06/19/25 - #416

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Salmonella Outbreak in Cucumbers Expands to 18 States 45 Sickened

  • I’ve Officially Lost 100 Lbs!

  • Cannabis Use Linked to a Doubled Risk of Heart Disease Death, New Study Finds

  • Healthy Lifestyle Choices Can Reduce the Risk of Stroke, Dementia, and Depression, Even in People With Biologically Shortened Telomeres

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Salmonella Outbreak in Cucumbers Expands to 18 States 45 Sickened

A salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers has spread to 18 states, with 45 people getting sick and 16 hospitalized. No deaths have been reported so far.

The outbreak is tied to cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers in Florida and sold by Fresh Start Produce Sales. These cucumbers were sold between April 29 and May 19, 2025.

Major retailers like Target and Walmart are asking customers to throw away certain ready-to-eat products made with these cucumbers. These include items like Boar’s Head chicken salad and sushi rolls under the Cannabis Use Linked to a Doubled Risk of Heart Disease Death, New Study FindsMai brand. Walmart’s Marketside cucumber slices are also included in the recall.

People have gotten sick in states including Florida, New York, California, and others. The FDA and CDC are investigating the outbreak and checking for other related bacteria strains.

Bedner Growers said it is very concerned about the issue and has recalled its cucumbers to protect public health. Fresh Start Produce Sales is helping with the recall.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness, especially in older adults, young children, and people with weak immune systems. Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These can appear within six hours to six days after eating contaminated food.

If you recently bought cucumbers or cucumber-based products, check if they are part of the recall. When in doubt, throw them out. If you feel sick, contact your doctor right away.

WEIGHT LOSS

I’ve Officially Lost 100 Lbs!

Ilana, known as the “TikTok Nutrition Babe,” lost 100 pounds and now shares her tips to help others.

She used to eat large amounts of sugary and starchy foods. As a “volume eater,” she liked big portions. But this led to serious weight gain and a high risk of diabetes.

Ilana became a registered dietitian and created a simple method called the “More? Sure!” Model. It helps you feel full and stay in control.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Drink water first – about 16 ounces before eating.

  2. Start with vegetables – like cauliflower rice or salads. You can eat as much as you want.

  3. Add protein – like chicken, fish, or eggs. Protein helps you stay full.

  4. Then have your treat – such as a small dessert or starch. But eat it after the good stuff.

Ilana says not to use the word “cheat” for eating treats. She says, “Treat, not cheat.” Cheat sounds negative and makes you feel bad. Treats are okay when you eat them in a smart way.

She also says to drink enough water every day—at least half your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 180 pounds, drink 90 ounces of water.

Her advice is simple: Don’t just cut back—add more of the right foods. More water and more veggies can lead to more weight loss.

Ilana’s plan is about eating smart, feeling full, and enjoying food without guilt.

HEALTH

Cannabis Use Linked to a Doubled Risk of Heart Disease Death, New Study Finds

A new study shows that using cannabis (marijuana) may double the risk of dying from heart disease. Researchers looked at 24 studies done between 2016 and 2023. They found that cannabis users had a 29% higher risk of heart attacks and a 20% higher risk of strokes.

As more people use marijuana—especially young adults—many believe it’s safe. In fact, daily marijuana use now happens more often than daily drinking. But experts say the health risks are real and growing.

The study focused mostly on people who smoked or vaped cannabis. It’s still unclear if the same risks apply to edibles or other products. Even so, the findings are important, especially for older adults or people with heart problems.

Health experts Dr. Lynn Silver and Dr. Stanton Glantz said marijuana should be treated like tobacco. That means it shouldn’t be a crime to use it, but people should be warned about the health dangers. They also said more needs to be done to protect others from secondhand marijuana smoke.

The researchers said their study had some limits, such as unclear doses people used. Still, they believe the link between cannabis and heart risk is strong enough to take seriously.

If you use marijuana or are thinking about it, especially if you are over 45, talk to your doctor. This new study is a reminder that just because something is legal doesn’t always mean it’s safe.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices Can Reduce the Risk of Stroke, Dementia, and Depression, Even in People With Biologically Shortened Telomeres

A new study shows that healthy lifestyle choices can help lower the risk of stroke, dementia, and depression — even in people whose bodies show signs of aging.

Researchers looked at telomeres, which are tiny caps at the ends of your DNA. These caps protect your cells but get shorter as you age or face stress, poor sleep, and unhealthy habits. Shorter telomeres have been linked to a higher risk of brain diseases.

Scientists studied over 350,000 people. They found that those with short telomeres had a higher risk of brain problems — but only if they also had unhealthy habits. People with short telomeres who lived healthy lives did not have much higher risk.

The team used a score called the Brain Care Score (BCS), which looks at blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, sleep, exercise, and social habits. A higher BCS means better brain health.

This means that healthy habits like moving more, sleeping better, drinking less alcohol, and managing stress may protect your brain — even if your cells are aging faster.

The study did have limits. Telomeres were measured only once, so changes over time weren’t tracked. Also, most people in the study were of European background, so results may not apply to everyone.

Still, experts say it’s never too late to start. Even small changes can help your brain stay healthy as you age.

Living healthier can protect your brain — no matter your age or background.

✢ 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.