03/25/24 - #93

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Ultra-processed Food Linked to Harmful Effects to Health | Exposure and Adverse Health Outcomes: Umbrella Review of Epidemiological Meta-analyses

  • Walking Just 2,200 Steps a Day Lowers Risk of Heart Disease and Early Death. Walking Around a Mile Per Day Reduces the Risks Associated With Sedentary Behavior - Regardless of How Much of the Remaining Time is Spent Sitting

  • 'Forever Chemicals' in Blood Are Ubiquitous: Emerging Evidence Suggests a Positive Correlation Between PFAS Exposure and Unfavorable Blood Lipid Profiles, Potentially Contributing to Cardiovascular Disease. This Association Appears to Be More Pronounced in Younger Individuals

  • ‘There is No Help’: US Nurses’ Suicide Rate Rising Amid Staff Shortage and Stress

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Ultra-processed Food Linked to Harmful Effects to Health | Exposure and Adverse Health Outcomes: Umbrella Review of Epidemiological Meta-analyses

Did you know the food you eat might be bad for your health? A big study found out that some foods, like snacks in packages, sugary drinks, and meals that are ready to eat, can cause 32 different health problems. These include serious stuff like heart disease, cancer, and even making our lives shorter.

These foods are everywhere. In places like the UK and the US, more than half of what people eat every day is made up of these foods. For some people, especially younger ones or those who don't have a lot of money, these foods can be 80% of their diet. Eating so much of them can be really harmful.

The study looked at data from almost 10 million people and found that eating a lot of these foods can lead to lots of health problems like diabetes, getting overweight, feeling very anxious, or being sad. These foods have too much sugar, fat, and salt but not enough good stuff like vitamins.

But, there's good news! By eating less of these processed foods and choosing healthier options, we can avoid these health risks. It's about making better choices when we eat.

So, next time you're about to pick up a quick meal or snack, think about how it might affect your health in the long run. Choosing healthier foods can help us live a longer, happier life.

WEIGHT LOSS

Walking Just 2,200 Steps a Day Lowers Risk of Heart Disease and Early Death. Walking Around a Mile Per Day Reduces the Risks Associated With Sedentary Behavior - Regardless of How Much of the Remaining Time is Spent Sitting

Guess what? Walking a bit more every day can help your heart and help you lose weight. A study from the University of Sydney found that walking up to 10,000 steps a day is really good for you. It can make you less likely to get heart disease or die early. And the best part? It works even if you sit a lot during the day.

Over 72,000 people were part of this study. They wore special wristbands that counted how many steps they took. The study showed that walking is not just good for your heart but also great for keeping your weight in check.

Walking is easy to do. You don’t need special equipment or a gym membership. Just walking around can burn calories, which helps you lose weight. The study said walking more than 2,200 steps a day is good, but aiming for 9,000 to 10,000 steps is even better.

So, if you spend a lot of time sitting, try to walk more. It’s good for your heart and can help you slim down. Walking is simple, and every step counts. Start small and try to walk a little more each day. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in how you feel and look. Let’s get moving!

HEALTH

'Forever Chemicals' in Blood Are Ubiquitous: Emerging Evidence Suggests a Positive Correlation Between PFAS Exposure and Unfavorable Blood Lipid Profiles, Potentially Contributing to Cardiovascular Disease. This Association Appears to Be More Pronounced in Younger Individuals

Scientists found that certain chemicals, called PFAS, are in many products we use daily, like makeup and non-stick pans. The chemicals could harm our hearts. These researchers, from Germany and the Netherlands, looked into the health of over 2,500 adults and found PFAS in almost all of their blood.

PFAS are really strong chemicals that don’t break down easily. This means they can stay in the environment for a long time and eventually end up in our bodies through what we eat and drink. The research showed that people with PFAS in their blood had high blood fats. These fats can cause heart disease, a top cause of early death.

Interestingly, younger people might be more at risk from PFAS than older folks. Even a little bit of PFAS in someone's blood was linked to these bad blood fats. This discovery has made scientists think we should be more careful with how much PFAS is allowed in products.

The team used special technology to study the blood samples, making this research very thorough. Although the people in the study aren’t in immediate danger, there’s concern about what long-term exposure to PFAS might do to our hearts. Next, the scientists want to see how PFAS affects different parts of the body. This study is a heads-up for us about the dangers some everyday chemicals might pose to our heart health.

‘There is No Help’: US Nurses’ Suicide Rate Rising Amid Staff Shortage and Stress

In the US, nurses are going through a really tough time. Tristin Kate Smith, a young nurse, shared her struggles in a letter before she sadly passed away. Her story shows how big this problem is for nurses everywhere. They're super stressed, work too much, and don't get the help they need.

During the tough COVID-19 pandemic, when Tristin and her friends asked for help, they didn't get much. They got pizzas and thank-you notes, but that didn't really help with their huge workload. Tristin's dad shared how hard it was for her to go to work. Sometimes, she felt so bad she got sick.

Tristin's letter spread around the internet, showing how nurses are more likely to feel so down that they might think about ending their lives, especially compared to other people. The American Nurses Association (ANA) says hospitals trying to save money make things worse by not hiring enough nurses. They want better rules to make sure nurses don't work too long and get the support they need.

Some places, like Oregon and California, are trying to make things better by setting rules on how many patients a nurse can take care of. Tristin's dad is working hard to get these kinds of rules in Ohio too.

Tristin's story is a call for action. It tells us we need to do something now to help nurses feel better and safer at work.

✢ 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.