03/28/24 - #96

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • New Research Found Overall Food Insecurity in the US Increased From 12.5% in 1999–2003 to 23.1% in 2015–2019. Rates of Recurring Food Insecurity—meaning Two or More Episodes of Food Insecurity—more Than Doubled (5.6% to 12.6%)

  • People Who Have Successfully Lost Significant Weight, How, What Motivated You?

  • Prenatal Cannabis Exposure Linked to Heightened Risk of ADHD Symptoms in Children, According to a New Study

  • Does Yogurt Reduce Risk of Diabetes? The FDA says It Might

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

New Research Found Overall Food Insecurity in the US Increased From 12.5% in 1999–2003 to 23.1% in 2015–2019. Rates of Recurring Food Insecurity—meaning Two or More Episodes of Food Insecurity—more Than Doubled (5.6% to 12.6%)

Cindy Leung from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health led a recent study. It has drawn attention to a worrying trend: a big rise in food insecurity among U.S. families with older adults in the last twenty years. The study was published on March 1 in JAMA Health Forum. It highlights a growing challenge faced by many, especially Black, Hispanic, and low-income families.

The study used data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. This nationwide survey happens every two years. The study looked at families with at least one person aged 60 or older. It compared data from two periods: 1999–2003 and 2015–2019. The findings were alarming. Overall food insecurity jumped from 12.5% to 23.1%. Even more troubling, the rate of recurring food insecurity, which means families faced this issue two or more times, more than doubled from 5.6% to 12.6%. Chronic food insecurity, experienced three or more times, more than tripled, increasing from 2.0% to 6.3%.

The study points out that Black and Hispanic families were hit the hardest. The same is true of families with lower incomes and those using federal food assistance programs. This is the first study of its kind. It looks at food insecurity in families with older adults over a long period. It sheds light on a problem that has been growing out of sight for too long.

WEIGHT LOSS

People Who Have Successfully Lost Significant Weight, How, What Motivated You?

When it comes to shedding those extra pounds, finding the right spark of motivation can be a game-changer. A survey with 2,000 people showed the top reasons. Some want to look nicer in their clothes, others want to be healthy enough to play with their grandkids. Many just want to feel good and not get sick with things like diabetes. Some find it hard to stand up because they're too heavy, and they don't like needing lots of medicine.

Here are two stories that stand out. One woman saw her shadow one day and didn't recognize herself because she was much bigger than she thought. That was her wake-up call to lose weight. Another person actually gained weight on purpose to not get attention from others. But, when she started having health problems, she knew she had to make a change.

When it comes to losing weight, it's more about what you eat than how much you exercise. Sure, exercise is good, but what you eat matters way more. If changing your eating habits seems too tough, you could start with something simpler, like eating just one meal a day. It can still help you begin to lose weight. Later on, you can try eating healthier step by step.

Everyone has their own reason for wanting to lose weight. It could be to look better, feel better, or stay healthy. Finding that reason is the first step. With a good plan and the right motivation, getting to a healthier weight is possible.

HEALTH

Prenatal Cannabis Exposure Linked to Heightened Risk of ADHD Symptoms in Children, According to a New Study

A new study found that if expectant mothers use cannabis, their children are more likely to show signs of ADHD. This research was shared in the Journal of Psychiatric Research. It suggests that kids whose moms used cannabis during pregnancy are more likely to have trouble with attention. They will also have more hyperactivity and impulsivity. These difficulties can make school and daily life harder for these children.

Cannabis is a plant used for various reasons, including relaxation and medical treatments. But its effects on unborn children are raising concerns among scientists. This latest study dives deep into how cannabis use during pregnancy might harm children's brains. It focuses on ADHD and autism.

The researchers, led by Abay Woday, reviewed many studies. They wanted to see if there's a link between using cannabis during pregnancy and ADHD or autism symptoms in kids. They found strong evidence that cannabis use does increase the risk of ADHD. However, they didn't find a clear connection to autism.

ADHD is a condition. It can make it tough for kids to focus, sit still, or control their impulses. It affects their success at school and with friends. The research suggests that avoiding cannabis during pregnancy could reduce the risk of ADHD in children.

More people use cannabis and laws around it are changing. It's crucial to understand its impact on unborn children. This study shows the need for caution. Expectant mothers need more education about the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy.

Does Yogurt Reduce Risk of Diabetes? The FDA says It Might

Ever thought eating yogurt could keep diabetes away? The FDA, a big health organization, says it might help. They told everyone that companies can say eating yogurt could lower the chance of getting Type 2 diabetes. But, there's a catch.

A company named Danone, known for making yogurts like Dannon and Activia, asked the FDA back in 2018 if they could talk about yogurt helping with diabetes risk. The FDA agreed but with some rules.

They said it's not 100% sure yogurt helps. The idea comes from eating about two cups of yogurt every week. Studies are still looking into it, so it's not a sure thing yet.

Some research supports the idea that yogurt can be good for you, especially with diets known to be healthy, like the Mediterranean diet. This diet is full of fruits, veggies, and grains, plus yogurt. But watch out, not all yogurts are the same. Some have a lot of sugar, which isn't good.

The FDA's okay means companies can suggest yogurt might help with diabetes risk. Still, they can't say it will prevent or cure diseases because only medicines can do that. But this news does make us think more about how what we eat affects our health.

✢ 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.