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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SALT Lounge Chairs On Recall
28/10/2020 Duration: 37sVidcast: https://youtu.be/b7sWcx3OddU The CPSC and Bed, Bath, and Beyond are recalling SALT Lounge Chairs. The chair frame’s locking mechanism may accidentally disengage leading to a possible fall. If you have one of these at home or in the office, stop using it immediately and return it to any Bed, Bath, and Beyond for a full refund. If you have questions, contact the triple B company at 1-800-462-3966. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Bed-Bath-and-Beyond-Recalls-SALT-Lounge-Chairs-Due-to-Fall-Hazard #loungechair #fall
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Recall of Cinnamon Apple Chips
28/10/2020 Duration: 40sVidcast: https://youtu.be/739VROa1p8g The FDA and the Seneca Snack Company are recalling Seneca and Clancy Branded Cinnamon Apple Chips. These products have possible salmonella contamination. Salmonella can cause a serious and sometimes fatal gastrenteritis in the very young, the old, or the immune compromised. If you have these products, return them to the point of purchase. You can obtain additional information by calling Seneca Foods at 1-800-872-1110. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/seneca-recalls-cinnamon-apple-chips-because-possible-health-risk #seneca #cinnamonapple #clancy #salmonella
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Multiple Spices On Recall
28/10/2020 Duration: 54sVidcast: https://youtu.be/lnL_MlqnYcA The FDA, Red Monkey Foods, and Sauer Brands, Inc. are recalling multiple spice products bearing the Cost Plus World Market, Great Value, O Organics, Full Circle and Spice Hunter brands due to contamination with salmonella. The spices include parsley, cinnamon, cloves, and pumpkin spice. Salmonella can cause a serious and sometimes fatal gastrenteritis in children, the frail, elders, and the immunocompromised. If you have any of these products, return them to the point of purchase. For additional information, contact Red Monkey Foods at 417-319-7300 or Sauer Brands at 1-800-444-3061. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/red-monkey-foods-inc-recalls-parsley-and-herbes-de-provence-because-possible-health-risk https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sauer-brands-inc-voluntarily-recalls-certain-spice-hunter-products-because-potential-salmonella #spices #salmonella #fda
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Pregnant Women Should Avoid ALL NSAIDS After 20 Weeks
28/10/2020 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/iL_fJgeNpQs The FDA warns all pregnant women that use of Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn and their generic versions ibuprofen, naproxen and even aspirin after the halfway mark of their gestations can trigger serious fetal kidney disease. NSAIDs were already a no-no during the last trimester, but that prohibition now begins 3 months earlier. Other medications should be used for pain relief including acetaminophen, branded as Tylenol. NSAIDs have been found to trigger fetal kidney malfunction with a subsequent reduction in the amniotic fluid surrounding the developing baby. If your doctor has prescribed NSAIDs to be taken for more than 2 days, the FDA recommends ultrasound monitoring for amniotic fluid sufficiency. https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-nsaids-drug-safety-communication-avoid-use-nsaids-pregnancy-20 #nsaids #kidney #amnioticfluid #advil #motrin #aleve #ibuprofen #naprosyn #aspirin
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Flu Vaccine Beefs Up Immunity Against CoVid
28/10/2020 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/IBeTHOR4H1w Influenza vaccine triggers immune cells to produce significantly more CoVid-killing cytokines in the test tube and is associated with a 40% lower incidence of CoVid in vaccinated individuals. Dutch researchers report these conclusions from laboratory studies and a review of 184 health care workers. Lymphocytes primed with flu vaccine and BCG adjuvant produced almost twice as much IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha as those primed with adjuvant alone. The patient data revealed a 2.23% incidence of CoVid among non-vaccinated staff compared with a 1.33% incidence for the vaccinated. Other studies consistently report that flu vaccinations reduce CoVid hospitalization, severity, and mortality. Get yours today! https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.14.20212498v1.full.pdf #covid #influenza #vaccination #cytokines
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CoVid Keeps On Killing
28/10/2020 Duration: 59sVidcast: https://youtu.be/DbExEBTTmFo Seventy percent of low risk, younger individuals contracting CoVid are left with chronic and life-threatening disease. Mayo Clinic researchers draw this conclusion from their study of 201 individuals with an average age of 44 years surveyed 4 months after their infection. The group reported cardiorespiratory problems in 92% and gastrointestinal issues in 73%. Two-thirds had documented single organ damage in the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas, or spleen and one in four had damage in multiple organs. CoVid continues to show us evidence that it is a chronic disease. It may not kill you initially, but it has the power to shorten your life with nasty, painful, debilitating disease. https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.14.20212555v1.full.pdf #covid #cardiac #pulmonary #gastrointestinal
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Make Your Designer Mask Safe
