06/11/25 - #410

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Ground Beef With Possible E. Coli Distributed Nationwide, Including to Whole Foods, USDA Says

  • Weight-loss Drugs Aren’t Really About Weight

  • Vitamin D May Slow Cells’ Aging by Protecting DNA

  • Teen Girls’ Screen Time Linked to Poor Sleep and Depression

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Ground Beef With Possible E. Coli Distributed Nationwide, Including to Whole Foods, USDA Says

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has warned that some ground beef may be contaminated with E. coli. The beef was sold at Whole Foods stores across the country and sent to other places in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland.

The product is called Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef 85% Lean 15% Fat. It was packed in one-pound vacuum-sealed bags on May 22 and 23, 2025. The label says “Use or Freeze By 06-19-25” or “06-20-25” and has the code “EST. 4027” inside the USDA mark.

This beef is no longer being sold, but it could still be in people’s homes. If you have it, do not eat it. Throw it away or return it to the store.

There have been no confirmed illnesses yet. But E. coli is a serious bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dehydration. Most people get better in a week, but some people—especially children under 5 and adults over 65—can get very sick. It may cause a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Signs of HUS include easy bruising, pale skin, and less urine. If you have these symptoms, go to the emergency room right away.

Always check food labels and pay attention to food safety alerts. Taking simple steps can help protect your health and your family.

For more information, visit the USDA’s website or contact your local health department.

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight-loss Drugs Aren’t Really About Weight

New research shows that weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are not just about looking thinner—they may help improve heart health and lower the risk of serious disease.

Doctors used to focus mainly on body weight. But now, they are learning that a certain kind of fat—called visceral fat—is more dangerous. This fat builds up deep inside the body around organs. It can raise the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and diabetes.

GLP-1 drugs help people lose weight and may also lower this harmful fat. But they can be costly, cause side effects like nausea, and are often not covered by insurance. So who should take them?

Experts say these drugs may be worth it for people at high risk of heart disease or other serious problems. A good example is former President Donald Trump. During his time in office, he had signs of heart disease and was slightly obese. In 2024, he lost 20 pounds and lowered his cholesterol. While he never said he used a GLP-1 drug, his health did improve. This shows that it’s not just weight that matters, but overall health.

Doctors now believe the goal shouldn’t just be weight loss. It should be about helping people live longer and healthier lives. These drugs may be helpful—but only for those who really need them.

In the end, it’s not just about the number on the scale. It’s about what’s going on inside the body—and what truly keeps us healthy.

HEALTH

Vitamin D May Slow Cells’ Aging by Protecting DNA

A new study suggests that vitamin D might help slow the aging process in our bodies by protecting parts of our DNA called telomeres. Telomeres are like caps at the ends of chromosomes, which carry our genes. As we get older, telomeres get shorter. When they get too short, cells stop working and die. This is a natural part of aging.

Researchers looked at more than 1,000 people who took part in a larger health study. Some people took 2,000 units of vitamin D each day, while others took a placebo (a fake pill). After four years, the people who took vitamin D had slightly longer telomeres than those who didn’t.

The difference was small, and it’s not yet clear if it helps people live longer or stay healthier. Experts say more studies are needed to understand how important this change really is.

Vitamin D is already known to help with strong bones and may lower the risk of cancer, inflammation, and some diseases. It is sometimes recommended for older adults or people with low levels of vitamin D.

However, too much vitamin D can also cause problems. One study showed that very high levels of vitamin D in the blood might actually shorten telomeres.

This new study is interesting, but it doesn’t mean everyone should take a supplement. It’s best to talk to your doctor before starting vitamin D or any other supplement. What helps one person may not help another.

Teen Girls’ Screen Time Linked to Poor Sleep and Depression

A new study from Sweden found that teen girls who spend a lot of time on phones and other screens may sleep worse and feel more depressed. The study followed 4,810 teens, ages 12 to 16, for one year. Most teens used screens for three to four hours each day. This is more than Sweden’s health experts suggest, which is two to three hours a day.

Both boys and girls had high screen time. But girls had depression scores that were twice as high as boys. The study found that screen time can push bedtime later. This is called “sleep displacement,” and it can lead to less sleep and poor sleep quality. It also affects the body’s natural clock.

For girls, this lack of sleep was linked to more signs of depression. Boys didn’t show the same level of problems.

The study was published in PLOS Global Public Health. The authors said cutting screen time could help improve sleep and mental health in teens, especially girls.

Not all experts agree. Some say the study only shows a link, not that screen time causes poor sleep or depression. Also, teens reported their own screen time, which may not be exact.

Still, other scientists believe the findings are strong enough to support setting screen limits at night. This could help teens feel better and stay more alert during the day.

Parents may want to talk with their teens about screen use and healthy bedtime habits.

✢ 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.