Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
+1-617-488-9699
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LIVE - 031025 and Recalls 031325
Plastic Packaging Attacks Both Ends of Your Body
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHDvDa9ukWT/
(Plastics-The Graduate clip) Since the late 20th century its been all the rage. The oil industry made it so cheap, it virtually replaced all other packaging material. But now, we are paying the piper.
A study just published in ScienceAdvances reports that microplastics, tiny microscopic plastic fragments, can and will block blood vessels in the brain. These plastic obstructions then form clots that cause strokes.
Chinese biologists, using a mouse model, injected microplastics and found that they accumulated in brain’s blood vessels impeding blood flow and triggering decreased animals mobility. While some of these plastic blockages cleared with time, others persisted longer term leading to lasting neurologic deficits.
These ubiquitous microplastics have previously been linked to fertility issues, immune suppression, and cancer. Despite these warnings, plastic production is predicted to triple by 2060.
I said at the outset both ends of your body. We covered your brain, and, guys, I buried the lead. These obstructing microplastics have also been found in the human penis and testicles. Doesn’t’t take much to imagine what damage these remnants of your plastic bags and bottles can do there.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41443-024-00930-6
#microplastics #plastic #brain #stroke #clots #penis #erectiledysfunction
microplastics, plastic, brain, stroke, clots, penis,
erectiledysfunction
Reducing Your Microplastic Exposure
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHDwCTEPLKc/
Neurologists at Canada’s University of Ottawa, alarmed at the discovery of microplastic and nanoplastic particles in brains of those suffering from dementia, now offer concrete suggestions about how all of us can reduce this threat. They report that drinking filtered tap water rather than bottled water can reduce your microplastic intake by as much as 90%.
Other studies have reported that that Americans who drink bottled water ingest a whopping 90,000 microplastic particles per year. Compare that figure to just 4,000 such particles for those who drink filtered tap water.
Besides those plastic water bottles, there are other sources of this plastic blizzard that you can avoid. Plastic containers and plastic tea bags release millions of microplastic particles when you heat them. Instead use glass and metal containers, steep your tea in paper teabags or metal tea strainers, processed foods, and use HEPA air filters in your home to trap airborne microplastics.
The investigators do offer some hope. The lack of microplastic accumulation with age suggests that our bodies eliminate these particles via sweating and the emptying of our bladders and bowels. Even so, the best bet is to reduce your exposure to these little demons.
https://www.medicaldaily.com/this-simple-change-your-drinking-habit-can-cut-microplastics-90-473215
#microplastics #bottles #containers #hepa
microplastics, bottles, containers, hepa
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Your Vital Organs May Age Faster Than You
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHDxDQMuX1-/
The different organs in our bodies age at different rates. When certain of our vital organs are older than our years would predict, the risk of serious illness escalates.
British and Finnish investigators studied blood samples from 6235 middle-aged adults and tracked their health over a 20 year arc. Accelerated ageing in the heart, liver, and brain was was associated with life-limiting heart failure, liver failure, and lung cancer. More rapid aging in one of these vital organs was linked to a higher risk of multi-organ failure.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landig/article/PIIS2589-7500(25)00006-8/fulltext
#aging #organs #heart #liver
aging, organs, heart, liver
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Treating Deep Lung Disease
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHDxzayvjCg/
Treating acute and chronic lung disease like influenza, CoVid, and emphysema is challenging since may therapeutic agents fail to reach the deep and peripheral portions of the lungs.
RNA innovators at the University of Pennsylvania report the development of new mRNA therapy that can do just that. Housed in a lipid nanoparticle, the mRNA infused directly to the lungs instructs the distant pulmonary tissues to produce proteins that repair damage from CoVid, influenza, and RSV infections. It can also be employed in the battle against lung cancer.
This novel approach could yield more targeted treatments for not only pulmonary disease but also other damaged organs. It can also be employed in the battle against lung cancer.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56448-y
#mRNA #pneumonia #emphysema #CoVid #influenza #rsv
mRNA, pneumonia, emphysema, CoVid, influenza, rsv
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Improving Ovarian Cancer Immunotherapy
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHDygk-shuL/
Immunotherapy has been a resounding success for melanoma skin cancer and small cell lung cancer. Not so for ovarian cancer. Cancer immunologists at the University of Virginia have now discovered what underlies this failure.
