01/05/26 - #558

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Everyday Plastics Could Be Fueling Obesity, Infertility, and Asthma

• FDA Approves Wegovy Pill for Weight Loss

• As Tetanus Vaccination Rates Decline, Doctors Worry About Rising Case Numbers

• Sitting by a Window May Improve Blood Sugar Levels for Type 2 Diabetes

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Everyday Plastics Could Be Fueling Obesity, Infertility, and Asthma

Plastics are part of our daily lives—found in food containers, packaging, bottles, and even receipts. But new research warns that certain chemicals in plastics may be harming our health, especially when we’re exposed early in life.

A review by NYU Langone Health looked at hundreds of studies. It found that some plastics may be linked to long-term health problems like obesity, infertility, asthma, and even learning issues.

The biggest concerns are three types of chemicals:

• Phthalates, used to make plastics soft

• Bisphenols, used in hard plastics

• PFAS, found in nonstick and waterproof products

These chemicals can interfere with hormones, affect brain growth, and trigger inflammation. They may even lower IQ or raise the risk for ADHD or autism.

Heating or reusing plastics can cause tiny particles to break off. These can end up in our bodies through food, drinks, or skin contact.

You can reduce risk by:

• Using glass or stainless steel containers

• Avoiding microwaving plastic

• Not washing plastic in dishwashers

Doctors say more education is needed to help families make safer choices. The report also calls for stronger laws to reduce plastic use, especially in low-income communities where health risks are higher.

Plastic is still useful in medicine, like in ventilators or masks. But experts agree we need to cut back where we can—for our health and our children’s.

Source: scitechdaily.com

WEIGHT LOSS

FDA Approves Wegovy Pill for Weight Loss

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new daily weight-loss pill called Wegovy. This pill is made by Novo Nordisk and uses the same drug, semaglutide, found in the injectable versions of Wegovy and Ozempic.

Wegovy works by copying a natural hormone that helps you feel full, making it easier to eat less. In a study, people who took the pill lost about 13.6% of their body weight over 15 months. This is close to the results from the weekly shots.

Some side effects include nausea and diarrhea. Unlike the shot, the pill must be taken on an empty stomach in the morning with a sip of water. You must wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything.

Experts believe the pill could help more people get treatment for obesity, especially those who are afraid of needles. About 1 in 8 Americans have tried injectable weight-loss drugs, but many can’t afford them. The new pill may cost around $149 per month—much less than the $1,000 monthly cost of some injections.

Doctors say the pill’s lower price and simple use may help more people manage their weight. One user said it helped him feel in control of his food choices every day.

Wegovy pills should be available in the U.S. within weeks.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting any new medication or weight-loss plan.

Source: thehindu.com

HEALTH

As Tetanus Vaccination Rates Decline, Doctors Worry About Rising Case Numbers

Tetanus, also known as “lockjaw,” is a serious and painful disease. It causes strong muscle spasms, making it hard to move, speak, or even breathe. One of the scariest signs is when the jaw locks shut, forcing the face into a painful grin.

For years, tetanus was rare in the U.S. because of vaccines. But now, fewer people—especially children—are getting their shots. In states like Florida, Texas, and Kansas, where floods and storms are common, the risk is growing. After natural disasters, more people get cuts and wounds, which can let tetanus bacteria into the body.

Tetanus lives in soil and enters through puncture wounds. It doesn’t spread from person to person, so people must protect themselves with a vaccine. The first shot is given to babies at 2 months old. Adults should get a booster every 10 years.

Doctors are worried. In 2024, there were 32 cases in the U.S. In 2025, there were at least 37—the most in over 10 years. Some people ended up in the hospital for weeks. One child’s care cost nearly $1 million.

The vaccine is safe, low-cost, and works well. Doctors say it’s much cheaper and easier than treating someone after they get sick.

Even one case of tetanus in the U.S. is a warning sign. Experts say it’s preventable—and that more people need to stay up to date on their shots.

Ask your doctor if you’re due for a tetanus booster.

Source: nbcnews.com

Sitting by a Window May Improve Blood Sugar Levels for Type 2 Diabetes

If you have type 2 diabetes, sitting by a sunny window could help lower your blood sugar.

A small study from the Netherlands looked at 13 older adults, around age 70, with type 2 diabetes. They spent 4.5 days in a room with large windows. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., they sat by the window with natural light. They ate three balanced meals, took their regular medications, used their phones and computers, and followed a set schedule. At night, they had dim lights and slept in darkness.

Later, the same group spent 4.5 days in a room with no windows, using only artificial light.

Researchers found that during the natural light days, the participants kept their blood sugar in a healthy range 50% of the time. Under artificial light, that number dropped to 43%.

This small difference may seem minor, but experts say it can matter over time. Keeping blood sugar stable helps reduce the risk of problems like heart disease.

Natural light may help because our bodies follow a daily rhythm, called the circadian rhythm. This rhythm is controlled by light and helps manage blood sugar. Light from the sun, even through a window, may be better than indoor light.

More research is needed, but sitting near a window is free, easy, and safe. It may be a simple way to support your health.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only. Always talk to your doctor about your treatment plan.

Source: newscientist.com

✢ 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.