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- 07/31/25 - #446
07/31/25 - #446
Health Horizon. Herald Staff
July 31, 2025
Good morning. In today’s edition:
What to Know About Soda Sweeteners as Sugar Returns to American Coke
Weight Loss Jab Found to Shrink Breast Cancer Tumors
Why Just 7k Steps a Day Can Boost Your Health: ‘Some is Better Than None’
This Woman Was Prescribed Antidepressants. She Was in Menopause and Needed Another Drug
…and lots more. Have a great day!
FOOD & NUTRITION
What to Know About Soda Sweeteners as Sugar Returns to American Coke
This fall, Coca-Cola will release a new version of its soda in the U.S. made with real cane sugar. For years, most sodas in the U.S. have used high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or artificial sweeteners. But more people now want simple, natural ingredients, and soda companies are listening.
So, what’s the difference between cane sugar and corn syrup? Not much, experts say. Both are made of the same two sugars: glucose and fructose. Cane sugar has the two joined together. In corn syrup, they are separate. Either way, your body treats them the same. Both have the same calories and health risks—like weight gain, diabetes, and tooth decay.
Soda makers switched to corn syrup in the 1980s because it was cheaper. That’s still true today. The U.S. puts limits on sugar imports, which keeps sugar prices high. Corn farmers also get help from the government, which keeps corn syrup prices low.
Some sodas don’t use sugar at all. Diet sodas use sweeteners like aspartame or stevia. Stevia comes from a plant and is considered safe. Aspartame has been linked to possible cancer risk, but the FDA says it’s still safe to use.
So, is sugar soda better than diet soda? Not really. Whether it’s cane sugar, corn syrup, or sweeteners, too much soda can be bad for your health. If you enjoy soda, try to drink it in moderation and read the label to know what you’re getting.
WEIGHT LOSS
Weight Loss Jab Found to Shrink Breast Cancer Tumors
A new study in mice shows that a popular weight-loss drug may also help fight breast cancer linked to obesity.
The drug, called tirzepatide, is the main ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound. These medicines are approved for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. In the study, obese mice given tirzepatide lost about 20% of their body weight. Their breast tumors also got smaller.
Doctors believe this may happen because extra fat in the body can raise cancer risk. Fat cells make hormones and chemicals that cause swelling and help cancer grow, especially after menopause. By reducing body fat, the drug may also reduce the chance of cancer growing.
Dr. Sue Decotiis, a weight-loss doctor, said the results are hopeful. “I’m not surprised,” she said. “Weight loss often improves health in many ways.”
More than 40% of adults in the U.S. are obese. Obesity is linked to 13 types of cancer, including breast cancer. The researchers say more studies are needed to know if tirzepatide helps directly with cancer or if it works only by lowering fat.
The study was done at the University of Michigan. Another team at the University of North Carolina is now studying the drug to learn more.
These early results are not final, but they give hope. Losing weight with tirzepatide may help more than just weight—it may also improve health and lower cancer risks for many adults. More research is on the way.
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HEALTH
Why Just 7k Steps a Day Can Boost Your Health: ‘Some is Better Than None’
You may not need 10,000 steps a day to stay healthy. A new study shows that walking just 7,000 steps daily can greatly lower your risk of serious health problems.
Researchers looked at over 160,000 adults. They found that walking 7,000 steps a day cut the risk of early death by 47%. It also lowered the risk of heart disease by 25%, dementia by 38%, and cancer death by 37%.
Even walking 4,000 steps a day helped. People who did saw a 36% drop in early death compared to those who walked only 2,000 steps. The message is simple: moving more is better for your health.
Experts say 7,000 steps may be an easier goal for many people than 10,000. In fact, the 10,000-step goal likely came from a Japanese pedometer ad in the 1960s—not from science.
Dr. Mark Tremblay, a Canadian health expert, says people shouldn’t worry too much about the exact number. If you usually walk 100 meters, try going 150. If you normally walk three days a week, try walking more often.
Even short walks, like 10 minutes at a time, can improve your health. Canada’s health guidelines suggest 150 minutes of activity each week, but doing a little each day still helps.
The bottom line: Any movement is better than none. You don’t need to be perfect. Just keep moving to help your heart, brain, and body stay strong.
This Woman Was Prescribed Antidepressants. She Was in Menopause and Needed Another Drug
Leslie Ann McDonald felt tired all the time. Her body ached, her brain felt foggy, and she had trouble sleeping. Her doctor gave her antidepressants, even though she didn’t feel depressed. It took 10 years to find out the real problem—perimenopause.
Many women in their 40s and 50s are given antidepressants for symptoms like mood swings, tiredness, and anxiety. But experts say these symptoms are often caused by changing hormones. What many women actually need is hormone therapy, like a low dose of estrogen.
Doctors don’t always spot menopause right away. Many were not trained well in medical school to treat it. Also, older studies made hormone therapy seem dangerous. Newer research shows it’s safe for most women under 60 and is the best way to treat menopause symptoms.
Women should talk to their doctor about hormone changes—not just mental health. A blood test can check hormone levels. If needed, ask to see a menopause specialist. You can find one through The Menopause Society.
Also, talk to other women and share your story. Learn as much as you can before your doctor’s visit. Healthy eating, exercise, and stress control also help ease symptoms.
Leslie says she felt better just two weeks after starting estrogen. “You really have to be your own advocate,” she says.
If you feel off and your doctor only offers antidepressants, ask if it could be menopause. Speak up. Know your options. You don’t have to suffer in silence.
✢ 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.