03/27/24 - #95

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Study Identifies Two Genetic Variants Linked to Increased Colorectal Cancer Risk With High Consumption of Red and Processed Meats

  • Over 100lbs Down

  • Study Finds That Economic Cost of US Suicide and Nonfatal Self-harm Averaged $510 Billion (2020 USD) Annually, the Majority From Life Years Lost to Suicide

  • Dogs Could Leave You Less Stressed and Help You Concentrate | Study Found the Strength of Alpha-band Brainwaves Increased While Participants Played With and Walked the Dog, Indicating a State of Relaxed Wakefulness

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Study Identifies Two Genetic Variants Linked to Increased Colorectal Cancer Risk With High Consumption of Red and Processed Meats

Researchers found that some people's genes might make them more likely to get colorectal cancer. This is from eating a lot of red and processed meats, like bacon and hamburgers. They looked at nearly 70,000 people to see if there was a link between eating these meats, our genes, and getting this kind of cancer.

They discovered two important things about our genes that could explain why some folks might have a higher risk when they eat a lot of meat. One gene makes a difference in how your body reacts to eating a lot of red meat. If you have a certain version of this gene, which 66% of people do, your chance of getting cancer might go up by 38% if you eat too much red meat.

Another gene affects how your body deals with iron, which you get a lot of from red meat. Depending on which version of this gene you have, your risk of cancer could increase by 18% to 46% if you eat lots of red meat.

This study doesn't say that these genes definitely cause cancer. Instead, it suggests that for some people, eating a lot of red and processed meat might be riskier. This is important because it can help us figure out how to lower the risk of getting cancer for these people.

WEIGHT LOSS

Over 100lbs Down

Three amazing women have shown us that you can lose a lot of weight without needing surgery. They did it by eating better and exercising more, and their stories are in a special magazine issue.

Lauren was 26 and weighed 270 pounds. She had to change what she ate because of a stomach problem. This big change helped her lose a lot of weight.

Brianna put on 70 pounds when she was pregnant and struggled to lose it after. Then, she read about someone like her in a magazine. This inspired her to start eating healthy and going to the gym.

Rachel, a mom, decided to lose weight after her daughter felt sad because kids called her mom "fat." Rachel got up early every morning to run. She focused not just on losing weight but on being happy with her achievements, big or small.

These women didn't just lose weight; they changed their lives. They teach us that with hard work and not giving up, anyone can make big changes. Their stories tell us it's important to believe in ourselves and keep trying, even when it's tough.

These inspiring stories show us that losing weight is about more than just the number on the scale. It's about feeling good, living better, and being strong for ourselves and the ones we love.

HEALTH

Study Finds That Economic Cost of US Suicide and Nonfatal Self-harm Averaged $510 Billion (2020 USD) Annually, the Majority From Life Years Lost to Suicide

A new study found something big. Suicide and self-harm without dying cost the United States a lot. They cost $510 billion every year. This big number is mostly because when people die by suicide, it's a loss not just for their loved ones but for the whole country.

Most of this money, about $356 billion, is because of adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years old who die by suicide. When it comes to people hurting themselves but not dying, it's mostly younger folks, from 10 to 44 years old, who add up to costs of around $19 billion each year.

The study used a big database. It tracks how many people die by suicide or visit the hospital because they hurt themselves. It checks how much money is spent on hospital bills, the money lost because people can't work, and the overall impact on society.

It also found that more men die by suicide, but more women, especially younger ones, go to the hospital for self-harm injuries.

This study tells us we need to work harder to stop people from feeling so bad that they think about suicide or hurting themselves. If we can do this, not only can we save lives, but we can also save a lot of money.

Dogs Could Leave You Less Stressed and Help You Concentrate | Study Found the Strength of Alpha-band Brainwaves Increased While Participants Played With and Walked the Dog, Indicating a State of Relaxed Wakefulness

Have you been feeling on edge or finding it hard to focus? A recent study suggests that spending time with a dog might just be the stress-buster and concentration booster you need.

Researchers from Konkuk University in South Korea conducted a study with 30 people. The study looked at how interacting with dogs affects the brain. Participants did various activities with a well-trained dog. They played, walked, and even took selfies. They wore special devices to measure their brainwaves during these activities.

What they found was pretty interesting. When people played with or walked the dog, a type of brainwave called alpha-band increased. This means they were in a state of relaxed alertness. And when they were grooming or petting the dog, another type called beta-band went up, which is linked to better concentration.

Participants also felt less tired, sad, and stressed after hanging out with the dog. This shows that spending quality time with our furry friends can have a positive impact on our mental health.

The study was published in the PLOS ONE journal. It was supported by Konkuk University and the Rural Development Administration in South Korea. It highlights how interactions with dogs can lead to changes in our brain that make us feel more relaxed and focused. So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, consider taking a break with a four-legged buddy. It might just be the pick-me-up you need.

✢ 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.