01/09/26 - #562

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Researchers Compared 95 Families Following Vegan, Vegetarian or Omnivorous Diets, Where Children Had Been on the Diet Since Birth. Children Across All Groups Had Similar Growth and Bone Health. Vegan Families Showed the Best Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Health Indices, but Had Lower Iodine Levels

  • Ozempic Users Actually Spend More Dining Out. Smart Restaurants Are Adapting

  • Flu Cases Are Surging and Rates Will Likely Get Worse, New CDC Data Shows

  • More Than 2,000 Measles Cases Reported in the US This Year as Ongoing Outbreaks Threaten Elimination Status

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Researchers Compared 95 Families Following Vegan, Vegetarian or Omnivorous Diets, Where Children Had Been on the Diet Since Birth. Children Across All Groups Had Similar Growth and Bone Health. Vegan Families Showed the Best Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Health Indices, but Had Lower Iodine Levels

A new study from the Czech Republic looked at 95 families who followed vegan, vegetarian, or regular meat-eating diets. In each family, the children had been on the same diet since birth.

The results were clear: children grew at similar rates across all diet types. Bone health was also similar. This shows that plant-based diets can support healthy growth in kids when planned well.

Vegan families had the best heart health. Both adults and children had lower cholesterol levels than those who ate meat. Adults on vegan diets also had lower body weight and blood pressure.

But there was one concern. Vegan children and adults had lower iodine levels. Iodine helps the thyroid work well, and low levels can cause health issues over time. However, the study didn’t find any signs of thyroid problems in the vegan group.

The study also found that vegans had higher levels of vitamin B12 and D, likely because many were using supplements. This shows that with the right planning and support, plant-based diets can meet most nutrition needs.

Family habits mattered a lot. Children’s nutrition closely matched their parents’, which shows that diet choices often come from the whole household.

Bottom line: Vegan and vegetarian diets can be healthy for children and adults. But families should make sure they get enough iodine, either through food or supplements.

This article is for general information only and does not provide medical advice. Please talk to a healthcare provider for personal guidance.

WEIGHT LOSS

Ozempic Users Actually Spend More Dining Out. Smart Restaurants Are Adapting

People taking Ozempic and similar weight-loss drugs are going to restaurants more—not less. They may eat smaller meals, but they still enjoy dining out. And smart restaurants are starting to notice.

Ozempic is part of a group of drugs called GLP-1s. These medicines help people feel full faster, which can lead to eating less and losing weight. In 2024, about 6% of Americans used a GLP-1 drug. By late 2025, that number doubled to 12%, and it’s still growing. New deals to lower prices and cheaper versions are helping more people get access.

Even though Ozempic users eat smaller portions, they still like going out to eat—especially to casual sit-down places. That’s good news for restaurants like Olive Garden. In fact, Olive Garden is testing smaller, lower-cost meals to better serve these new customers. They still offer favorites like unlimited breadsticks, but now with more flexible options.

Rick Cardenas, the CEO of Darden Restaurants (which owns Olive Garden), says these changes are based on customer needs. He explained that people on weight-loss drugs may eat out a little less often, but they choose casual dining over fast food—and they still spend money when they go.

As more Americans take these drugs, restaurants are expected to change even more. Smaller portions, better value, and healthier meals may become more common on menus.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about your health.

HEALTH

Flu Cases Are Surging and Rates Will Likely Get Worse, New CDC Data Shows

Flu season is off to a strong start, and health experts say it could get even worse. The CDC reports that at least 7.5 million people have gotten the flu so far, and over 3,100 people have died. Last week alone, more than 19,000 people were hospitalized — almost double the week before.

A new version of the virus, called subclade K of H3N2, may be causing the spike. It spreads quickly and seems to be getting around people’s immune systems. While it’s not more dangerous than past strains, it is making more people sick, faster than usual.

New York saw a record 71,000 cases in one week. Many other states in the Northeast, Midwest, and South are also seeing very high flu activity.

This year’s flu shot may not be a perfect match for the new strain. Still, it can lower the risk of serious illness. Early reports from the UK say the shot is 30% to 40% effective in preventing hospital stays.

Only about 42% of adults in the U.S. have gotten the flu shot. Experts say it’s not too late to get one.

Other steps can help too: wear a mask in crowded places, stay home if you're sick, and keep your distance from others who are sick.

If you do get the flu, see a doctor. Medications work best if started within 48 hours.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only. Talk to your doctor for medical advice.

More Than 2,000 Measles Cases Reported in the US This Year as Ongoing Outbreaks Threaten Elimination Status

Measles cases are rising fast in the U.S. In 2025, there were 2,065 confirmed cases—the most in over 30 years, according to the CDC. The virus is spreading in several areas, including South Carolina and along the Arizona-Utah border.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. But the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine works well. One dose gives 93% protection. Two doses offer 97% protection. Still, not enough children are getting the vaccine. For the 2024–25 school year, only 92.5% of kindergartners had both shots. Experts say we need at least 95% to stop outbreaks.

The U.S. has been considered measles-free since 2000. That means the virus hasn’t spread continuously for more than a year. But this status is now at risk.

In South Carolina, nearly 180 people have been infected, with 20 new cases reported in just one week. About 300 people are now in quarantine. The virus is spreading in homes, schools, and churches. Over 350 cases have also been reported near the Arizona-Utah line.

Earlier in 2025, a Texas outbreak infected hundreds and killed three unvaccinated people.

If measles keeps spreading into late January, the U.S. could lose its measles-free status, just like Canada did this year.

Doctors urge people to check their vaccine records and get protected.

Note: This article is for general information only. Talk to your doctor for medical advice or vaccination questions.

✢ 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.