01/27/25 - #313

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • The Mediterranean Diet is the Healthiest for 8th Year

  • Weight-loss Jabs Linked to Reduced Risk of 42 Conditions Including Dementia | Psychotic Disorders Also Among Conditions Found Less Likely When People With Diabetes Took Medications Found in Jabs

  • Dementia Risk May Be Twice as High as Americans Live Longer, Study Finds

  • Medical Conditions That Deprive Testes of Oxygen, Like Sleep Apnea, May Be Contributing to Decline in Male Fertility Over Past 50 Years, Study Suggests. High-altitude Activities Like Hiking Can Also Cause Lack of Oxygen in Testis - Fertility Effects Are Temporary but Take a Few Months to Reverse

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

The Mediterranean Diet is the Healthiest for 8th Year

For the eighth year in a row, the Mediterranean diet has been named the healthiest eating plan by U.S. News and World Report. Experts in medicine and nutrition reviewed 38 diets. They examined their nutrition, health benefits and risks, and ease of adherence. They also assessed their effectiveness based on science.

The Mediterranean diet encourages eating lots of fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts, and using olive oil as the main type of fat. It suggests eating fewer sweets, dairy, and red meat. This diet is not just about what you eat; it also promotes enjoying meals with family and friends and getting daily exercise.

If you want to be healthier this year, think about trying the Mediterranean diet. It's simple to follow and has many benefits that are proven by research. This diet helps you not just lose weight but also improve your overall health and keep it good for a long time.

Other diets like the DASH diet and the Flexitarian diet also got good marks for being healthy. However, the Mediterranean diet is still the best according to experts. Whether you need to change your eating habits a lot or just a little, the Mediterranean diet is a solid choice that experts recommend year after year.

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight-loss Jabs Linked to Reduced Risk of 42 Conditions Including Dementia | Psychotic Disorders Also Among Conditions Found Less Likely When People With Diabetes Took Medications Found in Jabs

Recent studies show that weight-loss shots might help people with diabetes fight off many health issues. These shots, including Saxenda, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are popular. They help with weight loss and more.

Researchers looked at health information from 215,970 people with diabetes who took these weight-loss drugs. They compared their health to 1,203,097 people who only received usual diabetes care. After 3.5 years of following them, they found that those who used the shots had a lower chance of getting several severe health problems. These included some mental health disorders and chronic diseases like Alzheimer's and kidney disease. The risk of these conditions was reduced by about 13% to 19%.

However, the shots also increased the risk of some other issues, like joint pain and stomach problems. This means while the shots can lower the risk of many serious health conditions, they also come with some risks.

Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a researcher at Washington University in St. Louis, said their study of people with diabetes might also apply to others who use these shots to control obesity. But, he warned that the benefits and risks could be different for people without diabetes.

This study shows that weight-loss shots could help with some health issues. But, we must weigh their pros and cons.

HEALTH

Dementia Risk May Be Twice as High as Americans Live Longer, Study Finds

A new study has found that as people in the U.S. live longer, their risk of getting dementia might be twice as high as we thought before. The research, published in the journal Nature Medicine, shows that about 42% of older adults might develop dementia. This is much higher than the previous estimates of 14% for men and 23% for women.

The study followed over 15,000 Americans for 20 years. It found that the number of people with dementia could double by 2060 because there are more older people than before. Black Americans and women are at an even higher risk.

Dr. Josef Coresh, who led the study, said, "As we have more older people, we'll see more dementia cases."

The study also shows that your risk increases as you get older. From ages 55 to 75, the risk is about 4%. But by the time you reach 95, the risk goes up to 42%. Black Americans and women face even greater risks.

Researchers say it's important to look at why this risk is increasing and how we can prevent it. Keeping health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes under control can help your brain stay healthy. Healthy eating and good sleep are also important.

Even though these numbers seem scary, not everyone who gets old will get dementia. Taking care of your health can help lower your risk.

Medical Conditions That Deprive Testes of Oxygen, Like Sleep Apnea, May Be Contributing to Decline in Male Fertility Over Past 50 Years, Study Suggests. High-altitude Activities Like Hiking Can Also Cause Lack of Oxygen in Testis - Fertility Effects Are Temporary but Take a Few Months to Reverse

Did you know that problems like sleep apnea might be causing men to have trouble with fertility? A new study says that not getting enough oxygen to the testes is part of why male fertility has gone down over the last 50 years.

Sleep apnea and varicocele, which is when veins in the scrotum get too big, can make it hard for the testes to get enough oxygen. This problem is known as hypoxia. Dr. Tessa Lord, who studies reproduction at the University of Newcastle, explains that this lack of oxygen can mess up how sperm are made and lead to lower fertility.

Even fun things like hiking up high mountains can temporarily lower fertility because of less oxygen. But don’t worry, this usually goes back to normal a few months after coming back down.

However, long-term issues like sleep apnea are more serious. With more people having obesity, more men are getting sleep apnea. This problem can last for years and make it really hard for a man to have kids.

Dr. Lord is saying we need to understand more about how these problems affect men’s ability to have kids. It’s important to deal with these oxygen issues quickly to help men today and their future kids.

In summary, men need more help with conditions like sleep apnea. While the problem can be fixed, it’s important to take it seriously to protect men’s health now and for future generations.

✢ 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.