Dr. Howard Smith Reports

My First Snowman Toy’s Top Hat Can Choke Your Children. The toy snowman’s top hat breaks into small ingestible pieces and creates a choking hazard for small children.About 30,800 of these toys were sold in the United States, and an additional 692 were sold in Canada.Stop allowing your children to play with this recalled snowman toy, remove the top hat, and keep it away from children. To receive a free replacement, contact The Step2 Company by phone at (800) 347-8372 or via the email step2-company@step2.net to obtain disposal instructions.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/The-Step2-Company-Recalls-My-First-Snowman-Toys-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Choking-HazardVidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DLAnyfwgPHG/#myfirstsnowman #step2 #hat #ingestion #choking #recall

Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/CviHuxTL89c/ Good news for parents of kids with severe food allergies and asthma.  ARS Pharmaceuticals has developed a system for delivery of lifesaving doses of epinephrine via a nasal spray.  Named Neffy, the spray delivers a 2 mg dose of epinephrine to nasal linings where the drug is quickly and efficiently absorbed into the systemic circulation.  The company tested the device on 600+ individuals and demonstrated comparable or better drug delivery with subsequent blood pressure elevations than an epipen type device without the need for an injection.  Some members of the FDA’s Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee which must grant final approval to the spray still feel that more data is needed.  When that is obtained, expect final approval and clinical availability later this year for use by patients weighing more than 66 pounds. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-05-fda-panel-nasal-spray-combat.html #epinephrine #epipen #nasalspray #allergy #asthma

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DSEr1jmjkAt/These small packages labeled as cheese crackers but containing peanut butter creates a risk of a severe allergic reaction to peanut-allergic persons. Affected are 27.6-ounce cartons with Best When Used By dates 8 JAN 26 and 15 JAN 26 with the AE plant code.These mislabeled Ritz Crackers were sold in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Alabama.If you, a family member, or household guests have a peanut allergy, do not consume any of these crackers but return them to the place of purchase. For more information, call 1-844-366-1171.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mondelez-global-llc-conducts-limited-voluntary-recall-1-sku-ritz-peanut-butter-cracker-sandwiches#ritz #crackers #peanutbutter #cheese #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DPmJILkDDxd/Packages of this product have been mistakenly filled with Lo Mein noodles which contain eggs. This creates a risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions for people with egg allergies. Affected are 16-ounce packages marked with the date code 05520.These recalled noodles were sold at ethnic retail outlets.Do not eat these recalled noodles but return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Twin Marquis LLC at 1-800-544-6855 or via the email info@twinmarquis.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/twin-marquis-llc-voluntarily-recalls-twin-marquisr-thick-shanghai-style-plain-noodle-packages-due#twinmarquis #noodles #egg #allergy #recall

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 them, their acid suppressing effect will be reduced. If you wait too long after taking the drugs before eating, the optimal acid reduction by the active form of the drug will have occurred and the food you are eating will trigger far more stomach acid than is desirable.So, to repeat, take any of these proton pump inhibitors exactly 20 to 30 minutes before eating a meal, whether that be breakfast or, if you’re taking the drug twice a day, dinner.  Effect of Food and Dosing Regimen on Safety and Efficacy of Proton Pump Inhibitors Therapy—A Literature Review - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8036504/#protonpumpinhibitors # ppi #acid #prilosec #nexium #prevacid

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DH9Vp3hM_8f/LED units emitting both red and blue light effectively help resolve acne.  This the conclusion of a Harvard Brigham snd Women’s Hospital meta-analysis that reviewed 6 randomized trials with a total of 216 subjects aged 12 to 50 years.  The results are now published in JAMA Dermatology.The LED lamps tested emitted red light with wavelengths of 630-670 nm and blue light with wavelengths of 630-670 nm.  Such lamps my be purchased online.When used for 1-3 months, this phototherapy improved the overall acne appearance as well as the inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions by 46%.   The most effective devices radiated both red and blue light.  The treatment had only mild side effects with skin drying, redness, and mild discomfort.Future studies will compare this light therapy with topical medicinal therapy.https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2830694#acne #phototherapy #led #red #blue

