Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
+1-617-488-9699
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RoundUp - 1st Week of Jan 2026
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HEALTH REPORTS
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Weekend Sleep Benefits Teens
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTdkxtBjXSc/
Teen catching up on their lost sleep over the weekend had a 41 percent lower risk of depressive symptoms compared with peers who didn’t. This the conclusion of a collaborative study by University of Oregon and SUNY Upstate Medical University that analyzed health data from 1087 16- to 24-year-olds. The study was just published in the Journal of Affective Disorders and utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Since busy teens find it difficult to clock the ideal eight to ten hours of sleep every night, weekend “catch up” sleep is invaluable. Depression is a leading cause of disability in adolescent, and it impacts their education, extra-curricular activities, and general daily functioning.
Sleeping longer on weekends may be a practical, accessible way to support teen mental health—especially in a world where early school and sports schedules don’t match teen biology.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260106224623.htm
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032725020555?via=ihub
#teens #sleep #depression
teens, sleep, depression
Dietary Choices Affect Women’s Ear Ringing
What women eat appears to play a role in what she hears, and consuming a diet rich in fruit is associated with a nearly 20% lower incidence of tinnitus. Medical and public health researchers at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital report this result in the American Journal of Epidemiology after their study of 113,554 women participating in the Nurse’s Health Study.
Other foods in the diet also impact the ringing. While higher intakes of fruit lower the incidence by 19%, whole grains actually increase tinnitus risk by 26%, legumes such as peanuts, soy, and edamame increase the risk by 13%, and sugar-sweetened beverages bump up the risk by 12%. The data also revealed that eating a balanced, healthy diet failed to impact the risk of tinnitus.
This study shows that the incidence of ear ringing has a complex relationship with a woman’s diet. Certainly, the data points out that eating an abundance of fruit is beneficial.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-01-diet-tinnitus-women.html
#tinnitus #women #diet #fruit
tinnitus, women, diet, fruit
TikTok Videos Attract Stem Cell Donors
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTdnramDskj/
Social media can be a powerful tool for 21st century crowdsourcing. A collaborative study from Yale and the University of Toronto studied the usefulness of TikTok videos for recruiting cell, tissue, and organ donors.
The researchers presented 30 TikTok videos to 46 participants 17 to 35 years of age and surveyed their reactions. Data shows that well-designed videos increased willingness to register as donors and agree to donate.
Analyzing the most successful videos, they find that infotainment wins over pure education with a preachy or arrogant flair. The most effective clips feature young people with ages similar to those of the target audience.
With an estimated 1-1.5 billion daily users on TikTok, but 3 billion on Instagram and the same on Facebook, social media has a spectacular reach. That opens the doors to attract just the right donors who will save lives.
As a pediatric surgeon and medical journalist, I’m delighted to be broadcasting on all 3 platforms. It is terrific that younger people on social media are using it for worthy causes that make our world better.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-01-tiktok-young-stem-cell-donors.html#google_vignette
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhae/article/PIIS2352-3026(25)00287-X/abstract
#tiktok #socialmedia #donation #stemcell
tiktok, socialmedia, donation, stemcell
Breastfeeding Diminishes Childhood Emotional Problems
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTdoakUDaI_/
Breastfeeding within the first 4 months is associated with better emotional and behavioral stability at 4 years. Spanish researchers studied 564 maternal-child pairs and published their results in the European Journal of Pediatrics using the standard Child Behavior Checklist.
Breastfeeding for just one to four months is associated with significantly lower levels of anxiety, depression-related symptoms, withdrawn behavior, aggression, and overall emotional difficulties compared with children who were not breastfed at all. Most notable, breastfed children demonstrate fewer symptoms related to autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. The benefits plateau after eight months of breastfeeding.
The bottom line. In addition to its nutritional, immune, and bonding benefits, breastfeeding is associated with improved longer-term emotional stability and mental health.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00431-025-06666-9
#breastfeeding #development #children
breastfeeding, development, children
RSV Prevention Pays Off Big
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTdqupiEeau/
Maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy and the use of the RSV antibody nirsevimab for newborns reduces the incidence of RSV infections by more than two-thirds. Researchers at the CDC and leading children’s hospitals studied 5,029 babies during the 2024–2025 RSV season and published their results in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
Among infants younger than six months, maternal RSV vaccination was 70% effective and nirsevimab was 81% effective. RSV hospitalization rates were reduced 41% to 51% among newborns and infants compared with previous rates. The highest reduction of 56% to 63% occurred in newborns and infants aged 0 to 2 months
When RSV vaccinations and antibody injections were rolled out nationally, RSV hospitalizations among infants under one year fell by up to half. The largest reduction was seen in newborns and babies under two months, the group at highest risk for severe RSV.
