02/26/25 - #335

Author

Health Horizon. Herald Staff
February 26, 2025

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • As Bird Flu Spreads, What is the Risk From Eggs and Milk?

  • No Wonder I Wasn’t Losing Weight!

  • Cancer Death Rates Are Much Higher in UK’s Most Deprived Areas

  • Trump, RFK Jr. Go After Antidepressants, Weight Loss Drugs. Here's What the Science Says

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

As Bird Flu Spreads, What is the Risk From Eggs and Milk?

Bird flu, also known as H5N1, is spreading and causing worry about the safety of everyday foods like eggs and milk. Recently, over 150 million birds were killed to stop the virus, which made egg prices go up. Also, a new bird flu type was found in dairy cows in the U.S., making people wonder about milk safety.

Health experts say there's a very low risk of getting bird flu from eggs and milk you buy at the store. Dr. Nicole Martin, a food science expert at Cornell University, says that heating milk to kill viruses, a process called pasteurization, keeps dairy products safe. She mentions, "Pasteurization effectively eliminates the virus from milk."

Eggs are also very safe. The government makes sure all eggs sold in stores are cleaned and sometimes heated to kill germs. Dr. David Cennimo from Rutgers University explains, "Cooking eggs kills the virus. The main risk would be from eating raw or lightly cooked eggs, but that’s rare because we keep a close watch on the chickens."

Experts advise against drinking raw milk because it doesn't go through pasteurization and can be risky. The Food and Drug Administration says it's a high-risk choice with the current bird flu in cows.

Lastly, freezing doesn't kill the bird flu virus. Like bacteria in ice cubes, bird flu can survive cold temperatures.

In short, buy pasteurized products and cook eggs well to stay safe from bird flu in your diet.

WEIGHT LOSS

No Wonder I Wasn’t Losing Weight!

Trying to lose weight but feel stuck? It's not just about eating less and exercising more. Here are some surprising reasons why you might not be seeing results.

Insulin and Metabolism: Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use sugar. Eating foods with hidden sugars, like some "sugar-free" snacks that are actually full of starches, can make your insulin levels spike. This can slow your metabolism, making it harder to lose weight.

Seed Oils and Processed Foods: Some cooking oils and processed foods can mess with your insulin too. This might be stopping you from losing weight without you even knowing it.

Stress and Sleep: Your daily habits matter a lot. Being stressed and not sleeping enough can make you hungrier and crave bad foods. Getting plenty of sleep and managing stress are key for losing weight.

Eating Patterns: How often you eat can affect your insulin levels too. Eating all the time keeps your insulin high. Try eating less often and think about trying intermittent fasting to help control your insulin and boost your metabolism.

Exercise and Rest: Exercise is important, but too much without enough rest can backfire. Make sure to balance tough workouts with days off to help your body recover and lose weight more effectively.

Remember, losing weight is about more than just diet and exercise. Watching out for hidden sugars, handling stress, sleeping well, eating less often, and balancing exercise can all help you reach your goals.

HEALTH

Cancer Death Rates Are Much Higher in UK’s Most Deprived Areas

A new study from Cancer Research UK shows a worrying trend. People in the UK's poorest areas are nearly 60% more likely to die from cancer compared to those in wealthier regions. The report highlights that around three out of every 20 cancer deaths in the nation are linked to poverty.

The major contributors to this disparity are smoking and obesity. In the poorest neighborhoods, people smoke three times more than in richer areas. Additionally, about 40% of residents in these areas are obese. People with lower incomes find it hard to live healthy lives. This is due to limited access to parks and healthy food options.

Healthcare differences further contribute to the problem. People in poorer areas often find out they have cancer later than those in wealthier areas. This delay causes a late start to treatment. As a result, patients are less likely to get the latest therapies, like chemotherapy or surgery.

Because of these late diagnoses, treatment often begins much later than it should. Sometimes, people wait over three months to start treatment after their doctor first suspects they have cancer.

Cancer Research UK is calling on the government to provide more support for these high-need areas. They recommend initiatives like smoking cessation programs and widespread lung screenings. Their aim is to ensure that the battle against cancer is fair for everyone, regardless of their economic status or where they live. This approach helps to fight cancer effectively across all communities.

Trump, RFK Jr. Go After Antidepressants, Weight Loss Drugs. Here's What the Science Says

President Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. worry about antidepressants and weight loss drugs for kids. Trump started a group to check if these medicines are safe for teenagers. Kennedy, who is leading this group, has often questioned the safety of these drugs.

Many doctors and important health groups, such as the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Medical Association, say these medications are safe. They also work well when used correctly. They believe treatment should include both medicine and other therapies.

Studies show that antidepressants, especially SSRIs, help young people with anxiety and depression. Weight loss drugs are safe for older kids and teens. This is true if they also follow a healthy diet and get enough exercise.

Experts say the risks of addiction with ADHD medications can be managed. So, proper medical advice is key. The use of these drugs is strictly controlled. They are also tested thoroughly before approval.

Some people worry that Kennedy's negative views could cause misunderstandings about these medicines. Saying these medications are a "threat" might scare people away from using them.

The scientific community believes these treatments are beneficial. They work best as part of a complete healthcare plan for young people. The discussion is ongoing, but support for these methods remains strong.

✢ 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.