Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Popular Milk Brand Recalled in 27 States

• Are We Thinking About Obesity All Wrong?

• FDA Approves First at-home Flu Vaccine in U.S., a Nasal Spray

• New Study Finds Ozempic Patients Have a 42-68% Lower Risk of Opioid Overdose

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Popular Milk Brand Recalled in 27 States

The well-known lactose-free milk brand, Lactaid, has been recalled in 27 states, including Maryland and Virginia. Many people who need this milk for their daily diets are affected. Lactaid has been a reliable choice since 1974, known for being safe and good quality.

However, during a regular check, small bits of almonds were found in Lactaid Whole Milk, Reduced Fat Milk, and Fat-Free Milk. This has led to a recall in multiple states. For those allergic to nuts, even a little bit of almond can be dangerous. It can cause severe allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, trouble breathing, or even anaphylaxis—a fast and severe allergic reaction that can be deadly.

If you have Lactaid milk at home, look at the carton for specific lot numbers and expiration dates mentioned in the FDA’s recall notice. Here's what to do if your milk is on the recall list:

• Do Not Drink: Throw away the milk, whether it’s opened or not.

• Return or Refund: Take the milk back to the store for a refund, or contact HP Hood LLC directly.

The FDA checks on food safety, makes sure standards are met, and tells the public about recalls. Knowing about these recalls can help you make safe choices for your family.

This recall shows why it’s important to keep up with food safety news.

Source: wellnesshq.net

WEIGHT LOSS

Are We Thinking About Obesity All Wrong?

The way we understand obesity is causing a lot of debate among doctors. Is obesity really a disease? This question is crucial, especially now with new drugs for weight loss becoming available.

Usually, doctors use BMI, or Body Mass Index, to measure obesity. BMI uses height and weight to guess how much body fat someone has. But BMI isn’t perfect. It doesn’t tell us about muscle mass or exactly where fat is located in the body. This can mistakenly label some healthy people as obese. It can cause unnecessary worries and treatments.

The American Medical Association and the World Health Organization call obesity a disease. However, not everyone agrees with this view. Some argue that labeling obesity as a disease might increase stigma and lead to unnecessary medical treatments. Others believe that recognizing obesity as a disease could help improve healthcare and reduce the blame people might feel about their weight.

Health experts around the world are trying to define what obesity really means. This is important because the way we define obesity affects who receives medical treatment and how resources are managed.

In short, rethinking how we view and treat obesity could lead to better health outcomes for many people. But first, we need to come to a common understanding of what obesity is—beyond just the numbers on a scale. This discussion is not just about medical terms; it's about improving lives.

Source: nytimes.com

HEALTH

FDA Approves First At-home Flu Vaccine in U.S., a Nasal Spray

The FDA has approved a new way to get your flu vaccine at home. Starting in fall 2025, you can order AstraZeneca's FluMist, a nasal spray flu vaccine, and use it without going to a doctor. This spray is for people aged 2 to 49 and is the first flu vaccine in the U.S. that you can use at home.

Peter Marks from the FDA says this new option makes getting the flu vaccine easier and more flexible for families. You can still get the vaccine at doctors' offices and pharmacies, but now you can also order it from home if you're over 18.

To get FluMist, you'll go to an online portal called FluMist Home. There, you'll answer some health questions that a pharmacist checks. If you're eligible, they'll send the vaccine to your house.

This new method is meant to help more people get vaccinated against the flu from the comfort of their home. It's important because it offers a simple way to stay safe during flu season, especially for those who find it hard to visit a healthcare provider.

Be aware of some side effects like fever, runny nose, and sore throat, depending on your age. AstraZeneca believes that making FluMist available at home is a big step toward fighting the flu more effectively each year.

Source: statnews.com

New Study Finds Ozempic Patients Have a 42-68% Lower Risk of Opioid Overdose

A recent study shows exciting news for people with type 2 diabetes. If you take the diabetes medicine called Ozempic (semaglutide), your chance of having an opioid overdose could drop by 42-68%. This is compared to other diabetes medicines.

Why is this important? Well, the connection between diabetes drugs and opioid overdose isn't very clear, but understanding it is key. With more people facing both opioid addiction and diabetes, this study helps show how treating diabetes might also help prevent opioid problems.

Here's what's special about Ozempic:

• Lowers overdose risk: People taking Ozempic have fewer opioid overdoses. This means they could live longer and better lives.

• Changes treatment choices: Doctors might think differently about what medicines to give to patients who might face opioid addiction.

What exactly is Ozempic? Ozempic is a standout drug for managing diabetes. It’s part of a group called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It helps control blood sugar by:

• Increasing insulin when needed.

• Reducing sugar made by your liver.

• Slowing down digestion to help you feel full longer, which helps with weight control.

This study is a big deal because it suggests a new way to look at diabetes care. It's not just about controlling sugar but also thinking about other health issues like opioid addiction. For anyone with type 2 diabetes, using or thinking about Ozempic, this could mean safer, more effective care.

Source: wellnesshq.net

✢ 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.