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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YaFiti 12-Drawer White Dressers Tip Over, Entrap, and Kill
14/07/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DME5ZB8ul86/These tall dressers are unstable if not anchored to a wall. They create risks of serious injury or death for children. Affected is model number HI1381_02.About 6,000 dressers were sold exclusively online through Amazon from September 2023 through March 2025.Immediately unload and stop using the dressers until they are securely anchored/. For safety’s sake, move them to an area inaccessible to children. To receive a full refund, contact YaFiti toll-free at 1-877-452-4067 to obtain disposal instructions and submit a photo of the disposed unit to Yafitiservice@outlook.com. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/YaFiti-White-Dressers-Recalled-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Tip-Over-and-Entrapment-Hazards-Violations-of-Federal-Standard-for-Clothing-Storage-Units-Sold-on-Amazon#yafiti #dressers #12drawer #tipover #entrapment #death #children #recall
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AstroAI Minifridges Overheat
14/07/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DME454-pBKD/AstroAI 4-Liter/6-Can Minifridges have electrical switches that short circuit leading to fires and burns. The affected units are model number LY0204A with serial numbers starting with 19, 20, 21, 2201, 2202, or 2203.About 249,100 of these fridges were sold nationwide through Amazon.com and AstroAI.com from June 2019 through June 2022.Turn off these minifridges immediately. Contact AstroAI for a free replacement by writing the word “Recalled” on the fridge in permanent marker and sending a photo showing both the model and serial number to recall@astroai.com or upload it at astroai.com/product-recall. Then discard the unit at your local recycling center. For additional information, call AstroAI at 1-877-278-7624.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/AstroAI-Recalls-Minifridges-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Two-Fires-Resulted-in-More-Than-360000-in-Reported-Property-Damages#astroai #inifridge #overheating #fires #burns #recall
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Polaris Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles Light Up
14/07/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DME4SsMtIjr/Polaris Model Year 2023–2024 Ranger XP Kinetic and Model Year 2025 Pro XD Kinetic Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles have cracked filters that permit water to leak into the high-voltage charging components with short circuits, fires, and burns. Also affected are specific charger service parts and kits, with part numbers 2417296, 2417297, 2889704, and 2889486.About 4,900 vehicles and 185 accessory kits were sold in the US and about 330 additional units were sold in Canada all through Polaris dealers from April 2023 through March 2025.Vehicle owners should contact an authorized Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. For more information, call Polaris at 1-800-765-2747 or email the company at owner.Connections@polaris.com.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Polaris-Recalls-Ranger-XP-Kinetic-and-Pro-XD-Kinetic-Recreational-Off-Highway-Vehicles-ROVs-Due-to-Fire-Hazard#polaris #offroad #chargers #shortcircuits #fires #burns #recall
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Crayan Mattresses Easily Ignite
14/07/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DME3wYRxTYW/These mattresses fail to meet federal flammability standards for open flame resistance creating risks of fires burns, and possible death. The recall includes 10-inch and 12-inch mattresses sold in Twin, Full, Queen, and King sizes.About 100,000 units were sold exclusively online at Amazon.com between July 2022 and June 2024.Stop sleeping on these mattresses and contact Crayan at 1-779-605-4458 or via the email crayan_service@hotmail.com for a full refund. To qualify, mark the word “Recalled” clearly across the top panel of the mattress, take a photo, and email it to confirm disposal.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Crayan-Mattresses-Recalled-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Fire-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Standard-for-Mattress-Flammability-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon-by-Crayan#crayan #mattress #flammability #fires #burns #recall
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TADAKAZU Baby Loungers Could Suffocate Your Baby
14/07/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DME3FNEvhWn/These loungers, marketed as “baby nests,” violate federal safety standards for infant sleep products due to insufficient side heights, overly thick sleeping pads, and openings that entrap. All in all, they create a dangerous environment that leads to falls, suffocation, strangulation, and possible death.About 7,600 loungers were sold exclusively on Amazon between September 2024 and May 2025.Immediately stop putting your babies in these recalled loungers. To receive a full refund, remove the sleeping pad, cut up the sides and pad, and email a photo of the destroyed product to tadakazurecall@yeah.net.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/TADAKAZU-Baby-Loungers-Recalled-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Suffocation-Fall-and-Entrapment-Hazards-Violations-of-Federal-Standard-for-Infant-Sleep-Products-Sold-on-Amazon#tadakazu #infant #lounger #falls #suffocation #strangulation #recall
