03/18/25 - #349

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Trump Administration: RFK Jr. Targets Ultraprocessed Foods

  • I Just Wanted to Share My Weight Loss Tips

  • Senior Citizens Are Rattled by News That Telehealth Coverage Could Expire Next Month

  • Researcher Figures Out How to Diagnose People With Sleep Apnea While They’re Awake Using EEGs

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Trump Administration: RFK Jr. Targets Ultraprocessed Foods

Under President Trump's plan called "Make America Healthy Again," a big focus is on ultraprocessed foods. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new U.S. Secretary of Health, says these foods are a big reason why many Americans have health problems like obesity and diabetes.

What are ultraprocessed foods? They are foods that have changed a lot from their natural form. They contain extras like preservatives and artificial flavors. You see them all over grocery stores. Think sugary cereals, frozen pizzas, chips, sodas, and more. They make up about 60% of what Americans eat. For kids, it's even more.

Kennedy wants to reduce these foods in programs like SNAP because he believes they are harming our health, especially kids' health.

Studies have linked these foods to serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes. However, it's hard to prove these foods are the direct cause. The science isn't clear yet.

Experts like Dr. Neena Prasad argue that these foods are made to be too tasty, making it hard to stop eating them. She and others think we should start taking steps to protect people, especially kids, by making some foods less available or more expensive.

For people buying food, the advice is simple: read food labels and choose healthier options based on current health guidelines. It's about making smart choices and enjoying food without feeling bad about it.

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WEIGHT LOSS

I Just Wanted to Share My Weight Loss Tips

Losing weight and keeping it off means finding a plan that fits your life and the foods you love. Here are eight easy tips to help you on your weight loss journey:

  1. Embrace Your Roots: Include familiar foods in your diet. If you're used to eating rice and wheat, keep them in your meals in smaller amounts.

  2. Treat Yourself: Allowing occasional treats can help you avoid eating too much later.

  3. Stay Active: Exercise is as important as what you eat. Try to get 150 minutes of activity each week.

  4. Choose Whole Grains: Pick whole grains and foods with lots of fiber. They help you feel full faster and keep you full longer.

  5. Watch Portions: There's wisdom in the old advice: eat a big breakfast, a medium lunch, and a small dinner.

  6. Get Enough Sleep: Sleeping well is crucial. If you're tired, you might eat more than you need.

  7. Cook Smart: Use healthier cooking methods like grilling, boiling, and steaming instead of frying.

  8. Colorful Meals: Make your plate colorful with different types of foods—grains, proteins, veggies, fruits, and dairy. This mix gives you all the nutrients you need.

These simple changes can make a big difference in reaching your weight loss goals while still enjoying your meals.

HEALTH

Senior Citizens Are Rattled by News That Telehealth Coverage Could Expire Next Month

Many older adults are concerned they might lose their Medicare telehealth services next month. These services started during the Covid-19 pandemic and are very important for people like 67-year-old Kaye Peterson. She lives in an assisted living facility in Lebanon, Kentucky, and uses telehealth to talk to her doctors through her iPhone for regular check-ups.

Peterson, who has diabetes, finds it hard to travel for doctor’s visits. Telehealth has been a big help, but this might change soon. The special rules that allowed more telehealth services during the pandemic are set to end on March 31.

These services are especially important for seniors who can't leave their homes easily, live far from doctors, or don't have a way to get around. In the last part of 2023, about 13% of people with Medicare used telehealth.

Doctors like Dr. Cecil Bennett are worried. If telehealth services stop, seniors might miss important health check-ups because they can't visit doctors in person. This could make their health worse.

Many people are trying to keep these telehealth services going. They say it’s very important for seniors, especially those who live in places where it's hard to get medical care. Now, everyone is watching to see if Congress will save these services. Many hope that the government will continue to support telehealth for the sake of seniors who rely on it.

Researcher Figures Out How to Diagnose People With Sleep Apnea While They’re Awake Using EEGs

A researcher at Northeastern University has discovered a new method to check for sleep apnea. This technique does not require the person to be asleep. Aarti Sathyanarayana, a university teacher, used an EEG. This special brain scan helps check for sleep problems.

Sleep apnea is a condition where people stop breathing for short times while they sleep, affecting about 30 million Americans. Normally, doctors find out if someone has it by watching their breathing as they sleep. But now, using EEGs, Sathyanarayana can spot sleep apnea even when people are awake. This could make it easier and cheaper for more people to get checked.

The idea came from her work with patients who have epilepsy. She noticed that the brain waves of people with sleep apnea look different from those who don't have it, even when they are awake. This new method could be used by many people because EEG devices are becoming easier to get.

Sathyanarayana hopes that these devices could not only tell if someone has sleep apnea but also how serious it is and if treatments are working. This makes it simpler for people to manage their condition.

This breakthrough could lead to better ways to handle sleep apnea and give us more information on how it affects people's health. This is a big step forward in studying and treating this common sleep issue.

✢ 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.