ELGRV22 and 534ALGRV22; Whole Grain Brown Rice with batch codes 534AMGRV22, 534BMGRV22, and 534DMGRV22; and Long Grain & Wild Rice with batch codes 533BMGRV22, 533CLGRV22, and 533CMGRV22—all with best-by dates of August 2026.This rock-laden rice was sold at H-E-B, Target, United Markets, Amazon, and Piggly Wiggly in the United States. Do not eat this rice. Contact Ben’s Original Consumer Care at 1-800-548-6253 to arrange a return, receive instructions for a refund, or for more information.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bens-originaltm-issues-voluntary-recall-select-bens-original-long-grain-white-whole-grain-brown-and#bensoriginal #rice #foreignbodies #stones #injuries #recall
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Cabot Creamery Sea Salt Caramel Cheddar Popcorn Contains Undeclared Peanuts
24/10/2025 Duration: 59sVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQLnBsMjD9O/Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts risks a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this popcorn. Affected is lot number 2519907B1.This contaminated popcorn was sold in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon, and Texas, as well as in other states.Don’t munch on this popcorn. Return it to the place of purchase for a refund. For more information, call the Jody’s Inc. at 1-757-422-8646 extension 103.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/jodys-inc-recalls-cabot-creamery-sea-salt-caramel-cheddar-popcorn-due-undeclared-peanuts-corrected#cabotcreamery #popcorn #peanuts #allergy #recall
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Kenz Henz Grade AA Large Pasture Raised Eggs Have Salmonella
23/10/2025 Duration: 57sVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKaKsFkbYv/Salmonella triggers serious and sometimes fatal gastrointestinal and systemic infections in young children, elderly persons, and others with weakened immune systems. Affected are eggs with best-by dates ranging from October 11 through October 17, 2025.These recalled Kenz Henz Pasture Raised Eggs were sold in Houston, Texas at stores including HEB and Kroger.Do not eat these eggs and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For additional information, contact Kenz Henz at 1-409-457-5934.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kenz-henz-recalls-pastured-raised-eggs-because-possible-health-risk#kenzhenz #eggs #salmonella #infection #recall
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AquaStar, Best Yet, Waterfront Bistro, and Publix Branded Frozen Raw Shrimp Is Radioactive
23/10/2025 Duration: 44sThis shrimp, imported from Indonesia, contains low levels of cesium-137, a human carcinogen.This contained shrimp was sold nationwide in the US.Do not eat this shrimp and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, call AquaStar at 1-800-331-3440.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/aquastar-usa-corp-recalls-shrimp-because-possible-health-risk#aquastar #BestYet #WaterfrontBistro #Publix #shrimp #radfioadcf
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Publix Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream Contains Undeclared Egg
23/10/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKXzemDQgE/This contamination occurs since containers of vanilla ice cream actually contain French Vanilla Ice Cream with a mismatched French Vanilla lid.Those with egg allergies can develop serious or life-threatening allergic reactions should they consume this ice cream. Affected are half-gallon containers with a “Sell By” date of June 19, 2026 This recalled ice cream was sold at Publix stores in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida, except for stores in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Tampa, and Sarasota. Publix stores in Virginia and North Carolina are not affected.Do not consume this recalled ice cream but return it to your local Publix store for a full refund. For additional information, contact Publix at 1-800-242-1227 or visit publix.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/publix-rich-creamy-vanilla-ice-cream-voluntarily-recalled-select-areas#publix #vanilla #icecream #eggg #allergy #recall
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Nat’s Nuts Cinnamon Whiskey Pecans Contain Undeclared Cashews
23/10/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKXFB7D6j-/Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to cashews could face a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. Affected are 4-ounce packages with lot code 1.22 and a “Best By” date of September 29, 2026.These recalled nuts were sold in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nevada, Florida, and Wisconsin. The product was also sold online through Amazon and NatsNuts.com.Do not eat these pecans. Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Nat’s Nuts at 1-585-310-0157 or by email at info@natsnuts.comhttps://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/nats-nuts-issues-allergy-alert-potential-undeclared-cashews-nats-nuts-brand-cinnamon-whiskey-pecans#natsnuts #pecans #cashews #allergy #recall
