03/31/25 - #358

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Healthy Eating in Midlife Linked to Overall Healthy Aging

  • You Are Doing Weight Loss Wrong

  • Older Adults, Particularly Those Aged 75 and Older, Have the Highest Rates of Suicide of Any Age Group, Yet a New Study Finds That Well-known National Suicide Prevention Organizations Do Not Provide Easily Accessible Resources Targeting This Population

  • Pregnant Federal Employees Who Were Fired Grapple With Stress of Losing Insurance and Looking for Work

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Healthy Eating in Midlife Linked to Overall Healthy Aging

A new study shows that eating well in your middle years helps you age better. Researchers from Harvard, the University of Copenhagen, and the University of Montreal discovered that diets rich in plant foods and low in ultra-processed foods can help you stay healthy as you age.

The study looked at over 105,000 people between 39 and 69 years old. They tracked what these people ate and how their health turned out after 30 years. The study looked at diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. These include the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI).

The results? About 9.3% of people aged well. This means they reached 70 without serious diseases and maintained healthy minds and bodies. Those who followed the AHEI diet had a much better chance of healthy aging by 70 or 75 years old.

Eating a lot of processed foods, especially processed meats and sugary drinks, was linked to worse aging. This shows how important your food choices are for your long-term health.

"Staying independent and enjoying life as we age is vital," said Marta Guasch-Ferré, a researcher. “Our findings support diets that favor plant-based foods over processed ones.”

This study suggests that eating healthier not only makes you feel better now but also helps you stay healthy and active as you age.

WEIGHT LOSS

You Are Doing Weight Loss Wrong

Are you trying the keto diet but not losing weight? This is a common issue, and here's what might be happening.

Ketosis is when your body burns fat instead of sugar. But if you eat hidden carbs, even in "keto-friendly" products like some by SlimFast, you won’t reach ketosis. These products often have ingredients like maltodextrin that can stop you from losing fat.

Also, eating snacks between meals can be a problem. These snacks might have hidden carbs too. To really lose weight on keto, you need to eat fewer than 10 grams of carbs each day.

Eating too often can also make it hard to lose weight. Every time you eat, your body makes insulin, which can increase fat around your belly, even if you’re eating healthy foods.

Keto desserts might be tasty, but ingredients like sugar alcohols and almond flour can make some people bloated. Also, eating too many nuts, peanut butter, and cheese can upset your stomach and keep you out of ketosis.

If you're over 40, your metabolism might be slower. Try eating less often, maybe even just one meal a day. This can be a big change but is important for seeing results.

In summary, for successful weight loss on keto, watch your carb intake, eat less often, and be careful with what you eat. It’s not just about losing weight, but about getting healthier overall.

HEALTH

Older Adults, Particularly Those Aged 75 and Older, Have the Highest Rates of Suicide of Any Age Group, Yet a New Study Finds That Well-known National Suicide Prevention Organizations Do Not Provide Easily Accessible Resources Targeting This Population

Older adults, especially those over 75, have the highest suicide rates of any age group. A recent study shows that major suicide prevention organizations aren’t giving enough resources for them.

Researchers from McLean Hospital, which is connected to Harvard, shared their findings in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. They found a major issue: older adults use the internet for health info, but it often doesn't meet their needs.

Dr. Ipsit Vahia, the lead researcher and a senior doctor in Geriatric Psychiatry at McLean, stated, "Our study wanted to see how easy it is for older adults to find online suicide prevention resources. Sadly, we discovered that these resources are hard to find and not enough."

The team looked at popular websites that older people might visit to seek help. They found only a few resources. This was surprising since these websites noted their high suicide risk.

The suicide rate among people 75 and older is rising. Loneliness and a lack of research are partly to blame. Dr. Vahia stressed the importance of creating public campaigns and programs that cater to the unique health needs of older adults.

The study calls for targeted efforts and funding. This will help older adults access important resources more easily. This could help them get the support they need when they need it the most.

Pregnant Federal Employees Who Were Fired Grapple With Stress of Losing Insurance and Looking for Work

Many pregnant women who worked for the government recently lost their jobs and health insurance. These layoffs have made life very hard for them as they try to find new jobs and keep their health care during a crucial time.

Emily Erroa, a 38-year-old Army veteran from Texas, was eight months pregnant when she lost her job at the Department of Energy. The way she was fired was very stressful, causing her so much worry that it affected her health. She had to move to Kansas City, Missouri, to be closer to her family for support.

Anna Conn from Asheville, North Carolina, also shared a tough story. She was fired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when she was eight months pregnant. Her government health insurance is about to run out, and she’s having trouble getting on her husband’s plan. As someone who also needs a prosthetic, Anna is very worried about how she will manage her health needs and soon-to-be motherhood.

Gracie Lynn, who worked at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, lost her job too. She was very stressed about keeping her health insurance for important doctor visits that were coming up soon.

These layoffs are part of bigger plans by President Donald Trump and his advisor Elon Musk to make the government more efficient. They have caused a lot of problems for people, leading to protests and public upset. These stories show how tough these changes can be for those directly affected.

✢ 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.