04/08/24 - #103

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Even as Snacking Habits Evolve, Nostalgia Remains Part of Our Diet

  • Wegovy to Be Covered by US Medicare for Heart Disease Patients

  • Doctors Call Attention to 'Margarita Rashes' From Sun Exposure as Spring Approaches

  • Map Shows the Most and Least Stressed US States

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Even as Snacking Habits Evolve, Nostalgia Remains Part of Our Diet

At the grocery store, there are tons of snacks to choose from. Some people always pick their favorite snacks, while others like to try new things. A company called Mondelēz International found out that almost everyone snacks every day. They make popular snacks like Oreo and Chips Ahoy!

People now want snacks that are not only tasty but also good for their health and the planet. Mondelēz learned that people enjoy snacks more when they think about what they’re eating. They also found out many people look for new snacks on social media.

To keep up with what people want, Mondelēz made a gluten-free Oreo. People were surprised at how good it tasted. This shows how the company is listening to what people want, like healthier snack options.

Even with new snacks coming out, people still love their old favorites. These snacks remind them of good times, like coming home from school to a tasty treat. That's why snacks are so special to us. They bring back happy memories. Mondelēz is working hard to keep these good feelings alive, while also making snacks that fit what people want today, like being better for their health.

WEIGHT LOSS

Wegovy to Be Covered by US Medicare for Heart Disease Patients

Big news! If you're a heart patient with Medicare, you might now get a drug called Wegovy to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Before, Medicare didn't pay for medicines just for losing weight. But Wegovy, made by a company called Novo Nordisk, got the thumbs up because it can do more than just help people lose weight; it can also lower the risk of serious heart problems in overweight adults who don't have diabetes.

This is a big deal because heart disease is a major issue, and finding new ways to keep heart attacks and strokes at bay can save lives. Also, more people want weight-loss drugs, and experts think they will be even more popular in the future. However, Medicare will only help pay for Wegovy if it's used for certain health reasons, not just for weight management.

Thanks to new rules, the government can talk about drug prices, which might make Wegovy cheaper for people on Medicare. This change means more folks might get this medicine, helping them stay healthier.

So, if you or someone you know has heart issues and Medicare, Wegovy might be an option to help prevent heart problems. Around 65 million people use Medicare, and this news could help a lot of them.

HEALTH

Doctors Call Attention to 'Margarita Rashes' From Sun Exposure as Spring Approaches

As the weather gets nicer, doctors have a heads-up for everyone: watch out for a weird skin problem called "margarita rash." It happens when you touch foods like limes and then go into the sun. This can make your skin itchy and look burnt where the juice touched it. If it gets really bad, you might even need to see a doctor because of blisters.

This rash happens because the sun makes your skin react to certain chemicals in foods and plants. If you're making drinks with limes and get some juice on your skin, then sit in the sun, you could end up with a rash that looks exactly like where the lime juice splashed.

Everyone can get this rash, no matter what your skin color is. Some people might see a clear shape of the rash, while others get dark spots that can last a long time. There are also rare cases where it's an allergy to something like sunscreen that only shows up in the sun.

Doctors want to spread the word so people know about "margarita rash." They see it every summer and think if more people know about it, they'll be careful to wash off any lime juice before enjoying the sun. This way, everyone can have a fun and rash-free spring and summer!

Map Shows the Most and Least Stressed US States

Have you ever thought about how living in certain places can make you feel more stressed? A study by Komowa Wellness looked into this and found out which states in the US are the most and least stressed. Stress is not just about feeling busy or worried—it can actually make us sick, leading to heart problems, anxiety, and even diabetes.

To figure out where people are most stressed, researchers checked things like how long people work, how much money they owe, and how much they pay for health care and looking after kids. They discovered that Tennessee, Alabama, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Nevada have the most stressed people. But, if you're in North Dakota, Utah, Iowa, Nebraska, or Minnesota, things might feel a bit more relaxed.

No matter where you live, you can find ways to feel less stressed. Start by figuring out what makes you stressed. Maybe it's your job, money worries, or personal stuff. Once you know, you can try to fix it by maybe changing your routine, exercising more, or taking some time to relax.

Sometimes, big problems like losing a job happen, and you can't change them right away. When that happens, focus on what you can do, like looking for a new job.

Everyone gets stressed, but knowing why and how to deal with it can help a lot. So take a deep breath, and remember, you've got this!

✢ 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.