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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School Masking Prevents CoVid
05/08/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/c4Ol1ZINFo0 Primary CoVid infections occurred half as often and secondary transmission was 72% lower in schools that mandated universal masking vs those where masking was optional. This the conclusion of a multistate observational study led by Duke University researchers during the last 6 months of 2021. Data from 1,112,899 students and 157,069 school staff in 9 states were included in the study. In schools with universal masking, the incidence of primary CoVid infections was 2.7 per 1000 students. Compare that with the incidence of 4.3 per 1000 in schools with partial masking and 5.4 per 1000 in schools with optional masking. The inescapable conclusion: school masking keeps kids healthy. Good public health requires rules driven by science and data and citizen teamwork. Personal rights and freedoms become secondary to public safety since your individual precautions or lack of them affects all of us. This principle applies not only to masking but also to vaccination,
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Monkeypox Is Spreading Rapidly
05/08/2022 Duration: 03minVidcast: https://youtu.be/utqGh5aJvwg Monkeypox, the orthopox viral infection typically only occurring in Africa, is rapidly spreading around the world. As of August 4th, the total number of worldwide cases was 26,864 with all but 345 occurring in countries where this disease has not been previously reported. Though not usually fatal, at least 77 Africans have died and an additional 5 deaths have been reported outside of Africa. The total number of confirmed US monkeypox cases as of August 4th is 7102 with cases occurring in every state except Montana and Wyoming. Most current US cases associated with male-male sexual intimacy. The states hit the hardest are New York, Florida, Illinois, Texas, and California. The last major US outbreak occurred in 2003 with 47 confirmed or probable cases in 6 states, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin, traced to infected pet prairie dogs that had been housed near imported small mammals from Africa. Then, in 2021, two isolated cases of mo
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Marutomo Dashi Soup Base Has Wheat and Soy
30/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/L3GrfbVVXSs The FDA and Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc.announce the recall of Marutomo Dashi Soup Base. This product has undeclared what and soy. Those will soy allergies, wheat allergies, gluten sensitivities, and celiac disease can develop serious allergic reactions after ingesting this product. The affected product has best buy date between July 1, 2021 and July 22, 2022. If you purchased this product and anyone in your household has a wheat or soy allergy, return this product to the place of purchase. For more information, contact Wismettac Asian Foods via email at recall@wismettacusa.com. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wismettac-asian-foods-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-and-soy-dashi-soup-base #Marutomo #soup #wheat #soy#gluten #celiac #allergy #recall
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More Mag Citrate Laxatives Are Recalled
30/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/Em9TU8x5nkA The FDA and Vi-Jon LLC are extending the recall of multi-branded Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxative Oral Solutions to include cherry and grape flavors as well as the initially recalled lemon flavor. Again, the brands involved include: Best Choice, Care One, Cariba, Cruz Blanc, CVS, Discount Drug Mart, Equaline, Equate Exchange Select, Family Wellness, Good Sense, Harris Teeter, HEB, Health Mart, Kroger, Leader, Major, Meijer, Premier Value, Publix, Quality Choice, Recall Rite Aid Signature Care, Sound Body, Sunmark, Swan, Tricare, Up & Up and Walgreens. All of these laxative products are potentially contaminated with the bacterium Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens. Immunocompromised persons infected with the bacterium can develop serious and life-threatening invasive infections. Stop using these products and return them to the place of purchase for a refund. For additional information, contact Vi-Jon, LLC via e-mail Recalls@Vijon.com. https://www.fda.gov/safe
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Bathroom Deodorizing and Aromatic Burning Oils Are Not Child-Safe
30/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/jIgeCuod-us The CPSC and Aesop USA Inc. have recalled Aesop Post-Poo Drops and four Aesop Oil Burner Blends. These aromatic oil products are not sold in child-resistant packing as required by the federal Poison Prevention Packaging Act creating a risk of poisoning. About 154,300 units were sold in the US and about 21,900 were sold in Canada at Aesop, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and other stores nationwide. Stop using these products and store them out of reach of children. Contact Aesop at 1-888-422-4773 or via email at customerservice@aesop.com for instructions regarding safe product disposal and how to receive a full refund in the form of an Aesop digital gift card. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Aesop-USA-Recalls-Bathroom-Deodorizing-Drops-and-Oil-Burner-Blends-Due-to-Failure-to-Meet-Child-Resistant-Packaging-Requirements-and-Violation-of-FHSA-Labeling-Requirement-Risk-of-Poisoning #aesop #postpoo #oilburner #packaging #children