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Haetae Brand Cinnamon Powder Has Lead Contamination
23/10/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKV0-AjiDf/Lead is a neurotoxin and creates a serious health risk. It is particularly dangerous for children and causes cognitive and developmental problems. Affected is product with a “Best By” date of February 9, 2025. This contaminated cinnamon was sold at supermarkets nationwide.Stop using this recalled cinnamon immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you or family members consumed this product, consult with your medical team about testing for lead exposure. For more information, consumers can contact Haitai, Incorporated at 1-323-890-0101 or by email at info@haitaiusa.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haitai-inc-recalls-haetae-ht-brand-cinnamon-powder-8-oz-possible-risk#haitai #cinnamon #lead #poison #children #recall
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Yamaha 2017-2024 Golf Car Vehicles Have Defective Brakes
23/10/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKUs62jMdk/The these golf cars fail to brake properly leading to crashes, serious injuries, and possible death. Affected are DR2A and DR2E Personal Transportation Vehicle models with serial numbers that begin with J0D, J0E, and J2D. About 4,300 of these recalled golf cars were sold through Yamaha dealers from June 2018 through July 2025. Stop riding these recalled golf cars and contact an authorized Yamaha Golf Car dealer to arrange for installation of new brake shoes and pads. If you can’t bring your vehicle to a dealer, contact Yamaha at 1-866-747-4027 or by email at ygc_callcenter@yamaha-motor.com to arrange a repair at your location.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Yamaha-Recalls-Model-Year-2017-2024-Golf-Car-Vehicles-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Crash-Hazard#yamaha #golfcar #brakes #collision #injuries #recall
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Yamaha 2021-2025 Drive 2 Gas and Electric Golf Car Vehicles Have Defective Stop Lights
23/10/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKUA7OACIY/These vehicles are rear-end accidents waiting to happen leading to serious neck and chest injuries. Affected are Drive 2 Personal Transportation Vehicles and Super Hauler versions, with multiple serial number ranges affected.About 19,300 of these recalled Yamaha golf car vehicles were sold through Yamaha dealers from June 2020 through July 2025. Stop riding these recalled golf cars and contact an authorized Yamaha Golf Car dealer to schedule a free installation of working stoplights. Alternatively, contact Yamaha at 1-866-747-4027 or via the email ygc_callcenter@yamaha-motor.com to arrange a free repair at your home or business.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Yamaha-Recalls-Model-Year-2021-2025-Golf-Car-Vehicles-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Crash-Hazard#yamaha #golfcars #stoplights #injuries #recall
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VST Brand Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heaters Can Gas You
23/10/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKSye7iXhr/The exhaust duct on these water heaters crack and allow poisonous gases including carbon monoxide to escape inside your home leading too chemical asphyxiation or death. Affected are model numbers VRS-150, VRS-199, VRP-150, VRP-199, VRS Plus-150, VRS Plus-199, VRP Plus-150, VRP Plus-199, VTS-150, VTS-199, VTP-150, and VTP-199.About 36,700 of these dangerous water heaters were sold in the United States and about 3,500 were sold in Canada at plumbing supply stores from May 2017 through July 2025.Immediately stop using these recalled water heaters and contact VESTA.DS at 1-888-505-5525 or by email at condensingwaterheater@realtimeresults.net to schedule a free repair by a certified technician. If you must continue using these water heaters before the repair, have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed in your home.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/VESTA-DS-Recalls-VST-Brand-Tankless-Water-Heaters-Due-to-Carbon-Monoxide-CO-Poisoning-Hazard-and-Risk-of-S
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NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machines Catch Fire
