Good morning. In today’s edition:

• New Gut-brain Circuits Have Been Discovered for Sugar and Fat Cravings, and Combining These Pathways Excessively Triggers Our Desire to Eat More Than Usual

• Wegovy, the 'Viagra' of Weight-loss Drugs Flying Off the Shelves

• Dementia Care Costs Can Quickly Burn Through People's Savings. On Average, Seniors With Dementia Paid $3,090 a Month Out-of-pocket for Non-nursing Residential Care at Places Like an Assisted Living Facility, and $3,849 a Month at Full-fledged Nursing Homes

• Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Shows Promise in Treating Anxiety in Young People

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

New Gut-brain Circuits Have Been Discovered for Sugar and Fat Cravings, and Combining These Pathways Excessively Triggers Our Desire to Eat More Than Usual

Ever wonder why we crave sugary snacks and fatty foods? Scientists at the Monell Chemical Senses Center have made a breakthrough, discovering special pathways in our bodies that control these cravings.

These pathways connect our gut to our brain, and they respond differently to fats and sugars. When we eat foods high in fat or sugar, these pathways send signals to our brain's reward center, making us want more. It's like our bodies are wired to seek out these tasty treats.

But here's the kicker: when we eat foods that are both fatty and sugary, like chocolate, it's like a double whammy for our brains. The craving gets even stronger, and we're more likely to overeat, even if we've had enough calories for the day.

This discovery could explain why it's so hard to stick to a healthy diet. Even when we try to resist, our bodies are telling us to eat those tempting treats.

But there's hope. By understanding how these pathways work, scientists may be able to develop new ways to help us make healthier choices. Imagine a world where we can rewire our brains to crave fruits and veggies instead of cookies and chips!

It's still early days, but this research could be a game-changer for how we think about food and dieting. Maybe one day, we'll all find it easier to resist those sugary snacks and stick to our healthy eating goals.

Source: monell.org

WEIGHT LOSS

Wegovy, the 'Viagra' of Weight-loss Drugs Flying Off the Shelves

Wegovy, often called the 'Viagra' for weight loss, is gaining popularity as a solution for obesity. Novo Nordisk developed the injection. It is becoming a go-to option for those with excess weight.

Take Casper Nielsen from Denmark, for example. With Wegovy, he lost a significant amount of weight over two years, going from 159 kilograms to 93.5 kilograms. He credits Wegovy for changing his life for the better.

What sets Wegovy apart is how it works. By controlling blood sugar levels and reducing hunger, it helps people feel full, aiding in weight loss. Studies show it can lead to a reduction of more than 10% in body weight, especially helpful for those dealing with severe obesity.

However, Wegovy isn't perfect. Some users may have side effects, like nausea and vomiting. They may regain weight after stopping the treatment. Despite this, the demand for Wegovy continues to rise as more people seek effective ways to lose weight.

While available in many countries, including the US and UK, Wegovy's high cost may make it difficult for some to access.

Nevertheless, Novo Nordisk is working to increase production to meet the growing demand for Wegovy.

In essence, Wegovy gives hope to many in their weight loss journey. It offers a modern way to be healthier.

Source: bbc.com

HEALTH

Dementia Care Costs Can Quickly Burn Through People's Savings. On Average, Seniors With Dementia Paid $3,090 a Month Out-of-pocket for Non-nursing Residential Care at Places Like an Assisted Living Facility, and $3,849 a Month at Full-fledged Nursing Homes

A recent study looked into how much money seniors and their families spend on dementia care. Researchers found that it's a big financial burden. They looked at data from over 4,500 adults aged 70 and older.

The study shows that seniors with dementia often have to spend nearly all their money on long-term care. For example, those living in assisted living centers use 97% of their income for care. Even those in nursing homes spend around 83% of their income.

People with dementia in non-nursing home residences pay about $3,090 each month for care. Those in nursing homes pay even more, about $3,849 monthly. In contrast, seniors without dementia pay much less for similar care.

This study has big implications for policymakers. They need to find ways to help seniors and families cope with these high costs. Some states have started programs to help, like the WA Cares Fund in Washington State. But more needs to be done to make care more affordable.

As the population ages, it's crucial to address these financial challenges. One way could be to invest more in home- and community-based care. This could ease the financial strain on older adults, especially those dealing with dementia.

Source: news.gsu.edu

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Shows Promise in Treating Anxiety in Young People

Virtual reality (VR) therapy is showing promise in helping young people battle anxiety, according to a recent study. Anxiety affects many kids, and if not treated, it can cause bigger problems later on.

Traditional therapy for anxiety involves gradually facing fears in a safe place. But it's hard to recreate scary situations, like storms, in therapy sessions. That's where VR comes in. With VR, therapists can create any situation, making therapy more real and effective.

In the study, three kids, around 12 years old, faced their fears using VR. They wore special headsets and went through different levels of exposure, guided by therapists. Despite feeling anxious at first and having some minor side effects from the VR, the kids felt better after the therapy.

The study shows that VR therapy is doable and helpful for kids with anxiety. It works similarly to traditional therapy, making kids less scared over time. This therapy also makes their bodies react as if they were really facing their fears.

While this is good news, more research is needed to be sure VR therapy is as helpful as it seems. But it's a step in the right direction for helping kids deal with anxiety and feel better about their futures.

Source: psypost.org

✢ 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.