04/05/24 - #102

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' to Officially Be Removed From Food Packaging, FDA Says | New Food Packaging Products Sold in the U.S., Such as Takeout Boxes and Fast-food Wrappers, Will No Longer Contain Harmful "Forever Chemicals" Known as PFAS

  • Novo Nordisk's Wegovy Wins FDA Approval for Heart Health Benefits, in Move That Could Expand Insurance Coverage

  • The First Blood Test to Screen for Colorectal Cancer Could Be Approved This Year — Raising the Potential to Drastically Increase the Number of People Diagnosed With the Second-highest Cause of Cancer Death in the United States

  • Single Dose of LSD Provides Immediate, Lasting Anxiety Relief, Study Says

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' to Officially Be Removed From Food Packaging, FDA Says | New Food Packaging Products Sold in the U.S., Such as Takeout Boxes and Fast-food Wrappers, Will No Longer Contain Harmful "Forever Chemicals" Known as PFAS

The FDA has shared some good news: harmful chemicals called PFAS won't be in new food packaging anymore. These "forever chemicals" are tough and don't break down easily, which is bad for both people and the planet. They've been used in things like takeout boxes and fast-food wrappers, but not anymore.

This change is part of a plan that started in 2020 to make the stuff our food comes in safer. Scientists and health experts are really happy about this. They say it's a big win for our health because we won't have to worry about these chemicals in our food packaging.

Getting rid of PFAS might take a little time as companies switch to safer options, but the FDA is on top of it. They promise to keep checking on things and using the latest science to make sure our food is safe.

Even though food packaging is a big way people come into contact with PFAS, these chemicals can also be found in water and some foods. The FDA knows this and is looking into it.

In short, this move by the FDA to stop using PFAS in food packaging is great news for everyone. It's a step forward in making sure what we eat and drink is safe, which is something we can all feel good about.

WEIGHT LOSS

Novo Nordisk's Wegovy Wins FDA Approval for Heart Health Benefits, in Move That Could Expand Insurance Coverage

he FDA, a big health organization in the U.S., just said "yes" to a drug called Wegovy. This drug helps adults with too much weight and heart problems by lowering the risk of serious heart issues. This is great news because it means insurance companies might start paying for Wegovy, making it easier for people to get.

Wegovy is special because it does more than help people lose weight. It also protects the heart, reducing the chance of heart attacks and strokes by 20%. This makes it the first weight loss drug that also helps the heart.

Doctors say this approval is a big step forward. Wegovy should be used with healthy eating and exercise to work best. However, it's quite expensive, costing about $1,000 a month if insurance doesn't cover it.

The FDA's decision was based on a study with 17,500 people. It showed Wegovy could significantly reduce heart attacks. But, some people had to stop taking it because it made them feel sick to their stomach.

The study mainly included white men, so it wasn't very diverse. Despite this, Wegovy's approval is good news for people needing help with weight loss and heart health. It shows that the drug does more than just help people slim down; it can also make their hearts healthier.

HEALTH

The First Blood Test to Screen for Colorectal Cancer Could Be Approved This Year — Raising the Potential to Drastically Increase the Number of People Diagnosed With the Second-highest Cause of Cancer Death in the United States

This year, a new blood test could change the game for fighting colon cancer, the second deadliest cancer in the U.S. The test, called Shield, is waiting for the FDA's okay. Made by Guardant Health, it could make screening easier and encourage more people to get checked.

Right now, the best way to find colon cancer early is with a colonoscopy. But, many people don't like the idea because it's uncomfortable and takes a lot of prep. The Shield blood test is much simpler. You just go to the doctor, give a blood sample, and that's it. No need for the uncomfortable prep or to take a day off.

The test is promising, finding 83% of colon cancers. But, it's not perfect. It's better at spotting cancer that's more advanced and not as good at catching it early. If the test suggests something might be wrong, a colonoscopy is still needed for a closer look.

Doctors are excited but remind us this test won't replace colonoscopies. It could, however, be a first step for more people to get screened. If the FDA approves it, people over 45 could take this test every three years. It's a simpler way to start fighting colon cancer early, saving lives with less hassle.

Single Dose of LSD Provides Immediate, Lasting Anxiety Relief, Study Says

Recently, scientists discovered something exciting: a single dose of a special drug called LSD could really help people with anxiety feel much better. This isn't just any news; it's so important that the U.S. government's FDA, which checks if medicines are safe, said it's a big deal for treating anxiety.

Anxiety is when you feel super worried or scared a lot, making everyday things hard to do. The study found that this LSD treatment could reduce those bad feelings for months with just one dose. This is great because usually, medicines or talking to a therapist takes a long time to start working.

They tested different amounts of LSD to find the best dose that helps without causing problems. This treatment is different because people didn't have to do therapy sessions. They were just watched over to make sure they were safe.

Using LSD for health isn't a completely new idea. Long ago, scientists were looking into it, but it got a bad reputation and was stopped. Now, with new research and the FDA's support, LSD could be a new way to help millions of people who have anxiety.

This is part of what's being called a "psychedelic renaissance" in America, showing that old ideas can come back in helpful ways. This could change how we treat anxiety, offering new hope to many.

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.