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- 05/15/25 - #392
05/15/25 - #392
Health Horizon. Herald Staff
May 16, 2025
In partnership with
Good morning. In today’s edition:
Caffeine or No Caffeine?
Best Way to Lose Weight
US Surpasses 1,000 Measles Cases for 1st Time in 5 Years: CDC
Sleep Apnea Tied to Memory-related Brain Decline, Study Says
…and lots more. Have a great day!
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FOOD & NUTRITION
Caffeine or No Caffeine?
Most adults in the U.S. drink caffeine every day—usually in coffee, tea, or soda. But have you ever wondered what would happen if you stopped for 30 days?
Caffeine works by blocking a brain chemical called adenosine, which helps you feel sleepy. When caffeine blocks it, you feel more awake. But over time, your body may need more caffeine to get the same effect.
While caffeine can help with alertness and memory, it also has downsides. It can raise blood pressure, increase anxiety, cause stomach problems, and even disrupt sleep. Many people don’t realize their daily coffee may be behind these symptoms.
Caffeine can also wear out your adrenal glands—the part of your body that handles stress. If you’ve been drinking caffeine for years, your body might be constantly in “fight or flight” mode. That can lead to trouble sleeping, feeling tired, or being easily stressed.
If you want to quit caffeine, do it slowly. Start by cutting down your coffee and switching to green tea, which has less caffeine. Then, move to herbal teas or caffeine-free drinks. You can also take vitamin B1 and B12, which may ease withdrawal symptoms like headaches and irritability.
You may notice better sleep, less stress, improved digestion, and even whiter teeth. It might be hard at first, but for many people, cutting caffeine—at least for a while—is worth the try.
A well-rested body needs less caffeine to begin with.
WEIGHT LOSS
Best Way to Lose Weight
If you’ve tried diets and still struggle to lose weight, you’re not alone. Dr. Rob Cywes, a surgeon who specializes in weight loss, says there are three main ways to lose weight—and each works differently.
The first method is simple: eat fewer calories. This can be done by eating smaller portions, skipping snacks, or trying intermittent fasting. These strategies can help reduce your calorie intake and lead to weight loss.
The second method is medication. New drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can help by lowering hunger and treating insulin resistance. They’re powerful tools, but they often lead to weight gain once you stop taking them. So they’re helpful—but not a full solution.
The third and most effective method, according to Dr. Cywes, is weight-loss surgery. Surgery is a strong option for people who have tried everything else or who are very sick from conditions like diabetes. It can help reduce the amount of food you eat and lead to long-term weight loss. However, it’s not magic. It works best when combined with other tools like medications, diet changes, and help for food addiction.
Dr. Cywes says using just one method—called “monotherapy”—often doesn’t work long term. The best results come from combining tools to treat both weight and the root causes of obesity.
If you’ve struggled for years, don’t give up. Talk with your doctor about a plan that includes more than one approach. The key to lasting weight loss may be using the right tools together.
HEALTH
US Surpasses 1,000 Measles Cases for 1st Time in 5 Years: CDC
The United States has reported over 1,000 measles cases in 2025—the most in five years, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cases have been found in 30 states, including Texas, California, Florida, and New York.
Texas has the largest outbreak, with over 700 cases. At least 92 people there have been hospitalized, and two unvaccinated children have died. In New Mexico, one unvaccinated adult also died after testing positive. Most cases in both states are in people who were not vaccinated or whose vaccine status is unknown.
Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air. Just being near someone with measles can be enough to catch it. This year, the CDC says 96% of people who got sick were not fully vaccinated. Only 4% of cases were in people who had one or two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The CDC recommends two MMR shots. The first should be given at 12 to 15 months old, and the second between 4 and 6 years old. One dose is 93% effective; two doses are 97% effective.
However, fewer children are getting their shots. In the 2023–2024 school year, only 92.7% of kindergartners were fully vaccinated. That’s lower than the 95.2% rate before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Doctors warn that low vaccination rates make it easier for measles to spread. Getting both MMR doses is the best way to stay protected.
Sleep Apnea Tied to Memory-related Brain Decline, Study Says
A new study shows that sleep apnea may harm the brain and increase the risk of memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops breathing for short periods while sleeping. This causes blood oxygen levels to drop.
Researchers found that these low oxygen levels can damage brain areas that control memory. The damage is worse during REM sleep, the stage of sleep when people dream and store new memories.
The study looked at 37 adults around age 73. Of those, 24 had sleep apnea. Brain scans showed that people with low oxygen levels during sleep had more damage to white matter. White matter helps different parts of the brain work together and is important for memory.
People who spent more time with oxygen levels below 90% had more white matter damage. They also had shrinkage in parts of the brain linked to memory, like the hippocampus. These people also did worse on memory tests.
The lead researcher, Dr. Bryce Mander, said low oxygen levels may harm small blood vessels in the brain. This could lead to memory problems and raise the risk of Alzheimer’s disease as people age.
Sleep apnea becomes more common as we get older. Signs include loud snoring, gasping during sleep, or feeling tired during the day. If you think you might have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor. Treating it may help protect your memory and brain health as you age.
✢ 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.