Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
+1-617-488-9699
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LIVE - 0030325 and Recalls 030625
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HEALTH NEWS
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Nitrous Oxide Dangers
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyAAm-uMD9/
Those of us who frequent the operating room know the drug as the gas nitrous oxide. You know it as laughing gas. Its most accessible source are those small cartridges that power homemade whipped cream containers and you probably know them as “whippets.”
A report just out in Mdlinx reviews the gnarly side of laughing gas abuse, and its no laughing matter. Because the nitrous euphoria is so short-lived, those who party with it tend to take repeat hits.
A study from New York’s Mt. Sinai Medical Center reviewed 91 cases of nitrous toxicity as well as another group of 29 deaths linked to abuse of laughing gas. Besides cases of gas escaping into the chest cavity, pneumomediastinum, the study show that repeated use of the gas depletes your supply of Vitamin B12 which is responsible for undesirable neurologic consequences including myeloneuropathy, a malfunction of the spinal cord.
So…this so called safe recreational drug is anything but.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ajad.12372
#nitrousoxide #laughinggas #myeloneuropathy #pneumomediastinum #drugabuse
nitrousoxide, laughinggas, myeloneuropathy, pneumomediastinum, drugabuse
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Indoor Cats Catch Bird Flu from Owners
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyBfPGt7Qf/
Two indoor cats in Michigan have died from bird flu (H5N1), raising concerns that they may have contracted the virus from their dairy worker owners, according to a CDC report.
The first case involved a 5-year-old cat that showed symptoms like lethargy and neurological issues before being euthanized. Testing confirmed it had the same strain of bird flu found in local dairy cattle. A second cat in the home also showed symptoms but recovered. The owner, a dairy worker, experienced vomiting and diarrhea before the cats became sick but declined testing.
A second case involved a 6-month-old cat from a different household. It developed severe neurological symptoms and died within 24 hours. Its owner, another dairy worker, frequently handled unpasteurized milk without protective equipment and reported “splash exposures” to the face and clothing. Their cat often rolled in their contaminated clothing, while another cat in the home, which did not, remained healthy. The worker also reported eye irritation before the cat’s illness but refused testing, fearing job loss.
The CDC urges farm workers to remove contaminated clothing before entering their homes and for veterinarians to wear protective gear when handling sick cats. Previous reports show cats on dairy farms have died from exposure to unpasteurized milk. While the risk of cat-to-human transmission is low, experts say prolonged exposure to infected animals could increase risks.
#cats #birdflu #cows #farmers #h5n1
cats, birdflu, cows, farmers, h5n1
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Artificial Sweetener Raises Heart Disease Risk
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyCI-ZOjLW/
New research suggests that aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, may increase the risk of heart disease by triggering insulin spikes that lead to artery-clogging plaques—a key factor in heart attacks and strokes.
The study, published in Cell Metabolism, found that mice consuming aspartame daily—equivalent to drinking three cans of diet soda—experienced persistent insulin surges. This led to chronic inflammation and the buildup of fatty plaques in their arteries, a process linked to cardiovascular disease.
Researchers believe the artificial sweetness tricks the body’s insulin receptors, causing a greater-than-expected insulin response. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
While aspartame is FDA-approved and widely used in diet sodas, baked goods, and processed foods, experts caution that frequent consumption could have long-term health risks. Researchers plan to investigate whether these findings apply to humans, but doctors recommend limiting artificial sweetener intake, especially for those at risk of metabolic disorders.
#aspartame #artificialsweetner #insulin #atherosclerosis #heartattack
aspartame, artificialsweetner, insulin, atherosclerosis, heartattack
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Adaptogenic Mocktail Risks
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyDQezO_4s/
A new health trend is taking off—adaptogenic mocktails, alcohol-free drinks infused with herbs and plant-based adaptogens that claim to reduce stress and create a natural buzz. But experts warn that these trendy beverages may come with health risks.
Adaptogens, such as ashwagandha and certain mushrooms, are marketed as stress relievers, but research on their actual effects is limited. According to dietitian Dr. Dana Hunnes, the doses of these natural ingredients in these drinks may not be high enough to be effective—or may be too high, leading to unintended side effects.
Doctors also point out that adaptogenic beverages are unregulated by the FDA, meaning their safety and potency are unclear. Hepatologist Dr. Brian Lee expresses concern about the mind-altering claims, warning that consumers don’t always know what they’re ingesting. Additionally, some adaptogens have been linked to health issues, including liver toxicity.
