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- 02/18/25 - #329
02/18/25 - #329
Health Horizon. Herald Staff
February 18, 2025
Good morning. In today’s edition:
Produce in Home Gardens Near PFAS Plant in US Contain Dangerous Levels of Chemicals
100+ Pounds Down, No Longer Overweight, My Life Has Changed
The Consequences of US Abortion Bans - More Babies and Higher Infant Mortality: an Estimated 478 Additional Infant Deaths in the 14 States With Bans and Around One Extra Baby Born Per 1,000 Woman, or a Total of 22,180 Additional Babies Across the Country
Study Finds That There is a Clear Wealth Gap Among Adults Over 50 Who Meet Physical Activity and Dietary Guidelines. The Research Also Found That Poorer Adults Are Nearly Three Times More Likely to Be Depressed Than Their Wealthier Counterparts
…and lots more. Have a great day!
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FOOD & NUTRITION
Produce in Home Gardens Near PFAS Plant in US Contain Dangerous Levels of Chemicals
People living near a PFAS chemical plant in North Carolina found harmful chemicals in their home-grown fruits and vegetables. These chemicals, called "forever chemicals," don’t break down in the environment or in our bodies. They are linked to many health issues, such as cancer.
A study tested 53 samples from gardens close to the Chemours plant in Fayetteville. Every sample had PFAS, which are used to make products like waterproof jackets and non-stick pans. The study suggests that the air pollution from the plant is a big reason for these chemicals being in the food.
Even though the plant has put in some new pollution controls, the harmful chemicals from past years are still causing problems. Researchers pointed out that federal tests for PFAS in food might not catch all the contamination. They found that eating just a few blueberries from one garden could give a child more PFAS than what's safe in water.
The research focuses on gardens near pollution sources and does not apply to all food. However, it shows we need better testing and rules to keep our food safe. The findings are a wake-up call to understand better and manage the risks of PFAS, especially in fruits and vegetables that people eat often. This situation shows we urgently need more information on how toxic these chemicals are. This will help protect public health.
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WEIGHT LOSS
100+ Pounds Down, No Longer Overweight, My Life Has Changed
Melissa Paluch, a mom of three, made a big change on July 1, 2022. After avoiding doctors for years, she was scared to find out she had serious health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure at just 43. She was taking more pills than her 83-year-old dad. That day, Melissa decided it was time for a change.
She changed her diet, started counting calories, and got inspired to exercise by reading posts on the Start Today Facebook page. She began walking with her 18-year-old son and soon could walk a mile without getting tired. A year later, she had lost over 100 pounds and felt amazing.
Melissa learned to celebrate small wins, like being able to cross her legs again or wearing colorful clothes instead of just gray and black. She also faced challenges like hitting a plateau where she didn’t lose weight for a while. But she found ways to push through by drinking more water.
Her journey made her happier and more energetic. She now looks forward to each day and encourages everyone to start small. Just getting up and moving a little bit each day can lead to big changes over time. Melissa’s story shows that with determination, you can achieve your health goals and live a better life.
HEALTH
The Consequences of US Abortion Bans - More Babies and Higher Infant Mortality: an Estimated 478 Additional Infant Deaths in the 14 States With Bans and Around One Extra Baby Born Per 1,000 Woman, or a Total of 22,180 Additional Babies Across the Country
Recent studies from the US show serious effects from abortion bans in 14 states. These studies found a worrying rise in both the number of babies born and infant deaths.
Research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shows that states with abortion bans saw more infant deaths. Specifically, there were 478 more deaths than before. Deaths from birth defects rose the most. Groups with high infant death rates saw even bigger increases, especially Black infants and those in southern states.
Another study found that more babies were born because of the bans. About one extra baby was born for every 1,000 women. This means around 22,180 more babies were born in the banned states. This rise was especially high among racial minorities, unmarried women, women under 35, and those without a college degree. These groups often face more challenges.
These findings show the major effects of abortion bans. They impact both infant deaths and the number of babies born. The research highlights the need for better support for children and families impacted by these bans. It also calls for more studies on how these bans affect health.
The National Institutes of Health funded the research. This includes support from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. This highlights the need for strong healthcare and careful laws. These are key to protecting the health of mothers and babies after policy changes.
Study Finds That There is a Clear Wealth Gap Among Adults Over 50 Who Meet Physical Activity and Dietary Guidelines. The Research Also Found That Poorer Adults Are Nearly Three Times More Likely to Be Depressed Than Their Wealthier Counterparts
A new study from the University of Surrey shows a big difference in health and mood for people over 50 based on their income. The research looked at over 3,000 people aged 50 to 90 and saw big differences in exercise and diet between richer and poorer adults.
About 70% of older adults do some physical activity, but the richest are nearly twice as likely to exercise compared to the poorest. Eating habits also vary with income. More than 70% of wealthier adults eat enough fruits and vegetables each day, while only about 40% of poorer adults do.
This wealth gap leads to more health problems. Poorer adults are almost three times more likely to feel depressed. Dr. Simon Evans, who helped with the study, said this issue needs urgent attention. He explained that not having enough money is a big barrier to staying healthy as you get older.
The study also found that women, people who live alone, smokers, and those with lower incomes are more likely to be depressed. Depression rates were three times higher in the poorest group. Staying active and eating well were linked to lower chances of feeling depressed. These findings show that everyone, regardless of income, should access healthy choices. This access is key for improving well-being.
✢ 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.