03/26/24 - #94

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Unhealthiest UK Restaurants and Takeaways ‘More Likely to Be Found in Deprived Areas’. Research Found People Living in the Most Deprived Areas Were Facing a “Double Burden” Where They Had More Food Outlets but Also That They Were Less Healthy

  • Losing Weight is Hard. Be Easy on Yourself

  • More Than Half of Smokers in England Wrongly Believe That Vaping is More Harmful or as Harmful as Smoking, Study Finds: Public Perceptions of E-cigarettes Has Worsened Considerably Over the Past Decade, With an Overall Increase in the Perceived Harm of E-cigarettes Since 2021

  • Sleeping Under Six Hours Linked to Diabetes

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Unhealthiest UK Restaurants and Takeaways ‘More Likely to Be Found in Deprived Areas’. Research Found People Living in the Most Deprived Areas Were Facing a “Double Burden” Where They Had More Food Outlets but Also That They Were Less Healthy

UK researchers found something concerning. The places with the least healthy food, like some restaurants and takeaways, are often in the poorer parts of the country. This finding comes from a detailed look at what's being offered at about 55,000 food spots listed on Just Eat. Just Eat is a popular website for ordering food from home. Each menu was checked and given a health score from 0 (not healthy at all) to 12 (super healthy).

Their investigation showed a clear pattern: in areas where people have less money, the options for eating out are usually not as healthy. For instance, tourist spots like Westminster have lots of healthy food places. But in poorer regions, such as North East Lincolnshire, Luton, and Kingston upon Hull, it's harder to find good, nutritious food.

Also, the study found more fast-food outlets in these poorer neighborhoods. This means residents are surrounded by more unhealthy food choices. This situation is especially troubling because it suggests a "double trouble" scenario. People in these areas have fewer healthy options. They are also tempted by the abundance of less nutritious food at their doorstep.

This research highlights a significant issue: where you live can impact your access to healthy food. It's a call to action for everyone. They must ensure that all have good, healthy food. It should be available to all, no matter their neighborhood. Making healthy food more accessible can help everyone. It doesn't matter where they live. It helps them to eat better and live healthier lives.

WEIGHT LOSS

Losing Weight is Hard. Be Easy on Yourself

Trying to lose weight but it just won't happen? You're not the only one. A lot of Americans are facing the same challenge. Dr. Steven Park, a doctor who knows a lot about sleep, shares a story about Wendy. Wendy tried many ways to lose weight but nothing worked. Then, Dr. Park found out her problems were not just about weight. They were connected to her sleeping poorly and other health issues.

Dr. Park helped Wendy change a few things in her life, like when she ate dinner and using her iPad less before bed. These small changes made a big difference. Wendy started sleeping better and even lost weight!

Losing weight is not just about eating less or working out more. There are many reasons why it might be tough. Things like too much sugar, not enough water, too much stress, and not sleeping well can all make it hard to lose weight.

Remember Wendy's story if you're having a hard time with weight loss. It might not be about dieting harder but looking at other parts of your life, like how well you sleep or how much stress you feel. Small changes can lead to big improvements. So, don't be too hard on yourself. Change takes time, and being kind to yourself is important too.

HEALTH

More Than Half of Smokers in England Wrongly Believe That Vaping is More Harmful or as Harmful as Smoking, Study Finds: Public Perceptions of E-cigarettes Has Worsened Considerably Over the Past Decade, With an Overall Increase in the Perceived Harm of E-cigarettes Since 2021

A new study from University College London (UCL) has found something interesting. More than half of the smokers in England think vaping (using e-cigarettes) is as harmful as smoking cigarettes, or even worse. But, this isn't true.

Researchers looked at answers from 28,393 smokers from 2014 to 2023. They found that people's views on vaping have changed a lot. In 2023, 57% of people asked thought vaping was just as bad or worse than smoking. This is a big change from before.

Dr. Sarah Jackson, who led the study, is worried. She says vaping is actually much less harmful than smoking. If people think they're the same, they might not switch to vaping. This is a problem because vaping can help people smoke less.

The study also found that news stories often make vaping seem more dangerous than it is. This might be why people are confused. Younger people, under 35, especially think vaping is more harmful.

The government wants to help by giving smokers a free kit to start vaping. This could help them quit smoking. But, if people believe vaping is just as harmful, they might not try it.

It's important to share the right information. Smoking cigarettes is way more harmful than vaping. Knowing this can help smokers make better choices for their health.

Sleeping Under Six Hours Linked to Diabetes

Did you know that sleeping less than six hours a night might increase your chances of getting diabetes? Yes, you read that right. A recent study from Uppsala University in Sweden has shared some important news. It turns out, not getting enough Zs can boost your risk for Type 2 diabetes. This kind of diabetes is pretty common in the United States, affecting about one in ten people. It's the type where your body struggles with managing sugar levels properly.

Here’s something interesting: the study found that not sleeping enough could harm your health, even if you're eating all the right things. The researchers looked into the health information of nearly 250,000 people. They discovered those who skimp on sleep often have a higher chance of facing diabetes down the line.

Sleep isn't just about feeling rested. It plays a huge role in keeping your mind and body in tip-top shape. Despite this, a lot of adults in the U.S. don’t catch enough shut-eye. The CDC says about one-third of adults aren’t getting the sleep they need.

So, what’s the game plan? Making sure you sleep at least six hours each night is a great start. Not only could it help you feel more awake and energetic, but it could also reduce your risk of getting diabetes. Remember, eating healthily and staying active are important, but so is giving your body the rest it needs. It's all about balance to keep yourself healthy and happy.

✢ 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.