03/07/24 - #82

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • FDA Approves a Drug to Treat Severe Food Allergies, Including Milk, Eggs and Nuts

  • Walking is Magic

  • People of Color Are Not Only Dying More Often From Violence in the U.S., They Are Dying at Younger Ages From That Violence, New Research Finds

  • New Evidence: the Link Between Stress Levels and Obesity in the U.S.

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

FDA Approves a Drug to Treat Severe Food Allergies, Including Milk, Eggs and Nuts

Good news for people who get really sick from eating certain foods like peanuts, milk, and eggs. The FDA just said yes to a new medicine called Xolair. It's special because it's the first one that can help stop bad reactions from many different foods.

If you're worried about eating something by accident that makes you sick, Xolair could help. But, you can't use it right when you're having an allergic reaction. Instead, you get it as a shot every few weeks, and it makes you less likely to have a severe reaction if you eat something you shouldn't.

Even with this medicine, it's still important to stay away from foods that make you sick. Xolair is more like a backup plan. It was made by two companies, Genentech and Novartis, and it can be pretty expensive. Adults might have to pay up to $5,000 a month, but insurance could help lower the cost.

The FDA says Xolair can also cause some side effects, like fever or a reaction where you got the shot. In very rare cases, it could even cause a severe allergic reaction itself.

This is big news because lots of adults have food allergies, and there isn't a cure. Before Xolair, people just had to avoid their allergy foods completely. Now, there's a bit more hope for those with serious food allergies to feel safer.

WEIGHT LOSS

Walking is Magic

Walking isn't just a way to get around; it's a secret weapon for staying healthy and losing weight, especially around the belly. You know how some people seem to stay fit and avoid getting sick? Well, walking is a big part of that magic.

Everyone's body needs energy, kind of like how a car needs gas. This energy comes from the food we eat, which has calories. But if we eat more calories than our body uses, we can gain weight. That's why moving more, like walking, is so important. It helps us use up those extra calories so we don't store them as fat.

Nowadays, a lot of us have jobs that make us sit a lot, which isn't great for our health. But here's the good news: walking more can help! Even a mile walk can burn about 100 calories, which adds up over time. And you don't have to run a marathon; walking at a good pace can do wonders.

Plus, walking isn't just about losing weight. It's about making your heart stronger, lowering the risk of diseases like diabetes and cancer, and even living longer. The best part? Walking is free, easy to do, and you can start anytime. So, why not make walking your new best friend? It's a simple step toward a healthier life.

HEALTH

People of Color Are Not Only Dying More Often From Violence in the U.S., They Are Dying at Younger Ages From That Violence, New Research Finds

Recent research from Northeastern University has found a troubling fact. In the US, people of color are more likely to suffer from violence. Not only do they face violence more often, but it also robs them of more years they could have lived.

Gregory M. Zimmerman, a professor, led the study that examined health data. The results were startling. Minority groups, when affected by violence, lose up to 12 years of what could have been the rest of their lives. This means that if someone from these communities dies because of violence, they miss out on many years they should have had.

The research showed that Hispanic, Black, and Asian/Pacific Islanders have the biggest loss of potential years. Zimmerman's team didn't just highlight the problem; they looked into why this happens. They found that not having a good job, not finishing school, and family problems partly explain why there's such a big difference.

Zimmerman believes improving education, job opportunities, and healthcare could help solve this issue. His study suggests that making life better in these areas could prevent early deaths caused by violence.

He plans more research. He wants to dive deeper into the reasons for this issue. He hopes to find more ways to help. This study highlights a big issue. It shows us that by understanding and fixing the root causes, we can hope to help future generations.

New Evidence: the Link Between Stress Levels and Obesity in the U.S.

Did you know that feeling stressed can make you more likely to be overweight? A study looked at all 50 states in 2023 and found that places where people are more stressed often have more people who are obese.

West Virginia has the most people who are obese, and they're also really stressed. Other states like Kentucky, Alabama, and Mississippi have the same problem. For example, Mississippi is also high up there in both stress and obesity.

But, states with fewer obese people, like Colorado and Hawaii, are less stressed. This shows us that being less stressed might help people not gain weight.

In the South, there's a big problem with stress and obesity. This might be because there are a lot of fast-food places and not many healthy food options. Being poor and living far from cities can also make it hard for people to eat healthily and exercise.

Some places, like South Dakota, don't fit this pattern exactly. They're not very stressed but still have a lot of obesity. This means other things like what you eat, where you live, and your genes also affect your weight.

Studies say that being stressed can make you eat more unhealthy food or exercise less. But, there are many reasons why someone might be overweight.

So, the study tells us that taking care of our stress is just as important as eating right and exercising to stay healthy.

✢ 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.