Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ99O5AtU8W/Loss of vision due to retinal degeneration is a devastating complication of diabetes.  Now Johns Hopkins research ophthalmologists report in the journal Science Translational Medicine preclinical studies that demonstrate how low blood sugar episodes, known as hypoglycemia, that are experienced by diabetics trigger the development of the blinding retinal damage known as diabetic retinopathy.Studying diabetic mice, the investigators discovered that levels of the protein hypoxia-inducible factor or HIF increase as blood sugar levels decline.  HIF, in turn, initiates harmful retinal blood vessel leaks with exposure of retinal cells to toxic circulating elements.  This leads to the retinal degeneration characteristic of diabetic retinopathy.  Low blood sugar levels fail to induce this toxic chain reaction in non-diabetic mice.The best news is that a drug labeled as 32-134D capably blocks the production of HIF and the increase in retinal blood vessel permeability re

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ98ltlM100/The poisoning of pets, particularly cats, by a common over-the-counter topical drug has surged nearly 1000% over the past decade.  The drug is minoxidil, better known by its brand name Romaine.  This medication is often applied as a foam or as a liquid by many men and some women in an effort to regrow hair on their balding scalps.  It turns out that minoxidil is toxic to animals, particularly cats, since they lack the liver enzymes to properly metabolize it.  Most animals are exposed to minoxidil by licking off human skin or absorbing it through their own skin after resting on contaminated surfaces.Dematologists at New York’s Weill Cornell Medical College have performed a meta-analysis of literature studies reporting the adverse effects of this drug on cats and some dogs.The review found 94 animals were poisoned by minoxidil, and that number included 65 cats and 26 dogs.  Nearly all, 98% of the animals exposed to minoxidil required hospitalizations.  This drug

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ973rkpYqU/When your hairdresser carefully looks at your scalp while styling your locks, there is a good chance that a funky looking mole or growth they notice could turn out to be a skin cancer.  So conclude researchers from from the UK’s University of Portsmouth in a study published in the journal Skin Health and Disease.They surveyed 37 hair stylists and barbers in the city of Portsmouth, England.  Only 5% of the group had any formal training and only one in four were actively looking at clients’ skin for the purpose of detecting lesions.  Even so, 35% had told clients to check in with their medical teams for inspection of suspicious lesions.  When they did, 39% of these clients were diagnosed with skin cancer.The hair professionals overwhelming embraced the idea of screening for skin lesions, and 92% of them wanted skin cancer awareness training.   Nearly two-thirds of the group stated that the lack of formal training was the reason they weren’t probing their clients

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ97JnMM5vF/Diabetics with type 1 disease, that is insulin-dependent, must receive insulin injections for the rest of their lives since their own pancreatic tissue fails to produce sufficient quantities of this vital hormone. Efforts to solve this problem include whole organ pancreas transplants and transplants of the insulin-producing beta pancreatic islet cells.One problem is a large enough supply of these beta islet cells.  Enter endocrinologists and regenerative medicine researchers at the Netherland’s Leiden University who have developed methods to better isolate large numbers of stem cells that have been transformed into the insulin-producing beta islet cells.  Their studies are now published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.Their technique employs density gravity centrifuges to optimally isolate just those stem-cell derived islet cells that will capably produce insulin once transplanted into their human recipients.  Their system has undergone successfu

Tap Water SprayVidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ96O8gO8oN/Irrigating and cleansing your nasal linings with saline can resolve nasal congestion, help manage or even prevent nasal allergies, prevent nosebleeds, and hasten your resolution of the common cold.  To reap these benefits, you must use the proper water.  Making the all too common mistakes of using tap water and not properly cleansing the irrigation devices can lead to brain infections and death.Though tap water in most communities is filtered and purified to kill harmful germs and remove toxic impurities, some treacherous microorganisms like brain-eating amoebae and or molds, fungi, can slip through.  Stomach acid kills these bugs, but the nasal linings have no such protective device.  Worse still, when you spray tap water into your nose, openings in the roof of the nasal cavity provide ready access for these germs into your brain resulting in a life-threatening infection called encephalitis.The companies that market irrigators whether the simpl

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ95dMcNFoP/Twice as many Americans have developed the whooping cough or pertussis this year as last year, and four have died.  Half of them were little children.  There are two reasons: ONE — vaccinations have fallen off due to misinformation and bad medical advice; and TWO — the latest vaccines provide protection for shorter periods of time.Keep in mind that whooping cough protection is provided by the so-called DTaP and Tdap vaccines that guard against diphtheria and tetanus as well as pertussis.  The newest vaccines are so called partial-cell vaccines, and their beneficial effects wear off as quickly as 3 years.Know that children should receive 5 doses of these vaccines by age 4.  Teens require a booster by age 12 and adults also require boosters every 10 years.  Pregnant women should receive a booster during their third trimester in order to protect their newborns.These vaccines are safe and 98% effective.  A temporarily sore arm or a mild fever is a small price to p