Bottom line: mothers….protect your babies with these safe and very effective interventions.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2843213
#rsv #newborns #vaccine #nirsevimab #hospitalization
rsv, newborns, vaccine, nirsevimab, hospitalization
mRNA Juices Your Immunity
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTdrWwRF5Kb/
MIT and Harvard immunologists now report a method for tricking your liver into rejuvenating an aging immune system in the journal Nature. They synthesized mRNA capable of triggering the synthesis of three key immune factors: DLL1, FLT-3, and IL-7.
Working in a mouse model where, as in humans, the immunity-energizing thymus gland flags with age, they utilized their mRNA to turn liver synthesis of these critical immune components if only for a short time.
Even that limited time is sufficient for these geriatric mice to produce twice as many T cells and to respond significantly better to cancer checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. More work needs to be done to extend the effectiveness of the mRNA and the duration of immune factor production by the liver.
Even so, this technique shows promise for re-energizing the immunity of elders and extending life expectancy.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227082718.htm#google_vignette
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09873-4
#mRNA #immunity #aging #liver #immunotherapy
mRNA, immunity, aging, liver, immunotherapy
Swearing Is A Super Power
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTdr2qmGG27/
Dropping a well-timed swear word might do more than relieve frustration—it could actually help you push harder and perform better.
British psychologists studied the effects of swearing on 182 participants and published their results in the journal American Psychologist. Their tabulated data revealed that swearing versus uttering neutral words measurably improves performance on a chair push-up task, an accentuated sense of humor, improved social desirability, and enhanced self-confidence.
The researcher’s conclusion: swearing promotes psychological states that overcome internal constraints and enhance courage. They herald swearing as a no-cost, drug-free, calorie-neutral performance enhancer. Plans are underway to test if it confer similar benefits for those dreading public speaking and dating.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251222080123.htm#
https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2027-01514-001.html
#swearing #strength #confidence #performance
swearing, strength, confidence, performance
Custom Breast Cancer Screening
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTdsdqLjmIp/
Breast cancer screening may be on the verge of a major shift—from one-size-fits-all mammograms to personalized screening based on individual risk. The best news is that a custom program led to fewer tests, less radiation exposure, but no increased risk of missing a treatable cancer.
UC San Francisco surgical oncologists led a multicenter collaborative study of 46,000 women 40 to 74 years of age and report their results in the journal JAMA Network. Half that number received personalized screening while the other half, the control group, received annual screening mammography.
The custom treatment cohort was divided to 4 groups based on their risk of developing breast cancer as assessed by genetic screening, family history, and other factors. The highest risk women received 6 monthly screening with alternating conventional mammography and MR imaging as well as risk reduction counseling. The elevated risk group received annual mammography and counseling. The average risk group received mammography every 2 years. The low risk group, the youngest women with minimal risk factors, received no screening until age 50 or the advent of a risk increase.
The result. Risk-based screening is safe and effective. It diminished the numbers of mammograms performed. It did not reduce the numbers of breast biopsies. The personalized approach is popular with 89% of the participants indicating that they preferred it.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260103155036.htm
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2842903
#breast #cancer #screening #genetics #biopsy
breast, cancer, screening, genetics, biopsy
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FUTURE MED
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Focusing Your Brain
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTdtOIHDkW5/
Genetic engineering might someday improve your powers of attention and focus by up to 20%. This from neuroscientists at New York’s Rockefeller University following their preclinical study published in the journal Nature.
Using a mouse model, the researchers discovered that, by reducing versions of the Homer1 gene in adolescent mice, the animals’ concentration improves. Most interestingly, that benefit occurs by slowing rather than revving up brain activity. Reducing the brain activity suppresses electric background neural noise, the manifestation of distraction. This intervention failed to produce this beneficial effect in adult mice.
Reducing the Homer1 gene turns off GABA receptors which facilitate brain activity inhibition. This permits the processing of stronger, more critical signals and enhanced attention.
This finding suggests possible genetic management for those children with ADHD. Many more pre-clinical studies and subsequent clinical trials are needed. It is fascination to think about the possibility of fine tuning and focusing the human brain…someday soon.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225035342.htm
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-025-02155-2
#attention #genetics #adhd #homer1
attention #genetics #adhd #homer1
Injectable Gel Restores Voices
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTduDYIjG7f/
Scientists at Canada’s McGill University have developed a novel injectable gel that could one day help people recover their voices after vocal cord injury and avoid repeated restorative procedures.
Our voices are normal when vocal cords meet and produce vibrations that are modified by ours lips and tongues. Voice loss often becomes persistent when injured vocal cords fail to meet and produce the necessary vibrations.
