07/01/24 - #163

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • As FDA Urges Crackdown on Bird Flu in Raw Milk, Some States Say Their Hands Are Tied

  • Is Walking a Good Way to Lose Weight?

  • Sharp Rise in Use of High-strength Vapes, Research Shows | Proportion of Adults Using E-cigarettes Containing Up to 20mg/ml of Nicotine Has Increased to 32.5% From 6.6% in 2021

  • Both Girls and Boys Born to Mothers Who Experienced Stress During Pregnancy Enter Puberty Earlier and This is Associated With Serious Health Consequences Later in Life

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

As FDA Urges Crackdown on Bird Flu in Raw Milk, Some States Say Their Hands Are Tied

The FDA is urging states to control raw milk sales because of bird flu in dairy cattle. However, some states like Wyoming and Iowa say laws prevent them from taking action.

These states have recently found bird flu in dairy cows, but their laws make it hard to check or stop raw milk sales to people. In Iowa, officials are asking dairy farmers with sick cows to help test for the virus, but they can't force them to stop selling raw milk.

The FDA wants states to start testing programs at farms selling raw milk to find the H5N1 virus and stop sales if the milk is risky. They emphasize that pasteurized milk, which is heated to kill germs, is still safe to drink. The safety of aged cheeses made from raw milk is still being checked, but they can be sold between states.

Some states, like Minnesota, can do more. Minnesota doesn't let farms with the virus sell raw milk directly to people. Texas is testing raw milk from farms near bird flu outbreaks.

The problem shows how different state laws can make it hard to handle health issues that affect farms and people's health. The FDA is trying to get states to tighten rules to prevent the spread of bird flu through raw milk.

WEIGHT LOSS

Is Walking a Good Way to Lose Weight?

Many people think walking is simple and might not be worth the time. But walking is more than just a way to exercise; it's a powerful tool for improving your health.

Walking can really help reduce your stress. Just a 20-minute walk lowers your cortisol, a stress hormone. When this hormone is low, you feel calmer and happier. This makes it easier to think creatively and solve problems.

Walking also makes your body's cells work better, helping to keep you healthy. It helps your gut have a variety of good microbes, which boosts your immune system and helps your digestion and energy levels.

Another great benefit of walking is that it helps your body make more antioxidants. These protect your body from damage and can help you live longer and stay healthy. Walking also improves how your immune system works, helping it fight off diseases like cancer.

For those with diabetes or who are close to having it, walking improves how your body handles sugar, helping to keep your blood sugar levels stable. Walking also helps you start to burn fat.

Additionally, walking makes your bones stronger and reduces inflammation, making it easier to move around and stay active.

So, the next time you think walking isn't worth your time, remember all these benefits. Adding a walk to your daily routine can be a simple and effective way to boost your health.

HEALTH

Sharp Rise in Use of High-strength Vapes, Research Shows | Proportion of Adults Using E-cigarettes Containing Up to 20mg/ml of Nicotine Has Increased to 32.5% From 6.6% in 2021

Recent research shows a big increase in adults using strong nicotine vapes in England. In 2021, only about 6.6% of people used e-cigarettes with up to 20mg/ml of nicotine. By 2024, that number has shot up to 32.5%. Young adults aged 18-24 saw the most significant rise, from 3.9% to over half at 53.1%.

The study, done by University College London and published in the journal Addiction, involved over 7,000 adult vape users. It was supported by Cancer Research UK and aimed to understand the growing preference for stronger nicotine vapes.

Dr. Sarah Jackson, who led the study, explained that nicotine, although addictive, is not the main harmful part of smoking. High-strength nicotine vapes help people quit smoking more effectively by quickly reducing cravings and easing withdrawal symptoms.

However, there is a plan to tax these strong nicotine products more. Dr. Jackson believes this could make it harder and pricier for people to quit smoking. This might push them back to smoking or to weaker vapes that don't help as much.

Deborah Arnott is from Action on Smoking and Health. She is a co-author of the study. She added that, while it's important to stop young people from starting to vape by making all vapes less appealing and more costly, adults who are trying to stop smoking should still have access to stronger vapes. These vapes can really help them quit.

Both Girls and Boys Born to Mothers Who Experienced Stress During Pregnancy Enter Puberty Earlier and This is Associated With Serious Health Consequences Later in Life

Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered something intriguing. Children whose mothers were very stressed during pregnancy tend to start puberty earlier. Anne Gaml-Sørensen and Cecilia Høst Ramlau-Hansen led this study. It involved nearly 16,000 children.

The researchers looked at many signs of puberty. These include the age when girls begin menstruating. Also, the age when boys notice changes like a deeper voice. The mothers were asked about their stress during the second trimester of their pregnancy. They reported many stressors. These included money, housing, relationships, or family illness.

The results showed a clear connection. Children whose mothers had more stress during pregnancy started puberty sooner. This link stayed strong. It stayed strong even when other factors were considered. These factors included the children’s overall happiness and body size.

Early puberty is not just about growing up faster. It can lead to health issues later in life, like obesity, diabetes, and mental problems. This link is crucial. It shows the importance of supporting stressed expectant mothers. Providing better support might help reduce the risk of early puberty and its associated health challenges.

Anne Gaml-Sørensen stressed the findings' significance. She said, "It's vital to understand how stress before birth affects children." This knowledge can guide us. It can help us offer better support to pregnant women. It will ensure healthier futures for their children."

✢ 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.