07/08/25 - #429

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Harvard Study Reveals Natural Way to Eliminate Hemorrhoids—No Creams or Surgery Needed

  • Microplastics Shed by Food Packaging Are Contaminating Our Food and Drink, Study Finds

  • Ozempic Batch Recalled Due to Risk of Cracked Glass Cartridges

  • Measles Cases Surge to Record High Since Disease Was Declared Eliminated in the US

  • Eating Dairy Before Bed Can Give You Nightmares, Study Suggests | People With Lactose Intolerance Are More Likely to Experience Nightmares and Poorer Sleep

…and lots more. Have a great day!

Harvard Study Reveals Natural Way to Eliminate Hemorrhoids—No Creams or Surgery Needed

A new study out of Harvard Medical School has uncovered a natural method for shrinking and eliminating hemorrhoids—without the need for creams, wipes, or painful surgery.

Researchers found that certain plant-based compounds—specifically diosmin, hesperidin, and horse chestnut extract—can significantly reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and strengthen the walls of swollen veins. These ingredients work internally to address the root cause of hemorrhoids, not just the symptoms.

The study followed patients suffering from both internal and external hemorrhoids. After just a few weeks of daily supplementation, the majority experienced a dramatic reduction in pain, swelling, itching, and bleeding—many reporting full relief without recurrence.

One supplement already using this exact formula is Hem Hero®, a best-selling natural hemorrhoid treatment trusted by over 100,000 people. It contains clinical doses of the same key ingredients used in the Harvard study—working from the inside out to heal the problem, not just cover it up.

While traditional treatments like creams and suppositories only provide temporary relief, Hem Hero® targets the source of the issue to help eliminate hemorrhoids for good.

If you’re tired of flare-ups, embarrassing symptoms, or ineffective treatments, now’s the time to act. Hem Hero® is available without a prescription and ships discreetly to your door.

Visit HemHealer.com to try Hem Hero® and finally get lasting relief—naturally.

Source: Harvard Medical School, Digestive Health Research Division

FOOD & NUTRITION

Microplastics Shed by Food Packaging Are Contaminating Our Food and Drink, Study Finds

A new study has found that tiny plastic particles, called microplastics and nanoplastics, are making their way into our food and drinks through everyday packaging. These plastics can come from bottle caps, wrappers, containers, and even tea bags.

Every time you open and close a plastic or glass bottle with a plastic cap, small bits of plastic can fall into your drink. The same thing can happen when you unwrap packaged meats, cheeses, or fruits. Even washing and reusing plastic containers or exposing them to heat, like microwaving, can cause more plastic to break off and mix with your food.

Scientists have found microplastics in many common items—like bottled water, canned fish, rice, and take-out food. These tiny particles are so small they can enter the bloodstream and travel to different parts of the body. Studies have found microplastics in the brain, blood, and even in major organs.

Some of the chemicals in plastic can harm your health. They have been linked to heart disease, cancer, and problems with hormones and reproduction.

While we can’t completely avoid microplastics, experts suggest reducing our use of plastic. Try using glass or stainless-steel containers. Avoid microwaving food in plastic. Bring your own reusable bags, cups, and utensils when possible.

Experts say this is a bigger problem than any one person can fix. They urge people to support stronger government rules to cut down on plastic use and pollution.

WEIGHT LOSS

Ozempic Batch Recalled Due to Risk of Cracked Glass Cartridges

A batch of the diabetes and weight loss drug Ozempic has been recalled in Canada. The maker, Novo Nordisk Canada, says some pens may have cracked glass cartridges.

The recall affects Ozempic pens with 1mg in 3mL size and lot number RZFFE55. These pens are being taken off shelves at pharmacies and wholesalers across the country.

Cracked glass can cause the pen to break or not work properly. It may also lead to small glass pieces getting into the medicine. This could harm users, even though the risk of serious injury is low.

Health Canada calls this a Type II recall, which means the drug may cause short-term health problems, but it is not likely to cause serious harm.

Novo Nordisk says patient safety is their top concern. The company is working with Health Canada and says it is sorry for the trouble caused.

If you use Ozempic, check the pen’s lot number. If it matches RZFFE55, do not use it. Take it back to the pharmacy and talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Health Canada also asks users to report any bad reactions or side effects.

Other Ozempic products or lot numbers are not part of this recall.

This is a good reminder to always check your medicine before using it. Even trusted drugs can have problems sometimes, so stay alert and safe.

HEALTH

Measles Cases Surge to Record High Since Disease Was Declared Eliminated in the US

The U.S. is seeing its highest number of measles cases since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. So far in 2025, at least 1,277 cases have been reported—more than the previous record of 1,274 in 2019. Most cases are in people who were not vaccinated.

A major outbreak began in West Texas, especially in Gaines County, where many kindergartners didn’t get the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine. Three people have died—two children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico. All were unvaccinated.

Measles spreads very easily and can cause serious illness, especially in young children. About 1 in 8 people who got measles this year had to be hospitalized. Nearly 30% of all U.S. cases have been in children under 5.

Vaccination rates have dropped across the country. Experts say this is making it easier for measles to spread. Health officials are now offering the MMR vaccine earlier, starting at 6 months old in high-risk areas. In Texas, early vaccination rates have risen sharply.

Measles outbreaks have also been reported in at least 38 states, Canada, and Mexico. Most U.S. cases this year have been linked to travel or contact with infected travelers.

The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective—one dose is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective. Health officials urge all adults and children to be fully vaccinated to help stop the spread.

Public health experts warn that falling vaccine rates could lead to more deadly outbreaks if action isn't taken soon.

Eating Dairy Before Bed Can Give You Nightmares, Study Suggests | People With Lactose Intolerance Are More Likely to Experience Nightmares and Poorer Sleep

If you’ve ever had a weird dream after a late-night cheese snack, you’re not alone. A new study suggests that eating dairy before bed—especially for people with lactose intolerance—may lead to nightmares and poor sleep.

Researchers in Canada looked at the sleep and diet habits of over 1,000 college students. They found that people who said they were lactose intolerant were more likely to have nightmares, strange dreams, and disrupted sleep. The scientists believe stomach issues caused by dairy may carry over into dreams, leading to unpleasant or intense experiences while sleeping.

This idea isn’t new. As far back as the early 1900s, people joked about cheese causing bad dreams. But now there’s science to back it up. In this study, 40% of people said food or eating late affected their sleep. About 5.5% blamed food—especially dairy, spicy meals, and sweets—for affecting their dreams.

The researchers believe digestive pain, like gas or bloating from dairy, may disturb sleep more than other types of pain. That discomfort might wake people up or lead to more vivid, unpleasant dreams.

While more research is needed, the findings are a good reminder for anyone who struggles with sleep or nightmares—especially if you’re lactose intolerant. Skipping that late-night ice cream could mean a better night’s rest.

Next time you want a bedtime snack, you might want to grab some fruit or sorbet instead of cheese. Your stomach—and your dreams—may thank you.

✢ 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.