05/08/24 - #125

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • As Bans Spread, Fluoride in Drinking Water Divides Communities Across the US

  • What Do Weight Loss Drugs Mean for a Diet Industry Built on Eating Less and Exercising More?

  • Measles Elimination in the U.S. Is Under 'Renewed Threat,' CDC Warns

  • A New Study Found That Physical Activity Reduced the Risk of Depression by 23% and Anxiety by 26%. A Particularly Strong Association Was Found Between Low and Moderate Intensity Exercise, Which Included Activities Such as Gardening, Golf and Walking, and Reduced Risk of Depression

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

As Bans Spread, Fluoride in Drinking Water Divides Communities Across the US

In Monroe, North Carolina, people are arguing about fluoride in drinking water. Fluoride is a mineral added to water to help prevent tooth decay and improve dental health. But not everyone thinks it's necessary or safe.

Regina Barrett, a 69-year-old resident of Monroe, doesn't like her tap water. "Our water has been cloudy and bubbly and looks milky," she says, blaming the fluoride. Her city still uses fluoride in water, but nearby Union County decided to stop adding it. This decision came after many heated talks among residents.

This debate isn't just happening in Monroe. All over the country, from Oregon to Pennsylvania, communities are discussing whether to keep fluoride in their water. Some people believe it's essential, especially for families who can't afford dental care. They say fluoride in water helps prevent a lot of dental problems. Others think it might be harmful and that people should be able to choose for themselves.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says adding fluoride to water is safe and helps a lot with dental health. But as more places stop using fluoride, this issue keeps getting bigger. A court case in California could even change the rules for the whole country.

While some call fluoridation a health success, others think it's unnecessary. The discussions in places like Monroe are ongoing. They show how hard it is to balance personal choice with public health.

WEIGHT LOSS

What Do Weight Loss Drugs Mean for a Diet Industry Built on Eating Less and Exercising More?

Brad Jobling, 58, from Manhattan, has fought with his weight for years. After many attempts with diets and counting calories, he tried a new drug called Wegovy. He lost 30 pounds. This drug helped him eat healthier and exercise more, but it also changed how he thinks about weight loss.

Now, Jobling believes that obesity is a medical condition that needs drugs for treatment, not just diet and exercise. "Without the medication, I don’t see how you can keep the weight off," he says. The drug makes it easier for him to eat right.

This change is shaking up the diet industry. Traditional companies like WeightWatchers are starting to use these drugs in their programs. They still focus on changing behaviors but now also offer medicine.

Gyms are getting involved too. Life Time, a fitness company, now has medical services and gives prescriptions for weight loss drugs to help members lose weight and feel comfortable working out.

Food companies are also adjusting. Nestle, for example, is making sure its products have enough nutrients for people taking these drugs.

These drugs offer new hope for many people who struggle with weight, but they are expensive and sometimes have side effects. The diet world is no longer just about eating less and exercising more. It's about treating weight loss with a mix of health care and lifestyle changes.

HEALTH

Measles Elimination in the U.S. Is Under 'Renewed Threat,' CDC Warns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning: the U.S. could lose its measles elimination status. In the first three months of 2024, the U.S. reported nearly 30% of all measles cases since 2020, with 97 cases noted just this year.

Measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, meaning it wasn't spreading all the time, though we still saw some outbreaks. But now, that success is in danger. There have been 113 cases and seven outbreaks in 2024 alone.

Most people who got measles this year weren't vaccinated or it was unclear if they had been vaccinated. Measles spreads very easily among people who aren't vaccinated. Communities should have at least 95% of people vaccinated to keep everyone safe, but 12 states and Washington, D.C., are below that goal.

The CDC reminds us that the measles vaccine is very effective. One shot is 93% effective, and two shots are 97% effective. However, vaccination rates have dropped in recent years, here and around the world.

The CDC also warns that measles often comes to the U.S. from other countries. They advise getting vaccinated before traveling abroad. Despite the recent increase in cases, the risk of a big measles outbreak in the U.S. is still low because most people are immune. But keeping up with vaccinations is key to stopping more outbreaks.

A New Study Found That Physical Activity Reduced the Risk of Depression by 23% and Anxiety by 26%. A Particularly Strong Association Was Found Between Low and Moderate Intensity Exercise, Which Included Activities Such as Gardening, Golf and Walking, and Reduced Risk of Depression

A recent study by Anglia Ruskin University found that simple activities can greatly reduce depression and anxiety. These activities include walking, gardening, and golf. The study reviewed global research. It was published in the journal Neuroscience and Biobehavioural Reviews.

The findings show that light to moderate exercise, like walking or gardening, cut the risk of depression by 23% and anxiety by 26%. These activities were more beneficial. Very intense exercises didn't show the same results in lowering depression.

The research also showed that these simple activities could cut severe mental issues. These issues include psychosis and schizophrenia. The cut would be by 27%. These positive effects were seen in men and women of all ages around the world.

Professor Lee Smith, who led the study, highlighted the importance of these findings. He noted, “Tackling mental health problems requires different approaches. For some, it might be medicine or therapy. But, our research shows how important exercise is."

He added that while hard exercise might stress some people out. But, walking or golf are easier for more to do. They help improve mental health without needing to do very hard workouts.

This study shows that exercise plans should fit each person's needs. This change will make it easier for more people to start doing activities that help their minds stay healthy.

✢ 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.