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MaxKare Electric Blankets Overdo The Heating
14/07/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DME2dqVAsDa/These blankets overheat and ignite creating burn and fire hazards. Affected is model HB18A and lot numbers HB18A-7284-1, HB18A-8490-2, and HB18A-6284-1.About 8,560 blankets were sold exclusively online at Walmart.com between June 2021 and November 2024.Stop using these recalled blankets. To receive a full refund, take a photo of the blanket and email it to yumoofficial@126.com. Then confirm the blanket has been properly disposed of by following instructions provided by Yumo. For more information, contact Yumo toll-free at 1-866-620-0026. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/MaxKare-Electric-Blankets-Recalled-Due-to-Burn-and-Fire-Hazards-Manufactured-by-Yumo-and-Sold-Exclusively-on-Walmart-com#maxkare #electricblankets #overheating #fires #burns #recall
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Coleman Camping Cots and Stretchers Chop Fingers
14/07/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DME17uCR2Fr/Coleman Converta Camping Cots and Converta Camping Suspension Stretchers have backrest fold mechanisms that can pinch, lacerate, and/or even amputate your or your children’s fingersAbout 228,760 of these camping cots and stretchers were sold in the US and 438 were sold in Canada at Walmart and other stores nationwide as well as online at amazon.com all from January 2011 through March 2025.Stop using these recalled camping cots and stretchers. Contact The Coleman Company by calling 1-800-835-3278 to receive a free repair kit, which includes step-by-step installation instructions.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/The-Coleman-Company-Recalls-Converta-Camping-Cots-and-Converta-Camping-Suspension-Stretchers-Due-to-Laceration-and-Amputation-Hazards-Imported-by-Newell-Brands#coleman #camping #cots #stretchers #finger #injuries #amputation #recall
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California Gold Nutrition Iron Supplements Endanger Your Kids
14/07/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DME05fOOJJE/California Gold Nutrition’s iron-containing supplements Daily Prenatal Multi, Ultamins Women’s Multivitamins, and Ultamins Women’s 50+ Multivitamins are not packaged in child-resistant containers, and ingestion of this much iron can be seriously toxic and even fatal for children.About 60,000 packages of these supplements were sold online at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Target.com, and other websites from January 2019 through April 2025.Immediately store the recalled supplements out of reach and sight of children and contact iHerb for a full refund by emailing ProductRecall@iherb.com with the subject line “Iron Supplement Refund.” Include your name, product name and quantity, and photo evidence of destruction showing your initials, the date on each package, and if you have it, your order number. For more info, call iHerb at 1-888-430-4770.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/iHerb-Recalls-Bottles-and-Blister-Packs-of-California-Gold-Nutrition-Iron-Supplements-Due-to-
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DR Power Lithium-Ion Battery Packs Ignite
14/07/2025 Duration: 02minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DME0TmXABzR/DR Power LiPRO 62-volt 5.0 amp-hour rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs short-circuit and ignite leading to fires and burns. Affected is model number 414240 sold individually and packaged with DR Power lawnmowers, trimmers, and snow throwers with model numbers 524340, SB11022XEN, T4X3026XEN, T4X3062XENR, CE75021XEN0, and CE77021XEN0.About 13,200 battery packs were sold nationwide at home improvement and hardware stores and online at DRPower.com and CountryHomeProducts.com from April 2018 through July 2024.Immediately stop using these recalled battery packs. To receive a pro-rated refund based on the battery’s age, complete the recall form at drpower.com/5AHB-recall. You will have to upload two photographs showing the destroyed battery. For more information, contact DR Power at 1-800-454-8643 or via the email recall@drpower.com. Do not throw these batteries in the trash or curbside recycling but visit your local hazardous waste center.https://www.cpsc.gov/R
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Total Saddle’s Western Saddles Can Dump You Off Your Mount
13/07/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMENPu3NzYp/The Total Saddle Fit Shoulder Relief Saddle Cinches come apart while you ride allowing your saddle to slide off your horse. The affected cinches are sold in black and brown leather, measure between 24 and 36 inches, and feature a round buckle without a center elastic. Only the cinches sold before August 2021 are affected.About 10,000 of these defective cinches were sold nationwide online at TotalSaddleFit.com and at retail locations such as Hitching Post Tack Shop, Tack & Western Wear, and Saddlery Direct from August 2015 through August 2021.If you bought one of these saddle cinches, stop using it immediately. Contact Total Saddle Fit via the email care@totalsaddlefit.com for a free replacement.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Total-Saddle-Fit-Recalls-Western-Saddle-Cinches-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards#totalsaddlefit #cinches #release #falls #recall