Experts advise caution when consuming these beverages, especially for those with medical conditions or who are pregnant. Instead, they recommend safer alternatives like seltzers or prebiotic drinks for those looking for a non-alcoholic option.
#mocktails #adaptogens #mushrooms #ashwagandha #nonalcoholic
mocktails, adaptogens, mushrooms, ashwagandha, nonalcoholic
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Blood Test Predicts Preterm Birth.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyEOILpDLH/
A new study from the University of Toronto suggests a simple blood test could help identify expectant mothers at risk for preterm delivery. The researchers followed over 9,000 pregnant women and found that low levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) at 24-28 weeks are associated with a 50-fold higher risk of delivery before 34 weeks.
Since PlGF testing is already used in early pregnancy screenings, experts believe it could be easily integrated into routine prenatal care.
Early detection could allow for better monitoring, medication to manage blood pressure, and delivery planning at specialized hospitals—potentially improving outcomes for both mother and baby.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-02-blood-mothers-preterm-delivery.html#google_vignette
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2826174
#prematurity #pregnancy #women #test #pigf
prematurity, pregnancy, women, test, pigf
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Quantifying What You Eat
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyEyKsusdW/
Many studies that look at the effect of diet on the human body depend on diaries that the participants fill out. Now the University of Washington’s Institute for Systems Biology has developed the proverbial “better mousetrap.”
Their technique analyzes food-derived DNA in stool samples to determine exactly what a person has consumed. The method, both objective and non-invasive, works effectively on infants, children, and adults.
The investigators have dubbed their technique MEDI, which stands for Metagenomic Estimation of Dietary Intake. As this method is refined, it could become the de facto standard for diet quantitation.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250218114019.htm#google_vignette
https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-025-01220-1
#diet #stool #dna #medi #genetics
diet, stool, dna, medi, genetics
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Diet Drugs Improve Your Mind
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyFce9OOpn/
GLP-1 receptor agonists—popular for treating diabetes and weight loss—may have additional benefits for the brain. Emerging research suggests these medications could help with addiction, depression, and even cognitive decline.
Studies indicate that GLP-1s may reduce cravings for opioids and alcohol by altering the brain’s reward system, with some trials showing a 40% drop in opioid overdoses and a 50% decrease in alcohol-related hospitalizations. There’s also evidence that these drugs could ease depression by reducing brain inflammation and promoting mood stabilization. Some studies even link them to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, but experts caution that more research is needed before they can be used for dementia treatment.
While these findings are promising, researchers urge caution. High costs, limited insurance coverage, and unknown long-term effects mean GLP-1s are not yet a proven solution for psychiatric or neurological conditions.
#dieting #glp1 #depression #addiction #cognitive
dieting, glp1, depression, addiction, cognitive
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Light-Triggered ‘Smart Bomb’ Kills Breast Cancer
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.htm
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.202419759
#cancer #photochemotherapy #breastcancer #cyaninecarborane
cancer, photochemotherapy, breastcancer, cyaninecarborane
Dr. Howard Smith LIVE - 030325
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HEALTH NEWS
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Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGwL5PuN_sN/
• From the drug abuse department: the latest hot recreational drug is nitrous oxide.
• Indoor Cats Catch Bird Flu from Owners
• Artificial Sweetener Raises Heart Disease Risk
• The Risks of Adaptogenic Mocktails
• A blood test predicts risk of preterm birth.
• Scientists Find Unique Method For Quantifying What You Eat
• Diet Drugs Improve Your Thinking
• Light-Triggered ‘Smart Bomb’ Kills Breast Cancer
#drugabuse #nitrousoxide #cats #birdflu #aspartame #heartattack #insulin #mocktails #adaptogens #pregnancy #prematurity #dieting #fooddiary #obesity #glp1 #depression #dementia #cancer #chemophototherapy
drugabuse, nitrousoxide, cats, birdflu, aspartame, heartattack, insulin, mocktails, adaptogens, pregnancy, prematurity, dieting, fooddiary, obesity, glp1, depression, dementia, cancer, chemophototherapy
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CPSC Recalls
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Babyjoy High Chairs Could Suffocate Your Baby
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DG3dmyutjoQ/
These high chairs create a suffocation hazard as they allow an infant to sleep at an incline angle greater than 10 degrees. These high chairs also create an entrapment risk because the space between the seat and tray is large enough for a child to become trapped.