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyGF_OPo0o/Biochemists at UC-Riverside and the Michigan State University have developed a powerful light-triggered chemotherapy that could be a game changer for women with breast cancer.   The chemical group, cyanine-carborane salts—that precisely target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.In pre-clinical studies using a mouse model, this photo chemotherapy effectively eradicated metastatic breast cancer tumors. Unlike current phototherapy agents that leave patients sensitive to light for months, these cyanine-carborane salts only linger in cancer cells. These agents also penetrate deeper into tissues allowing them to affect deeper cancers.These photochemotherapy agents should help develop more effective cancer therapy. They could help provide more precise targeting for patients with limited treatment choices…..someday soon.https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250211190244.htmhttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.202419759#cancer #photochemotherapy #breastcancer #cyaninecarborane

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C6W16gsLYG9/ The most common diseases of childhood, measles, whooping cough, mumps, diphtheria, and meningitis, once almost completely eradicated,  are now being regularly reported in Europe.  They will almost certainly spread across the ocean to your neighborhood.  This resurgence of communicable diseases is due to one public health disaster.  That is a rising tendency for parents and travelers to refuse vaccines for their children and for themselves. The two vaccines, MMR agains measles, mumps, and rubella, and DTaP against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are time-tested to be safe and dramatically effective.  In fact, these vaccines are significantly more effective than flu vaccine and induce immunity against contracting diseases that endures far longer than the similarly highly effective CoVid vaccines. So why aren't people vaccinating.  Many have been mislead by lies about all vaccines on social or alternative media, and some have religious objections to vaccines based on their components that come from pigs. Listen up folks—-  These diseases are not to be fooled with.  Some are deadly, many are handicapping, and all are completely unnecessary.  They’ve been conquered in the past because most of us have vaccinated our kids and ourselves against them following good public health recommendations.  Public health means all of us taking action to rid our communities of these disease threats since the vaccines only protect if nearly all of us have the vaccine-induced immunity. I’m not your family doc, but if your child or you were my patient I’d say:  Look….get vaccinated with every available and appropriate vaccine.  Getting the DTaP and MMR vaccines are the minimum.  Teens should get the HPV, human papilloma virus, and meningococcal conjugate vaccines.  Everyone should get the CoVid vaccine.  Older patients also need the shingles and pneumococcal vaccines. And pregnant women should get the RSV vax and a boost of the CoVid vaccine. You should not be shy about asking your own medical teams about these and other vaccines.  Just do it. Let’s not let these once-eradicated communicable diseases flare up here in the US.  Get vaccinated.  It’s the wise and caring thing to do. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/vaccine-preventable-diseases-surge-europe-sounds-alarm-2024a10007ok?ecd=a2a #mmr #TDap #vaccination #HPV #meningococcal

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C6cUcKerN_q/ The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Crate and Barrel now recall Crate & Barrel Hampshire Cribs as the mattress support pins fail allowing the mattress and your baby to drop out. About 3,200 of these cribs were sold in the US and about 120 were sold in Canada. Take your baby out of these dangerous cribs and contact Crate and Barrel at 1-800-967-6696 to arrange a free repair or a full refund. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Crate-Barrel-Recalls-Hampshire-Cribs-Due-to-Fall-Hazard #crateandbarrel #crib #mattress #falls #injuries #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C4gQ6IVr85r/ Women monitored with magnetic resonance imaging following initial treatment for BRCA1 positive breast cancer enjoy a 3.5-fold lower risk of mortality compared with those not monitored with such imaging.   This the conclusion of a multisite collaborative study by the Hereditary Breast Cancer Clinical Study Group.   The study reviewed the cases of 2488 women with a BRCA1 sequence variation breast cancer followed for up to 24 years.  Of that number, 1756 women had at least 1 screening MR imaging exam and a mean number of 4.7 over their follow up period.  The women in the MR group developed 241 recurrent cancers leading to 14 deaths or 5.8% mortality rate.   Among the 732 women who did not receive MR surveillance, 103 breast cancers developed leading to 21 deaths with a mortality rate of 20.3% or 3.5 fold higher mortality rate. This is the largest prospective study of MR imaging surveillance for breast cancer, but it does not specifically compare MR with other imaging such as mammography.  Most of those women in the non-MR group did have mammography follow up.   MR has many advantages over mammography and ultrasound breast imaging.  MR is painless, does not employ ionizing radiation, is highly sensitive, and can detect smaller cancers at earlier stage.. These study results demonstrate how this can translate into fewer deaths. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2815702 #breast #cancer #BRCA1 #MR #magneticresonance #imaging #mortality