Their research discovered that flagellin protein from gut bacteria blocks the effectiveness of the checkpoint inhibitors that power most current immunotherapy. This bacterial flagellin inhibits immune cell communication helping tumors flourish rather than die.
Using a mouse model and blocking flagellin action restored immunotherapeutic effectiveness with 80% of treated animals enjoying long-term tumor control.
If this approach is effective for human ovarian cancer patients, coupling flagellin blocking with checkpoint immunotherapy may be a winning therapeutic strategy …..someday soon.
#immunotherapy #checkpointinhibitor #ovarian #cancer #biome #flagellin
immunotherapy, checkpointinhibitor, ovarian, cancer, biome, flagellin
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Solving The Cold Sore Mystery
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHDzLeQstGx/
Nothing worse than a cold sore, a fever blister, blossoming on your lip the day of your big event. Nearly all of us become infected with the herpes virus early in life during almost unnoticeable infections, but what makes the virus bloom.
Now University of Virginia microbiologists have identified the key to herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) reactivation. What awakens this sleeping villain is the viral protein UL12.5. It appears and triggers herpes reanimation just before it also turns on an antiviral immune response. The latter apparently comes too little too late.
Now that UL12.5 is identified as the reactivation trigger, it becomes a target for therapy for preventing those embarrassing outbreaks. This same mechanism that triggers oral herpes may also underlie the reactivation of genital herpes. Since latent herpes infections in both parts of the body are lifelong infection, stopping reactivation could have major implications for millions of people.
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2413965122
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-02-cold-sore-discovery-unknown-trigger.html
#herpesvirus #hsv1 #hsv2 #oral #genital #feverblisters #ul125
herpesvirus, hsv1, hsv2, oral, genital, feverblisters, ul125
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Success: Vaccine Prevention of Cervical Cancer
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHDz1lkRXs9/
The vaccine against the human papilloma virus, Gardasil, was first recommend for teens and those younger than 45 in 2006. Since then, this vaccine has been instrumental in cutting the incidence of cervical pre-cancerous lesions by 79% according to a just-published CDC analysis.
Since the vaccine’s introduction, vaccination rates hav steadily increased resulting in a dramatic 80% decline in the most dangerous pre-cancerous cervical lesions, so-called carcinoma-in-situ or CIS, among women 20-24 years and a significant invasive CIS decline of 37% among women 25-29 year.
This data confirms the effectiveness of Gardasil to curb the tide of the devastating cervical cancer. Though vaccination rates have rise, the latest data shows that only 61% of teens 13-15 years have received the vaccine. Since sexually-active teens can spread the infection, 3 shots of Gardasil are also recommended for teen boys but only 57% of them have been vaccinated.
This lifesaving vaccine show be universally adopted. All teen should receive a 3 shot Gardasil course at 13 years.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a4.htm
https://progressreport.cancer.gov/prevention/hpv_immunization
#cervical #cancer #precancerous #carcinomainsitu #vaccine #gardasil
cervical, cancer, precancerous, carcinomainsitu, vaccine, gardasil
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American Baby Food Is Junk
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHD0mJEujL2/
A shocking 60% of commercial baby foods on the shelves of US grocery stores fail to meet accepted international nutritional guidelines set by the World Health Organization. This wakeup call comes from the researchers at Australias’s George Institute for Global Health and North Carolina’s Gillings Global School of Public Health.
The investigators analysed 651 products. Not only were the majority of these foods nutritionally deficient, especially the snack-sized packages, but also not one of the products met the standards set for factual promotion. Every product had at least one prohibited claim on it package, and some products displayed as many as 11 bogus claims.
All of these baby foods are sold in the top 10 grocery/supermarket chains across the United States and are widely accessible to parents and other caregivers. This study underscores the urgent need for improved regulations on infant and toddler food labeling and nutritional content.
Given the current political environment, all I can add is “buyer beware!” Better yet, create your own baby foods from wholesome ingredients. If you buy commercial, review those package labels with a fine-tooth comb.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/16/2782
#infants #toddlers #foods #nutrition #promotion #foods
infants, toddlers, foods, nutrition, promotion, foods
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/16/2782q
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Ice Cream Gets Your Kid Though A Tonsillectomy
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHD1deAvsDU/
A clinical trial just published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otolaryngology found that children who ate ice cream after surgery had better pain control compared to those who didn’t. The study group included 48 children undergoing the common childhood surgery.
