Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Vegetable Recall Update: Warning for State as FDA Sets Highest Risk Level | The Vegetable Products Were Recalled Due to a Possible Contamination With the Bacteria Listeria Monocytogenes

• Weight Loss Without Counting Calories

• Why Women Get Migraines More Than Men

• Arm Position During Blood Pressure Check May Lead to Wrong Reading, Study Finds

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Vegetable Recall Update: Warning for State as FDA Sets Highest Risk Level | The Vegetable Products Were Recalled Due to a Possible Contamination With the Bacteria Listeria Monocytogenes

The FDA has warned Indiana shoppers. Several vegetable products from Supreme Produce are high-risk. Kroger stores sell items that might be contaminated. They may have a dangerous bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes.

In July, Michigan's ag authorities flagged 19 products. This included popular ones like Supreme Grilling Veggies and Vegetable Kabobs. They are now classified as Class I risk. This category warns of serious health risks, potentially leading to severe illness or even death.

Listeria is a stubborn bacteria. It can grow in cold temperatures. So, refrigerated veggies are a concern. Healthy adults may only get mild symptoms like fever and diarrhea. But, it's much riskier for pregnant women, the elderly, newborns, and those with weak immune systems. In severe cases, it can cause miscarriages or worse.

Consumers are urged to check their fridges for products with Best-By dates between July 9 and July 26, 2024. If you own any of the recalled items, don't take a chance—throw them out to stay safe.

No illnesses have been linked to this recall yet, which is good news. However, staying informed and cautious is key to keeping it that way. If you're unsure what to do with purchased items, dispose of them safely. Also, watch for updates from health officials.

Remember, when it comes to food safety, it's better to be safe than sorry!

Source: newsweek.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight Loss Without Counting Calories

Counting calories is often seen as the key to losing weight, but Dr. Ken Berry, a family doctor with 20 years of experience, disagrees. He used to be overweight himself, and now he wants to help others think differently about losing weight.

Many experts say it's simple: eat fewer calories than you burn. But Dr. Berry explains that this idea misses the mark. Fat isn't just stored calories; it's made of atoms and molecules. He points out that our bathroom scales measure mass, not energy, so we need to rethink how we view fat and calories.

Dr. Berry emphasizes that the type of food you eat matters more than how many calories it has. Foods affect our hormones, inflammation, and how much insulin we produce, which in turn affects how our body stores fat. He recommends low-carb diets, like the ketogenic or carnivore ones. They reduce fat more effectively without constant hunger.

Instead of obsessing over calories, focus on eating the right kinds of food until you're full. Dr. Berry argues that this approach is not only easier to follow but also keeps you satisfied and healthy. By learning how our bodies handle different foods, we can lose weight better. We can enjoy it more, too. Let's shift from counting calories to a smarter way of eating. This method promises a healthier way to manage weight, focusing on what you eat rather than how much.

Source: KenDBerryMD

HEALTH

Why Women Get Migraines More Than Men

Migraines aren't just regular headaches. They are severe. They can force someone to stop all activities and rest in a quiet, dark room. Interestingly, women get migraines three times more often than men do.

Boys may have more migraines in childhood. But, things change when girls hit puberty. As teenage girls grow up, their hormones change a lot, especially estrogen. This change seems to make migraines more common.

Estrogen levels go up and down during a woman’s monthly cycle. Just before her period, when estrogen levels drop, many women get migraines. These hormone changes also happen during perimenopause, the years before menopause. They can make migraines more frequent.

Dr. Anne MacGregor, a women's health expert, says that a woman's reproductive hormones are tough at the start or stop. After menopause, some women might get fewer migraines, but not everyone does.

Researchers are still figuring out how hormones like estrogen connect to migraines. They think estrogen affects other brain chemicals like serotonin, which helps control pain. When estrogen levels drop, so does serotonin, making migraines more likely.

Other hormones and proteins that help nerves communicate might also be involved. This interaction makes some women more sensitive to migraine triggers. These include stress, lack of sleep, and dehydration.

Studies continue to explore these links. They hope to find better migraine treatments. Women have struggled to get effective care for them.

Source: wired.com

Arm Position During Blood Pressure Check May Lead to Wrong Reading, Study Finds

Getting your blood pressure checked? The way your arm is placed could make the reading wrong. A recent study found that the position of your arm can change the top number in your blood pressure score a lot.

The study, published in a medical journal, showed that if your arm hangs by your side or rests on your lap during the check, your top blood pressure number could go up by almost 7 points compared to resting it on a desk. This was surprising to the researchers and could lead to people being wrongly labeled as having high blood pressure.

Dr. Tammy Brady, who led the study, emphasizes that correct arm placement is key for accurate readings. “We hope our findings help people check their own blood pressure correctly and talk about it with their doctors,” she said.

The American Heart Association advises to: 1. Keep your arm at heart level on a surface. 2. Sit with your feet flat and back supported. They also recommend not having caffeine, exercising, or smoking for 30 minutes before.

About half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, which can lead to severe health issues like strokes or heart attacks if not managed well.

This study highlights the importance of measuring blood pressure correctly to avoid wrong high blood pressure diagnoses and unnecessary medications.

Source: nbcnews.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.