02/21/25 - #332

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Eggs Recalled in Multiple Provinces Over Salmonella Concerns

• How I Lost a 100 Pounds

• Measles is Spreading Across West Texas. The County at the Center Has One of State’s Highest Vaccine Exemption Rates

• Adults Who Have Experienced Depression Develop Long-term Physical Conditions About 30% Faster Than Those Without Depression. Authors of the Report Said Depression Needs to Be Viewed as a “Whole Body” Condition, With Treatment Approaches That Address Mental and Physical Health

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Eggs Recalled in Multiple Provinces Over Salmonella Concerns

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall for several brands of eggs because of possible salmonella contamination. This recall affects eggs in British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, and might include other places too. The brands include Compliments, Foremost, Golden Valley Eggs, IGA, no name, and Western Family. The expiration dates are February 16, February 22, and March 1.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can make you sick even if the eggs don't look or smell bad. Symptoms include fever, headaches, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. While most people get better on their own, salmonella can be more serious or even deadly for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems.

If you have any of these eggs, do not eat them. You should throw them away or take them back to the store where you bought them. Alberta and Saskatchewan were initially part of the recall, but they are no longer listed.

To avoid getting sick, it's important to get rid of these eggs if you have them. You can find more information on the CFIA website or contact the store where the eggs were purchased. Keeping your food safe is key to staying healthy, so make sure to follow these guidelines if you're affected by the recall.

Source: cbc.ca

WEIGHT LOSS

How I Lost a 100 Pounds

Jamie Wooldridge, a dad from South Lake, Texas, realized he needed to lose weight after seeing an unflattering photo of himself. He was 285 pounds and had health problems like high blood pressure. Without using any medications, Jamie decided to take charge of his health.

In six months, Jamie lost 100 pounds by counting calories and making healthier food choices. He found out he was eating around 4,000 to 5,000 calories a day—way more than the 2,200 he needed to lose weight. Jamie started using a calorie-counting app and kept enjoying his favorite foods like pizza, just less often and planned ahead.

Jamie also upped his exercise. He began running and shared his journey on social media, motivating others. Although his quick weight loss is not common, doctors say it's important to talk to a professional before making big diet changes.

To eat healthier, Jamie cut back on sugar and used less fatty products like low-fat mayo. He also cooked at home more, using an air fryer to make lower-fat French fries.

Jamie’s top tip? Turn your goals into everyday habits and prepare for special occasions when you might eat more. He believes with the right tools and determination, anyone can improve their health. "If I can do it, you can do it," he says, showing that with commitment and smart choices, reaching health goals is possible.

Source: Good Morning America

HEALTH

Measles is Spreading Across West Texas. The County at the Center Has One of State’s Highest Vaccine Exemption Rates

Measles has hit West Texas hard, especially in Gaines County, where many people choose not to vaccinate for personal or religious reasons. This area is seeing a big rise in measles cases, mainly among kids who haven't been vaccinated.

Since the end of January, there have been 24 reported cases of measles in Gaines County, which has about 22,000 residents. Most of those who got sick are kids who go to school and haven't had the measles shot. Some kids were so sick they had to go to the hospital, but they are now out and back home.

The measles seems to be spreading through private religious schools in the area. Health experts are looking into this more. In Gaines County, about 14% of kids in school don’t get vaccines because of their family's beliefs.

Health workers are worried that more people will get measles if they don't get vaccinated. They suggest getting two shots of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. The vaccine has been around since 1963 and is very good at stopping the disease.

Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body. To help stop the spread, vaccination clinics have been set up in the area.

Despite the proven safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, some people still doubt it due to false information. Health officials are trying to clear up these myths and encourage everyone to get vaccinated.

Source: independent.co.uk

Adults Who Have Experienced Depression Develop Long-term Physical Conditions About 30% Faster Than Those Without Depression. Authors of the Report Said Depression Needs to Be Viewed as a “Whole Body” Condition, With Treatment Approaches That Address Mental and Physical Health

A new study shows that adults with depression face physical health problems about 30% faster than those without. This suggests that depression affects not just the mind but the entire body.

Published in PLOS Medicine, the research used data from 172,556 middle-aged and older adults from the UK Biobank study. These adults, aged 40 to 71, were tracked for almost seven years. Researchers observed how many physical conditions they developed during this period.

The study found that people with depression had more health problems at the start. As time went on, they also developed new health issues quicker than those without depression. About 15.7% of people with depression have osteoarthritis. In contrast, only 12.5% of those without depression have it. High blood pressure and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were also more common in people with a history of depression.

The researchers emphasize the importance of a healthcare approach that considers both mental and physical health. They noted that today’s healthcare systems often treat one condition at a time. They don’t focus on the whole person. They suggest that healthcare services adapt to meet both mental and physical health needs fully.

This approach could help people with depression. It may manage physical issues and slow their progression. This can improve their overall quality of life.

Source: mcknights.com

✢ 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.