06/19/24 - #155

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • High-salt Diets Might Raise Eczema Risk: Researchers Found That as Daily Salt Intake Rose, So Did the Odds for the Skin Disorder Eczema, Also Known as Atopic Dermatitis

  • Scammers Make Millions Selling Nonexistent Ozempic, Report Finds

  • Calls to US Poison Centers Reporting Intentional Exposure Resulting in Deaths and Serious Harm to Adults and Children Have Risen 234% Over a 15-year Period, a New Study Found | Researchers Say the Alarming Statistics Warrant an Examination of Their Root Cause

  • Depression and Memory Decline Are Intimately Linked, With New Research Suggesting That Each Might Affect the Other

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

High-salt Diets Might Raise Eczema Risk: Researchers Found That as Daily Salt Intake Rose, So Did the Odds for the Skin Disorder Eczema, Also Known as Atopic Dermatitis

Too much salt is bad for the heart, but did you know it could also make eczema worse? Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a common skin problem. A new study by Dr. Katrina Abuabara and her team at the University of California, San Francisco looked into this.

They studied nearly 216,000 people in Britain, checking their salt intake through urine tests. The results showed that for every extra gram of salt people passed in a day, their chance of getting eczema went up by 22%.

People who had a lot of salt in their diet had an 11% higher risk of severe eczema. On the other hand, those who kept their salt intake low had a 12% lower chance of getting the skin condition.

This idea isn’t new. Over a hundred years ago, doctors suggested cutting back on salt to help with eczema. While the study doesn’t prove salt causes eczema, it supports the idea that too much salt can lead to skin inflammation, which can trigger eczema.

Dr. Abuabara’s research points out that eating less salt is good not just for the heart but also might help control eczema. They believe more studies should look at whether eating less salt can help prevent eczema. Reducing salt is a simple way to potentially avoid eczema flares, which can be hard to predict and manage.

WEIGHT LOSS

Scammers Make Millions Selling Nonexistent Ozempic, Report Finds

A recent report from McAfee reveals a big rise in scams involving weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. In early 2024, scams went up by 183% compared to the end of last year.

These scams often happen on places like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Scammers pretend to sell Ozempic, which is a medicine for diabetes but is also used to help people lose weight. In one day, researchers found 207 scam ads for Ozempic on Craigslist. These fake sellers might claim to be doctors or say they have extra medicine. They promise quick delivery without needing a doctor's prescription.

Many scammers try to get people to pay with digital money methods like Zelle, Venmo, or Bitcoin. They might even offer a discount if you use cryptocurrency. Millions of dollars have been stolen, especially through the app Telegram.

Experts say these scams are getting smarter and look very real. However, a big warning sign is when someone asks for payment in unusual ways. It's best to buy medicines only from trusted doctors or pharmacies that ask for a prescription.

As more people want these weight-loss drugs, scams are increasing. McAfee urges everyone to be careful and report any suspicious activities. They also want doctors and cybersecurity experts to teach people how to stay safe from these scams.

HEALTH

Calls to US Poison Centers Reporting Intentional Exposure Resulting in Deaths and Serious Harm to Adults and Children Have Risen 234% Over a 15-year Period, a New Study Found | Researchers Say the Alarming Statistics Warrant an Examination of Their Root Cause

In the last 15 years, calls about intentional poisonings leading to death or serious injury in the US have jumped by 234%. This worrying increase has researchers urging a closer look. They want to know why these numbers are rising.

Poison centers are important in the US. Trained nurses and doctors staff them. They give free advice 24/7 to help with poisoning cases. These centers keep track of calls in a national database. The University of Virginia Health researchers analyzed this data from 2007 to 2021. They found that more adults and children are being hurt by poisonings.

Christopher Holstege, who leads the UVA’s Blue Ridge Poison Center, is especially worried about children. He says we need to better understand why so many kids are getting poisoned, with a focus on mental health and substance abuse.

The study lists many reasons for the rise in serious cases. These include new dangerous drugs and health care disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite more severe cases, fewer people are being admitted to intensive care, possibly because hospitals are too full.

As these poison cases get more complicated, funding for poison centers might need to increase. Holstege stresses this. Poison experts, involved early, can save lives and shorten hospital visits.

This study highlights the growing problem of poisonings in the US and calls for quick action to prevent more harm.

Depression and Memory Decline Are Intimately Linked, With New Research Suggesting That Each Might Affect the Other

Recent research shows a strong link between depression and memory loss in older adults. This link is a major issue for those over 65. Health experts say about 20% of U.S. seniors show signs of depression. Two-thirds of people over 70 have some memory problems.

Professor Dorina Cadar from University College London studied more than 8,000 adults around 64 years old for 16 years. She looked at how their mental and brain health changed over time. The study found that people with more depression had quicker memory loss. Those with worse memory were more likely to feel depressed.

"This two-way link means that caring for both your mood and memory might help you stay healthier," said Professor Cadar. She believes it's important to catch and treat depression early to help slow down memory loss. Also, dealing with memory issues early might make depression less severe.

The research suggests that changes in the brain caused by depression, like damage to parts important for memory, may play a role. More studies are needed to understand this better and to find the best treatments. These might include antidepressants or therapy. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help slow memory loss.

This research is important because it shows that taking care of both mental and brain health is key to helping older adults live better as they age.

✢ 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.