Current injectable treatments move the cords together but break down quickly necessitating multiple injections. Each additional injection can increase the risk of further damage to the delicate vocal cords.
In a preclinical study published in the journal Biomaterials, McGill researchers show that their newly developed hydrogel, made from natural tissue proteins, stays intact for weeks. This is far longer than existing materials and gives injured vocal cords sufficient time to heal properly.
The gel has not yet been tested in humans. Once clinical trials are complete, the gel could lead to longer-lasting, minimally invasive therapy for vocal inadequacy…..someday soon,
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227082720.htm
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142961225005095?via=ihub
#hydrogel #voice #vocal cord
hydrogel, voice, vocal cord
Renovating Damaged Joint Cartilage
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTduuSIDpnJ/
Once joint cartilage is damaged or simply wears away it doesn’t heal. Patients are offered pain relief and, eventually if necessary, joint replacement.
Stanford orthopedic surgery researchers now report in the journal Science a breakthrough that leads to cartilage regeneration. They find that blocking a protein called 15-PGDH, short for 15-hydroxy prostaglandin dehydrogenase, that increases with aging, permits cartilage regrowth in older mice and in those with knee injuries. The blocking drug also triggers cartilage regeneration in mice and in human knee cartilage samples obtained from patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.
An oral version of this 15-PGDH blocking drug is now available for clinical trials. Hopefully, this agent may reduce the need for joint replacements…..someday soon,
https://scitechdaily.com/anti-aging-injection-regrows-knee-cartilage-and-prevents-arthritis/
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adx6649
#cartilage #joints #pain #jointreplacement
cartilage, joints, pain, jointreplacement
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CPSC Recalls
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Joyful Journeys Baby Loungers Entrap And Dump Babies
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTTGv3PlvY2/
This product violates the mandatory safety standards for infant sleep products. The sides are too low, the openings at the foot are wider than allowed, and the loungers lack a stand, creating serious fall and entrapment hazards.
About 9,300 baby loungers were sold through Amazon.com and Walmart.com from December 2023 through October 2025.
Immediately stop using these recalled baby loungers. To receive a full refund, remove the foam and pads from the lounger’s cover, cut the cover, the foam, and the pad in half, and then email photos of the destroyed pieces to the company at joyfuljourneysrecalls@myjoyfuljourneys.com. Use the same email to request more information.
#infant #loungers #entrapment #falls #recalls
infant, loungers, entrapment, falls, recalls
Isla Rae Magnetic Wireless Chargers Explode
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTTJd51DbZg/
These chargers can overheat and explode while in use creating serious fire and burn hazards for users. Affected is model number RM5PBM.
About 13,200 chargers were sold in the United States and 7,000 units were sold in Canada at Marshalls and T.J. Maxx stores between June 2024 and November 2025.
Stop using these recalled magnetic wireless chargers. To obtain a full refund, register for the recall at recallrtr.com/powerbank and follow the instructions. After registering, dispose of the charger at a local battery recycling center and not with routine household trash. For more information, contact TJX by phone at 1-888-256-1564 or by email at powerbank@realtimeresults.net for more information.
#islarae #charger #explosions #fire #recall
islarae, charger, explosions, fire, recall
C
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DTTHjtgjRFS/
The battery compartment in the LED light can be easily accessed by children creating a serious risk of battery ingestion that can cause severe internal burns or death.
About 2,240 toy kits were sold in the United State through Amazon.com from March 2025 through July 2025.
Stop allowing your child to use this recalled toy’s light-up luminous gasket which contains the button cell battery. Remove and properly dispose of the battery at a local recycling center.. To obtain a full refund, throw the toy’s gasket away and email a photo of the product in the trash to the company at changshaaoyuan@outlook.com. Request more information at the same email.
#korigey #waterelf #buttonbattery #ingestion #recall
korigey, waterelf, buttonbattery, ingestion, recall
Lterfear Multifunction Pounding Game Contains Dangerous Magnets
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTTPmGfCSOg/
If swallowed, the magnets can attract each other inside the body, leading to intestinal perforations, blockage, blood poisoning, or death. Affected is model number D888.
About 3,500 games were sold in the United States through Amazon.com from June 2025 through September 2025.
Stop using these recalled pounding toys. To obtain a full refund, write “RECALLED” on the base of the product with a permanent marker, throw the product away, and email a photo of the disposed toy to the company at Findriverpoundingtoysrecall@outlook.com. More information is available at the same email.
#Lterfear #poundinggame #magnets #ingestion #children #recall
Lterfear, poundinggame, magnets, ingestion, children, recall
YOLAAH Portable Bed Rails Dangerously Entrap
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTTQJLTD6EH/
When attached to a bed, occupants can become entrapped within the rail or between the rail and the mattress, creating a serious risk of entrapment and death by asphyxiation. The bed rails also lack required hazard warning labels. Affected is model number BR-01.