About 4,400 units were sold in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan.
Immediately stop putting your baby in these high chairs. For a refund, contact Costway at 1-844-242-1885 to receive a prepaid shipping label to return the product. Alternatively, you can submit photos showing the chair destroyed.
#babyjoy #highchairs #sids #suffocation #entrapment #recall
babyjoy, highchairs, sids, suffocation, entrapment, recall
Style Life Eleven Baby Loungers Make Sleeping Dangerous
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DG3ekFlM4SL/
These baby loungers, sold exclusively on Wayfair.com, violate federal safety regulations for infant sleep products due to an overly thick sleeping pad that poses a suffocation risk. These loungers also create entrapment hazards as infants could fall out through an enclosed side opening.
About 1,555 loungers were sold online to consumers across the United States but particularly in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan.
Stop placing your baby in these dangerous loungers. Contact Wayfair at the email AdvocacyTeam@wayfair.com or call 1-888-549-1625 to receive instructions about product disposal and a full refund.
#wayfair #stylelife #infant #loungers #suffocation #entrapment #recall
wayfair, #stylelife, infant, loungers, suffocation, entrapment, recall
NEO BT PRO Avalanche Transceivers Fail To Signal Your Impending Doom
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DG3fx4zsGkG/
These emergency radios contain a defective fuse that causes the battery to drain unexpectedly with a loss of emergency transmission, injury, or death.
About 1,067 units were sold nationwide and particularly in Colorado, Utah, California, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Alaska, and Vermont.
Stop depending on these recalled transceivers and contact NIC IMPEX ARVA CORP. at 1-844-636-2782 for a free inspection and repair.
#neobt #avalanche #emergency #transceiver #battery #injury #death #recall
neobt, avalanche, emergency, transceiver, battery, injury, death, recall
Forever 21 Children’s Pajamas Are Dangerously Flammable
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DG3gey0s0NG/
The pjs fail to meet federal flammability regulations for children’s sleepwear creating a burn hazard.
About 24,700 pjs were sold exclusively by Forever 21 in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan. An additional 80 units were sold in Canada.
Stop permitting your children to wear these pajamas. Contact Forever 21 via the email recall@forever21.com or call 1-888-219-4074. For the refund, consumers cut the top and bottom pieces in half, dispose of them, and email a photo of the destroyed garments.
#forever21 #children #pajamas #flammable #burns #recall
forever21, children, pajamas, flammable, burns, recall
Allesin Blackout Roller Window Shades Strangle
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DG3hfQJJKaX/
These shades have long operating cords that can strangle and pose a risk of serious injury or death to children.
About 3,800 units were sold nationwide and especially in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan.
Stop using these window shades, cut the control cords, and contact Allesin by the email chinahert_fighting@outlook.com to obtain a full refund. To receive the refund, you must email a photo of the recalled product with the cord cut to chinahert_fighting@outlook.com.
#allesin #shades #strangulation #cords #recall
allesin, shades, strangulation, cords, recall
Triangle Tube Prestige and Aerco Esteem branded Gas Boilers Can Gas You
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG3iMqHvqDx/
These boilers release dangerous levels of CO caused by incomplete ignition or component damage creating risks of serious injury or death. Two fatalities have already been reported in connection with this issue.
About 60,000 units were sold in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan. Also, 7,500 units were sold in Canada.
Contact Triangle Tube via the email productrecall@triangletube.com or call the company at 1-877-574-5036 to schedule a free boiler inspection and a possible ignition system replacement. While continuing to use these boilers before repair, have working carbon monoxide alarms on each level of your home and sleeping areas. If you need a CO alarm, you can request a free one from Triangle Tube.
#triangletube #boilers #prestige #aercoesteem #carbonmonoxide #poisoning #death #recall
triangletube, boilers, prestige, aercoesteem, carbonmonoxide, poisoning, death, recall
Canyon Speedmax CF Triathlon Bicycles Can Steer You To The Hospital
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DG3jL0ZMm2F/
The aerostem fork steerer tube on these bikes can crack and break creating loss for steering, falls, and injuries to the rider and bystanders.
About 1,400 of these bikes were sold in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Also, about 380 bikes were sold in Canada.
Immediately stop riding these recalled bicycles and contact a Canyon Authorized Service Partner to schedule a free repair. For more information, call Canyon Bicycles USA at 1- (833) 226-9661.
