Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Meat Recall Update as Millions of Pounds Included After Outbreak

• 10 Easy Tips for Weight Loss

• New Blood Tests Can Help Diagnose Alzheimer's. Are Doctors Ready for What's Next?

• Antidepressant Prescriptions on the Rise for Young French People

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Meat Recall Update as Millions of Pounds Included After Outbreak

Boar's Head Provisions Co. has significantly expanded their meat recall by adding 7 million pounds of their products. This decision was made after a liverwurst sample tested positive for listeria, a dangerous bacteria. This particular sample was identified by health officials in Maryland.

On their website, Boar's Head has expressed a deep regret about the outbreak. They apologized. Their products should not have been contaminated. They sympathized with those who got sick from the meat.

The recall now includes various meats sent across the U.S. and to other countries, including the Cayman Islands, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. These products were sold between May 10 and July 29, 2024, and have "sell by" dates from July 29 to October 17, 2024.

The situation is serious: 34 people across 13 states have been reported sick from this outbreak. This has resulted in 33 people being hospitalized and two deaths. The sickness, called listeriosis, is caused by bacteria. It can cause high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, and abdominal pain.

If you have bought any of the recalled products, it is safe to either throw them out or return them to the store for a refund. Store owners should also discard any opened meat and cheese. They should clean all counters and surfaces to avoid contamination.

Source: newsweek.com

WEIGHT LOSS

10 Easy Tips for Weight Loss

Losing weight can be tough, especially as we get older. Here are ten easy tips to help you on your journey:

1. Cut Back on Carbs: Start a low-carb diet to help your body burn fat instead of sugar. Keep carbs really low.

2. Eat Lots of Greens: Salads are great for weight loss because they’re full of vitamins and don't raise your blood sugar. Add some olive oil and vinegar for extra benefits.

3. Proper Protein: Eat the right amount of protein—about the size of your palm. Men might need a little more, women a bit less. Choose proteins with natural fats to keep your blood sugar stable.

4. Include Healthy Fats: Adding fats like avocados and nuts helps you feel full longer and makes it easier to skip snacks.

5. Get Your Vitamins: Don’t forget about electrolytes and B vitamins to avoid feeling tired or grumpy while dieting.

6. Reduce Stress: Stress can make you gain weight like eating too much sugar. Try to keep stress low by doing things you enjoy.

7. Sleep Enough: Good sleep is important for losing weight. Aim for 7-9 hours each night.

8. Exercise Wisely: Mix up intense workouts with gentle exercises like walking. This helps burn fat effectively.

9. Try Fasting: Eating your meals in a shorter time period each day can help you lose weight.

10. Stay on Track: Keep up with your healthy habits, even if progress is slow. Consistency is key!

Stick with these steps for a healthier, slimmer you!

Source: Dr. Eric Berg DC

HEALTH

New Blood Tests Can Help Diagnose Alzheimer's. Are Doctors Ready for What's Next?

New blood tests can now detect Alzheimer's disease. This could change how doctors diagnose and treat it. These tests help find early signs of Alzheimer's in people with memory problems. They look for specific changes in the brain.

Recently, two new drugs have been approved to slow down Alzheimer's, making early detection more important. However, these tests have appeared so quickly that many doctors are still unsure about when and how to use them.

At a recent Alzheimer's Association Conference, Dr. Eliezer Masliah of the National Institute on Aging said, "The field is moving at a pace I never imagined 10 years ago." This fast pace means doctors must focus on biological signs of Alzheimer’s, not just symptoms.

However, these new tests come with challenges. They are not yet approved by the FDA, so many insurance companies won't cover the cost. Despite this, more doctors are beginning to use them, and the public is starting to ask for them.

Primary care doctors are crucial in this new era. They must quickly learn who might benefit from these tests. This will help balance early diagnosis with the risk of worrying people.

As these tests become more common, doctors must adjust quickly to use them effectively in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s.

Source: npr.org

Antidepressant Prescriptions on the Rise for Young French People

A recent report shows that more young people in France, aged 12 to 25, are being prescribed antidepressants. Since 2019, prescriptions for these young people have increased by 55%. In comparison, adults between 26 and 60 years old saw only an 8% increase.

The report also notes a rise in prescriptions for hypnotics, which help with sleep. Young people's use of these drugs went up by 50%, while it dropped by 11% among older adults. For antipsychotics, which affect mood and behavior, there was a 35% increase for the youth, against a 4% rise for adults.

These numbers suggest a growing problem with mental health among France’s youth, especially young women who are the most affected. The increase in prescriptions points to more young people needing help.

Health experts are worried. These drugs can have strong side effects, especially for young people whose minds and bodies are still developing. The World Health Organization has highlighted these concerns. It is especially worried about the risks of giving these drugs to teenagers.

The French health report suggests better support for doctors. It also calls for faster mental health services. The European Commission is also stepping up. It is funding projects to promote healthy lifestyles and better mental health for young people. This shows the need to tackle these issues quickly.

Source: euronews.com

✢ 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.