Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Eating Whole Fruits and Vibrant Vegetables, Especially Red and Orange Varieties, Significantly Reduces Frailty Risk in Adults, Helping People Maintain Strength and Vitality as They Age. Analysis, Controlling for Potential Confounding Factors

• People Who Exercise Have Healthier Belly Fat, New Study Finds

• Microplastics Found in Nose Tissue at Base of Brain, Study Says

• Epilepsy Drug Shows Promise in Reducing Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Eating Whole Fruits and Vibrant Vegetables, Especially Red and Orange Varieties, Significantly Reduces Frailty Risk in Adults, Helping People Maintain Strength and Vitality as They Age. Analysis, Controlling for Potential Confounding Factors

Eating right is super important, especially as we get older. A big study looked at the eating habits of 13,935 adults from 2007 to 2018. They found out that people who eat lots of fruits and veggies, especially red and orange ones like carrots and red peppers, are less likely to get weak and frail as they age.

So, what's so special about these colorful foods? Red and orange fruits and veggies are full of vitamins and stuff that help keep your muscles strong and your mind sharp. This means you can keep moving and feeling good, even as you get older.

If you're over 45, adding these foods to your meals is a smart move. They're not just tasty; they're also packed with good things that help you stay active and independent. Who knew that something as simple as eating more carrots could make such a big difference?

Red and orange vegetables, like sweet potatoes and pumpkins, are not only good for your eyesight but also help your heart stay healthy. Fruits like oranges and strawberries boost your immune system, which is really important to keep you from getting sick.

Next time you're shopping, throw some red peppers, carrots, and sweet potatoes into your cart. Making your plate colorful isn't just nice to look at; it's also a great way to keep yourself strong and healthy. Eat a variety of these foods every day to help you stay active, healthy, and happy as you age!

Source: sciencedirect.com

WEIGHT LOSS

People Who Exercise Have Healthier Belly Fat, New Study Finds

A new study from the University of Michigan shows that regular exercise can make your belly fat healthier. This good kind of fat sits just under the skin, unlike the bad kind that gathers around your organs.

Jeff Horowitz, a professor of movement science, led the study. It involved 32 adults with obesity. Half of them exercised regularly by doing things like jogging or biking at least four times a week for more than two years. The other half did not exercise.

Even though both groups looked similar in weight and body fat, the exercisers had healthier belly fat. Cheehoon Ahn, who led the research, said, "Their fat tissue had more blood vessels, was less stiff, and had less inflammation." This group also had better proteins in their fat.

One key finding was that the exercisers' fat could grow and store more fat under the skin. This is actually good because it stops fat from going to dangerous places like the liver and heart. Too much fat around these organs can lead to serious problems like diabetes and heart disease.

Experts who weren’t part of the study praised these findings. They said where your fat is stored really does matter for your health.

Overall, even as we get older and might gain weight, staying active helps us manage that weight in a safer way. Exercising is about more than just the number on the scale; it keeps our fat healthier too.

Source: npr.org

HEALTH

Microplastics Found in Nose Tissue at Base of Brain, Study Says

Scientists have found tiny plastic particles, called microplastics, in the nose tissues of dead bodies. These particles were in the olfactory bulb, a part of the nose that helps us smell and is located at the brain's base. This is worrying. It suggests these plastics could move to other brain areas.

Luis Fernando Amato-Lourenço, a researcher at the Free University of Berlin, explained that these particles might travel differently. It depends on their size, shape, and how the body reacts to them. Smaller and irregular-shaped particles might get past the brain's protective barrier easier.

Experts are concerned. Phoebe Stapleton, a specialist from Rutgers University, said, "We keep finding plastics everywhere in the body. This study adds more proof."

Other studies have also found microplastics in the brain, lungs, liver, blood, and even breast milk. Some research connects these plastics to serious health issues like heart disease.

Airborne fibers from clothes and carpets may be the source of microplastics in the nose. Most plastics found were polypropylene. It's seen as safe but linked to health risks in other studies.

To avoid these risks, experts suggest: Use glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic. Don't heat food in plastic. Choose products wisely based on recycling codes. Using less disposable plastic and using reusable items can help. They can reduce exposure to harmful particles.

Source: edition.cnn.com

Epilepsy Drug Shows Promise in Reducing Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms

A new study gives hope to those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is a condition that causes breathing to stop and start during sleep. Researchers tested Sulthiame, an epilepsy drug sold as Ospolot in Europe. It was on 298 patients who struggled with CPAP machines, the usual OSA treatment.

The study showed that Sulthiame could help patients breathe better at night. It reduced the number of times breathing stopped by up to 40% in those taking the highest dose. Patients also felt less sleepy during the day.

Jan Hedner, who led the study, said Sulthiame works by activating muscles that keep airways open. It is a simpler alternative to CPAP machines. However, Sulthiame is not approved in the U.S. for treating sleep apnea yet.

Participants reported mild side effects like headaches and nausea, but these were generally not severe. More research is needed to fully confirm the benefits and safety of Sulthiame for sleep apnea treatment.

This research is important because sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. For those who find CPAP machines hard to use, this drug could make treatment easier and improve sleep. If you or someone you know has sleep issues, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor. This new study could lead to better treatment options soon.

Source: ajmc.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.