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Bell Sports Bicycle Helmets Won’t Protect
13/07/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMEMmJuOXyF/These helmets do not comply with the impact protection requirements set by the Consumer Product Safety leading to head injuries in the event of a crash. Affected models include the Axle, Cadence, Rev, Frenzy, and Passage helmets with model numbers B0494Y, B0605C, and B0605Y.About 31,200 of these helmets were sold in the US and 480 units were sold in Canada at Walmart, Target, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and other retailers as well as online at Amazon.com, FredMeyer.com, Academy.com, and Target.com, from September 2024 through May 2025.Stop wearing these recalled helmets. To receive a full refund, cut the straps off the helmet and email photos of the destroyed product to consumersupport-bell@bellhelmets.com. For more information, call Bell Sports at 1-800-456-2355 or visit thebellgarage.com and click on the “Recall” banner at the top of the page.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Bell-Sports-Recalls-Bicycle-Helmets-Due-to-Risk-of-Head-Injury-Violation-of-Federal-
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Boyro Baby Walkers Are Dangerous and Toxic
13/07/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMELMM5v_De/These walkers can fit through standard doorways and fail to stop at the edge of a step leading to serious injuries or death. Then too, the brake pads contain dangerously high lead levels and can poison your baby if ingested. Affected is model number US-B01.About 1,500 of these baby walkers were sold exclusively on Amazon.com between August 2024 and December 2024.Stop using these recalled walkers. To receive a full refund, disassemble the walker and send three photos of the destroyed product to boyrobaby@outlook.com. Boyro Baby will issue a refund once the photos are received. If you need more information, email boyrobaby@outlook.com or visit boyrobaby.com/round-walker-safety-recall.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Boyro-Baby-Walkers-Recalled-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-to-Children-from-Fall-Hazard-Violations-of-the-Federal-Standard-for-Infant-Walkers-and-Lead-Content-Ban-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon-com#boyrobaby #walker #falls #lead #poisoning #reca
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509 and Polaris Helmets Don’t Meet Safety Standards To Protect Your Kids’ Heads
13/07/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMEKnQ_tyF2/Affected are 509 and Polaris branded Tactical 3.0 Youth, Mountain, and Trail helmets, and Tactical 2.0 small and medium helmets, and multiple models equipped with Fidlock® strap systems all manufactured from 2020 through 2025.About 201,200 of these helmets were sold in the United States and 26,800 were sold in Canada online at ride509.com and polaris.com, and at 509 and Polaris dealers from January 2020 through May 2025.Stop allowing your children to wear these helmets. To receive a refund if purchased online, a replacement, or a store credit, use separate contact info for the 509 and Polaris brands. For 509-branded Tactical 3.0 and small/medium 2.0 helmets made in 2023, contact 509 at 1-877-743-3509 or via the email support@ride509.com. For the same models under the Polaris brand, contact Polaris at 1-800-765-2747 or via the email Owner.Connections@polaris.com. No proof of purchase is needed. After you receive the recall confirmation and destruction instruc
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Positec Chainsaws and Pole Saws Might Saw You
13/07/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMEJNuevKBO/Positec’s Hyper Tough, Worx, and Portland brand Chainsaws and Polesaws have faulty main switches that allow the saws to continue cutting even after the switch is released. Affected units include the Hyper Tough 9 Amp Electric Corded 14” Chainsaw, Worx 8 Amp 14” Electric Chainsaw, Worx 8 Amp Electric Pole Saw, and Portland 9 Amp 14” Chainsaw.About 49,000 of these electric saws were sold in the United States, an an additional 3,000 saws were sold in Canada at Walmart, Harbor Freight, Worx.com, Amazon.com, and HarborFreight.com from September 2024 through March 2025.Stop using these dangerous chainsaws and pole saws and contact Positec at 1-888-997-8871 or via the email chainsawrecall@positecgroup.com to receive a free return box and pre-paid shipping label. Once your recalled unit is received, Positec will send you a replacement chainsaw or pole saw at no cost.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Positec-Recalls-Electric-Corded-Chainsaws-and-Pole-Saws-Due-to-Lacera
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Harbor Freight Predator Power Stations Are Shockingly Dangerous
