05/28/24 - #139

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Companies Legally Use Poison to Make Your Decaf Coffee

  • Roughly 1 in 8 US Adults Have Taken GLP-1 Drugs Like Wegovy, Poll Shows

  • Breast Cancer is on the Rise in Women in Their 40s. An Earlier Mammogram May Help Catch It Sooner

  • New Research Provides Preliminary Evidence That Whole-body Hyperthermia Shows Promising Antidepressant Effects Through Anti-inflammatory Pathways

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Companies Legally Use Poison to Make Your Decaf Coffee

Do you drink decaf coffee? It might surprise you that some decaf coffee is made using a chemical called methylene chloride, which is very harmful. This chemical was once used in paint strippers but was banned in 2019 because it can cause liver damage and cancer.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, still allows this chemical to be used in decaffeinating coffee. They decided this back in the 1980s, believing that the way coffee is made keeps coffee drinkers safe from harm.

The EPA is working to remove harmful chemicals from things we use daily, like drinking water and building materials. But, some companies don't want these rules. For example, coffee companies have argued against banning methylene chloride. It is used to make decaf coffee. They say it changes the flavor that some coffee lovers prefer. This argument seems a bit strange considering the health risks involved.

This issue shows a bigger problem where companies often resist new rules meant to make products safer and healthier. They say these rules cost too much money, could cause job losses, or aren't based on science. But really, shouldn't we care more about people's health and safety than how much money a company makes?

Next time you enjoy a cup of decaf coffee, think about what goes into making it. It's not just about the taste but also about keeping it safe for everyone.

WEIGHT LOSS

Roughly 1 in 8 US Adults Have Taken GLP-1 Drugs Like Wegovy, Poll Shows

A new poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found that about one in eight U.S. adults have tried GLP-1 class drugs. These drugs include popular medications like Wegovy for weight loss and Ozempic for diabetes. Currently, 6% of those surveyed are still using these treatments.

These drugs are not just popular but are also becoming more well-known. Around one-third of adults are now familiar with them, a significant increase from just 19% last year. Despite their growing popularity, many people find these drugs expensive. The survey noted that 54% of users struggle with the cost. This is true even with insurance. This issue is more pronounced among people with lower household incomes.

Interest in GLP-1 drugs is partly because they offer health benefits. These benefits go beyond their main purposes. Research shows that they might help lower the risk of strokes and heart attacks. However, these benefits come with challenges, such as frequent drug shortages and high prices.

Additionally, Medicare currently does not cover these drugs for obesity. This limits access for many who might benefit from them. Yet, 60% of adults in the poll believe that Medicare should cover the cost of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. Expanding Medicare would make these drugs more accessible to more people. It would enhance public health.

HEALTH

Breast Cancer is on the Rise in Women in Their 40s. An Earlier Mammogram May Help Catch It Sooner

Breast cancer is increasingly common among women in their 40s. Recognizing this, a leading U.S. health group now advises women to start getting mammograms at age 40 instead of waiting until they are 50. Mammograms are special X-rays that can spot breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat.

Why the change? Recent studies show that breast cancer rates have gone up by 2% each year since 2015 in women in their 40s. Catching the cancer early with regular screenings can save lives. Despite advances in treatment, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women.

The new advice agrees with recommendations from other health organizations. They suggest yearly screenings should start at age 40 or 45. This should help everyone be clear about when to start getting checked.

The updated guidelines also aim to address the higher death rates from breast cancer among Black women. They are 40% more likely to die from the disease than white women. Starting mammograms earlier could help lower these rates and benefit all women, especially those who are Black.

For women older than 75, the advice isn't as clear due to a lack of research. These women should talk with their doctors about whether to keep getting mammograms.

New laws require health insurance to cover mammograms for women 40 and up at no cost. This makes it easier for women to follow the new guidelines and stay healthy.

New Research Provides Preliminary Evidence That Whole-body Hyperthermia Shows Promising Antidepressant Effects Through Anti-inflammatory Pathways

Recent research, published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, suggests a new way to tackle depression. It uses whole-body hyperthermia, a method that heats the body like a fever. This could be good news for people who haven't found help with usual depression treatments.

Depression is a big health issue worldwide. It may become the top problem by 2030. Many current treatments don’t work well for everyone, which is why scientists are looking into new methods.

Whole-body hyperthermia uses infrared heat to raise the body's core temperature. The new study shows the heat treatment might work by cutting body inflammation. Inflammation is often linked to depression. The key seems to be a protein called interleukin-6 (IL-6). Normally, high IL-6 levels worsen depression. But, in this treatment, they reduce depression. They do it by controlling inflammation in a different way.

The research involved 26 adults with major depressive disorder. They were split into two groups: one received the real heat treatment, and the other got a placebo. Those treated with real heat showed better results in reducing depression symptoms over six weeks.

While these results are promising, the study was small, and its methods weren’t perfect. More research with more people is needed to be sure of these findings. If further studies confirm the results, this heat treatment could become a new way to help people with depression.

✢ 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.