09/24/25 - #485

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• People on a Mediterranean Diet Were Found to Have 65% Lower Odds of Developing Severe Gum Disease Than Those Who Adhered to It the Least. Also, Those Who Ate the Most Amount of Red Meat Had Nearly Three Times the Risk of Severe Gum Disease Than Those Who Ate the Least

• GLP-1 Drugs Shown Cost-effective for Knee Osteoarthritis and Obesity

• 6 People Have Died From Rabies in the US Over the Past 12 Months. What to Know

• Easy Test Identifies High Stress Levels in Kids Living With Chronic Illness | by Testing for the Stress Hormone Cortisol in Hair, Researchers Can Identify Kids With Chronic Illness Who Face the Greatest Risk of Anxiety, Depression, or Behavioral Struggles

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

People on a Mediterranean Diet Were Found to Have 65% Lower Odds of Developing Severe Gum Disease Than Those Who Adhered to It the Least. Also, Those Who Ate the Most Amount of Red Meat Had Nearly Three Times the Risk of Severe Gum Disease Than Those Who Ate the Least

If you want to keep your gums healthy as you age, your diet could play a big role.

A new study from King’s College London looked at 200 hospital patients and found that people who followed a Mediterranean diet had 65% lower odds of developing severe gum disease than those who didn’t. This diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and healthy fats like olive oil. It includes small amounts of fish, poultry, and dairy—and very little red meat.

The study found that people who ate the most red meat had nearly three times the risk of severe gum disease compared to those who ate the least.

One key reason? Inflammation. Blood tests showed that those who followed the Mediterranean diet had lower levels of inflammation in their bodies. In contrast, red meat eaters had higher levels of inflammatory markers linked to gum disease, like IL-6 and CRP.

Deep gum pockets are one sign of gum disease. People on the Mediterranean diet had shallower pockets (2.83 mm), while others had deeper ones (3.29 mm).

Experts say lowering inflammation may help reduce gum problems. “Our research shows the potential effect that a plant-rich diet could play in improving gum health,” said study author Dr. Luigi Nibali.

Bottom line: Eating more plant-based foods and less red meat may not just help your heart—it could also protect your gums.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your dentist or doctor.

Source: newatlas.com

WEIGHT LOSS

GLP-1 Drugs Shown Cost-effective for Knee Osteoarthritis and Obesity

If you have knee pain and struggle with your weight, a new study offers good news. Two weight-loss drugs—semaglutide and tirzepatide—may help reduce pain from knee osteoarthritis while also helping you lose weight. The study was led by researchers at Mass General Brigham.

The research found that tirzepatide gave better results and cost less than semaglutide for most patients. Both drugs work by helping people lose weight, which takes pressure off the knees and can ease pain. Losing weight also helps improve overall health.

For people who qualify, bariatric surgery—a type of weight-loss surgery—was found to be the best option overall. It offers long-term results but isn’t right for everyone.

One major issue is cost. These GLP-1 drugs are expensive, and many health insurance plans don’t cover them. That means a lot of people can’t afford them. This study helps show how valuable the drugs can be, which may push insurance companies to offer coverage.

The study used a trusted computer model to compare the cost and benefits of tirzepatide, semaglutide, weight-loss surgery, and lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.

Researchers say that treating both obesity and knee pain at the same time can improve quality of life and help people live longer, healthier lives.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your treatment or medication.

Source: massgeneralbrigham.org

HEALTH

6 People Have Died From Rabies in the US Over the Past 12 Months. What to Know

Rabies is a deadly virus that spreads mostly through bites or saliva from infected animals. While it’s rare in the U.S., six people have died from rabies since September 2024. The CDC is also watching 14 possible outbreaks across 20 states.

In the U.S., bats are the top cause of rabies in humans. Other animals that can carry the virus include raccoons, foxes, skunks, coyotes, and stray dogs. Worldwide, rabid dogs are the main source.

Symptoms may not show up for weeks or months. Early signs can look like the flu — fever, headache, and fatigue. But symptoms quickly get worse, causing confusion, fear of water, and even aggression. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.

If you think you’ve been exposed — like through a bite or contact with a bat — seek medical care immediately. Doctors may give a mix of shots to stop the virus before symptoms begin. These shots must be given quickly to work.

People who work with animals or travel to areas with high rabies risk can get a vaccine ahead of time. For most people in the U.S., the vaccine is only given after exposure.

To reduce your risk:

• Keep your pets vaccinated.

• Avoid touching wild or stray animals.

• Teach kids to stay away from unknown animals.

• Seal up openings in your home to keep bats out.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always speak with a doctor about health concerns.

Source: edition.cnn.com

Easy Test Identifies High Stress Levels in Kids Living With Chronic Illness | by Testing for the Stress Hormone Cortisol in Hair, Researchers Can Identify Kids With Chronic Illness Who Face the Greatest Risk of Anxiety, Depression, or Behavioral Struggles

A simple haircut may soon help doctors spot mental health risks in children with long-term illnesses. Researchers in Canada have found that testing hair for cortisol—a hormone linked to stress—can reveal which kids are most at risk for anxiety, depression, or behavior problems.

Cortisol is made by the body when we feel stress. Small amounts of it are stored in our hair as it grows. By testing just 1 inch of hair, doctors can get a picture of the last month of stress levels. This method is painless, easy, and non-invasive.

The study followed 244 children, ages 2 to 16, with chronic illnesses like type 1 diabetes, epilepsy, or arthritis. Hair samples were taken over four years, and parents filled out surveys on their child’s mental health.

Researchers found that most kids had high cortisol levels, and those with steady high levels were more likely to have mental health issues. Kids whose cortisol levels dropped over time had fewer problems. Girls, kids with more physical limitations, and certain family situations also had worse outcomes.

This test could help doctors find which kids need extra support before symptoms become serious. It may also help track whether stress treatments are working.

While more research is needed, this tool shows promise in helping families and doctors act early.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor.

Source: newatlas.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.