Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Estimated 1 Million Bottles Bought Every Minute and Demand is Rising, Study Finds: Between 10% to 78% of Bottled Water Samples Contain Contaminants, Including Microplastics, Often Classified as Hormone (Endocrine) Disruptors, and Various Other Substances Including Phthalates

• The US Has Passed Peak Obesity, a New Survey Suggests. Is It the Ozempic Effect?

• Cannabis Use During Pregnancy is Directly Linked to Negative Impacts on Babies’ Brain Development

• Bright Light Therapy May Work to Treat Non-seasonal Depression

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Estimated 1 Million Bottles Bought Every Minute and Demand is Rising, Study Finds: Between 10% to 78% of Bottled Water Samples Contain Contaminants, Including Microplastics, Often Classified as Hormone (Endocrine) Disruptors, and Various Other Substances Including Phthalates

Every minute, people buy around 1 million plastic water bottles, but a new study shows we might want to rethink this habit. The research from Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, shared in BMJ Global Health, highlights concerns about bottled water’s safety and its impact on our planet.

Bottled water isn't always as safe as tap water. It's not checked as thoroughly, and chemicals from the plastic bottles can get into the water. These chemicals, like phthalates and BPA, are linked to serious health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Also, a lot of bottled water contains microplastics. These tiny plastic pieces can mess with our immune system and increase our risk for long-term health issues. Microplastics can also get into animals and come back to us through the food we eat.

On top of health concerns, bottled water hurts the environment. Plastic bottles are a major ocean pollutant, and only 9% get recycled. Most end up in landfills or the ocean. The process of making these bottles also adds to pollution because it releases greenhouse gases.

Even though some places are trying to use less plastic and offer tap water, we need to do more. Experts suggest choosing tap water to help protect our health and the earth. Governments need to make sure everyone has access to safe tap water and help everyone understand why it’s a better choice.

Choosing tap water is a step toward a healthier planet and a healthier us.

Source: eurekalert.org

WEIGHT LOSS

The US Has Passed Peak Obesity, a New Survey Suggests. Is It the Ozempic Effect?

A recent survey found that obesity in American adults dropped by 2% from 2020 to 2023. This decrease happens at the same time new weight-loss drugs, like Wegovy and Ozempic, became available.

The survey also points out that both men and women are losing weight at similar rates. However, more women still face severe obesity compared to men. People with at least a college degree tend to be less obese than those with less education.

About one in eight US adults have tried weight-loss drugs. More than 15 million have a prescription to use them. The company that makes Wegovy, Novo Nordisk, says that about 25,000 Americans start taking the drug every week.

There is no solid proof that these drugs caused the drop in obesity. But, their timing and the trend in obesity rates suggest they may be helping. These drugs were originally made for treating diabetes but work by making people feel less hungry.

Obesity is a big health issue because it raises the risk of diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. With these new drugs becoming more popular, we might continue to see improvements in America's obesity rates. This is important because better control of obesity helps prevent serious health problems.

Source: independent.co.uk

HEALTH

Cannabis Use During Pregnancy is Directly Linked to Negative Impacts on Babies’ Brain Development

New research shows that using cannabis during pregnancy might harm babies’ brain development.

Dr. Amy Osborne from the University of Canterbury and her team, working with the University of Oxford, have discovered that cannabis use while pregnant can change babies' genes. This is the first study to find such a direct link.

Dr. Osborne says, "Before, we knew cannabis during pregnancy could affect how children and teens think and behave. But now, we have evidence that it actually changes important genes linked to brain growth."

This issue is serious. More pregnant women in the U.S. are using cannabis, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The researchers used data from two big studies, one in the UK and one in Christchurch. They found that kids whose moms used cannabis while pregnant had big changes in their DNA.

"These gene changes affect brain development. They could cause problems as the child grows," Dr. Osborne explains.

This is worrying. More women are using cannabis for morning sickness and anxiety during pregnancy. As cannabis products become more available, more pregnant women might use them. They may not know the risks.

Dr. Osborne hopes this study will spark more research. He wants better advice for pregnant women on the dangers of using cannabis. "We need clear info for expectant mothers. The risk to their children is real and may be rising," she says.

Source: canterbury.ac.nz

Bright Light Therapy May Work to Treat Non-seasonal Depression

Bright light therapy, usually used for seasonal depression, might also help with other types of depression. A study shows that 40% of people with depression improved after using this therapy. This treatment involves sitting near a special light that is as bright as sunlight.

Doctors usually suggest this therapy for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It occurs during the darker winter months. But now, it seems to help with depression that happens all year round. This is good news. About half of those with depression don't improve with standard first-line treatments, like antidepressants.

The therapy uses light boxes that shine very bright light, between 5,000 to 10,000 lux, which experts recommend. The study included about 860 patients. It found that those who used the light felt better than those who didn't or who used a weaker light.

Researchers found that using the light for just one week might work as well as using it for six weeks. This means people might start feeling better faster.

It's still not clear why light helps improve mood, but it seems to affect the brain areas that control mood and sleep patterns. The type of light is important, though, as regular room lights aren't strong enough.

This therapy could be a cheaper and easier way to help more people feel better, no matter where they live.

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.