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- 02/07/25 - #322
02/07/25 - #322
Health Horizon. Herald Staff
February 07, 2025
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Good morning. In today’s edition:
The US is in a Steep Decline of Food Enjoyment — Which Has Impacts on Health, Data Shows
Losing Weight is Just So Hard
US Health Department Condemns Private Equity Firms for Role in Declining Healthcare Access - Government Report Says Private Equity Investment in Nursing Homes Led to 11% Increase in Patient Deaths
New Report Sheds Light on Why Young Asian Americans Are 40% More Likely to Develop Allergies
…and lots more. Have a great day!
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FOOD & NUTRITION
The US is in a Steep Decline of Food Enjoyment — Which Has Impacts on Health, Data Shows
Americans are enjoying their meals less, and it's affecting their health, recent studies reveal. In 2023, only 71% of Americans felt their meals were mostly healthy, down from 83% the previous year. Moreover, the joy of eating has also dipped, according to Gallup's global survey.
Why does this matter? Enjoying your food does more than satisfy your taste buds—it’s vital for overall well-being. Andrew Dugan from Gallup notes, “People who enjoy their meals tend to live happier, more connected lives.” But as food satisfaction decreases, so does the quality of life, especially among younger adults in Western countries.
Dietitian Natalie Mokari explains that not only the type of food but how you eat matters too. Rushing through meals or eating while distracted can lessen the enjoyment. Mokari suggests spending at least 10 minutes just on your meal. Focus on the flavors and textures. This helps boost your satisfaction.
The decline in food enjoyment isn’t just about taste. Many find healthy foods too expensive or inaccessible, affecting their ability to enjoy meals. Mokari suggests finding low-cost, healthy staples. You can make them fun to eat, like adding flair to a can of beans.
So next time you sit down to eat, put away your phone and take a moment to savor your food. This small change can boost your mood and connect you more deeply with what you eat, making each meal a more satisfying part of your day.
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WEIGHT LOSS
Losing Weight is Just So Hard
Meet Amanda. You might think she eats too much and doesn't exercise because she is obese. But, there's more to obesity than you might see.
Many believe that if you eat as many calories as you burn, your weight stays the same. If you eat more, you gain weight; if you eat less, you lose weight. This seems simple, but it's not quite right.
There's something called the "set point" theory. This means your brain has a target for how much body fat you should have. It controls your weight with the help of hormones like leptin. Think of leptin like a gas gauge in a car, telling your brain how much energy you have.
When someone like Amanda tries to lose weight by eating less, her body doesn't make it easy. Her hormones change, making her hungrier and slowing her metabolism. Her brain tries to keep her weight at its set point, making it tough to lose weight for good.
Why do some people become obese? Modern life plays a big part. Unhealthy food, less exercise, stress, bad sleep, and some medicines all add to the problem. Everyone's body reacts differently to these challenges.
Obesity isn't just about choices; it's a response to our surroundings and a real disease. It's time to stop blaming people like Amanda and recognize that obesity needs proper treatment and understanding. Let's spread the word and help tackle obesity correctly.
HEALTH
US Health Department Condemns Private Equity Firms for Role in Declining Healthcare Access - Government Report Says Private Equity Investment in Nursing Homes Led to 11% Increase in Patient Deaths
A recent report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shows big concerns about private equity firms in healthcare. These firms make it harder for people to get good healthcare. They care more about making money than helping patients.
The report says that deaths in nursing homes have gone up by 11% because of these firms. They cut costs by reducing staff numbers and hiring workers who aren't as qualified. A doctor in the report saw 45 patients daily. She had only one helper, which she said was unsafe.
Private equity firms buy many healthcare providers and create monopolies. This means they face less competition and can raise prices while paying lower wages.
Hannah Garden-Monheit, a former Biden administration official, said these firms work quietly. This makes it tough for patients to know who manages their healthcare. They keep the old names of the businesses they buy, which hides their involvement.
The report stresses the need for more clear rules to stop these practices. It warns that if these firms keep operating this way, healthcare will get even more expensive and less accessible. The report calls for greater transparency and stricter laws. This will help protect patients from harmful business practices. It aims to keep healthcare affordable and of good quality.
New Report Sheds Light on Why Young Asian Americans Are 40% More Likely to Develop Allergies
A recent study from Stanford University has found that Filipino, Vietnamese, and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders under 18 are more likely to have allergies. The study looked at many health records from California kids.
Sharon Wong knows this well. Her son is now in college. He has struggled with allergies since he was a baby. Foods found in Asian dishes are especially hard for him. About 6 million kids in the U.S. have food allergies. Young Asian Americans, like Wong’s son, are 40% more likely to be affected.
Dr. Charles Feng, who led the study, said research often ignores Asian Americans or doesn't see the differences within this group. Dr. Latha Palaniappan, who also worked on the study, believes it's crucial to figure out how different foods and cultural habits contribute to allergies.
Dr. Anna Chen Arroyo from Stanford said that Asian American kids often miss allergy diagnoses. This can be dangerous. Language barriers and cultural differences may make families reluctant to ask for help.
Wong has adjusted her family’s eating habits to be safe from allergens and teaches others through her blog. She fights for better awareness and treatments for allergies.
This study highlights the need for improved healthcare that recognizes the unique allergy risks for Asian American children.
✢ 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.