About 14,250 bedrails were sold in the United States through Amazon.com from September 2025 through October 2025.
Stop using these recalled bed rails. To obtain a refund, cut the black fabric mesh bag off the upper rail, cut the black safety strap in half, and write “RECALLED” on both the upper and lower rails with a permanent marker. Then take a photo of the marked bed rails and email it to the company at yolaahproductrecall@outlook.com. After submitting the photo, disposed of the bed rails according to state and local waste disposal procedures. More information may be requested using the same email.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/YOLAAH-Adult-Portable-Bed Rails-Recalled-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Entrapment-and-Asphyxiation-Hazards-Violate-Mandatory-Standard-for-Adult-Portable-Bed-Rails
#YOLAAH #bedrails #entrapment #asphyxiation #recall
YOLAAH, bedrails, entrapment, asphyxiation, recall
Vasicar 18-Drawer Dressers Entrap And Kill
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTTQt0ijNKt/
These dressers are unstable if not anchored to the wall. They create serious tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in severe injury or death to children.
About 4,155 dressers were sold in the United States through Amazon.com from September 2025 through November 2025.
Stop using these recalled dressers if they are not anchored to the wall and move them to an area inaccessible to children. To receive a full refund, email a photo showing disposal of the product to Vasicar at vasicarus2025@outlook.com to complete the refund process. Then dispose of the dresser as directed. Use the same email to request additional information.
#vasicar #dresser #entrapment #death #children #recall
vasicar, dresser, entrapment, death, children, recall
Sangohe Adult Portable Bed Rails Entrap and Suffocate
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTTRclXlkn9/
When attached to a bed, occupants can become entrapped within the rail or between the rail and the mattress, creating a serious risk of entrapment and death by asphyxiation. Affected is model number KDB504A01FT.
About 26,200 bedrails were sold in the United States through Amazon.com and Walmart.com from August 2023 through October 2025.
Stop using these recalled bed rails. To receive a full refund, destroy the bed rails by cutting the foam padding on the handrails and writing “RECALLED” on both the upper and lower rails with a permanent marker. Then take a photo of the destroyed rails and email the photo to the Sangohe company at SGHproductrecall@163.com to complete the refund process.
Consumers can contact the company using the same email for additional information.
#Sangohe #bedrails #entrapment #asphyxiation #recall
Sangohe, bedrails, entrapment, asphyxiation, recall
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FDA Recalls
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Additional Primavera Brand Tamales Have Listeria
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTTSDA3D37p/
The recalled tamales are the Roasted Green Chile & Jack Cheese, Black Bean Bonanza & Jack Cheese, Butternut Squash w/ Roasted Green Chiles & Cheese, BBQ Chipotle Bean & White Cheddar, Mushroom Spinach & Salsa with Two Cheeses, Roasted Green Chile, Black Bean Bonanza, Butternut Squash w/ Roasted Green Chiles, Mushroom Spinach & Salsa, Roasted Pumpkin & White Cheddar. with date codes 10/22 from the year 2024 through 10/22 from the year 2025.
Listeria 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.
These recalled tamales were sold at retail stores in California and Nevada.
Do not consume these recalled products but discard them. For additional information, contact Primavera Nueva Inc. by phone at 1-707-939-9350 or by email at primaveranueva@aol.com.
#primavera #tamales #listeria #infection #recall
primavera, tamales, listeria, infection, recall
Carrot Top Kitchens Brand Hummus Has Undeclared Sesame
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTTSy8PF5Lk/
The hummus poses a serious or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction risk for consumers with a sesame allergy.
The recalled hummus was sold by Rochambeau Farm Store in Bedford, New York, and at farmers markets in Connecticut.
Do not consume the product. Return the hummus to the place of purchase to receive a full refund. If you have questions, contact Carrot Top Kitchens by phone at 1-203-313-4549.
#carrottop #hummus #sesame #allergy #recall
carrottop, hummus, sesame, allergy, recall
Cai Hua Xiang Brand Preserved Mustard in Soybean Oil Contains Undeclared Wheat
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTTTZliFKuC/
Those with an allergy to wheat could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume this product. Affected is lot code 505202008 with a best by date of May 20, 2026.
This recalled product was sold in California at retail grocery stores between early July 2025 and early November 2025.
Stop using this recalled preserved mustard, and return it to the place of purchase to receive a full refund. For additional information, contact Newway Import Inc. by phone at 1-626-766-3037.
#caihuaxiang #mustard #wheat #allergy #recall
caihuaxiang, mustard, wheat, allergy, recall