02/17/25 - #328

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Raising Vitamin D Levels Above 30 Ng/ml (Ideally 40–70 ng/mL) Lowers the Risk of Major Diseases and Improves Overall Health

• People With Pockets of Fat Hidden Inside Their Muscles (Intermuscular Fat) Are at a Higher Risk of Dying or Being Hospitalised From a Heart Attack or Heart Failure, Regardless of Their BMI or Waist Circumference. Fat Stored Under the Skin (Subcutaneous Fat) Did Not Increase the Risk

• Measles Outbreak in Texas Was "Completely Preventable," Infectious Disease Expert Says

• Nurses Worldwide Experience Stress, Loss, and Violence. Research Found Nearly Half of Nurses Worldwide Face Public Aggression, While Up to 61% Experience Anxiety or Depression, According to a Study of 9,387 Nurses Across 35 Countries Health

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Raising Vitamin D Levels Above 30 Ng/ml (Ideally 40–70 ng/mL) Lowers the Risk of Major Diseases and Improves Overall Health

Vitamin D is super important for keeping you healthy, especially as you get older. It’s called the "sunshine vitamin" because your body makes it when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Studies show that having enough vitamin D can lower your risk of big health problems like heart disease, cancer, and even COVID-19.

Experts say that keeping your vitamin D level above 30 ng/ml is good, but reaching between 40–70 ng/ml is even better. You can hit these targets by taking vitamin D supplements daily, especially if you don’t get much sun where you live or during the winter.

Why do we need vitamin D? It helps keep your bones strong, supports your immune system, and helps your muscles work right. It can also protect you from getting sick with things like the flu and might help prevent some types of cancer. However, a lot of adults don’t get enough vitamin D.

To increase your vitamin D, soak up a few minutes of sun daily. Also, eat foods high in vitamin D, such as salmon and fortified milk. You might also consider a daily supplement. Most people need about 2000 IU each day, but some might need more, like 4000 to 6000 IU, to get their levels right.

Always talk to your doctor before you start taking supplements, especially if you have health conditions or take other medicines.

Source: mdpi.com

WEIGHT LOSS

People With Pockets of Fat Hidden Inside Their Muscles (Intermuscular Fat) Are at a Higher Risk of Dying or Being Hospitalised From a Heart Attack or Heart Failure, Regardless of Their BMI or Waist Circumference. Fat Stored Under the Skin (Subcutaneous Fat) Did Not Increase the Risk

Scientists recently published important research in the European Heart Journal. They found a heart health risk that most people don't know about. This risk is not linked to body weight or waist size. Instead, it involves fat hidden inside our muscles, known as 'intermuscular' fat.

This type of fat, prized in steaks for flavor, turns out to be harmful when it's packed between our own muscle fibers. A study by Professor Viviany Taqueti at Harvard Medical School looked at almost 700 people. They had symptoms like chest pain but did not have blocked arteries. Results showed that those with more intermuscular fat faced a higher risk of heart attack and heart failure.

This risk is interesting because it exists no matter a person's body mass index (BMI) or the visible fat under the skin. These factors do not link to a higher risk of heart disease. This highlights a critical gap in how we currently assess cardiovascular health risks.

Knowing how intermuscular fat affects heart health is key for managing weight. Losing weight healthily may reduce harmful fat. This could lower the risk of heart problems. This means we should focus not only on weight loss but also on body composition. We want to reduce fat in muscles and keep or grow lean muscle mass.

These findings highlight the need for personalized health programs. Instead of just focusing on weight loss, we should target fat and muscle composition. This approach can improve heart health.

Source: scimex.org

HEALTH

Measles Outbreak in Texas Was "Completely Preventable," Infectious Disease Expert Says

In West Texas, a measles outbreak has hit Gaines County, affecting two dozen people. All the cases occurred in individuals who were not vaccinated, and nine of them ended up in the hospital. This area has few vaccinated people. Many students are also exempt from the measles shot.

Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins, said this outbreak could have been avoided. "Measles is extremely contagious," he stated. "An outbreak shows we have a big gap in our vaccination efforts. It’s important to understand that we can prevent this if more people get vaccinated."

The measles vaccine works well; one dose is 93% effective and two doses are 97% effective. The MMR vaccine protects against mumps and rubella. It has been safe since 1971, even alongside other vaccines.

Dr. Adalja noted that people who are fully vaccinated and healthy are not at risk for measles. However, those who are not vaccinated, especially young kids and those whose parents chose not to vaccinate them, are in danger.

Vaccination rates have dropped in at least ten states, risking the country's ability to prevent large outbreaks. For example, fewer young children in Florida are getting vaccinated.

Measles begins with symptoms like fever, cough, and a runny nose, followed by a rash. Although many recover, measles can cause serious health issues, including brain damage and death.

Source: cbsnews.com

Nurses Worldwide Experience Stress, Loss, and Violence. Research Found Nearly Half of Nurses Worldwide Face Public Aggression, While Up to 61% Experience Anxiety or Depression, According to a Study of 9,387 Nurses Across 35 Countries Health

A new study shows that nurses worldwide face serious mental health challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study appeared in the International Nursing Review. It surveyed 9,387 nurses from 35 countries. It shows just how tough their jobs have been lately.

Allison Squires, a professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, led the study. She notes that stress from work and personal losses make life harder for nurses. "Many people are still sad about loved ones lost to the pandemic. This adds to their daily stress," she explains.

The study showed high anxiety and depression levels in nurses, from 23% to 61%. Many people feel more stressed at work than at home. They face tiredness, anxiety, and a sense of being overwhelmed. These feelings were stronger in some places, depending on how people view mental health there.

Almost half of the nurses faced aggression from the public, and many are mourning the loss of colleagues, friends, or family members. Only 24% said their workplaces help them enough with mental health support, leading many to take care of themselves more than before.

Researchers urge healthcare leaders to boost support for nurses. They want better mental health resources and safer workplaces. This is important for keeping nurses healthy and ensuring hospitals can continue to care for everyone.

Source: nyu.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.