Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Mislabeled Cookies Containing Peanuts Sold in Connecticut Recalled After the Death of New York Woman

• My Weight Loss Story

• Vaping Warning as Scientists Discover Health Problems in Most Users

• Psychological Care Delivered Over the Phone is an Effective Way to Combat Loneliness and Depression. Levels of Emotional Loneliness Fell by 21% Over a Three-month Period and the Benefits Remained After the Phone Calls Had Ceased, Suggesting an Enduring Impact

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Mislabeled Cookies Containing Peanuts Sold in Connecticut Recalled After the Death of New York Woman

A young woman from New York, Órla Baxendale, who loved to dance, passed away because she ate a cookie not marked correctly. It had peanuts in it, which she was very allergic to. This has caused a big problem and now, a store called Stew Leonard’s is taking back some cookies they sold in Connecticut.

These cookies, called Vanilla Florentine, were sold between November 6 and December 31. After what happened, about 500 packages of these cookies are being taken off the shelves with help from a group that makes sure food is safe.

Órla was really good at different kinds of dance. She got very sick from eating the cookie at a party and died on January 11. The cookies also had eggs in them, another thing not said on the box, which can also make some people sick.

The cookies came from a place in Long Island, New York, called Cookies United, but had the Stew Leonard’s store name on them. There was a mix-up about what was in the cookies. The cookie company said they told the store about the peanuts, but the store didn’t change the label.

This sad story reminds us how important it is to make sure food labels are right, especially for people who get very sick from certain foods. Peanuts and eggs are two of the most common things people can be allergic to, and they have to be listed on food boxes by law.

Source:apnews.com

WEIGHT LOSS

My Weight Loss Story

Mary Jane O'Toole from Orlando didn't lose weight overnight. Instead, she chose a healthier life before her wedding and amazingly lost 135 pounds. How? She kept it simple by tracking her food with an app called Lose It! for 940 days. No strict diets for her; Mary Jane focused on eating what she liked but in smaller amounts.

The moment that changed everything for Mary Jane was seeing photos from a surprise trip. She hardly recognized herself and decided then it was time for a change. Her first big challenge was cutting down on sweets, her favorite treat. She learned to pay attention to how much she was eating and discovered that small snacks add up quickly.

Her husband was her partner through it all, helping her stay on track. Together, they encouraged each other, showing how important support is in such a journey.

Now, Mary Jane is learning to love her new body. She has been heavy since she was a child and is now figuring out who she is with her new weight. Her story is not just about losing weight but also about finding herself. It shows us it's possible to make a big change with simple steps and the right support. Mary Jane's journey is an inspiration for anyone looking to start their health journey.

Source: WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando

HEALTH

Vaping Warning as Scientists Discover Health Problems in Most Users

Vaping might seem like a good option for people trying to quit smoking. However, a recent study has some alarming news. Scientists have found that 4 out of 5 people who use e-cigarettes face health problems soon after vaping.

A study in the Journal of Public Health found that nearly 80% of e-cigarette users had bad health reactions within six hours of vaping. These issues include headaches, feeling anxious, and coughing. Some even felt their hearts beat faster or experienced heart palpitations.

The study looked at almost 4,700 people who vape. The findings are especially worrying because lots of younger adults and high school students are using e-cigarettes. Previous research has linked vaping to serious health problems like lung disease and heart issues. This is especially true for those who already have health problems.

Even though many see vaping as a safer choice compared to smoking, this study shows it's not risk-free. Health experts now advise people who vape to consider stopping or cutting down. They're also calling for more research. This research will help us fully understand how vaping affects our health.

The study's authors are urging for new rules to limit or stop the use of e-cigarettes that could be harmful. So, if you or someone you know vapes, it might be time to reconsider.

Source: newsweek.com

TPsychological Care Delivered Over the Phone is an Effective Way to Combat Loneliness and Depression. Levels of Emotional Loneliness Fell by 21% Over a Three-month Period and the Benefits Remained After the Phone Calls Had Ceased, Suggesting an Enduring Impact

Feeling lonely or down? You're not alone. A recent study found a simple phone call can make a big difference. Researchers discovered that talking on the phone with a trained coach helped older adults feel less lonely and depressed. This wasn't just a quick fix; the good vibes lasted even after the phone calls stopped.

During the tough times of the COVID pandemic, scientists ran a study called BASIL+. They wanted to see if regular phone chats could help seniors who were stuck at home and feeling blue. The answer? A big yes. People who got these calls felt 21% less lonely after just three months. What's even better? This help worked better than some medicines for sadness.

The study, led by smart folks from the University of York, Hull York Medical School, and others, was a big deal. They talked to hundreds of older adults across the UK, offering a friendly ear and advice on staying connected with others.

Why does this matter? Loneliness isn't just about feeling sad; it's a health risk, kind of like smoking too much. But the good news from this study is that a simple act of reaching out and talking can make a big difference.

This research is a big step in understanding how to help people feel better without needing to leave their homes. It shows how powerful a phone call can be in fighting the loneliness many feel, especially during tough times. So, remember, sometimes a little chat can go a long way in making someone's day brighter.

Source: manchester.ac.uk

✢ 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.