04/09/24 - #104

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Scientists Reveal the Fish We Should Eat to Stop "Wasting" Nutrients

  • I Underestimated the Power of Walking

  • CDC Issues Health Alert as 2024 Measles Cases Match Last Year’s Total

  • How High Blood Sugar, Hypertension and Obesity Can Add Up to Cancer Risk

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Scientists Reveal the Fish We Should Eat to Stop "Wasting" Nutrients

Scientists have found out that salmon might not be the healthiest fish choice. They did a big study and discovered that other fish from the sea are actually better for us. They're talking about fish like mackerel, anchovies, and herring. These fish are usually given to salmon as food but turn out to be more nutritious for us to eat instead.

The study was done by experts from different universities in the UK. They learned that farmed salmon doesn't have as much of the good stuff our bodies need. We're talking about important nutrients like calcium, iodine, iron, omega-3, vitamin B12, and vitamin A. But, the wild fish that salmon eat have a lot of these healthy nutrients.

So, what the scientists are saying is pretty simple: eating fish like sardines, mackerel, and anchovies can give us more vitamins and minerals. These fish have a lot more calcium, iodine, iron, omega-3, vitamin B12, and vitamin A compared to salmon.

Even though salmon is still a healthy choice, the other fish are even better for us. And the good news is, we don't have to eat a lot of them to get the benefits. Just a little bit of these wild fish can really help us get the nutrients we need.

The scientists suggest that if we start eating more of these wild fish, it could make us healthier and also be good for the environment. It looks like it might be time to try adding more mackerel, anchovies, and herring to our diets.

WEIGHT LOSS

I Underestimated the Power of Walking

A lot of people think walking is just a simple thing and maybe not that important. But walking is really awesome for your health in ways you might not realize.

First, walking can help you feel less stressed. Just a quick walk can calm you down because it lowers something called cortisol, which is a stress hormone. When you're less stressed, your brain can think better and come up with cool ideas.

Walking is also great if you're trying to lose weight. It burns calories, and doing it regularly can help you slim down. Plus, it makes you happier and less worried. It's good for your body's energy factories, called mitochondria, and helps fight off sickness. Did you know walking can even make your stomach health better? That means your digestion and immune system work better.

If you're worried about diseases, walking can boost your body's defenses. It's also super for people who need to keep their blood sugar in check.

And there's more! Walking helps your body use oxygen better, making sure your muscles and brain get what they need. It also strengthens your bones, reduces swelling, and can even improve your eyesight because more oxygen reaches your brain.

So, next time you think walking isn't that big of a deal, remember all these awesome benefits. Walking isn't just about getting from one place to another; it's a simple way to boost your health, help you lose weight, and feel great.

HEALTH

CDC Issues Health Alert as 2024 Measles Cases Match Last Year’s Total

The CDC is warning us about more measles cases this year. Already, we have as many cases as we did last year.

There are 58 people sick with measles in 17 states. Most got sick after traveling to other countries. Places like Austria, the Philippines, Romania, and the UK are dealing with a lot of measles cases.

The CDC says if you're going to travel, make sure you've gotten your measles shots. These shots are really good at stopping the disease. If you've had two shots, you're 97% safe from getting measles.

Measles spreads very easily. If someone with measles coughs or sneezes, the virus stays in the air and on surfaces for two hours. If you haven't had the vaccine, there's a 9 out of 10 chance you'll get sick if you're near someone with measles.

Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, pink eye, and a rash. Because not as many people are getting their shots, more are getting sick.

The CDC says little kids, students, and anyone traveling outside the U.S. should get vaccinated. This helps stop the disease from spreading.

Getting your measles vaccine is important. It keeps you, your family, and others safe from getting a very contagious disease.

How High Blood Sugar, Hypertension and Obesity Can Add Up to Cancer Risk

Did you know that some common health problems could increase your chance of getting cancer? This is especially important for people over 45 to understand.

Metabolic syndrome is when you have several health issues at the same time, like high blood pressure, high sugar levels, and extra weight around your middle. These problems can make you more likely to have heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. But scientists have found they can also make you more likely to get cancer.

A study looked at over 40,000 people and found those with metabolic syndrome were 30% more likely to get cancer. It's not just about being overweight. Even people who don't look overweight can be at risk if their bodies aren't handling sugar and fat well.

This is a wake-up call for everyone, especially adults, to take care of their health. Paying attention to your blood pressure, sugar levels, and weight can do more than keep your heart healthy; it can also reduce your cancer risk.

Researchers hope to learn more about which health issues increase cancer risk the most. For now, they're telling us that taking care of our overall health is important. This could help prevent some cancers from starting. It's a big reminder that looking after our health today can help us avoid serious problems tomorrow.

✢ 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.