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DSVowPDkRtJ/Lead is a neurotoxin that damages the developing nervous systems of children. The affected 40-gram packages carry a best before date of September 15, 2027.This contaminated cinnamon was sold at grocery stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, delis, bakeries, and restaurants in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas between April 2025 and September 2025.Do not to consume this recalled cinnamon powder but return its to the place of purchase for refund. Anyone who has purchased the product should stop using it immediately. For more information about the recall, call Lucky Foods at 718-444-5556.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tbc-distribution-corporate-recalls-lucky-foods-brand-cinnamon-powder-because-possible-health-risk#luckyfoods #cinnamon #lead #poison #children #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ94uS2xc3A/Bladder control is about to go high tech. When a man loses his ability to control his urine flow, technically called incontinence, which is often a complication of prostate cancer surgery, a variety of strategies come into play.  One of these is a mechanical valve has been used for years to help him prevent embarrassing accidents.  Manufactured by the Boston Scientific Company and named the AMS 800, the device uses an implanted squeeze ball pump to control an air-powered valve.Just reported to the American Urological Association’s 2025 Annual Meeting are the very promising results of pilot study using a wirelessly controlled artificial urinary valve called the UroActive.  Manufactured by the UroMems company, the implantable control device is activated by a patient remote button.  The electronically activated valve around the ureter then controls urine flow.The UroActive can also bring relief to women suffering from significant stress incontinence problems. Work is also ongoing to permit device control from your smartphone.  It well be soon possible to say, “Siri…help me relieve myself or even Siri….I need to pee.”https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/digital-innovation-coming-soon-incontinence-care-2025a10009w2?ecd=a2a#incontinence #prostate #stress #uroactive #uromems #ams800