28/10/2020 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/a3IPszUQiI0 There are a gazillion fancy decorator masks, and many provide filters to slide into cloth pockets. The dirty secret: most won’t give you optimal protection. I’ll teach you how to make them the safest possible. The filters that come with the masks have a PM 2.5 specification. They can filter up to 90% of particles as small as 2.5 microns. Covid is 0.1 microns and may get through. You can use the provided filter as a pattern to cut a piece of HEPA filter paper from a HEPA H13 vacuum cleaner bag that is constructed of medical grade polypropylene and not fiberglass. Make certain that the mask fits tightly to your face. https://medifyair.com/blogs/blog-feed/medical-grade-hepa-true-hepa-and-hepa-type-what-s-the-difference https://niiceface.com/pages/pm2-5-filters Soniclean Upright HEPA Filter Bags https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q5KWGKM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_6LZJFb9XGK4HB #masks #filter #hepa #pm2.5
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Safest Masks Available
28/10/2020 Duration: 59shttps://youtu.be/nMUB4e0lxYk With CoVid now with us for the foreseeable future, you will need masks that are effective. Companies peddle all varieties of masks, and I want you to know which are the most effective. You want a mask capable of filtering out at least 95% of particles 0.3 microns or more in size which is the N95. Since CoVid is about 0.1 micron in size, even N95 or KN95 masks, the southeast Asian equivalent, aren’t ideal but likely as good as you can get short of a mask with HEPA filters. You can now buy KN95 masks online, but be certain to buy from a manufacturer approved by the FDA. I’ve included links to the approved list. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-euas Scroll down to Appendix A. https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/whats-the-difference-between-n95-and-kn95-masks/ #mask #n95 #kn95
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CoVid Spread Short and Long Distances
28/10/2020 Duration: 59sVidcast: https://youtu.be/8bcoGVVJtWA CoVid-19 is equally likely to spread from an infected person 6 feet away or less in droplets or up to 30 feet away or less in aerosols. A Canadian study surveyed the air around CoVid-infected persons merely breathing or coughing, speaking or singing. Coughing chiefly spreads virus via short-range droplets while speaking, singing, and even breathing spews CoVid via micro-aerosols that travel long distances and remain floating indoors in the absence of repeated air exchange and filtration. The bottom line: indoor dining for prolonged periods without filtering masks is risky. Outdoor dining is safest sitting at tables in excess of 6 feet apart and in mild to moderate winds. https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.13.20212233v1.full.pdf #covid #droplets #aerosols #distancing #mask
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Experts Suggest CoVid Vaccine Distribution Priorities
28/10/2020 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://youtu.be/K_NEsYH4_m0 When CoVid vaccines become available, our nation’s premiere medical, basic science, and engineering national academies recommend distribution in 5 phases. First would be the 5% of Americans who are health care workers and other first responders. Second would come the 10% at any age with complicating medical and living conditions plus those 65 and older. Third in line would be the 35% who are teachers and critical workers in the food supply chain and transportation sectors. Next would the 45% in universities, hotels, banks, and factories. The 5% remaining would then be vaccinated. Given the opportunity, though, at this time only 51% would definitely or probably accept vaccination. This must change! https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201002111729.htm #covid #pandemic #vaccine
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Nature-Throid® and WP Thyroid® Recalled
15/09/2020 Duration: 55sVidcast: https://youtu.be/qZULLNWJnTc The FDA and RLC Labs, Inc have recalled two thyroid replacement products, Nature-Throid® and WP Thyroid®. These products have been found to have substandard amounts of thyroid hormone. Levels as low as 87% of the expected dose have been measured. Those using these replacement medications may develop symptoms of hypothyroidism including fatigue, cold sensitivity, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, puffy face, slowed heart rate, and depression. If you purchased these products, do not discontinue their use without speaking with your doctors. If you have further questions, call RLC Labs at 1-877-797-7997. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/rlc-labs-inc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-all-lots-nature-throidr-and-wp-thyroidr-current #thyroid #naturethroid #wpthyroid
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Recall on Ancient Grain Jackfruit Bowl
15/09/2020 Duration: 39sVidcast: https://youtu.be/kRVjowvzjp8 The FDA and Fresco Food, Inc. are recalling the Ancient Grain Jackfruit Bowl. This product contains undeclared fish. The item was distributed in AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, TN and VA. The product has been discontinued. If you have a fish allergy, do not consume this product. For information about a refund, contact Fresco Foods at 1-813-551-2100. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fresco-foods-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-fish-anchovies-ancient-grain-jackfruit-bowl #grainbowl #fish
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Pretty Thai Sweet Chili Sauce Is Recalled