#canyon #bicycles #steering #injuries #recall
canyon, bicycles, steering, injuries, recall
Kichler Lighting Wall Sconces Can Knock Your Socks Off
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG3kFI9NpbY/
The electrical wires at the adjustable joints are easily damaged leading to electric shocks,, burns, or electrocution.
About 2,760 of these sconces were sold in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. About 215 sconces were sold in Canada.
Inspect your Kichleer wall sconce and verify that it is installed as a plug-in fixture without an electrical box. If so, unplug it immediately and stop its use. To see if your unit is included in this recall, call Kichler at 1- (866) 558-5706Then, visit www.kichler.com/legal/safety-information/recall-information-43115 to determine if your unit is affected by this recall. If your sconce is included, complete the Contact Us webform available at www.kichler.com/customer-care/contact-us. Kichler will then provide instructions for destroying this recalled product and submission of photographic confirmation in order to receive a free replacement wall sconce.
For additional information, please visit the recall webpage at http://www.kichler.com/legal/safety-information/recall-information-43115 or call Kichler Lighting at (866) 558-5706.
#kichler #sconce #shortcircuit #shock #electrocution #recall
kichler, sconce, shortcircuit, shock, electrocution, recall
P.J. Salvage Children’s Pajama Sets and Robes Ignite
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DG3l0muNGWz/
These garments violate federal flammability regulations for children’s sleepwear creating the risk of serious burn injuries and death.
About 9,400 pj sets were sold exclusively at Nordstrom Rack in every state.
Immediately stop allowing your kids to wear these garments. Destroy the garments by cutting them in half, take a photo, and complete the online registration form available at pjsalvage.com/pages/recall-information. Upload the photos of garment destruction.
#pjsalvage #pajamas #flammability #burns #recall
pjsalvage, pajamas flammability, burns, recall
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FDA Recalls
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Wild Coast Raw Chicken Cat Food Has Bird Flu Contamination
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG3m-EovZVD/
Lots #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672 and #22664 with a Best Buy date of 12/25 are possibly contaminated with Influenza H5N1, bird flu.
If you fed your cat any of this product, look for signs of bird flu such as fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs like tremors, stiff body movements, seizure, lack of coordination, or blindness.
If you see any of these, call your vet.Safely discard of this contaminated raw cat food and contact your place of purchase for a refund. For more information, email info@wildcoastraw.com or call 1-(360) 591-3543.
#WildCoast #raw #chicken #cat #birdflu #h5n1 #infection #recall
WildCoast, raw, chicken, cat, birdflu, h5n1, infection, recall
Little Leaf Southwest Salad Kits Have Hidden Allergens
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DG3ntr_vfnL/
These kits have undeclared fish and wheat allergens. Those with an allergies to fish and wheat as well as celiac disease could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume this product. Affected is lot number 050011 with a Enjoy By date of 3/8/25.
These salad kits were sold in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire at Ahold USA Freetown, Kilduff, Stew Leonard’s, Associated Grocers of New England, Shapiro Produce, and C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc between February 20, 2025, and February 22, 2025.
Return these kits to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, call 1-(844) LIL-LEAF or email hello@littleleaffarms.com.
#littleleaf #salad #kits #fish #wheat #allergy #recall
littleleaf, salad, kits, fish, wheat, allergy, recall
Vitafer-L Gold Liquid Contains A Dangerous Prescription Drug
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG3oc5UpJFd/
This product contains undeclared tadalafil. This prescription medication is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that can dangerously depress blood pressure particularly in those taking nitrate-containing medications such as nitroglycerin.
This product is sold through Amazon and Walmart in every state.
Immediately stop using this product and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For further information, contact Natural Dior LLC at in Columbia, South America +57 315 2814091 or email the company at vitafer.original@gmail.com.
#vitafer #goldliquid #tadalafil #hypotension #nitrates #recall
vitafer, goldliquid, tadalafil, hypotension, nitrates, recall
Ascent SinuCleanse Soft Tip Squeeze Bottle Nasal Wash System Has Germs
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DG3pK6lPzuj/
Confirmed testing detected Staphylococcus contamination. Affected is lot number 024122661A1.This product was sold nationwide.Discontinue use of the Sinucleanse nasal wash system immediately. Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund. Former info about this recall, please contact Ascent Consumer Products Inc. by email at cs@ascentconsumerproducts.com.
#ascent #nasal #wash #staph #infection #recall
ascent, nasal, wash, staph, infection, recall