01/03/25 - #297

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Which Foods Are ‘Healthy’? FDA Has New Requirements for Food Labels

• 100 Pounds! A Dad’s Journey to Healthier Living

• Physical Activity Reduces Chronic Disease Risk. Research Found Those Who Exercised Moderately to Vigorously at Least 150 Minutes Per Week -; Were at Statistically Significant Lower Risk of Having 19 Chronic Conditions, Including Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, Respiratory Disease, and Diabetes

• Lonely Individuals Show Reduced Cardiovascular Adaptability Under Social Stress. Loneliness is Linked to Reduced Heart Rate Variability During Social Stress, Suggesting a Decreased Ability of Autonomic Nervous System to Regulate Heart Function. This Effect Was More Pronounced in Women Than in Men

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Which Foods Are ‘Healthy’? FDA Has New Requirements for Food Labels

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated the rules for what can be labeled as "healthy" on food packaging. These changes aim to help people choose better foods. They also encourage manufacturers to make more nutritious products.

Under the new guidelines, foods must meet limits on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. They must also include certain amounts of key food groups like fruits, vegetables, or low-fat dairy. Foods such as nuts, seeds, salmon, olive oil, and some canned fruits and vegetables now qualify as healthy. Meanwhile, items like white bread and sugary cereals no longer make the cut.

This is the first major update to the standards in 30 years. The FDA says these changes are based on the latest science and are part of a broader effort to improve public health. Dr. Robert Califf, FDA Commissioner, stressed that healthy eating can help fight chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Food companies can start using the new “healthy” label in 2025. They’ll also have three years to adjust any products that don’t meet the updated standards. The FDA is working on a symbol to make it easier for shoppers to spot healthy choices on store shelves.

Most Americans fail to eat enough fruits and vegetables. They eat too much sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. These new labeling rules aim to make nutritious options easier to find and encourage healthier eating habits.

Would you choose foods with the new “healthy” label? It might be a good step toward better health!

Source: edition.cnn.com

WEIGHT LOSS

100 Pounds! A Dad’s Journey to Healthier Living

Jamie Wooldridge, a retiree from Southlake, Texas, made headlines. He lost 100 pounds in just six months—all without medication. His journey began with a wake-up call: an unflattering photo taken at church by his wife. Determined to take control of his health, Jamie made simple but effective lifestyle changes.

At 285 pounds, Jamie realized he was consuming 4,000–5,000 calories a day. Using a calorie-counting app, he cut back to 2,200 calories daily, balancing his favorite foods like pizza within his new limits. He cut processed sugar, switched to low-calorie substitutes, and used an air fryer to make healthier versions of his favorite dishes.

Exercise played a key role in his transformation. Already walking daily, Jamie gradually introduced running, ultimately completing long-distance workouts. Sharing his progress on TikTok inspired others to follow his lead.

Jamie’s weight loss didn’t just change his appearance—it significantly improved his health. His cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes risk all decreased. This showed the power of lifestyle changes.

His advice? Start small, make your resolution a routine, and plan ahead for life’s events. Jamie has great results. But, he urges people to consult a doctor before starting a weight-loss journey.

For those ready to make a change, Jamie’s story is a reminder that commitment and consistency can lead to life-changing results. As he says, “If I can do it, you can do it too!”

Source: Good Morning America

HEALTH

Physical Activity Reduces Chronic Disease Risk. Research Found Those Who Exercised Moderately to Vigorously at Least 150 Minutes Per Week -; Were at Statistically Significant Lower Risk of Having 19 Chronic Conditions, Including Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, Respiratory Disease, and Diabetes

A new study from the University of Iowa shows that being active can lower your risk of chronic diseases. Adults who exercise at least 150 minutes a week at a moderate to vigorous level are much less likely to get 19 major health problems. These include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and lung disease.

The research, led by Lucas Carr, a professor in Health and Human Physiology, looked at over 7,000 patients. During their annual checkups, patients answered two quick questions. They were about how often and how long they exercise each week. The results showed that people who exercise more often are generally healthier than those who do not.

Carr’s team suggests doctors ask all patients about their activity levels. “This short survey takes less than 30 seconds and gives us important health information,” Carr said. For patients who don't exercise much, recommend programs to help them start.

The study also found that insurance companies usually cover costs when doctors talk to patients about exercise. Despite this, most hospitals don’t ask about physical activity yet.

This research shows that moving your body regularly can help prevent serious health problems. Even small amounts of exercise, like walking or gardening, can make a big difference. If you’re not active now, this is a great time to start. Just a few minutes a day can lead to better health and a longer life!

Source: now.uiowa.edu

Lonely Individuals Show Reduced Cardiovascular Adaptability Under Social Stress. Loneliness is Linked to Reduced Heart Rate Variability During Social Stress, Suggesting a Decreased Ability of Autonomic Nervous System to Regulate Heart Function. This Effect Was More Pronounced in Women Than in Men

Loneliness can hurt more than your emotions. It can weaken your heart's ability to handle stress. A new study found that lonely people have less heart rate flexibility in stressful situations. This is called reduced heart rate variability (HRV), which is linked to poor heart health. Women seemed to be more affected by this than men.

HRV measures the time between each heartbeat. A healthy heart adjusts easily to challenges, showing high HRV. But low HRV means the heart isn’t adapting well. Researchers tested 92 young adults with a stressful public speaking and math task. They found that lonely people had lower HRV. This held even after accounting for factors like age and personality.

Loneliness isn’t just being alone—it’s the feeling of being disconnected or unsupported. It’s been linked to higher risks of serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes. This study suggests loneliness may make it harder for the body to cope with stress, which could harm heart health over time.

The study also found that women, who often rely more on social support to handle stress, showed bigger drops in HRV when they felt lonely. This could mean loneliness has a stronger effect on women’s heart health than men’s.

These findings highlight the importance of staying connected. Building strong relationships isn’t just good for your mental health—it could protect your heart, too. If you’re feeling lonely, reaching out to others might be one of the healthiest things you can do.

Source: psypost.org

✢ 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.