15/09/2020 Duration: 43sVidcast: https://youtu.be/g1pjBEC4zTo The FDA and The Pretty Thai Company announce the recall of Pretty Thai Sweet Chili Sauce. The jars of this sauce actually contain Pretty Thai Peanut Sauce. This mislabeling of the peanut sauce is a huge risk for any peanut allergic persons. If you have any of this chili sauce on your shelves, you may return it to the point of purchase for a refund or to obtain a jar of actual chili sauce. For questions, you may contact Pretty Thai by calling 1-512-981-6170. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/pretty-thai-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanuts-mislabeled-peanut-sauce #chilisauce #peanut
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More Contaminated Hand Sanitizers On Recall
15/09/2020 Duration: 50sVidcast: https://youtu.be/fhgmyqAEbhs The FDA and multiple companies have recalled their hand sanitizers because of contamination with poisonous methanol. The companies and brands include: M Alcohol Antiseptic 80%; bio aaa hand sanitizer; Always Be Clean and Just Hand Sanitizers; V Clean, Medical Minded, and Protz Hand Sanitizer; Florance Morris Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer 70% Alcohol. If you have any of these products, do not use them. Methanol is a poison and can produce severe nerve damage. Return the products to the store for a refund. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts #sanitizer #methanol
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WHILL Personal Mobility Vehicles Recalled
15/09/2020 Duration: 40sVidcast: https://youtu.be/KJwf-WKd8V8 The CPSC and WHILL announce the recall of its personal mobility vehicle model Ci. The vehicle’s control pad is defective, and intermittently turns power on and off causing speed instability. This poses crash and injury hazards. Stop using the vehicle and contact the company to arrange for a repair and replacement of the affected parts. Call WHILL at 1-844-699-4455. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/WHILL-Recalls-WHILL-Personal-Electric-Vehicles-Due-to-Crash-and-Injury-Hazards #mobilityvehicle #whill
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Recall On Cannondale Treadwell Bicycle Front Rack
15/09/2020 Duration: 41sVidcast: https://youtu.be/nl87miFmEq4 The CPSC and Cannondale have recalled the front rack with bamboo tray on its Treadwell bikes. This rack may unexpectedly detach, jam the front wheel, and create a fall hazard for the rider. Stop riding the bicycle until the front rack is removed. Contact your local Cannondale dealer or Cycling Sports Group to arrange for a free repair. Reach them by calling 1-800-245-3872 or 800-Bike USA. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Cycling-Sports-Group-Recalls-Front-Racks-for-Cannondale-Treadwell-Bicycles-Due-to-Fall-Hazard #rack #cannondale #treadwell
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Patio 2-Burner Gas Grills Recalled
15/09/2020 Duration: 33sVidcast: https://youtu.be/TRNGcwgSc3w The CPSC and Royal Gourmet are recalling Patio 2-burner gas grills. The product’s plastic regulator hose can melt and ignite posing fire and explosion hazards. Immediately stop using this grill and contact the company for a free, accessory repair kit, You may reach Royal Gourmet at 1-800-618-6798. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Royal-Gourmet-Recalls-Deluxe-Gas-Grills-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Wayfaircom #gasgrill #royalgourmet #fire
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Aflac Plush Toy Duck On Recall
15/09/2020 Duration: 35sVidcast: https://youtu.be/tQZirK0KvKg The CPSC and the Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company are recalling their plush Doctor Duck that was distributed to Aflac employees and licensed agents as promotional items as late as July 2020. The buttons on the lab coat worn by this quack doctor duck contain lead levels that exceed federal standards. If you have one of these, take it away from your child and toss it! https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/communicorp-recalls-plush-aflac-doctor-duck-due-to-violation-of-federal-lead-content #aflac #duck #lead
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Recall On SodaSense CO2 Canisters
15/09/2020 Duration: 36sVidcast: https://youtu.be/nTlOYeWCfBE The CPSC and the SodaSense Company are recalling type 2 Soda Sense 60 liter CO2 canisters. The canister is defective allowing CO2 to forcefully eject the top valve posing an injury hazard. If you have these canisters, do not use them. Contact the SodaSense company at 1-855-209-4997 to request a replacement. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/soda-sense-recalls-co2-canisters-due-to-injury-hazard-recall-alert #co2canister #sodasense
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Tylenol Makes You More Daring
15/09/2020 Duration: 54sVidcast: https://youtu.be/KK7v7-PK51E The acetaminophen you take for a headache or toothache may inadvertently drive you to tell your boss off or to drive less defensively. Ohio State psychologists studied a total of 542 undergrads in 3 randomized controlled studies. Those students taking acetaminophen demonstrated twice as much risky behavior on a virtual ballon inflation game compared with those on placebo. They inflated the balloons with abandon bursting them. Normally nearly one in every 4 Americans takes acetaminophen on a regular basis. During our current pandemic, use is skyrocketing and that threatens an epidemic of bad judgment. https://academic.oup.com/scan/advance-article/doi/10.1093/scan/nsaa108/5897711 #tylenol #acetaminophen #risk