03/14/24 - #87

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Ultra-processed Foods Linked to Early Death, Mental Disorders

  • More Than One Billion People Now Living With Obesity, Global Analysis Suggests. Researchers Estimate That Among the World’s Children and Adolescents, the Rate of Obesity in 2022 Was Four Times the Rate in 1990. While Among Adults, the Obesity Rate More Than Doubled in Women and Nearly Tripled in Men

  • Patients Wait for Lifesaving Medications as US Drug Shortage Continues

  • Researchers Discovered a Link Between Poor Sleep Quality and Increased Use of Arousing Language, Namely Humor and Curse Words | the Study Suggests the Use of Foul Language is a Physiological Mechanism to Counteract Feelings of Tiredness

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Ultra-processed Foods Linked to Early Death, Mental Disorders

A big study found that eating a lot of junk food, like chips, soda, and instant noodles, might make you sick or even shorten your life. Scientists looked at the health of almost 10 million people. They noticed that those who ate lots of these foods had more health problems. These problems include heart disease, obesity, feeling really sad, and having trouble with their mood.

Junk foods have stuff in them that's not good for you, like too much sugar, bad fats, and things that make them last longer on the shelves but aren't healthy. The study said these foods could make you sick in ways we didn't think about before, like messing with your stomach or even making it hard to breathe well.

In the United States, more than half of what people eat every day comes from these not-so-good foods. That's worrying because it means more people might get sick or not live as long.

To avoid these problems, the study suggests eating better foods like fresh fruits and veggies, beans, and whole grains. Simple changes, like choosing water over sugary drinks or picking plain yogurt instead of the sweet kind, can really help your health.

This study is a reminder. Eating less junk and more natural, healthy food can keep you feeling good. It can also help you live a long, happy life.

WEIGHT LOSS

More Than One Billion People Now Living With Obesity, Global Analysis Suggests. Researchers Estimate That Among the World’s Children and Adolescents, the Rate of Obesity in 2022 Was Four Times the Rate in 1990. While Among Adults, the Obesity Rate More Than Doubled in Women and Nearly Tripled in Men

A big study shows that now more than one billion people around the world have obesity. This means they weigh more than what's healthy. The study looked at people from all over the globe and found that obesity is a bigger problem now than ever before.

Researchers say that obesity in kids and teens is four times higher than it was back in 1990. For adults, it's even more. Women's rates more than doubled, and men's rates almost tripled.

The study, done by a team at Imperial's School of Public Health, shared these findings in a report. They learned that now, more people have obesity than those who weigh too little. This is a big change.

The research involved checking the height and weight of over 220 million people from more than 190 countries. They found that obesity has gone up a lot since 1990, both in kids and adults.

Experts say we need to do something about this. They suggest eating better, being more active, and making sure everyone can get healthy food easily. The World Health Organization's leader says governments and companies need to help make these changes happen.

The goal is to help everyone, no matter where they live, be healthier. This means having access to good food and taking care of our bodies by moving more and eating right.

HEALTH

Patients Wait for Lifesaving Medications as US Drug Shortage Continues

The United States faces a concerning drug shortage. It leaves many patients waiting for the lifesaving medications they need. This issue persists. It's despite the supply-chain problems from COVID-19 having supposedly been fixed.

The shortage is national. Some patients struggle to find critical medications. The problem is significant enough that the U.S. Senate has begun to search for solutions, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

In response to this crisis, a nonprofit has stepped forward. It is trying to get these scarce drugs for those in need. Their efforts highlight the community's role in addressing healthcare challenges. This is especially true when official systems are struggling to keep up.

One woman shared this story with VOA Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti. It shows the human impact of this shortage. Patients like her are racing against time. They highlight the urgent need for a full solution. It would ensure that everyone has access to the medications they need.

The search for solutions continues. The situation reminds us of the need for a strong and quick healthcare system. The Senate and nonprofits are taking crucial steps. But, the path forward needs sustained attention and action to prevent such shortages in the future.

Researchers Discovered a Link Between Poor Sleep Quality and Increased Use of Arousing Language, Namely Humor and Curse Words | the Study Suggests the Use of Foul Language is a Physiological Mechanism to Counteract Feelings of Tiredness

Ever noticed that when you're really tired, you might joke around or swear a bit more? Researchers found out that there's a connection between not sleeping well and using more humor and curse words. They did a study with college students, asking them about their sleep and how often they use certain kinds of words.

The results showed that people who don't get enough sleep are more likely to make fun of themselves and use swear words. The scientists think this might be because when we're tired, our brains look for quick ways to feel more awake. Making a sharp joke or swearing can do just that.

But it's not just about breaking rules or being edgy. It seems like our bodies do this without us even thinking about it, maybe to help us fight off the sluggish feeling of being tired.

So, if someone is joking or swearing a lot, they might just be really tired. This study is just the beginning, and the researchers hope to learn more about how our sleep affects the way we talk.

Next time you notice someone using a lot of jokes or swear words, remember, they might just need some more 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.