12/07/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMA9yXjuHQo/Harbor Freight Tools Predator 2000 Watt Power Stations, when used in Emergency Power Supply mode, have wires in the AC outlet receptacles that are reversed, creating a risk of electric shocks. Affected is SKU number 70084 and UPC 193175488718.About 6,500 units were sold at Harbor Freight Tools stores nationwide between February 2025 and April 2025.Immediately stop using these recalled power stations and return them to any Harbor Freight Tools location for a free replacement unit. For additional information, contact Harbor Freight Tools at 1-800-444-3353 or via the email recall@harborfreight.com. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Harbor-Freight-Tools-Recalls-Predator-2000-Watt-Power-Stations-Due-to-Shock-Hazard#harborfreight #powerstation #shock #recall
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DEWALT Elite Grinder Discs Could Grind You
12/07/2025 Duration: 01minVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMA86yVtFo6/DEWALT Elite Series 4.5-inch 40G T27 High Density Grinder Flap Disc have ceramic cloth abrasive flaps that detach during use leading to serious lacerations and other injuries. These grinder discs are used with angle grinders for heavy-duty work. Affected are models DWA8280HRT and DWA8280RT, with date codes from 2024-36 to 2024-48.About 17,680 units were sold nationwide at industrial supply stores including Grainger, Fastenal, and Airgas, as well as online at Amazon.com, between September 2024 and May 2025.Stop using these recalled flap discs. To receive a refund, visit the DEWALT website at dewalt.com/support/safety-notices-and-recalls/flap-disc-recall. You’ll need to write “Recall” on the disc, upload a photo, and certify that it’s been thrown away. For more information, call DEWALT at 1-800-990-6421 or email the company at recall@sbdinc.com.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/DEWALT-Recalls-Grinder-Flap-Discs-Due-to-Laceration-and-Injury-Hazards#dewalt #grinde
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Bornstein Seafood’s Cooked & Peeled Ready-To-Eat Coldwater Shrimp Meat
17/06/2025 Duration: 50sBornstein Seafood’s Cooked & Peeled Ready-To-Eat Coldwater Shrimp Meat Has Listeria Contamination. This bacterium 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. This contaminated shrimp was sold in California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada.Do not consume this shrimp but return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Bornstein Seafoods via email at Andrew@bornstein.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bornstein-seafoods-inc-recalls-cooked-peeled-ready-eat-coldwater-shrimp-meat-because-possible-healthVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLBEpM9A3M0/#bornstein #shrimp #listeria #infection #recall
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Salted Smoked Split Herring
17/06/2025 Duration: 01minSalted Smoked Split Herring Has Clostridium Botulinum Contamination. This toxic bacterium can trigger weakness, dizziness, difficulty speaking or breathing. Affected is lot #1 PRC5073.This recalled herring was distributed to retail locations in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and repackaged by retail stores into deli-style or other containers. DO NOT to eat this fish even if it does not appear or smell spoiled. Return it to the store of purchase for a full refund. If you’ve already eaten the product and are experiencing symptoms, seek emergency medical attention. For more recall information, call P. East Trading Corp. at (718) 991-6070 or email the company at peastl@gmail.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/p-east-trading-corp-distributors-issues-alert-uneviscerated-salted-smoked-split-herring-dueVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLBEFaUA0oa/#herring #clostridium #weakness #breathing #recall
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Hofood99 Enoki Mushrooms
17/06/2025 Duration: 56sHofood99 Enoki Mushrooms Have Listeria Contamination. This bacterium 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. Affected is product with UPC barcode 6 976532 310051.These enoki mushrooms were sold nationwide in retail stores.If you purchased these mushrooms, immediately return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, call Hofood99 Inc. at (917) 756-9833.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hofood99-inc-recalls-enoki-mushroom-due-possible-health-riskVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLBDbPBgevS/#hofood99 #enoki #mushrooms #listeria #infection #recall
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Floria Dried Apricots
17/06/2025 Duration: 01minFloria Dried Apricots Contain Undeclared Sulfites. on the product labeling. Those with asthma or sulfite allergies can develop serious reactions should they consume these apricots. Affected is lot #440090478-15-333 with an expiration date of November 2026.These apricots were sold in Florida, Kentucky, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, Ohio, Alabama, Missouri, and California. Do not consume these apricots but return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, call Turkana Food Inc. at 908-810-8800.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/turkana-food-inc-recall-flora-dried-apricots-undeclared-sulfites-product-labeling-because-possibleVidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLBCwZ0g8nS/#floria #apricots #sulfites #allergy #asthma #recall