06/12/25 - #411

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Drinking Diet Coke Has Been Tied to Heart Health Risks. Here’s What You Should Know

• Wegovy Use Among U.S. Teens Up 50% as Obesity Crisis Worsens

• Exercise Boosts Survival Rates in Colon Cancer Patients, Study Shows

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

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Drinking Diet Coke Has Been Tied to Heart Health Risks. Here’s What You Should Know

Many people drink Diet Coke to avoid sugar and calories. But new research shows it might not be as safe as it seems. Drinking just two or more diet drinks a day may raise your risk of heart disease and stroke.

The problem may be with the sweeteners used instead of sugar. Diet Coke and other diet drinks often use a sweetener called aspartame. This ingredient is also found in gum, yogurt, cereal, and even cough drops.

Aspartame is much sweeter than sugar—about 200 times sweeter. It was approved by the FDA in 1996. While it’s considered safe in small amounts, some studies suggest it may still cause problems over time.

Researchers say artificial sweeteners might cause inflammation, raise blood pressure, and affect the way your body uses sugar. They may also harm the gut and blood vessels.

A study from UC Irvine found that people who used more artificial sweeteners had a 9% higher risk of heart problems and an 18% higher risk of stroke. Another study showed that drinking two liters or more per week was linked to irregular heartbeats.

Experts say that people with health problems like diabetes or heart issues should be extra careful. Even if you are trying to lose weight, diet sodas might not be the best choice.

Doctors suggest drinking less diet soda and choosing water or flavored drinks without sweeteners instead. While a small amount is likely okay, drinking it every day could be risky for your heart.

Source: independent.co.uk

WEIGHT LOSS

Wegovy Use Among U.S. Teens Up 50% as Obesity Crisis Worsens

More American teens are using the weight-loss drug Wegovy as obesity rates rise. In 2024, prescriptions for teens went up 50%, according to health data. But even with this increase, very few of the many teens with obesity are getting the drug.

Wegovy was approved in 2022 for children 12 and older. Teens using the drug lost about 15 to 30 pounds in one year. Doctors say it can help when diet and exercise don’t work. But some doctors are still unsure. They worry about using a strong drug during a key time of growth. Also, teens may need to stay on the drug for many years.

Another issue is cost. Many insurance plans do not cover Wegovy or even visits with a dietitian. This makes it hard for families to get treatment. Some teens try older drugs or stick with lifestyle changes like eating better and exercising more.

Experts say we still need more research to know how safe Wegovy is for long-term use in kids. Some government leaders worry that too many children are being put on medication too quickly.

Still, many doctors believe the drug can help when used carefully. They say it should be part of a full plan that includes healthy eating and exercise. With nearly 1 in 4 teens in the U.S. living with obesity, the need for new options is clear.

Wegovy is not a magic fix, but it may be a helpful tool for some teens who are struggling.

Source: nbcnews.com

HEALTH

Exercise Boosts Survival Rates in Colon Cancer Patients, Study Shows

A new study has found that exercise can help colon cancer patients live longer and reduce the chance of cancer coming back. Researchers followed 889 people with treatable colon cancer. Half of them were given health booklets. The other half joined a three-year exercise program with regular coaching.

The results were surprising. After eight years, the group that exercised had 28% fewer cancer recurrences and 37% fewer deaths from any cause. While some people had minor injuries like muscle strains, the overall health benefits were clear.

Participants worked with a coach to build regular physical activity into their lives. Many chose simple routines like walking 45 minutes several times a week. Regular contact with their coach helped them stay on track.

“This is something I could do for myself to feel better,” said Terri Swain-Collins, a 62-year-old cancer survivor from Canada. She continues to walk today, enjoying music and the outdoors.

Experts say the study offers some of the best evidence yet that exercise directly helps cancer patients. The findings were shared at a top cancer conference and published in a respected medical journal.

Doctors hope cancer centers will offer exercise programs as part of treatment. These programs cost far less than most cancer drugs and can have major benefits. Even without a coach, survivors can start walking or moving more today—and know they’re helping their health in a big way.

“Now we can say definitively,” said researcher Kerry Courneya, “exercise causes improvements in survival.”

Source: apnews.com

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 their phones may sleep worse and feel more depressed. The study looked at 4,810 teens aged 12 to 16 over one year. It tracked how much time they used screens, how well they slept, and if they showed signs of depression.

On average, both boys and girls used screens for three to four hours a day. That’s more than Sweden’s health officials suggest, which is two to three hours a day. Even though screen time was about the same, girls had twice the depression scores compared to boys.

Too much screen time led to “sleep displacement.” That means teens went to sleep later than normal. Girls were more affected. They slept fewer hours, had lower sleep quality, and were more likely to feel down.

The researchers said cutting back on screen time could help improve teen girls’ sleep and mood. These results agree with past studies linking screen use at night with sleep problems and depression.

Still, some experts say the study has limits. It shows a link but does not prove screen time causes poor sleep or depression. Also, the teens reported their own screen time, which may not be exact.

Even so, other scientists say these results can help parents and schools set rules for screen use. Getting good sleep is key for teens, and less screen time could be a helpful step.

Source: euronews.com

✢ 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.