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGlzLFFRXV4/If not wall-anchored, these tall dressers can fall over and entrap, injure, and possibly kill children.  Affected are lot numbers SPG0000905N, SPG0000905BN, SPG0000905B.About 900 dressers were sold exclusively on Amazon.com between September 2023 and August 2024.Immediately stop filling these recalled dressers unless they are secured to a wall. Keep children away from them. To receive a full refund, contact SEJOV at 1-800-331-9670 or email the company at SEJOVrecall@aliyun.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/SEJOV-Dressers-Recalled-Due-to-Tip-Over-and-Entrapment-Hazards-Violation-of-Federal-Regulation-for-Clothing-Storage-Units-Sold-on-Amazon-by-SEJOV#sejov #dressers #5drawer #tipover #entrapment #injury #death #children #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DDfS3TAPfes/ Polaris Industries is recalling 2024 Ranger Recreational Off-Road Vehicles (ROVs) and ProXD and Bobcat Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) due a defective weld on the passenger side seat belt anchor bracket that can cause the anchor point to separate from the frame, posing a risk of injury during a crash. About 2,500 units were sold in the US and 130 units were sold in Canada. Owners should immediately stop carrying passengers in these vehicles and contact an authorized Polaris or Bobcat dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair.  You can reach Polaris at 1-800-765-2747 and Bobcat at 1-800-743-4340. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Polaris-Recalls-Ranger-Recreational-Off-Road-Vehicles-and-ProXD-and-Bobcat-Utility-Task-Vehicles-Due-to-Injury-Hazard-Recall-Alert #polaris #offroad #utility #seatbelts #injuries #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C-s7xGustux/ The Consumer Product Safety Commission and SMEG USA now recall SMEG Refrigerators.  Their doors unexpectedly detach and fall off leading to injuries. About 900 of these refrigerators were sold at independent kitchen and appliance stores nationwide and online at williams-sonoma.com, ajmadison.com and wayfair.com. Stop using these refrigerators and contact SMEG USA at 1-888-763-4782 or via email at recall@smegusa.com to schedule a free repair. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/SMEG-USA-Recalls-Refrigerators-Due-to-Injury-Hazard #smeg #refrigerator #door #injury #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C6cRUA9LDjk/ The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Oregon Tool are recalling Oregon, PowerPro, Country Tuff, and Speeco branded log splitters and cylinder kits.  The hydraulic cylinder rod on these units separates from the piston, the wedge won’t retract properly, and when the piston moves again the rod and wedge move unpredictably leading to injuries. About 29,560 of these units were sold in the US and about 4,690 were sold in Canada at Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Company, and other stores nationwide. If the wedge on your log splitter fails to retract properly, stop running it.  Contact Oregon Tool or an Oregon dealer at 1-833-948-2590 or email them at logsplitter@oregontool.com to arrange for free installation of a replacement cylinder.  Don’t try to fix the unit yourself.  Not a do-it-yourself job. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Oregon-Tool-Recalls-Log-Splitters-and-Cylinder-Kits-Due-to-Injury-Hazards #oregontool #logsplitter #cylinder #injuries #recall

 Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C5txiCDrV4j/ More than half of people of all ages admit to a fear of clowns or so-called coulrophobia. A survey of 987 participants by South Wales psychologists reveals that 53.5% of us have some fear of clowns,  Compare this with other phobias where 3.8% have a fear of animals, 3% have a fear of needles, 2.8% have a fear of heights, 2.3% fear weather, 2.2% fear closed spaces and 1.3% fear flying.   Those admitting coulrophobia were questioned further to discover the reasons for their fears.  The most common reasons included:  Bizarre facial features: exaggerated and distorted human features; inability to read a clown due to a mask or facial makeup. Unpredictable behavior. A previous disturbing interaction with a clown. Creepy clown stories in movies and on tv. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1109466/full   #clowns #fear #coulrophobia 

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C4L3TXOLFTL/ The Food and Drug Administration and Roland Foods LLC are recalling Roland Tahini due to salmonella contamination.  The only affected product is batch # P024581with a Best By Date of October 19, 2024. If you bought this tahini, discard it.  For more information, call Roland Foods at 1-800-622-1823. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/roland-foods-llc-recalls-rolandr-tahini-100-ground-sesame-seeds-16-oz-because-possible-health-risk #roland #tahini #salmonella #infection #recall

Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/CskeZ7wuvF2/ Dr. Smith warns listeners no to confuse tiny bottles containing eye drops with those containing instant glue. https://www.livescience.com/woman-glues-eye-shut.html #eyes #eyedrops #glue #krazyglue #instantglue #wbznewsradio

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHJj3B6xxdN/This hot pot sauce contains undeclared peanut, soy, sesame, and wheat allergens. Those with with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients risk serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume the product. Also affected are those with celiac disease.  Affected are lot numbers 2023/12/20, 2024/1/31, 2024/4/15, and 2024/10/18.This product was sold in California at 99 Ranch Market, Hawaii Supermarket, and Great Wall Supermarket.Return this hot pot sauce to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Liaoning Cheng Da USA Inc. at 1-626-285-2887.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/liaoning-cheng-da-usa-inc-san-gabriel-california-recalling-hot-pot-sauce-because-it-may-contain#Wangzhihe #hotpot #sauce #peanut #soy #wheat #celiac #allergy #recall