Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Energy Drinks Linked to Sudden Cardiac Arrest

• Step Aside BMI, Body Composition Tests Are on the Rise. Here's What to Know

• Nearly One-third of U.S. Adults Know Someone Who’s Died of Drug Overdose. Over One Million Americans Have Died From Drug Overdoses Since the Late 1990s, Including More Than 100,000 Per Year in the Last Few Years

• Conformity to Masculine Norms Tied to Higher Stress and Reluctance to Seek Mental Health Help

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Energy Drinks Linked to Sudden Cardiac Arrest

A recent study by the Mayo Clinic suggests a link between energy drinks and sudden cardiac arrest. This link is especially strong in people with genetic heart conditions. These drinks, packed with high levels of caffeine and other stimulants, could pose a risk.

The study reviewed 144 cases of sudden cardiac arrest. It found that seven of these people had drunk energy drinks shortly before their episodes. The research did not prove energy drinks cause cardiac arrest. But, it showed a big concern for those at genetic risk.

Dr. Michael J. Ackerman led the study. He is a genetic cardiologist. He stressed the importance of caution. “Patients with a predisposition to genetic heart diseases should consider the risks,” he noted. Although the likelihood of sudden cardiac arrest after drinking these beverages is low, the potential for risk is present.

Ackerman also pointed out that other factors could have contributed to the sudden cardiac arrests. Lack of sleep, dehydration, and some drugs might interact with the energy drinks. This can lead to what he calls a "perfect storm" of risk factors.

With energy drink sales surging by 73% from 2018 to 2023 in the U.S., the popularity of these beverages continues to grow. However, health experts urge moderation and caution. This is especially true for those with underlying health conditions. Unlike food products, energy drinks are not well regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This makes consumer awareness and research into their effects crucial.

Source: newsweek.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Step Aside BMI, Body Composition Tests Are on the Rise. Here's What to Know

For a long time, Body Mass Index (BMI) was used to tell if someone was healthy, but it's not always right. That's why more people are now using body composition tests.

Mana Mostatabi, who used to run track in high school, always had a high BMI even though she was fit. This happens to many athletes, which shows that BMI isn’t perfect. “BMI doesn’t tell us much about your real health,” says Dr. Richard Joseph from Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Body composition tests measure both fat and muscle in the body, giving a better picture of someone’s health. For example, Mostatabi has been using these tests and has lost fat and gained muscle.

Here are some common types of body composition tests:

• MRI Scans: Very accurate but too expensive for regular use.

• DEXA Scans: These are used in some hospitals to measure bone density and body fat. They are getting cheaper as more people use them.

• Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis: Often found in gyms, this method uses a device you stand on that measures body fat and muscle. It’s quick and usually free or cheap with a gym membership.

These tests are helpful because they show changes in your body even if your weight doesn’t change. They are especially important for older adults because keeping muscle helps you live longer and healthier. Dr. Joseph points out, "Strength shows how long you might live."

So, body composition tests are becoming a popular way for people to understand their health better than just using BMI.

Source: npr.org

HEALTH

Nearly One-third of U.S. Adults Know Someone Who’s Died of Drug Overdose. Over One Million Americans Have Died From Drug Overdoses Since the Late 1990s, Including More Than 100,000 Per Year in the Last Few Years

A recent survey reveals a shocking fact. About one-third of Americans know someone who died from a drug overdose. This widespread issue is uniting people from all political backgrounds. It is making them see addiction as a serious problem that needs attention.

The survey, led by researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, involved over 2,300 people. It found that 32% of U.S. adults, or roughly 82.7 million people, have lost someone to a fatal drug overdose. About 19% of these people said the person they lost was a family member or a close friend.

The grief from these losses affects people from all political parties. Those who have experienced this loss are more likely to view addiction as an important issue that needs action.

Since the late 1990s, over one million Americans have died from drug overdoses, with over 100,000 deaths each year recently. Although there was a small drop in deaths last year, the numbers are still very high.

The overdose crisis started with prescription drugs. Then, it moved to drugs like heroin and strong synthetics like fentanyl. These drugs are unpredictable and very powerful, making overdoses more likely.

The survey is part of a bigger study that looks at how life stresses affect mental health. The results show how the overdose crisis touches not just the victims but also their families, friends, and communities. It stresses the need to focus on addiction as a major issue.

Source: publichealth.jhu.edu

Conformity to Masculine Norms Tied to Higher Stress and Reluctance to Seek Mental Health Help

A recent study from the journal Sex Roles shows a worrying connection. Men who follow traditional masculine norms might feel more stress and are less likely to ask for help with mental health issues. This could make their mental health problems worse.

The study involved 326 men between the ages of 18 and 75. Most participants were white, heterosexual, and had a good education. These men answered questions about how much they follow traditional masculine behaviors. These include controlling emotions, wanting to win, and being self-reliant.

Results indicated that men who strongly follow these norms often feel more stress. This stress is not directly linked to more signs of depression but does connect to not wanting to seek help. Avoiding help can lead to worse mental health.

The researchers suggest that we need to understand what stops men from seeking help and promote the good parts of being masculine. They recommend a positive approach in therapy. It focuses on traits like ambition and assertiveness as strengths. This could help men feel that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Though the study provides important information, it only looks at one moment in time. We need more research. It should cover longer periods. This is necessary to truly understand how traditional masculine norms affect men's mental health.

Source: psypost.org

✢ 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.