The date showed that, at 6, 12, and 18 hours post-op, children consuming ice cream reported significantly less pain, required less pain medication, and were able to resume oral intake sooner. The ice cream did not trigger an increase in post-operative complications.
Children recovering from a tonsillectomy do need some non-narcotic pain medications. Cold, sweet ice cream does help the medicine go down.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165587625000412
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Flossing Lowers Stroke Risk
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHD2SrsvrnU/
University of South Carolina neurologists just reported to the International Stroke Conference that that regular flossing lowers the risk of certain strokes. Their study followed 6,278 participants for more than 25 years.
Those who flossed at least once weekly had a 21% lower incidence of ischemic stroke and a 44% lower risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation. The flossing prevents gum disease and reduces plaque buildup that both increase the level of inflammation in brain blood vessels but also in the heart leading to atrial fibrillation.
There is growing evidence that oral health is closely linked to heart health. Regular flossing as well as brushing are habits that have major health benefits.
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Nasal Spray Blunts Traumatic Brain Injury
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHD28nmuKit/
So say neurologists at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. In a mouse model, they show that a nasal spray containing an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody significantly reduces brain inflammation and speeds recovery after a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
This antibody, sprayed into the nasal cavities, activates regulatory T cells, Tregs, that then travel to the brain and release IL-10 that in turn reduces microglial-medial inflammation there.
This anti-CD3 nasal spray much prove its effectiveness in humans. If so, it will become a treatment for the TBI that follows concussions, motor vehicle accidents, and other sports-related head trauma.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-025-01877-7
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Extreme Heat May Age You
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHD3ybgMZCK/
If you live in an area with more high-heat days, with a heat index above 90°F, you are like to experience faster biological aging than if you reside in a cooler region. In fact, you are likely to age an extra 14 months over a six-year period.
This study from the University of Southern California just published in Science measured epigenetic changes in 3,686 subjects 56 years old and older. DNA methylation patterns were used to estimate biological aging. The data suggests that extreme heat may speed up aging in older adults at the molecular level.
Older adults are vulnerable to heat-driven body damage because ineffective sweating makes it harder for their bodies to cool down. This latest information suggests that traditional warm weather retirement destinations that now clock many days of extreme heat may be unhealthy.
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr0616
#heat #aging
heat, aging
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CPSC Recalls
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Lolanta Children’s Bathrobes are Flammable
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHJhKT3twe_/
Lolanta Children’s Bathrobes violate federal flammability regulations for children’s sleepwear creating a serious burn hazard and risk of injury or death to children.
About 5,100 bathrobes were sold exclusively on Amazon.com from November 2021 through November 2024.Stop permitting your children to wear these recalled bathrobes.
To receive a refund, cut the garment in half, take a photo of the destroyed item, and email it to business@lolanta.com. For more information, visit lolanta.com and click on the “Product Recall” link or contact the company via email at business@lolanta.com.
#lolanta #bathrobes #children #flammability #burns #recall
lolanta, bathrobes, children, flammability, burns, recall
Taylor Water Technologies Phosphate Reagent #1 Bottles Are Dangers To Children
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHJhzBVMLB3/
These reagent bottles fail to meet child-resistant packaging requirements under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). The bottles contain sulfuric acid and create a risk of severe chemical burns to the skin and eyes and, if swallowed, internal corrosive burns.
About 10,000 units were sold nationwide in pool and aquarium stores and online at taylortechnologies.com and other websites from August 2022 through August 2024. The recalled bottles were included in Taylor Phosphate Test Kits #K-1106 but were also sold separately.
Immediately stop using these recalled Phosphate Reagent #1 bottles and store them away from children. Contact Taylor Water Technologies at 1-800-837-8548 for proper disposal instructions and a free replacement bottle. Only unexpired bottles are eligible for replacement.