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. Wor

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ94Fy6NTak/The new vaccine goal: trigger a special type of antibody called broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) that capably target the lipid membrane surrounding the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.  In so doing, they are able to bind to a hidden part of the virus called MPER, which stands for Membrane-Proximal External Region.  This zone plays a critical role by permitting the virus to attach, fuse, and inject its genetic material into human cells.Computational biologists at San Diego’s La Jolla Scripps Research Institute now publish their vaccine blueprint in the journal eLife.  Using computer modeling, they demonstrate that certain structural features in the antibodies help them safely recognize viral lipids without endangering normal cells. Their models also predict that maturation of this type of antibody over time leads to better viral binding without creating autoimmunity.This research data is slated to help design vaccines to harness human immunity for effective

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ9sa5bOFBx/The FDA has just approved a new nasal powder spray called Atzumi that delivers the drug dihydroergotamine, or DHE via a novel nasal spray technology developed by Satsuma Pharmaceuticals. It’s the first and only product to use SMART, which stands for. Simple MucoAdhesive Release Technology.  The drug is delivered in a powder with a unique ability to adhere on tissue linings thereby enhancing absorption.  The DHE causes cerebral blood vessels to contract, blocks pain transmission, and inhibits inflammatory neurotransmitters all leading to migraine resolution.The Atzumi migraine nasal spray was tested in the 12 month safety and tolerability ASCEND study involving 344 participants.   Those using the spray after acute onset of migraine were surveyed at 2, 4, and 24 hours following symptom onset to assess its short and longer-term effects.  At 2 hours, 37% were pain-free, 54% denied bothersome symptoms, and two-thirds had headache relief.  These stats increased to 8

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJw-DmORycV/These tattoo inks are contaminated with dangerous bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Affected are: Sacred Tattoo Ink, Raven Black - Lot#: RB0624, Best Before: June 28, 2027; Sacred Tattoo Ink, Sunny Daze - Lot#: SD1124, Best Before: November 1, 2027. These inks cause serious infections with rashes, lesions, and permanent scarring.If you are planning to get some ink, inquire about the inks used and avoid the ones I just mentioned. For more information or to report a complications, visit the FDA's SmartHub at https://safetyreporting.fda.gov/smarthub.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fda-advises-consumers-tattoo-artists-and-retailers-avoid-using-or-selling-certain-sacred-tattoo-ink#sacredtattoo #tattoo #ink # bacteria #pseudomonas #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJw9CO2AiKk/These pumpkin seeds have contamination with Salmonella. This bacterium causes serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Affected is lot # L250320200 and an expiration date of May 2, 2027This affected product was sold in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia both in retail stores and via mail orders.Return these pumpkin seeds to the place of purchase for a full refund. For additional information, contact Advantage Health Matters Inc. via email at info@organictraditions.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/advantage-health-matters-inc-recalls-organic-jumbo-pumpkin-seeds-because-possible-health-risk#advantagehealthmatters #pumpkinseeds #salmonella #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJw8ZoTA_XA/The recall due to undeclared eggs, soy, and milk includes a variety of gluten-free bakery products, including breads, bagels, cookies, and croutons sold in the state of Utah from April 7th to April 21st, under lot numbers 90–107. Do not consume these products. Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.For further information or questions, contact New Grains Gluten Free Bakery at 1-801-980-5751.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/new-grains-gluten-free-bakery-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-eggs-soy-and-milk-bakery-products#newgrains #glutenfree #bakedgoods #eggs #soy #milk #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJw7r8-tXCH/The sandwiches recalled are sold under the brand names Fresh & Ready Foods, Fresh Take Crave Away, and City Point Market Fresh Food to Go and include ready-to-eat sandwiches and snack items with “Use By” dates from April 22, 2025, to May 19, 2025.Listeria causes a severe and sometimes fatal systemic infection in the very young, older frail individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.  It can also trigger miscarriages and stillbirths.These items were sold in in vending machines and breakroom areas in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington state between April 18, 2025, and April 28, 2025.Immediately check the “Use By” dates on the products you purchased and discard any remaining items. For a refund, contact Fresh & Ready Foods at RecallConcern@HotLineGlobal.com or by calling 1-855-424-8390.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fresh-ready-foods-voluntarily-recalls-ready-eat-sandwiches-and-snack-items-sold-arizon