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Underwater Communication Devices May Short Out
29/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/7dwc-FqmKOg The CPSC and Ocean Technology Systems are recalling PowerCom 3000D, 5000D and MilCom 6000D underwater communication devices powered by the RBLi-4 Lithium battery pack as well as the batteries that are also sold separately. These devices are used for underwater communications during SCUBA dives. These communicators and the battery cases are not completely waterproof permitting water to enter and short out the battery leading to fires and burns on dry land. About 500 of these units were sold in the US and about 36 were sold in Canada at Blue Dolphin Dive Shop in North Carolina, Performance Scuba in Alabama, the Lauderdale Marine Center in Florida, Mountain West Commercial Diving in Idaho, and at other dive shops nationwide as well as online at otscomm.com. Stop using these devices, remove the battery pack, and contact Ocean Technology Systems at 1-800-550-1984 or via email at salessupport@oceantechnologysystems.com to receive a free, waterproof, replacement batter
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Kidoozie Play Tents and Playhouses Are Flammable
29/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/GpBBYleKC7Y The CPSC and Epoch Everlasting Play are recalling Kidoozie™ Play Tents and Playhouses. These fabric play structures do not meet federal flammability standards creating a risk of fires and burn injuries. About 251,600 of these play structures were sold in the US and about 37,200 were sold in Canada at Target, Marshalls, Barnes & Noble, Toys R Us, and other independent toy stores and online at amazon.com, zulily.com, and fatbraintoys.com. Immediately discontinue use of these structures by your children. Contact Epoch Everlasting Play at 1-800-631-1272or via email at productsafety@epocheverlastingplay.com for a full refund or for a free replacement product. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Epoch-Everlasting-Play-Recalls-Kidoozie-Play-Tents-and-Playhouses-Due-to-Flammability-Risk-and-Burn-Hazard #Kidoozie #tents #playhouses #flammable #fires #burns #recall
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More Furnace Evaporator Drain Pans Can Melt
29/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/kEjjai5xFkg The CPSC and the DCT, formerly Goodman, company have extended their recall of molded plastic evaporator drain pans installed in condensing and non-condensing gas furnaces with an up-flow coil configuration. This extension also recalls DCT pains installed in competitor-branded furnaces, that is not Goodman, DCT, or Amana models. These pans may overheat, deform, and melt creating fire and burn hazards. About 298,300 of these pans were sold in the US an about 44,000 were sold in Canada. If you have one of these pans or think that you may have one, contact DCT at 1-888-520-0579 to determine if your pan is included in the recall. If your pan is recalled, you can register for a free repair by a qualified technician. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Daikin-Comfort-Technologies-Manufacturing-formerly-Goodman-Manufacturing-Company-L-P-Expands-Recall-of-Evaporator-Coil-Drain-Pans-to-Include-Those-Installed-with-Non-Condensing-Gas-Furnaces-Due-to-Fire-Hazard #evapor
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Another Avalanche Handheld Electronics Malfunction
29/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/lrdYz9jKwF8 The CPSC and Black Diamond announce the recall of Pieps Pro BT and Powder BT Avalanche Transceivers. These transceivers may not switch from the SEND to the SEARCH mode preventing the device from locating a skier trapped in an avalanche and leading to a severe injury or death. About 76,300 of these units were sold in the US and about 21,300 were sold in Canada at Liberty Mountain, REI, and other specialty outdoor stores nationwide and online at backcountry.com. Do not trust these devices until you have done a safety check to verify that the devices can switch into SEARCH mode from SEND mode. If your device cannot consistently do so, contact Black Diamond at 1-866-306-0865 to receive a prepaid mailer to return your device for a free repair or replacement. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Black-Diamond-Equipment-Recalls-PIEPS-and-Black-Diamond-Avalanche-Transceivers-Due-to-Risk-of-Loss-of-Emergency-Communications #pieps #powder #avalanche #transceiver #search
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Multiple Brands of Closed Course Competition Motorcycles Have Connecting Rod Issues
29/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/3Alphq-ASN8 The CPSC and KTM, Husqvarna and GASGAS Motorcycles are recalling their individually branded Closed Course Competition Motorcycles. These include KTM 2022 125 SX, 125 XC, 150 SX, Husqvarna TC 125, and GASGAS MC 125. The connecting rods on these cycles can break leading to crashes and injuries. About 3310 of the motorcycles were sold in the US at the motorcycle company dealerships. Immediately stop riding these recalled closed course competition motorcycles and contact an authorized KTM, Husqvarna or GASGAS Motorcycle dealer to schedule a free repair that involves replacing the CDI box. For more information, call the customer service line for these companies at 1-888-985-6090. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/KTM-North-America-Recalls-Closed-Course-Competition-Motorcycles-Due-to-Crash-and-Injury-Hazards-Recall-Alert #motorcycles #closdcourse #connectingrod #crashes #injuries #recall
