Good morning. In today’s edition:

• When You Drink Bottled Water, You're Drinking Lots and Lots of Plastic Particles

• Is It Possible to Lose 100 Pounds in 6 Months?

• The Overall Size of Families Will Decline Permanently in All Regions of the World. Research Expects the Largest Declines in South America and the Caribbean. It Will Bring About Important Societal Challenges That Policymakers in the Global North and South Should Consider

• A Review of 23 Reports Found a Significant Association Between Higher Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and a Lower Likelihood of Having Poor Sleep Quality, Inadequate Sleep Duration, Excessive Daytime Sleepiness or Symptoms of Insomnia

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

When You Drink Bottled Water, You're Drinking Lots and Lots of Plastic Particles

Have you ever thought about what's in your bottled water? Scientists have found that bottled water has tiny plastic pieces called nanoplastics. A study by Columbia and Rutgers universities showed that each liter of bottled water can have around 240,000 of these plastics. That's a lot!

These nanoplastics are really, really small, much smaller than a hair. The scary part is they come from the bottle and the way the water is cleaned. So, when you drink bottled water, you're also drinking these tiny plastics.

Now, everyone's asking: are these nanoplastics bad for us? Scientists aren't sure yet. They know these plastics get into our bodies, but they don't know what they do there. This makes people worried.

Because of this, the scientists who did the study are drinking less bottled water now. They say it's better to use reusable bottles. This isn't just good for our health but also helps the environment. Reusable bottles mean less plastic waste.

So, next time you're about to drink bottled water, think about the invisible plastics in it. Maybe try using a reusable bottle instead. It's a small change, but it can help your health and the planet.

Remember, every little thing we do can make a big difference for our health and our world. Choosing a reusable bottle over a plastic one is a simple step, but it's a step in the right direction.

Source: cbc.ca

WEIGHT LOSS

Is It Possible to Lose 100 Pounds in 6 Months?

Jamie Wooldridge, a retired dad from Texas, lost 100 pounds in six months, and he did it without any medicines. He started changing his life after seeing a photo his wife took that he didn't like. Jamie used to eat about 4,000 to 5,000 calories every day. To lose weight, he cut down to 2,200 calories daily. He tracked his food with a calorie-counting app and didn't stop eating his favorite foods like pizza. He just made sure they fit into his calorie plan.

Exercise was important too. Jamie walked a lot and started running. He even shared his journey on TikTok. This wasn't just about losing weight. It was also about getting healthier overall. Jamie had high blood pressure and cholesterol, and he was close to getting diabetes. Losing weight helped him with these health problems.

Jamie made small changes in his eating habits. He ate less sugar, used low-fat mayo, and cooked with an air fryer to make food like fries healthier. His biggest tip? Plan for special occasions and make healthy eating a regular part of your life.

Jamie's story is special, and not everyone can do this. But it shows that with hard work and a good plan, big health changes are possible. If you want to try something like this, always talk to a doctor first. Jamie proves that with effort and smart choices, you can make big changes for your health.

Source: Good Morning America

HEALTH

The Overall Size of Families Will Decline Permanently in All Regions of the World. Research Expects the Largest Declines in South America and the Caribbean. It Will Bring About Important Societal Challenges That Policymakers in the Global North and South Should Consider

Big changes are coming to families all over the world. A new study says that by 2100, people will have a lot fewer family members. Imagine this: In 1950, a 65-year-old woman usually had about 41 relatives. But by 2095, she might only have 25.

The biggest drop will be in South America and the Caribbean. There, a 65-year-old woman's family will shrink a lot, from 56 relatives to just 18.3. Families in North America and Europe are already smaller, but they will get even smaller too.

Why does this matter? Families help each other, especially with taking care of older people. With fewer relatives, some older adults might not get the help they need. This is really important in places without many services for older people.

Diego Alburez-Gutierrez, who led this study, says that with fewer family members, older relatives like grandparents might need more help than they can give. This is a big thing for everyone to think about, especially those who make laws and policies.

We need to plan better ways to care for people of all ages, especially the elderly. As our family sizes change, making sure everyone gets enough support and care is super important. This is a wake-up call for us all, from regular folks to policymakers, to get ready for these changes.

Source: mpg.de

A Review of 23 Reports Found a Significant Association Between Higher Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and a Lower Likelihood of Having Poor Sleep Quality, Inadequate Sleep Duration, Excessive Daytime Sleepiness or Symptoms of Insomnia

Have you heard about the Mediterranean diet? It's a way of eating popular in countries like Italy and Greece. This diet includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and olive oil, with a little bit of meat and dairy. It's known for being good for your health, but did you know it might also help you sleep better?

Researchers looked at 23 different studies and found that people who follow the Mediterranean diet closely tend to have fewer sleep problems. They sleep better at night, don't feel as sleepy during the day, and don't struggle with insomnia as much.

Why does this diet help with sleep? Experts think it's because of the healthy foods in the diet. These foods are good for your brain and might help you sleep more soundly. Also, the diet helps keep your gut healthy, and that's linked to better sleep too.

But remember, these studies don't prove that the diet is the only reason people sleep better. They just show there's a connection. And the studies mostly used what people said about their own diet and sleep, which might not always be accurate.

In short, if you're having trouble sleeping, think about what you eat. The Mediterranean diet might be a tasty way to help you get a better night's sleep. Before changing your diet, though, it's always a good idea to talk to a doctor or a nutrition expert.

Source: mdpi.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.