11/04/25 - #514

Author

Health Horizon. Herald Staff
November 04, 2025

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Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Restricted Sugar Intake During Early Life (First 1000 Days of Life) is Linked to Lower Risks of Several Heart Conditions in Adulthood, Including Heart Attack, Heart Failure, and Stroke, According to a Study on 63,433 Participants Born in the 1950s

  • Weight Loss Drugs Are Bringing Down the Country's Obesity Rate, a Survey Shows

  • Walking in Longer, Uninterrupted Bouts of 10–15 Minutes Significantly Lowers Cardiovascular Disease Risk—by Up to Two-thirds Compared to Shorter Strolls. The Findings Challenge the Common “10,000 Steps a Day” Idea, Showing That Quality and Consistency of Movement Matter More Than Quantity

  • Safety Alert: South Carolina Confirms Full-blown Outbreak of Measles

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Restricted Sugar Intake During Early Life (First 1000 Days of Life) is Linked to Lower Risks of Several Heart Conditions in Adulthood, Including Heart Attack, Heart Failure, and Stroke, According to a Study on 63,433 Participants Born in the 1950s

A new study suggests that eating less sugar during early life—from pregnancy to age 2—may lower the risk of heart problems later on.

Researchers studied 63,433 adults in the UK who were born between 1951 and 1956. Some of them were born during a time when sugar was limited by the government after World War II. Babies and toddlers during that time ate very little added sugar. Others were born after sugar rationing ended in 1953 and grew up eating more sugar.

The study found that people who had less sugar early in life had lower risks of:

  • Heart disease (20% lower)

  • Heart attack (25% lower)

  • Stroke (31% lower)

  • Death from heart problems (27% lower)

They also had heart problems later in life—about 2.5 years later than those who ate more sugar early on.

During the rationing period, sugar was limited to less than 40 grams per day for adults. Babies under 2 were not given any added sugar. These limits are similar to what health experts suggest today.

This study does not prove that sugar causes heart disease, but it shows a strong link. The results support advice to avoid sugary drinks and sweet foods during pregnancy and early childhood.

Takeaway: Less sugar early in life may help protect the heart years later.

As always, talk to your doctor before making any big changes to your or your child’s diet.

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight Loss Drugs Are Bringing Down the Country's Obesity Rate, a Survey Shows

A new survey shows that popular weight loss drugs may be helping bring down the country’s obesity rate.

The Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index found that 37% of U.S. adults are now considered obese, down from nearly 40% three years ago. The biggest drop was seen in adults aged 50 to 64. In that group, the obesity rate fell by 5 percentage points.

This drop may be linked to the growing use of injectable weight loss drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Mounjaro. These drugs are called GLP-1 agonists. They help control hunger by acting on the brain and slowing digestion.

More people are using them now than ever before. In the past year and a half, use more than doubled—from 5.8% to 12.4%. Women are more likely than men to use these drugs and often see greater weight loss.

But there’s a problem: cost. Many insurance plans may stop covering these drugs next year. Without insurance, people may have to pay around $500 a month. That puts them out of reach for many.

Experts say these medications are a big step in fighting obesity. But the high price means only some people will benefit—at least for now. Cheaper pill versions are being developed, but they’re not ready yet.

Disclaimer: Talk to your doctor before starting any weight-loss treatment. These drugs aren’t right for everyone, and a doctor can help you decide what’s best for your health.

HEALTH

Walking in Longer, Uninterrupted Bouts of 10–15 Minutes Significantly Lowers Cardiovascular Disease Risk—by Up to Two-thirds Compared to Shorter Strolls. The Findings Challenge the Common “10,000 Steps a Day” Idea, Showing That Quality and Consistency of Movement Matter More Than Quantity

Many people try to hit 10,000 steps a day. But a new study shows that how you walk may be more important than how much you walk.

Researchers looked at over 33,000 adults aged 40 to 79 in the UK. They found that walking in longer, steady sessions of 10 to 15 minutes lowered the risk of heart disease far more than short strolls. In fact, people who walked in longer bouts had up to two-thirds less risk of heart issues—even if their total number of steps was low.

The best heart benefits were seen in people who walked at least 10 to 15 minutes without stopping. That’s about 1,500 steps in one go. Even among people walking fewer than 5,000 steps a day, this simple change made a big difference.

Experts say quality and consistency matter. Instead of lots of tiny trips, try one or two longer walks a day. It can be as easy as adding a 15-minute walk after lunch or dinner.

If you’re not active now, start slow. It may feel hard at first, but over time your body will adjust. Even small gains count and can help protect your heart.

Quick Tips:

  • Aim for one walk a day that lasts at least 10 minutes

  • Move every day, even just around the house

  • Wear reflective gear if walking in low light

Always talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

Safety Alert: South Carolina Confirms Full-blown Outbreak of Measles

South Carolina health officials have confirmed a measles outbreak, with 25 cases so far this year. Most of the cases are in the Upstate area, and five new cases were found last week.

Experts say this is still a public health success because the new patients were quickly isolated. This helped stop the virus from spreading further. However, more cases are expected. Earlier cases went undetected, allowing the disease to spread in schools and the community.

Two schools—Global Academy of South Carolina and Fairforest Elementary—had confirmed cases. Currently, 139 students are staying home as a precaution, but no new students have been sent home.

Officials also named a gym—Crunch Fitness on Pleasantburg Drive in Greenville—as a possible exposure site. If you were there between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the day in question, see your doctor.

Measles spreads through the air and can stay in a room for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. Even if you get the vaccine within 72 hours after exposure, it can still help protect you.

Vaccination rates in the area are at 90%, but experts say 95% is needed for herd immunity. Mobile vaccine clinics are now open in Spartanburg County through October 23.

Check the South Carolina health department’s website for the latest updates and clinic times.

Disclaimer: Always talk to your doctor before making any medical decisions.

✢ 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.