01/10/24 - #41

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Did You Know That Soil Health Affects Human Health?

  • Weight Loss Drugs' Messy Rise: How Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro Really Affect Patients — and What Comes Next

  • As Long as It is Not Obsessive, Playing Video Games May Help People Recover From Work, Helping Them Replenish Energy Resources, According to New Study

  • Man Who Didn't Sleep for a Record 264 Hours Suffered From Crippling Effects for Years After

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Did You Know That Soil Health Affects Human Health?

Think about this: the health of the soil where plants grow can actually impact our health too. In 2022, Congress got scientists to study this connection. They're finding out how taking care of soil can make our food healthier and improve our wellbeing.

Soil has lots of tiny life forms, similar to the helpful bacteria in our stomachs. These small creatures in the soil play a big role in making plants grow well and making sure our food is full of good nutrients. But, if we use too many chemicals or grow the same crops over and over, it can change these tiny life forms and affect our health.

Studies show that organic farming, which avoids chemicals, can create healthier soil. This kind of farming is not only good for the soil but also makes our food better. For instance, organically grown tomatoes and jalapenos have more vitamin C than those grown using chemicals.

This is important because healthy soil means healthier food for us. As we learn more from these studies, we should think about how our food is grown. This year, Congress will make new decisions about farming. It's a chance to support farming that's good for both our health and the environment. Let's choose to help our planet and ourselves!

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight Loss Drugs' Messy Rise: How Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro Really Affect Patients — and What Comes Next

Did you know obesity is a disease, not just about willpower? It's a complicated health issue. Dr. Beverly Tchang treats obesity like any other medical condition. She says it needs care and understanding.

Recently, a big change happened with a drug called Ozempic, made by Novo Nordisk. It's a weekly shot for diabetes that also helps people lose weight. It works by controlling blood sugar and hunger. This was a big deal because it was hard to find good weight loss treatments before.

Ozempic became very popular. Other drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro followed. But this quick popularity brought problems like drug shortages and people buying them online without doctor's advice.

People have different experiences with these drugs. Some, like Jacob Brody, a diabetic, had great weight loss and felt much healthier. But others, like Ashley Dunham, faced side effects like less interest in food and other activities.

These drugs can have serious side effects, like stomach problems. Some people even sued the drug companies. There are worries about long-term effects and risks.

Insurance companies and jobs are slow to help pay for these drugs. They're expensive, and not everyone can afford them. The future of these weight loss drugs is tricky. They give hope, but also make us think about how we handle health and weight in our society.

HEALTH

As Long as It is Not Obsessive, Playing Video Games May Help People Recover From Work, Helping Them Replenish Energy Resources, According to New Study

Do you like to play video games after a busy day at work? Here's some exciting news for you! A new study shows that playing video games might help you relax and get ready for the next day.

The study, done by researchers Ömer Erdem Koçak, Marjan Gorgievski, and Arnold B. Bakker, found out something interesting. When people play video games in their free time, they feel less stressed about work and more energetic the next morning. But, there's something important to remember. This only works well when you play games for fun and not too much.

So, what does this mean? If you play games because you really enjoy them and keep it balanced with other things in life, it's good for you. But, if you play too much and ignore other important stuff, it might not be that helpful.

If you're someone who plays video games, this study says that it's a cool way to relax after work. Just make sure not to overdo it. And if you're not into games, that's okay. Finding any hobby you love can be just as good for relaxing.

In short, doing things you enjoy after work, like playing video games, can be great for your mind. But remember, keeping it balanced is the key. Next time you play, think about it as more than just a game - it's a fun way to help you feel better and get ready for tomorrow!

Man Who Didn't Sleep for a Record 264 Hours Suffered From Crippling Effects for Years After

In 1963, Randy Gardner, a 17-year-old student, decided to break the world record for not sleeping. With his friend Bruce McAllister, they turned this into a science project. Their big question was: What happens to your brain when you don't sleep?

The record to beat was 260 hours, set by a DJ in Honolulu. Randy took the challenge. His friend Bruce and later, sleep expert William Dement, helped watch him. They were all curious but worried about the risks. Not sleeping can cause serious health problems, like heart disease and memory troubles.

As days went by, Randy started having problems with remembering things, feeling happy, and thinking clearly. He even started seeing things that weren't there. Despite these issues, he managed to stay awake for 11 days, a total of 264 hours. After breaking the record, he slept for 14 hours and seemed okay at first.

But as years passed, Randy struggled with insomnia, a condition where it's hard to sleep. He said it was because of his long time awake for the science project.

This story shows why sleep is important. Pushing our bodies too much can have lasting effects. Because of the dangers, the Guinness World Records stopped keeping track of records for staying awake. Randy's experience is a reminder to take care of our health.

✢ 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.