03/13/25 - #346

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Diabetes Breakthrough: Fish Oil May Reverse Insulin Resistance

  • Weight Loss Stories in 4 Months

  • Breast Cancer Deaths Rates for Older Women Have Been Declining for Years. Not Anymore

  • Colorectal Cancer Rates Are Rising Among Young Adults. So Are Their Anxieties About the Disease

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Diabetes Breakthrough: Fish Oil May Reverse Insulin Resistance

Great news from Brazil! Researchers discovered that fish oil may greatly benefit people with type 2 diabetes, especially those who are not overweight. The São Paulo Research Foundation found that fish oil supplements may help the body use insulin more effectively. They do this by reducing inflammation.

The study focused on rats with a health condition like humans who have type 2 diabetes but aren’t obese. These rats were given fish oil and ended up with lower blood sugar and less inflammation.

Insulin resistance is important because it means the body struggles to respond to insulin. This makes it tough to manage blood sugar levels. This can lead to type 2 diabetes. While being overweight is a common reason for this, some people have insulin resistance because of their genes or other health issues.

In the study, the rats took a specific amount of fish oil that has omega-3 fatty acids, known for fighting inflammation. This helped the immune cells in their bodies switch from causing inflammation to reducing it.

Although this research is promising, it was done on rats, so more studies, including ones with people, are needed to check if the same results happen in humans.

This discovery gives hope that fish oil might one day be an easy and natural way to help manage diabetes, offering a new option for people who don’t find help from usual treatments related to being overweight.

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight Loss Stories in 4 Months

At 54 years old, Arden was struggling. He had been dealing with extra weight for three years, facing depression and lots of stress from a difficult marriage. To cope with his sadness, Arden often drank alcohol, but he knew he needed a change for his health.

In just four months, Arden managed to lose an impressive 80 pounds. His path to weight loss didn't involve quick solutions like diet pills. Instead, he focused on making small, consistent changes to his daily routine. He quit drinking alcohol, stopped eating sugary snacks, and started choosing healthier food options. Regular exercise became a part of his life too.

The real key to Arden's success was his strong will to improve his life. He started eating more natural foods such as vegetables and nuts, while avoiding processed junk food. This approach didn't just help him shed pounds—it also improved his overall health significantly. His blood pressure went down, and he felt more alive and energetic than before.

Arden's story is a powerful example that with determination and the right lifestyle changes, anyone can overcome challenges and become healthier. It’s not only about losing weight but also about feeling better mentally and physically. If you are facing similar issues, consider taking small steps like Arden did. It could truly transform your life, making you healthier and happier.

HEALTH

Breast Cancer Deaths Rates for Older Women Have Been Declining for Years. Not Anymore

For many years, fewer older women were dying from breast cancer. Sadly, this good trend has stopped for women over 74 years old. Breast cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths among U.S. women, with over 42,000 women dying from it last year.

Researchers from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center have found worrying changes. Debra Monticciolo, a lead researcher, said it’s alarming that death rates are no longer dropping for women older than 74. This problem is partly because health guidelines don’t strongly recommend breast cancer screenings for women in this age group.

Screenings are suggested for women under 40 who might be at greater risk, but not as much for older women. This lack of screening may lead to discovering the cancer too late, when it’s harder to treat.

The research, shared in the Journal of Breast Imaging, shows that the decrease in death rates has slowed down in recent years. This affects not only older white women but also younger Hispanic women and other minorities.

It’s crucial to make sure all women, no matter their age or background, can get the right screenings and treatments. This research stresses the need for health care that fits each woman’s specific needs. By doing this, we can fight breast cancer more effectively and save more lives.

Colorectal Cancer Rates Are Rising Among Young Adults. So Are Their Anxieties About the Disease

More young adults under 50 are getting diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and it's causing a lot of worry. Even though it's still uncommon for this age group, the increase in cases is notable.

Since the 1990s, the number of young adults with colorectal cancer has doubled. Now, about 13% of all cases in the U.S. in 2023 were people under 50. High-profile cases, like actor James Van Der Beek's diagnosis at 47, have made more people aware and anxious.

Experts believe the rise might be linked to bad eating habits and obesity, but they aren't sure. This uncertainty can make people even more anxious.

It's important to remember that this cancer is still rare among young adults. Out of 100,000 young adults, only about 13 get this cancer each year.

What to Do and What Not to Do:

  • Do: Keep risks in perspective. The increase is from a very small number to a small number.

  • Don't: Constantly search for bad news or symptoms online—it can make worries worse.

  • Do: Get information from reliable sources like the American Cancer Society.

  • Don't: Go for unnecessary medical tests, which can be expensive and stressful.

  • Do: Pay attention to real symptoms like changes in bowel habits and see a doctor if they don't go away.

Living well today is the best way to handle worries about tomorrow.

✢ 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.