Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Vitamin D Supplementation Appears as a Promising Tool That Might Help to Mitigate the Fatigue State

• Can I Lose Weight in My 40s?

• Balance-training Exercise Games Are Effective at Preventing Falls in People Over the Age of 65, Reducing the Number of Falls by 26% Study (N = 769) Shows

• A New Study Found That Stress, Through Its Propensity to Drive Up Inflammation in the Body, is Linked to Metabolic Syndrome, Leading Researchers to Suggest Cheap and Relatively Easy Stress-management Techniques May Be One Way to Help Improve Biological Health Outcomes

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Vitamin D Supplementation Appears as a Promising Tool That Might Help to Mitigate the Fatigue State

Feeling tired a lot? You're not alone. Many adults, especially over 45, often feel this way. Guess what? Vitamin D might help with that tiredness.

We all know vitamin D is good for bones, but it does more. It helps calm stress in our bodies and fights off swelling. This is important because too much stress and swelling can make us super tired.

Vitamin D also helps our brain. It balances brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which control our mood and energy. When these are off, we can feel extra tired.

Our skin makes vitamin D when we're in the sun. We can also eat foods like fish and mushrooms, or take vitamin pills to get it. But, it's hard to get enough from food alone, especially in winter or if we're indoors a lot.

Many people don't have enough vitamin D, which can lead to feeling tired. Research shows that more vitamin D might help with tiredness, especially in older folks and people with certain health issues.

But, it's not the same for everyone. Some might feel much better, while others might not notice much.

If you're always tired, talk to a doctor about vitamin D. They can check if you need more. We're still learning about vitamin D and tiredness, but it could be a way to help us feel more energetic and better overall.

Source: mdpi.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Can I Lose Weight in My 40s?

Are you over 40 and finding it hard to lose weight? You're not alone. Dr. Kimberly Manning from Emory University explains that it's a common issue because our bodies change as we age.

Why is it harder to lose weight now? After 40, your body burns calories slower than when you were younger. It's like those extra snacks you didn't know you were having!

But don't worry, there are simple things you can do. First, sleep more. If you sleep 7 to 8 hours a night, you could lose 5 or 6 pounds. That's a big deal!

Also, stand up and move around more. Sitting a lot is bad for your health. Just standing and walking a bit can help you lose weight.

Watch your food portions too. As you get older, your body doesn't need as much food. Eating less can help you stay fit.

Cut down on sugar. Avoid not only the obvious sugars but also hidden ones in foods like white bread and rice. And guess what? Diet drinks with artificial sweeteners aren't great either. They can actually make you want to eat more. Cutting them out can help you lose weight.

As you get older, these changes are even more important. But remember, losing weight after 40 is possible. With a few lifestyle changes, you can still wear your favorite clothes!

Remember, you can do it – even after 40!

Source: FOX 5 Atlanta

HEALTH

Balance-training Exercise Games Are Effective at Preventing Falls in People Over the Age of 65, Reducing the Number of Falls by 26% Study (N = 769) Shows

Good news for people over 65! Playing special balance games can reduce your chance of falling by 26%. This exciting discovery comes from a study by Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and UNSW.

Here's the scoop: 769 seniors tried a new game called smart±step. It's a game where you step on a mat connected to your TV and follow the game's steps. Think of it like a dance game but for keeping your balance sharp. It's super easy and a lot of fun!

These seniors played the game for two hours each week for a whole year. The result? They fell less often than others who just read a pamphlet about preventing falls. But remember, the study mostly included healthy, active older people.

Why are these games so helpful? Well, one out of every three seniors living alone falls each year. Falls can be really serious. The best way to stop falls is with balance exercises, but sometimes they can be boring. That's where smart±step comes in.

It's not just about moving your feet. The game also makes you think fast. This is great for your brain. There are different games, like treasure hunts or dodging obstacles. It keeps your body and mind busy.

So, if you're over 65, why not try these games? They're a fun way to stay safe and keep your mind sharp!

Source: newsroom.unsw.edu.au

A New Study Found That Stress, Through Its Propensity to Drive Up Inflammation in the Body, is Linked to Metabolic Syndrome, Leading Researchers to Suggest Cheap and Relatively Easy Stress-management Techniques May Be One Way to Help Improve Biological Health Outcomes

Are you often stressed? It's important to know that this might be affecting your health. A new study found that stress can lead to something called metabolic syndrome. This is a group of health problems like too much belly fat, high blood pressure, low good cholesterol, and high blood sugar. These can cause serious issues like heart disease and diabetes.

Researchers at The Ohio State University studied 648 adults. They found that when people are stressed, their bodies can become inflamed. This inflammation is a big reason why stress leads to metabolic syndrome.

But there's good news! You can manage stress with easy and low-cost methods. Things like exercise, taking time to relax, or practicing meditation can help. These steps don't just make you feel better mentally; they're also good for your physical health.

Jasmeet Hayes, a psychology professor who led the study, says it's important to remember that stress affects both your mind and body. With 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. facing metabolic syndrome, knowing how to lower this risk is key.

Taking care of your stress isn't just about feeling calm. It's a big part of staying healthy. The researchers are now looking into the best ways to manage stress to keep inflammation and health risks low. Remember, a little effort in managing stress can go a long way for your health!

Source: news.osu.edu

✢ 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.