01/02/25 - #296

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Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Drinking Tea and Coffee Linked to Lower Risk of Head and Neck Cancer in Study | Research Finds People Who Have More Than Four Coffees a Day Have 17% Lower Chance of Head and Neck Cancers

  • Best Hack for Weight Loss?

  • Hundreds of Vials of Deadly Viruses Missing After Lab Breach

  • US Approves First Drug Treatment for Sleep Apnea

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Drinking Tea and Coffee Linked to Lower Risk of Head and Neck Cancer in Study | Research Finds People Who Have More Than Four Coffees a Day Have 17% Lower Chance of Head and Neck Cancers

Good news for tea and coffee lovers! Drinking these popular beverages might help lower the risk of head and neck cancers. A new study found that people who drink more than four cups of coffee a day have a 17% lower chance of developing these cancers. Even decaffeinated coffee showed some benefits, especially for oral cancer.

The study looked at data from 14 different research projects involving over 25,000 people from Europe, North America, and Latin America. Researchers found that coffee may protect against cancers in the mouth and throat. Tea drinkers also had some positive results. Drinking up to one cup of tea per day was linked to a 9% lower risk of head and neck cancers, especially in the lower throat.

However, the study found a downside for heavy tea drinkers. Drinking more than one cup of tea a day was tied to a higher risk of laryngeal cancer. This could be because tea might increase acid reflux, which is linked to this type of cancer.

Experts say this study doesn’t prove that tea or coffee directly prevents cancer. Other factors, like smoking, alcohol use, and diet, could also play a role. Additionally, the study relied on people reporting how much they drank, which isn’t always accurate.

While more research is needed, this study suggests tea and coffee might have some protective effects. So, if you’re a fan of these drinks, it could be a small step toward better health!

WEIGHT LOSS

Best Hack for Weight Loss?

Do you ever wonder why people in the 1970s seemed to stay slim without trying? The answer isn’t what you’d expect—it’s not about eating kale or running marathons. Their secret? They didn’t eat all the time. Let’s explore this idea and how you can use it today.

Back in the 1970s, people typically ate three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Snacking was rare. Contrast that with today, where most people eat six or more times daily. This constant eating adds up, even if the snacks seem small.

Here’s what you can do to eat less often and feel great:

  1. Keep It Simple: Eating the same types of foods regularly can help you eat less. If your meals are predictable, the novelty of eating fades, and you’ll naturally stop eating when you’re full.

  2. Try Fat Fasting: If you’re battling hunger or sugar cravings, focus on high-fat foods like eggs, avocado, or salmon for a short time. This can help your body adjust to burning fat for energy, making it easier to go longer between meals.

  3. Get Moving: Exercise isn’t just for burning calories—it keeps your mind off food. Whether it’s a walk in nature or a game of tennis, being active helps you focus on something other than eating.

By sticking to fewer meals and keeping things simple, you can take control of your eating habits—just like people did in the 1970s. Give it a try and see the difference!

HEALTH

Hundreds of Vials of Deadly Viruses Missing After Lab Breach

A lab in Queensland, Australia, has lost hundreds of vials of deadly viruses. This raises concerns about a serious biosecurity breach. The missing vials include Hendra virus, Lyssavirus, and Hantavirus, all of which can be deadly to humans.

The breach happened in 2021 but wasn’t discovered until 2023. A freezer storing the samples broke down. During the transfer to a new freezer, paperwork wasn't completed. This left officials unsure if the vials were destroyed or lost. Experts say there’s no evidence they were stolen or used for harmful purposes.

Hendra virus, which has a 57% fatality rate, was first found in the 1990s. Lyssavirus is similar to rabies, while Hantavirus can cause deadly lung infections. These viruses don’t spread easily and usually require direct contact to infect people.

Dr. John Gerrard, Queensland's Chief Health Officer, says the public isn't at risk. The viruses break down quickly outside of special freezers. “They would become harmless within days,” he explained. No recent human cases of these viruses have been reported in Queensland.

The government is investigating to find out what went wrong and to prevent it from happening again. Health officials have retrained staff and updated lab protocols. Queensland’s Health Minister, Tim Nicholls, called for strong measures to ensure dangerous materials are handled safely.

The risk is low. But, this incident shows we must follow procedures when handling dangerous viruses.

US Approves First Drug Treatment for Sleep Apnea

The FDA has approved the first drug to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that affects millions of Americans. This is big news for adults with moderate to severe OSA who are also obese.

The drug, called Zepbound, is made by Eli Lilly. It was first approved as a weight-loss medication for people with obesity or health issues like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Zepbound helps by reducing appetite and supporting weight loss. Studies showed that losing weight can improve OSA symptoms. In clinical trials, nearly half of the patients no longer had OSA symptoms after using the drug.

OSA happens when a person’s breathing stops during sleep because their airway gets blocked. This can wake them up many times a night and stop them from getting good rest. Untreated, OSA can raise the risk of serious health problems like high blood pressure, stroke, and depression.

Until now, most people with OSA used CPAP machines or had surgery to treat it. Zepbound offers a new option, especially for those who struggle with these treatments.

Zepbound is a weekly injection. It works best when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. If you think this medication might help you, talk to your doctor.

This approval gives new hope to people living with OSA, helping them get better sleep and improve their overall health.

✢ A Note From Hem Hero

The information in this health newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. The publishers are not responsible for any actions taken by the reader based on the information provided.