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJw65yHvPxz/This yogurt has almond allergen in the granola component. Those with an allergy to almond could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume this product. Affected are packages with an expiration date of May 5, 2025.Twelve ounce containers of the Bonya Yogurt Parfaits were sold nationwide in retail stores.Do not consume this yogurt but return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Knockroe Inc. at 1-914-313-6905.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/knockro-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-almonds-bonya-yogurt-parfaits#knockroe #bonya #yogurt #almonds #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJw6LKfgdnJ/The undeclared allergens are wheat, milk, and sesame.  Affected are a range of products including Idly Chilli Powder, Sesame Rice Mix, Dal Garlic Rice Mix, Moringa Rice Mix, Curry Leaf Rice Mix, Vallarai Rice Mix, Horsegram Rice Mix, soups like Wonderberry Leaf and Moringa Leaf Soup, spice mixes like Traditional Sambar Powder, and porridge mixes sold between December 1, 2023, and May 10, 2025. If you have allergies to wheat, milk, and sesame, consuming these products puts you at risk of developing severe or life-threatening reactions.About 37,400 units were sold nationwide through the NatureMills website.Dispose of the items and contact NatureMills US Inc. at 1-833-628-8736 or info@naturemills.com for a full refund, replacement, or more information.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/naturemills-us-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-milk-and-sesame-rice-mixes-soups-spice#naturemills #rice #soup #spices #allergy #wheat #se

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJw5MOWuaW4/This cornbread contains undeclared sesame and wheat. The recall affects all products manufactured prior to April 24, 2025. Consuming this cornbread creates serious or life-threatening risks to individuals with allergies to sesame or wheat or have celiac disease.This product was distributed to retail locations exclusively in California.If you, household members, or visitors have sesame or wheat allergies, return this cornbread to the place of purchase for a full refund.For more information, contact Ariana Sweets Inc. at 1-510-795-9600 or email info@arianasweets.com. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ariana-sweets-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-sesame-and-wheat-afghani-corn-bread-doda#Ariana #afgani #cornbread sesame #wheat #celiac #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJukq4XuEix/These adaptors overheat and ignite cresting fire and burn risks. The recall also includes some Yamaha Clavinova® digital pianos that have these affected adaptors built in their housings.About 37,400 recalled power adaptors and Clavinova pianos were sold at music stores nationwide and online at www.shop.usa.yamaha.com from September 2010 through November 2014.Immediately stop using and unplug these recalled power adapters. To initiate the recall process and receive a replacement adapter, visit yamaha.com/us/support/pa300crecall/ to complete the recall process. If you own a Clavinova® digital piano, unplug it and contact Yamaha at 1-844-703-5446 or via the email PA300CRECALL@yamaha.com to arrange for a technician to inspect and replace the adaptor.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Yamaha-Corporation-of-America-Recalls-Power-Adaptors-for-Digital-Pianos-and-Music-Workstations-Due-to-Burn-and-Fire-Hazards#yamaha #poweradapter #pa3000 #clavinova #overheateing #burns

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJukAwlvMOh/These candles’ glass containers crack or break while burning creating risks of lacerations and burns.About 3,000 units were sold nationwide at gift shops, including Bachman’s in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Flowers Around the Corner in Bowling Green, Kentucky; Coopers Uptown Store in Kenosha, Wisconsin; Haws & Co. Floral and Gifts in Lehi, Utah; Past and Presents in Lenexa, Kansas; and online at www.demdaco.com between July 2024 and November 2024.Stop burning these candles and contact DEMDACO at customercare@demdaco.com for a full refund as well as more information. Do not return the candles to retail stores. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/DEMDACO-Recalls-Maril-Brand-Scented-Candles-Due-to-Laceration-and-Fire-Hazards#maril #demdaco #candles #containers #lacerations #burns

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJujYI7OMfX/These peg dolls’ small spherical ends can block your child's airway creating risks of serious injury or death.  The affected product is labeled as "Model SD13" on the side of the packaging.About 3,400 sets were sold exclusively on Amazon.com from May 2021 through January 2025.Immediately take the toy set away from your children and dispose of the product. To obtain more information or a full refund, send a picture of the disposed product to Babywants at recall@twoodtoy.com.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Xylolin-Peg-Doll-Toy-Sets-Recalled-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Choking-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Regulations-for-Toys-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon-com-by-Babywants#xylolin #babywants #pegdoll #toysets #choking #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DJuiwHgPtGX/The tow handle can pinch consumers' fingertips against the cooler risking fingertip amputation and crushing injuries. Affected models include Latitude 90 Qt Roller (models 34692 and 34785) and MaxCold Latitude 90 Qt Roller (model 34790) manufactured prior to January 2024.This recall has been expanded and now includes an additional 130,000 coolers sold in the United States, about 20,000 in Canada, and 5,900 in Mexico. These coolers were sold nationwide at Costco, Target, Academy, Dick’s, and online at Amazon.com and Igloocoolers.com from January 2019 through January 2025.Stop using the recalled coolers and contact Igloo at 1-888-943-5182 or via the email igloo90qt@sedgwick.com to receive a free replacement handle.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Igloo-Expands-Recall-of-90-Qt-Rolling-Coolers-Due-to-Fingertip-Amputation-and-Crushing-Hazards-Total-Recalled-Now-Nearly-1-2-Million#igloo #cooler #handle #finger #injury #recall