23/10/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKR9tUDjoK/The screen console overheats and ignites leading to fires and burns. Affected are model numbers NTRW19147.0 through NTRW19147.3.About 44,800 rowing machines were sold in the United States and 700 were sold in Canada at brick-and-mortar stores and online at Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nebraska Furniture, and ABT, as well as on nordictrack.com and Amazon.com between November 2018 and April 2022.Stop using and unplug these recalled rowing machines. Contact iFIT at 1-833-680-4348 or by email at ntrw19147-recall@ifit.com to arrange a free home repair and screen console replacement performed by an authorized technician.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/iFIT-Recalls-NordicTrack-Rowing-Machines-Due-to-Fire-Hazard#nordictrack #rowingmachine #console #overheating #fire #burns #recall
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WLIVE Fabric 12-Drawer Dressers Topple and Kill
23/10/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKRPV9D46V/These tall and top-heavy dressers are unstable if not anchored to a wall. They tip-over and entrap leading to serious injuries or even death for children. Affected dressers best the package marking ASNG092. About 76,500 dressers were sold on Amazon between September 2023 and August 2025. Stop filling and using the dressers if they are not anchored to a wall. Move the dresser to a child-inaccessible zone. Contact WLIVE at 1-833-367-7572 or by email at wliveproductrecall@wlivehome.com to obtain a full refund once you have properly disposed of the dresser and emailed a photo to document this disposal.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/WLIVE-Fabric-12-Drawer-Dressers-Recalled-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Tip-Over-and-Entrapment-Violates-Mandatory-Standard-for-Clothing-Storage-Units-Sold-on-Amazon-by-WLIVE#wlive #dresser #12drawer #entrapment #injury #death #children #recall
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Textron E-Z-GO Personal Transportation Vehicles Leak Gasoline
23/10/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKQh5YjzGU/Fuel leaks at the quick-connect fitting between the fuel line and the fuel injector mounted on the engine leading to risks of serious injury and potential fire hazards. This recall affects the 2020-2025 RXV Freedoms, as well as the 2020-2022 TXT Freedoms and Valor PTV models with various serial numbers.About 90,800 vehicles in the United States and 7,300 were sold in Canada at Textron dealerships and distributors nationwide from September 2019 through June 2025.Stop fueling and riding these recalled vehicles immediately and contact Textron E-Z-GO at 1-888-438-3946 or via email at ezgowarranty@textron.com to check if your particular serial number is affected and to obtain inspection instructions. You can also reach out to an authorized dealer to schedule a free inspection. If fuel leakage is found, the dealer will replace the fuel line at no cost.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Textron-E-Z-GO-Recalls-Personal-Transportation-Vehicles-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-In
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Durra Ground Cinnamon Is Lead Contaminated
16/10/2025 Duration: 57sVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DP2-NfNjPIE/This product contains toxic levels of lead. Lead is neurotoxic, particularly to the developing brain of children. Affected is batch #N06 B:02, Best by May 2026.This lead-contaminated cinnamon was sold at grocery stores in California and Michigan from August 24, 2024, through October 6, 2025.Do not use this cinnamon and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Eureka Inc. at 1-951-444-7779.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/durra-ground-cinnamon-100-g-because-possible-health-risk#durra #cinnamon #lead #poison #recall
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Del Mar Organic Frozen Spinach and Sno Pac Organic Frozen Cut Spinach Have Listeria Contamination
16/10/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DP29kD-jViL/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. The affected Del Mar spinach lots are 250107A, 250107B, 250107C, 250107D, 2501071, and 2501073 with expiration 1/7/27. The affected Sno PAC spinach lots are SPM1.190.5 with best by 7/9/27, SPC1.160.5 with best by 6/9/27, SPC2.160.5 with best by 6/9/27, and SPM1.097.5 with best by 4/7/27.Do not consume this tainted spinach and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Sno Pac Foods at 1-507-725-5281 or email snopac@snopac.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sno-pac-foods-recalls-del-mar-35-lb-bulk-frozen-spinach-and-10-oz-organic-frozen-cut-spinach#delmar #snopac #spinach #listeria #infection #recall
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TRUE METRIX Blood Glucose Meters Have Defective Displays