#Taylor #reagent #bottles #acid #burns #eyes #skin #gastrointestinal #recall
Taylor, reagent, bottles, acid, burns, eyes, skin, gastrointestinal, recall
Auto World Unassembled Deluxe Pit Kit Slot Cars Attract Danger
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHJpEFNOP0m/
These slot car kits contain loose, high-powered magnets that pose ingestion hazards to children. When ingested, the magnets attract each other in the gastrointestinal tract leading to intestinal perforations, blockages, infections, and even death. Fully assembled models are not affected by this recall.
About 55,000 kits were sold nationwide at Hobby Lobby, SlotsnStuff, NitroHobbies Inc., Hercules Distributors, RC Superstore, and at other hobby retailers, as well as online at autoworldstore.com, protinkertoys.com, and hobbylobby.com from July 2023 through February 2024.
Keep these slot car kits away from your kids. Contact Round 2 a 1-888-770-7120 or via the email deluxepitkit@realtimeresults.net to obtain a pre-paid return label and receive a full refund. Use these same contact routes for additional information about the recall.
#autoworld #slotcar #kits #magnets #gastrointestinal #blockages #perforations #recall
autoworld, slotcar, kits, magnets, gastrointestinal, blockages, perforations, recall
BD Recon LT Avalanche Transceivers Won’t Save You
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHJilqOPBfL/
The transceiver’ s power switch is defective and the radio powers down unexpectedly. This prevents the locating of avalanche victims with obvious dire consequences.
About 1,660 transceivers were sold in the United States, and an additional 206 were sold in Canada at Liberty Mountain, REI, specialty outdoor stores, and online at Black Diamond’s website, Backcountry.com, and Evo.com from May 2021 through February 2025.
Stop depending on these defective transceivers and contact Black Diamond at 1-866-306-0865, or via the email 2025reconltrecall@bdel.com for a full refund, a replacement, or a free repair. No proof of purchase is required, and prepaid shipping labels will be provided.
#bd #blackdiamond #transceiver #avalanche #power #injury #recall
bd, blackdiamond, transceiver, avalanche, power, injury, recall
Nuby Stroller Fans Chop Baby’s Fingers
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHJjQ95sLD6/
This stroller fan’s housing permits children’s probing fingers to reach the blades creating laceration injuries. Affected is model number 25138, lot number N8K10X.
About 33,600 stroller fans were sold at Baby Express, Burlington Coat Factory, Target, and Unique Photo stores, as well as online at Amazon.com and us.nuby.com. The affected fans were sold between May 2024 and June 2024.
Remove these portable fans from your baby’s stroller. Contact Luv n’ care at 1-800-588-6227 or email via customers@nuby.com to obtain a free replacement.
#nuby #stroller #fans #housing #lacerations #recall
nuby, stroller, fans, housing, lacerations, recall
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FDA Recalls
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Wangzhihe Hot Pot Sauce Contains Undeclared Allergens
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.
#Wangzhihe #hotpot #sauce #peanut #soy #wheat #celiac #allergy #recall
Wangzhihe, hotpot, sauce, peanut, soy, wheat, celiac, allergy, recall
Zaarah Herbals Branded Rasayan Churan, Gurmar Powder, Vasaka Powder, and Bhringraj Powder Contain Poisons
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHJkgQBtiUS/
These powders are all contaminated with toxic levels of lead and arsenic. Exposure to these contaminants can pose serious health risks, including developmental defects, kidney dysfunction, and increased cancer risk. Affected products are batch numbers BJ 04, GD 04, VK 04, and RY 04, all with a manufacturing date of July 2022.
These herbal supplements were sold in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and California through various retailers.
Do not consume these products and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact New York Wholesale Group at 1-800-516-7606.
#zarabherbals #lead #arsenic #poison #recall
zarabherbals, lead, arsenic, poison, recall
Joy Luck Brand Dried Lily Flowers Contain Undeclared Sulfites
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHJlClKPqCS/
Those with sulfite allergies or sensitivities could develop serious or life-threatening reactions after consuming this product.
These recalled lily flowers were sold at retail outlets nationwide.
Those with a sulfite allergy should not consume this product and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.For more information. About this recall, phone U.S. Trading Company at 1510-781-1818.
#joyluck #lilyflowers #sulfites #allergy #recall
joyluck, lilyflowers, sulfites, allergy, recall