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Textron ATVs Have Electrical Problems
29/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/C8lPdPJGcqc The CPSC and Textron Specialized Vehicles now recall Arctic Cat Alterra 600 and Tracker 600 All-Terrain Vehicles. Fuses in these vehicles’ electrical systems tend to fail leading to sudden engine power and headlight losses with a risk for crashes and injuries. About 1760 of these ATVs were sold in the US and about 550 were sold in Canada. If you have one of these vehicles, call Textron Specialized Vehicles at 1-888-525-6040 or email the company at jcook03@textron.com to determine if your vehicle is part of the recall. If so, Textron will send you a 20 amp replacement fuse and a new fuse box label. If you wish, you can also bring your ATV to a dealer or authorized repair shop. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Textron-Specialized-Vehicles-Recalls-All-Terrain-Vehicles-ATVs-Due-to-Crash-Hazard-Recall-Alert #textron #atv #electrical #crash #injuries #recall
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Cabrinha Kite Pulleys Damage Control Lines
29/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/Fl0ofq32ty4 The CPSC and Adventure Sports Inc have recalled the ceramic pulleys sold with Cabrinha Switchblade and Drifter kite sailing kites. These pulleys cause the bridle line connections to sever with a reduction in kite steering and control leading to possible injuries. About 1950 of these kites were sold at Kite Surfing stores including Kiteboarding Saint Petersburg and Best Pro Kiteboarding in Florida, Adventure Sports USA, and online at cabrinha.com and at other websites. Immediately stop using these recalled Switchblade and Drifter kite sailing kites and contact the place of purchase, an authorized dealer, or the Adventure Sports company itself for a free pulley replacement kit with installation instructions for the kites. Reach Adventure sports at 1-800-399-5734. The company can also arrange free installation of the new pulleys if you require help. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Adventure-Sports-Recalls-Ceramic-Pulleys-for-Cabrinha-Switchblade-and-Drifter-Ki
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NUK Glass Baby Bottles Have Lead Markings
29/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/ZD2wIixw8M8 The CPSC and the NUK company have recalled NUK First Choice 240 mL Glass Baby Bottles. The liquid volume markings on the outside of these bottles contain lead levels that exceed the federal safety specifications. Lead is a neurotoxin and creates significant health issues in children with developing brains. About 100 of these bottles were sold in the US and about 77 were sold in Canada online exclusively at Amazon.com. Stop using these bottles and sequester them away from children. Contact NUK at 1-888-685-1238 for instructions regarding bottle return and refunds. You can also obtain a free return kit online at recall.nuk-usa.com. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/First-Choice-Glass-Baby-Bottles-Recalled-by-NUK-Due-to-Violation-of-the-Federal-Lead-Content-Ban-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon-com-Recall-Alert #nuk #glassbottles #lead #children #toxicity #recall
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Spring Green Flavor Chopped Egg and Vegetables Are Contaminated
26/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/k0t3DlU8ldM The FDA and Eat Just Inc. have recalled Spring Green Flavor Chopped Egg and Vegetables. This product has been found to contain listeria monocytogenes. Listeria can produce nasty gastrointestinal and systemic infections in the very young, in elders who are weak or unhealthy, or in those with weak immune systems. Listeria may also trigger miscarriages and stillbirths. The product lots in question have use by dates in June, 2023. They were sold at retail locations in Arizona, California, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas. If you bought this product, don’t consume it but return it to the place of purchase for a refund. For more informations, contact Eat Just customer care at 1-844-423-6637 or via email at wecare@ju.st. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/eat-just-inc-recalls-just-egg-chopped-spring-greens-because-possible-health-risk #eatjust #choppedegg #vegetables #listeria #infection #recall
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Natural Grocers Organic Amaranth Grain Has Bacterial Contamination
26/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/TKgA_ean10o The FDA and the Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc.have recalled Natural Grocers Organic Amaranth Grain. This product has salmonella contamination. Salmonella produces serious and life-threatening gastroenteritis and systemic infections in the very young, frail elders, and in those with immunosuppression. The recall product was sold at Natural Grocers’ stores in Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Immediately discontinue use of this product and return it to the point of purchase for a refund. For more information contact Natural Grocers’ Customer Service at 1-at 303-986-4600, ext. 80801. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/natural-grocersr-issues-voluntary-recall-organic-amaranth-grain-due-potential-presence-salmonella #amaranthgrain #naturalgrocers #salmonella #infec
