Good morning. In today’s edition:

• FDA  Wants to Cut Sodium in Packaged and Processed Foods by About 20%

• Officially Lost 30 Pounds!

• Red Cross Faces Emergency Blood Shortage Caused in Part by Extreme Heat

• Work-related Stress May Increase the Risk of an Irregular Heart Rhythm. Someone Working a Job With High Stress and Low Reward May Face a 97 Percent Increased Risk for Developing the Problem, Known as Atrial Fibrillation

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

FDA  Wants to Cut Sodium in Packaged and Processed Foods by About 20%

The FDA plans to cut the salt in packaged and processed foods by 20%. Their goal over the next three years is to lower how much salt Americans eat each day to 2,750 milligrams. This amount is still more than the recommended limit of 2,300 milligrams, but it’s a big step towards cutting down on salt.

The move follows some success in fighting diet-related diseases, like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. These are linked to high salt diets. Eating too much salt can increase the risk of these serious health issues.

Back in 2021, the FDA started pushing for less salt in a range of foods, including snacks like potato chips and fast food like hamburgers. Now, they're asking food companies like PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, and Campbell Soup to join in and cut down salt voluntarily. These companies haven’t responded yet.

This effort could be one of the most important health moves in recent times, according to Jim Jones, the FDA's Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods.

Fast food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Taco Bell will likely have to follow these new rules too. The FDA has already seen 40% of food types meet the earlier goal of cutting salt by about 12%, or come very close to it.

Source: nbcnews.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Officially Lost 30 Pounds!

A coworker noticed a friend's weight loss. It was clear a big transformation had taken place. Losing 30 pounds wasn't just about appearances; it began with a critical wake-up call that should have come much earlier. A memorable moment at the Oscars years ago was a dress zipper giving way. But, a doctor's appointment was the true turning point. It revealed high blood pressure due to a family history of heart issues.

The doctor's advice was straightforward: cut out sugar. This seemed simple until the challenge of deciphering food labels began. Hidden sugars were everywhere, disguised as fructose, sucrose, and glucose—or as "ose," which might as well mean "no-go"!

The diet change replaced burgers with hearty salads. They were topped with roasted veggies and a mix of shredded zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, and cabbage. Seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper, these dishes were not only healthier but also delicious.

The transformation resonated deeply with family and friends. The support was overwhelming, from a daughter expressing pride to a spouse's astonishment. One summer, this person even fit into a dress from 1987, proving that patience and dedication can lead to remarkable changes.

This journey teaches that, with persistence, we can fix our unhappiness. It may be due to our weight or another challenge. Take it one day at a time, and you can achieve your goals.

Source: Inside Edition

HEALTH

Red Cross Faces Emergency Blood Shortage Caused in Part by Extreme Heat

Extreme heat waves last month interrupted almost 100 blood drives across the country. These high temperatures kept many people from donating or caused the cancellation of events. Summer usually sees fewer donations due to travel and vacations. This year's extreme heat has made it worse, causing a shortfall of over 19,000 donations in July alone.

Blood is crucial for many medical treatments, including surgeries and emergencies like childbirth. “The thought of not having blood available for someone in need, like a new mother or a baby, is unthinkable," says Melissa Destross, a nurse. She recalls severe cases where patients needed massive transfusions.

Blood of all types is needed, but there's a critical demand for type O blood. Type O positive is the most common blood type, and type O negative is universally used for emergencies. "Type O blood is vital for emergency care," explains Dr. Barry Siegfried of the Red Cross.

A severe shortage in Connecticut led to a statewide blood emergency. Supplies are at their lowest since the Covid pandemic began.

To help, find a local blood drive or make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. Donors who give blood by August 31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card. This is a key moment to help save lives—your donation matters more than ever.

Source: nbcnews.com

Work-related Stress May Increase the Risk of an Irregular Heart Rhythm. Someone Working a Job With High Stress and Low Reward May Face a 97 Percent Increased Risk for Developing the Problem, Known as Atrial Fibrillation

A recent study in the Journal of the American Heart Association shows that stressful, low-reward jobs can greatly raise the risk of atrial fibrillation, or AFib. It's an irregular heartbeat. This heart condition can cause major health issues, including stroke and heart failure.

The research focused on office workers in Canada. It found that stressed, unappreciated workers had a 97% higher chance of developing AFib. High job stress alone raised the risk by 83%. Feeling that rewards, like pay, were too low increased it by 44%.

By 2030, over 12 million people in the U.S. will have AFib. So, it's crucial to understand what causes it. Dr. Xavier Trudel from Laval University led the study. He says that reducing work stress could prevent this heart condition.

Dr. Trudel's team suggests several workplace changes to reduce stress. These include extending deadlines for big projects, allowing employees to have flexible working hours, and encouraging open conversations between managers and their teams about daily challenges. These strategies can help lower stress levels at work.

This study shows that reducing stress in the workplace might also lessen the risk of AFib. Implementing these changes could lead to healthier work environments that benefit all employees. This research calls for more studies. They should explore how these changes can help heart health and prevent AFib.

Source: newsroom.heart.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.