03/28/25 - #357

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Coca-cola Recall Issued as Plastic Found Inside Cans

  • Calorie Counting - What Shocked You the Most?

  • Aspirin May Prevent Cancer From Moving to Other Parts of the Body

  • Socks Could Really Improve Your Sleep, Experts Say

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Coca-cola Recall Issued as Plastic Found Inside Cans

Coca-Cola is recalling many 12-ounce cans in Illinois and Wisconsin. They found plastic inside these cans. The recall specifically targets the "Original Taste" cans packed in groups of twelve, marked with the date "SEP2925MDA." This issue involves 864 packs that were produced between 11:00 and 12:53 on the specified date.

This recall is a serious matter. A recent Civic Science survey found that 80% of Americans worry about food recalls. Almost half of them don’t trust that food from grocery stores and brands is safe. This is troubling, considering that 30% of respondents have been directly impacted by recalled products.

The recalled products have unique barcodes for single cans (0 49000-00634 6) and for the 12-packs (0 49000-02890 4). Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling in Milwaukee started this recall on March 6. They noted quality issues and emphasized their priority is to ensure top quality for consumers.

The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, meaning while the health risks are temporary, it’s best to avoid consuming these cans. Eating foreign objects in food can hurt your mouth, throat, or stomach. This may require medical attention.

Coca-Cola tells anyone who bought these cans to return them. They can also call their helpline for more info. The company is working swiftly to resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences.

WEIGHT LOSS

Calorie Counting - What Shocked You the Most?

For a long time, everyone thought losing weight was simple: eat less and exercise. But new research says this might not be the best advice. Dr. David Ludwig and his team say we should focus on eating fewer carbs, not just less food. This helps control insulin, a hormone that tells our body to store fat. By managing insulin, we feel less hungry and lose weight more effectively.

Jennifer tried this approach in a 2019 study. She switched to a low-carb diet that included proteins and healthy fats, like avocados and nuts. In six weeks, she lost 20 pounds, and after three years, she lost a total of 88 pounds. Cutting out foods like pasta was hard at first, but seeing results helped her stick with it. “Once you get used to it, it’s way easier,” Jennifer shares.

This diet has helped many people lose a lot of weight and keep it off. The benefits don't stop at weight loss. Researchers are looking at how low-carb diets might also lower the risk of certain cancers and improve mental health.

This new understanding challenges old beliefs about obesity. It shows that it’s not just about eating less but eating smarter. Managing what we eat, especially carbs, can make a big difference in how we feel and how much we weigh. It's a new way to think about food and health.

HEALTH

Aspirin May Prevent Cancer From Moving to Other Parts of the Body

Scientists are exploring if common drugs, like aspirin, can help fight cancer. Recent studies show that low doses of daily aspirin may help stop some cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, from spreading in the body.

Cancer is easier to treat when it stays in one place. The problem begins when cancer cells spread through the bloodstream. They move to other body parts and form new tumors, known as metastatic growths. These are harder to treat.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge found out how aspirin might help. Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) is a substance made by platelets. It weakens the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells. Aspirin stops the making of TXA2, helping the immune system kill cancer cells better.

Dr. Jie Yang, a researcher, said, “Discovering TXA2’s role was a Eureka moment. Blocking this pathway lets immune cells stay active and fight cancer.”

The study also showed that stopping a protein called ARHGEF1, influenced by TXA2, can make immune cells stronger against cancer.

However, aspirin can have side effects like bleeding or stomach ulcers, so it's important to talk to a doctor before starting it.

Researchers hope that these discoveries will lead to better ways to use aspirin to prevent cancer from coming back. They are testing this in a trial called Add-Aspirin to see if aspirin can keep cancer from returning. This could make aspirin a valuable tool in cancer prevention.

Socks Could Really Improve Your Sleep, Experts Say

Want to sleep better? Here’s a simple tip: wear socks to bed. Michelle Drerup, a sleep specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, says that wearing socks can help you fall asleep faster by warming your feet.

During the day, our body temperature is typically between 97 and 99 degrees. As evening comes, our body starts to cool down, preparing us for sleep. This cooling happens because of distal vasodilation. In this process, blood vessels in our extremities widen. This lets more heat escape through the skin, which cools our core.

By wearing socks, your feet get warmer, opening up these blood vessels more effectively. This helps in reducing your body’s core temperature, which can lead to quicker sleep times. In fact, a study found that men who wore socks to bed not only fell asleep about eight minutes faster but also enjoyed longer and more uninterrupted sleep.

Besides socks, keeping your bedroom cool, around 65 degrees, can also promote better sleep. And a warm shower before bed might further help by raising your body temperature slightly, which then drops more significantly as you get ready to sleep.

However, comfort is key. If socks make your feet too hot, it’s okay to take them off. Jennifer Mundt, a sleep expert, emphasizes using personal judgment to find what’s comfortable. “Our bodies are great at telling us if we’re too warm or too cold,” she says. So, listen to your body and adjust for the best night’s sleep.

✢ 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.