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Aivia Whey Protein & Power Herbs Contain Milk
26/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/TsBDJ_Z_TIw The FDA and Nature’s Sunshine Products Inc. are recalling Aivia Whey Protein & Power Herbs meal replacement products. These items contain milk but fail to declare that fact on their labels. Those with milk allergies would develop severe or lief-threatening allergic reactions should they ingest this product. Affected at all batches with expiration dates between September 1, 2021 and July 20, 2022. If you or a household member have a milk allergy, dispose of this product and contact Nature’s Sunshine Products by phone at 1-800-223-8225 or cvia email at productrecall@natr.com for a full refund. The product is safe to consume for those without a milk allergy. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/natures-sunshine-products-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-aivia-whey-protein-power-herbs #aivia #wheyprotein #powerherbs milk #allergy #recall
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Sustango Dietary Supplement for Male Enhancement Has a Hidden Drug
26/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/DVaCJ-YfoNY The FDA and Wilmington DE Ultra Supplement LLC announce the recall of Sustango Dietary Supplement for Male Enhancement. The affected batch is lot DAP272109, Exp. 4/1/26. This supplement is tainted with tadalafil, the genetic ingredient in the erectile dysfunction prescription medication Cialis, making it an unapproved drug with unproven safety and efficacy. Tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor which interacts with and potentiates the effects of nitrate-containing drugs such as nitroglycerin. This undesirable interaction may lead to dangerous blood pressure reductions. The product was sold at amazon.com which is arranging for the return of the product for a refund. For more information about this recall, contact the company at 1-800-975-7070 or via e-mail at UltraSupplementLLC@gmail.com. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ultra-supplement-llc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-sustango-due-presence-undeclared-tadalafil
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Key West Knock Down Hammock Stands May Collapse
26/07/2022 Duration: 53sVidcast: https://youtu.be/ZZOSWvdMORA The CPSC and The Hammock Source have recalled Key West Knock Down Hammock Stands. The weld that attaches the stand to its base may fracture and create fall and injury hazards. About 32,500 of these hammock stands were sold at Lowe’s stores nationwide and online at Lowes.com. Stop using this hammock stand and contact The Hammock Source tat 1-888-744-4366 for via email at Standrecall@keywest-hammocks.com for a full refund. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/The-Hammock-Source-Recalls-Key-West-Knock-Down-Hammock-Stands-Due-to-Fall-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Lowes #keywest #hammockstand #collapse #fall #injuries #recall
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Aqualung i330R SCUBA Diving Computers Are Inaccurate
26/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/asyihNEf67o The CPSC and AquaLung are recalling Aqualung i330R SCUBA Diving Computers. These faulty wrist wearables fail to accurately measure current depth and thus display incorrect sea dive time calculations at depths exceeding 3,000 feet leading to decompression illness and drowning hazards. About 16,400 of these scuba diving wearables were sold at Dive stores nationwide. Immediately stop using and depending on these diving computers. Contact AquaLung at 1-800-882-1404 or via email at support@aqualung.com to arrange for a free repair. Owners may also download a software update through the DiverLog+ application or bring there dive computer to a Dive store to have the software update installed. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Aqualung-Recalls-i330R-SCUBA-Diving-Computers-Due-to-Injury-and-Drowning-Hazards #aqualung #divecomputer #decompression #drowning #recall
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Baby Mirror Toy Bear Activity Toy Has Sharp Edges
26/07/2022 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/qg8_BMGuDhM The CPSC and the Konges Sløjd company are recalling the Silicone Baby Mirror Toy Bear Activity Toy. The mirror embedded in this toy’s silicon cover may extrude exposing its sharp edges and creating a laceration hazard for young children. About 85 of these bear activity toys were sold in the US and bout 18 were sold in Canada. Immediately take this toy away from your kids and contact Konges Sløjd collect at 1-917-730-1075 or via email at info@kongessloej.com in order to arrange for a full refund. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Silicone-Baby-Toy-Bear-Activity-Toys-Recalled-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard-Manufactured-by-Konges-Slojd-Denmark-A-S #bearmirroractivitytoy #laceration #recall