05/02/24 - #121

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Thoughts on Dark Chocolate?

  • How Do You Maintain a Healthy Weight and Not Feel Hungry All the Time?

  • US Tuberculosis Cases Rise for Third Year in a Row: CDC

  • Company That Made Millions of Defective Sleep Apnea Machines Ordered to Overhaul Manufacturing

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Thoughts on Dark Chocolate?

Do you enjoy dark chocolate? Besides being delicious, it's also good for your health. Every year, people eat six billion pounds of chocolate. Dark chocolate is made from cacao beans. It is full of healthy nutrients. They are even better than those in blueberries.

Dark chocolate contains a little caffeine and a natural stimulant called theobromine. If caffeine keeps you awake, avoid eating it before bed. Many health-minded folks pick dark chocolate. It is organic and has no added sugar. Instead, it's sweetened with natural things like erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia.

Here are some reasons to eat dark chocolate:

  1. Heart Health: It helps lower blood pressure and increase "good" cholesterol.

  2. Less Risk of Heart Disease: The antioxidants in dark chocolate protect your arteries, which can help prevent heart disease.

  3. Stress Relief: Eating dark chocolate can reduce stress by lowering hormones like cortisol.

  4. Cancer and Stroke Prevention: It might help prevent some types of cancer and strokes.

  5. Mood Booster: It can make you feel happier, possibly because it raises serotonin levels or due to the theobromine.

  6. Better Skin: It improves skin texture and moisture by boosting blood flow.

While dark chocolate has many benefits, eat it in moderation, especially if you're at risk for kidney stones because of its oxalate content. Like all foods, the key is balance—enjoying the good while managing the risks.

WEIGHT LOSS

How Do You Maintain a Healthy Weight and Not Feel Hungry All the Time?

Why do most people stop following their diet? The main reason is hunger. But can you lose weight without always feeling hungry? Yes, by understanding the difference between hunger and appetite.

Hunger is your body telling you it needs energy to do things like walk or think. Appetite is just wanting to eat because food looks or smells good, not because you really need it.

Before snacking, ask yourself if you could eat something simple like protein and vegetables. If the answer is no, you might just want to eat for other reasons, not hunger.

Eating fewer carbs and more protein helps control hunger. This mix makes your body produce less of the hunger hormone and more of the fullness hormones. Foods high in protein, like meat, eggs, and tofu, also boost your metabolism.

Adding non-starchy vegetables to your meals is another way to feel full without many calories. These vegetables are low in carbs and high in fiber, which fills up your stomach.

Remember, fats are good too. Adding a little healthy fat like olive oil or butter can make meals tastier and more satisfying.

Finally, it's important to know if you're truly hungry or just want to eat because you're bored or stressed. Staying busy can help you avoid unnecessary eating.

By understanding hunger, choosing the right foods, and keeping busy, you can maintain a healthy weight without feeling hungry all the time. Check out health websites for more tips on managing hunger.

HEALTH

US Tuberculosis Cases Rise for Third Year in a Row: CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that Tuberculosis (TB) cases in the U.S. have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2023, there were 9,615 reported cases, up by 16 percent from the previous year. This increase follows almost three decades of declining numbers.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily targets the lungs but can affect other organs. Most people who are infected do not show symptoms initially and have what is known as latent TB. If untreated, latent TB can become active, leading to serious health issues.

The 2023 surge in TB cases affected every state. It saw increases in all age groups and in both U.S.-born and non-U.S.–born people. California had the highest number of cases, while Alaska had the highest rate per 100,000 people. Notably, 76 percent of the cases involved people born outside the U.S. This group saw an 18 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Despite these figures, the U.S. continues to have one of the lowest TB rates globally. About 85% of U.S. cases are thought to be reactivations. They come from latent infections, not new transmissions.

TB cases are rising worldwide. This is partly due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic affected TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Efforts are underway to recover from these setbacks and reduce the incidence of this infectious disease.

Company That Made Millions of Defective Sleep Apnea Machines Ordered to Overhaul Manufacturing

Philips, the company that makes machines to help people with sleep apnea breathe at night, must change how it makes these devices. This comes after a big problem was found: over 5 million machines were giving off tiny harmful particles.

The U.S. Department of Justice says Philips can't make any more machines until they fix their process. They need to check their work better and use experts from outside the company to help. This is to solve a huge recall that started in 2021.

Sleep apnea is when people stop breathing for short times while sleeping. These machines help keep their airways open. Without treatment, sleep apnea can make someone very sleepy during the day and increase the risk of a heart attack.

The foam inside the machines was breaking down, which could be dangerous. Now, Philips has to fix or replace the broken machines, or give money back.

Jeffrey Reed from Marysville, Ohio, used one of these machines. He worries about his health after using it for many years. “No matter what money I might get out of this, what’s going to happen?” he said. Reed now uses a machine from another company because he doesn’t trust Philips anymore.

Philips must work with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make sure their new machines are safe. This case shows how important it is for companies to follow safety rules and protect their customers.

✢ 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.