16/10/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DP280u_jBIK/These LCD displays show partial or missing numerical segments, fading characters, or “ghosting,” which leads to misinterpreted test results or delays in treatment decisions for abnormal glucose levels. The affected meters are lot number KD0746, manufactured September 4, 2025About 601 meters of the TRUE METRIX® meters were sold, co-branded under the Good Neighbor Pharmacy® brand.If you purchased this meter, check the lot number on the box. If your unit is affected, contact Trividia Health by calling 1-888-835-2723 or by emailing trividia0925CC@trividiahealth.com to obtain return and replacement instructions. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/trividia-health-inc-initiates-voluntary-recall-limited-number-true-metrixr-blood-glucose-meters#truemetrix #glucosemeter #display #mistreatment #recall
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Fusia Asian Inspirations Veggie Spring Rolls Contain Undeclared Shrimp
16/10/2025 Duration: 54sVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DP28Lfcj-lX/Consuming these veggie spring rolls could cause a serious or life-threatening reaction for people with shellfish allergies. The affected product has a Best Before date of 05/17/2027.These recalled spring rolls were sold exclusively at ALDI stores nationwide.Do not eat these spring rolls and return them to your nearest ALDI store. For more information, contact Tai Foong USA at 1-206-883-2317 or email the company at bcox@northernchef.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tai-foong-usa-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-shrimp-fusia-asian-inspirations-veggie-spring-rolls#fusia #springroll #shrimp #allergy #recall
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Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad Is Listeria Contaminated
16/10/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DP27ekTjDGf/Listeria causes a severe and sometimes fatal systemic infection in the very young, in older frail individuals, and in those with weakened immune systems. Listeria can also trigger miscarriages and stillbirths. Affected is pasta salad with use-by dates from October 10, 2025, through October 29, 2025.These products were sold at Sprouts stores in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming between August 31, 2025, and October 7, 2025.Do not eat eat this contaminated salad and return it to your local Sprouts store for a full refund. Clean and sanitize any surfaces, utensils, or containers that may have come into contact with the recalled products to prevent cross-contamination. Wash your hands. For more information, call Sprouts Customer Relations at 1-480-8
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Raw Dog Barkery, BellePepper Cats, and Kanu Pets branded Freeze-dried Pet Treats Have Salmonella Contamination
15/10/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DP2Iy-gDvtR/This bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal gastrointestinal and systemic infections in young children, elderly persons, and others with weakened immune systems. Affected: Raw Dog Barkery Whole Chicken Heart treats with lot numbers 030527 and 040217; Sliced Chicken Hearts with lot number 031627; BellePepper Cats Freeze Dried Chicken Heart Slices with lot numbers 031627, 121426, and 011526; and Kanu Pets Freeze Dried Chicken Heart Raw Treats with lot number 031627.Raw Dog Barkery products were sold in Wisconsin through SimplyDried Treats, Magpies Gourmet Dog Treats, and What’s In the Bowl Delafield. BellePepper Cats products were sold in New York, and Kanu Pets products were sold in Florida.Do not feed any of these recalled products to pets or to any other animals. Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Then, thoroughly wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, storage containers, and wash your hands after handling the recalled produc
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Raw Bistro Dog Fare Grass-Fed Beef Frozen Entrée Has Salmonella Contamination
15/10/2025 Duration: 01minRaw Bistro Dog Fare Grass-Fed Beef Frozen Entrée Has Salmonella ContaminationVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DP2H_mADGN_/Salmonella can affect pets and poses a risk to humans from handling contaminated products especially if your hands or household surfaces are not thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. 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 239 with a Best By date of 08/27/2026.This contaminated product was sold in California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota between September 1 and September 17, 2025. Do not feed the product to pets and do not sell or donate it. Return the recalled product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Be certain to clean and sanitize bowls, utensils, and any surfaces that have come in contact with the product. Also, wash your hands thoroughly. For questions or additional information, contact Raw Bistro Pet Fare at 1-507-291-3