05/14/25 - #390

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Tomatoes Are Being Recalled in 14 States Over Possible Salmonella Contamination. Here's How to Check if Your Recent Produce Purchase May Be Impacted

• GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Show Anti-cancer Benefits Beyond Weight Loss | After Accounting for the Relative Advantage of Surgery in Reducing Weight Loss, GLP-1 Drugs Were Associated With a 41% Lower Risk of Obesity-related Cancer

• High Levels of Toxic Chemicals Found in Paper Receipts Used by US Retailers

• Research Found on Average, People Living in Countries Associated With Relatively Short Sleep Durations Did Not Have Shorter Life Expectancies or Higher Rates of Heart Disease but Had Lower Rates of Obesity, Compared With Individuals in Countries Associated With Relatively Long Sleep Durations

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Tomatoes Are Being Recalled in 14 States Over Possible Salmonella Contamination. Here's How to Check if Your Recent Produce Purchase May Be Impacted

If you’ve recently bought tomatoes, check the label. Two companies have recalled tomatoes in 14 states because of a possible salmonella problem. No one has gotten sick yet, but the FDA says to return the tomatoes or throw them away.

Ray & Mascari Recall This company recalled four-count “vine ripe tomatoes” in 20-ounce clamshell containers. The label says “Packed by Ray and Mascari, Inc., Indianapolis, IN 46204.” The UPC is 7 96553 20062 1. Check for lot numbers RM250424 15250B or RM250427 15250B on the box.

These tomatoes were sold at Gordon Food Service Stores in:

• Illinois

• Indiana

• Kentucky

• Michigan

• Missouri

• Mississippi

• New York

• Ohio

• Pennsylvania

• Tennessee

• Wisconsin

Williams Farms Repack Recall This recall includes tomatoes in 25-pound boxes, 18-pound loose boxes, and 3-count trays. The trays have UPC 0 33383 65504 8. Look for lot numbers R4467 or R4470. These tomatoes were sent to wholesalers in:

• Georgia

• North Carolina

• South Carolina

What Is Salmonella? Salmonella is a bacteria that can make you sick. It causes fever, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. It can be dangerous for young kids, older adults, and people with weak immune systems.

To be safe, check your tomatoes. If they match the recall, don’t eat them. Throw them away or return them to the store.

Source: yahoo.com

WEIGHT LOSS

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Show Anti-cancer Benefits Beyond Weight Loss | After Accounting for the Relative Advantage of Surgery in Reducing Weight Loss, GLP-1 Drugs Were Associated With a 41% Lower Risk of Obesity-related Cancer

Some weight-loss drugs may help lower the risk of certain cancers linked to obesity, a new study shows. These drugs are called GLP-1 receptor agonists and include medicines like liraglutide and exenatide. They are already used to treat type 2 diabetes and help people lose weight.

Researchers looked at over 6,000 adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes in Israel. They compared two groups: people who took GLP-1 drugs and people who had weight-loss surgery. Over about eight years, both groups had a similar number of cancer cases.

But when researchers adjusted for how much weight each person lost, they found something important. The people who took GLP-1 drugs had a 41% lower risk of getting obesity-related cancers than those who had surgery. These cancers include breast (after menopause), colon, uterus, kidney, liver, stomach, and others.

The study shows that GLP-1 drugs may help protect against cancer in ways that don’t depend only on weight loss. Experts think the drugs may reduce inflammation or affect hormones that play a role in cancer.

While this is good news, the study was observational. That means it cannot prove the drugs caused the lower cancer risk. More research is needed to understand how the drugs work and if newer versions offer more protection.

If you have type 2 diabetes or obesity, talk to your doctor. These medications may offer health benefits beyond weight loss.

Source: eurekalert.org

HEALTH

High Levels of Toxic Chemicals Found in Paper Receipts Used by US Retailers

New research shows that paper receipts from many U.S. retailers contain high levels of a toxic chemical called bisphenol S (BPS). Just holding a receipt for 10 seconds can expose you to more BPS than California’s safety limit allows.

BPS is similar to bisphenol A (BPA), which many companies have already stopped using due to health risks. Unfortunately, BPS may be just as harmful. It’s linked to hormone issues, lower sperm count, breast cancer, and other serious health problems.

The Center for Environmental Health (CEH), a non-profit group, tested receipts from about 50 well-known companies, including Burger King, GameStop, and Subway. Most of the receipts had high BPS levels. CEH has sent legal warning notices to these companies and is urging them to switch to safer paper.

Thermal paper, used for most receipts, has a chemical coating that makes the print appear. BPS is added to this coating, but safer options, like paper treated with vitamin C, do exist—though they may not look as bright.

People who work in retail or handle receipts all day may face the most risk. But anyone who touches receipts can absorb BPS through their skin.

To reduce your exposure, avoid taking receipts when you can. Ask for a digital copy instead.

If the companies don’t act within 60 days, CEH may take legal action under California’s Proposition 65 law to force changes or require warning signs at checkout.

Source: theguardian.com

Research Found on Average, People Living in Countries Associated With Relatively Short Sleep Durations Did Not Have Shorter Life Expectancies or Higher Rates of Heart Disease but Had Lower Rates of Obesity, Compared With Individuals in Countries Associated With Relatively Long Sleep Durations

A new study shows that sleep habits are different in countries around the world, but these differences may not have a big effect on health.

Researchers looked at 14 studies from 71 countries. They also reviewed answers from nearly 5,000 people in 20 countries. They wanted to know if people who sleep less are less healthy.

The results were surprising. People in countries where people sleep less did not have shorter lives or more heart disease. In fact, they had lower obesity rates than people in countries where people sleep more.

Also, sleeping more did not mean people were healthier. In places where people sleep longer, there were no clear health benefits.

The most important finding: people were healthier when they slept the same amount as others in their country. For example, if most people sleep seven hours, those who also sleep seven hours tend to be healthier.

This means that sleep needs may depend on where you live and what your body is used to. There may not be one “perfect” amount of sleep for everyone.

The study was led by researchers from the University of Victoria in Canada. It was published in the journal PNAS and funded by Canada’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

Bottom line: Sleep needs are not the same for everyone. What matters most is getting sleep that fits your lifestyle and culture—not just aiming for more hours.

Source: scimex.org

✢ 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.