01/08/25 - #300

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Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Major Food Companies Accused of Marketing 'Addictive' Food to Kids

  • What’s Your Weight Loss Story?

  • Bird Flu Warning Over New Virus Risk: "Significant Public Health Concern"

  • Loneliness Linked to Ill Health Through Effect on Protein Levels. After Taking Into Account Factors Including Age, Sex, Education the Team Found 175 Proteins Associated With Social Isolation and 26 Proteins Associated With Self-reported Loneliness

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Major Food Companies Accused of Marketing 'Addictive' Food to Kids

In Philadelphia, a major lawsuit has been filed against big food firms like Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, and Coca-Cola. These companies are being accused of marketing unhealthy, addictive foods specifically to children.

Bryce Martinez, a young man from Pennsylvania, is leading this charge. He argues that his health problems, including type 2 diabetes and a liver condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, were caused by regularly eating these companies’ products since he was a child. He was diagnosed with these conditions at just 16 years old. His legal team from Morgan & Morgan claim this is the first lawsuit of its kind.

This lawsuit targets popular snacks and sodas. They are heavily processed and full of artificial ingredients. These foods are low in nutrients. Health experts criticize them for their potential to cause addiction and long-term health issues.

Recent statements from U.S. health authorities support these concerns. They suggest that ultra-processed foods could be addictive and harmful. This lawsuit accuses the food companies of making their products addictive to boost sales. It claims they used tactics like those of old tobacco companies.

Martinez's lawsuit seeks damages. It aims to hold the corporations accountable for their marketing practices. It calls for a change in how these foods are sold, especially to children. This is to prevent further health issues.

This case shows the need for stricter rules and ethical marketing. We must protect kids from harmful foods and promote healthy eating.

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WEIGHT LOSS

What’s Your Weight Loss Story?

As the New Year starts, many people decide to lose weight. Gym memberships increase by 30%, and everyone looks for quick ways to get fit. But what really helps people lose a lot of weight? People magazine shares true stories of those who have lost half their size.

During a special photo shoot, models show off their new, slimmer bodies. These aren’t just any models; last year, they were much heavier. Each person shares how they decided it was time to change their lives.

Their stories are not just about losing weight. They are about overcoming hard times. Many faced bullying or serious health problems before they decided to make a change. For example, meet Richard. At 25, he weighed 426 pounds and his health was so bad that doctors were worried. He could hardly do simple things and was very unhappy.

But then, Richard tried a workout DVD and started to eat less. He shared his progress on Facebook to keep himself accountable. Eighteen months later, he had lost a lot of weight. The best part? His son, Brady, was born.

These stories show that losing weight is not just about looking good. It's about feeling good and living better. Each story gives hope and a plan for others who want to start their journey to a healthier life.

HEALTH

Bird Flu Warning Over New Virus Risk: "Significant Public Health Concern"

Health experts are sounding the alarm about a new danger related to bird flu. The CDC urges everyone, especially farmworkers, to get flu shots this year. They warn that catching both the regular flu and bird flu at the same time could create a new, dangerous virus.

Recently, severe cases of bird flu in Louisiana and Canada have raised concerns. These cases show that when someone is infected with both bird and human flu viruses, the viruses can mix and create a new type of flu. This new flu could be a big problem because it combines parts of both bird and human flu viruses.

Experts say that if a person catches both viruses, they might swap parts while making new viruses. This could lead to a completely new virus that people are not immune to, increasing the risk of a lot of people getting sick.

The CDC recommends the flu vaccine. It lowers the chance of getting the flu and of catching both viruses at once. Right now, the risk from bird flu is low, with cases only coming from animal contact, and no signs of it passing from person to person. However, health officials are keeping a close watch.

Vaccines and health guidelines help prevent the spread of new, harmful viruses.

Loneliness Linked to Ill Health Through Effect on Protein Levels. After Taking Into Account Factors Including Age, Sex, Education the Team Found 175 Proteins Associated With Social Isolation and 26 Proteins Associated With Self-reported Loneliness

Loneliness is more than just feeling alone; it can actually make us sick. Recent research shows that loneliness can change some proteins in our bodies. This might lead to serious health problems.

Scientists at the University of Cambridge studied data from over 42,000 people. They found that lonely people had different blood protein levels than those who weren't lonely. Specifically, 175 proteins were linked with social isolation and 26 with loneliness.

These proteins are linked to body processes like inflammation and immune responses. High protein levels can raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

The study tracked participants' health for 14 years. It found that about 90% of these proteins could predict early death. Loneliness seemed to raise five specific proteins. They are linked to inflammation and metabolism.

The study found that changes in protein levels are likely due to feeling lonely, not the opposite. This means that feeling isolated can physically change our bodies, which then affects our overall health.

The small changes clearly link loneliness to health problems. This suggests that staying socially connected is not just good for our mental health but is also crucial for our physical health. Keeping our social ties strong can help us stay healthy.

✢ 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.