Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Thousands of Toxins From Food Packaging Found in Humans – Research

• Weight Loss Drugs Could Help With Alcohol and Opioid Addiction, New Study Shows

• Worst U.S. Whooping Cough Outbreak in a Decade Has Infected Thousands

• Weighted Blankets Can Help to Improve Sleep in Adults With Insomnia and Other Mental Health Conditions Including Anxiety and Depression | Study Found the Blankets Were Effective in Improving Sleep, Reducing Medication Use, and Enhancing Mood

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Thousands of Toxins From Food Packaging Found in Humans – Research

Recent research has found chemicals from food packaging in humans. Scientists found over 3,600 chemicals in human blood, hair, and breast milk. These chemicals are approved for use in food packaging and kitchenware.

They include harmful chemicals like PFAS, bisphenol, metals, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds. They are linked to serious health problems, such as cancer and hormone issues. Many chemicals are not fully understood. This raises concerns about the safety of common food packaging additives.

A study by the Food Packaging Forum in Zurich shows that harmful chemicals can move from packaging into food. This increases our exposure to these toxins.

Plastic packaging is especially risky as it contains thousands of unregulated chemicals. Materials like silicone, metal can coatings, and PFAS-treated paper products are dangerous. High temperatures, acidity of the food, and fat content can make more chemicals leak into food.

The U.S. FDA allows many of these chemicals to be used, despite the dangers. It does so with little oversight. This means harmful substances could be used for a long time before we fully understand their effects.

To lower exposure, experts recommend using glass containers for food. Buy food in glass packaging, which usually has fewer chemicals. We can't avoid these chemicals completely. But, stronger regulations could reduce the risks.

Source: theguardian.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight Loss Drugs Could Help With Alcohol and Opioid Addiction, New Study Shows

New research shows that diabetes and weight loss drugs, like Mounjaro and Ozempic, might help with alcohol and opioid addictions. A study in the Addiction journal looked at data from over 100 health systems for nearly ten years. It found that, for people with opioid or alcohol problems, these drugs cut overdose and intoxication risks by 40% and 50%, respectively, compared to those who didn't take them.

Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical expert from CBS News, said this study shows these drugs could really help people. However, more research is needed to be sure. “We need more detailed studies to prove these results are truly because of the drug. This is also necessary for FDA approval and to help with insurance coverage,” she explained.

Dr. Gounder also warned about the possible side effects of these drugs. They can cause problems with the pancreas, gallbladder, and kidneys. There are also concerns about mental health, like suicidal thoughts. “We must be careful about the long-term effects these drugs have on the brain and overall health,” she added.

This study opens new ways to treat addiction but also reminds us to consider the risks. As research continues, these drugs could change how we handle addiction, bringing hope to many people.

Source: cbsnews.com

HEALTH

Worst U.S. Whooping Cough Outbreak in a Decade Has Infected Thousands

Whooping cough is spreading fast, especially on the West Coast. This year, over 16,000 people have caught it, and sadly, two have died. Health experts warn more cases might come as the weather gets colder.

Dr. Eric Chow from Seattle's health department explains, "With kids back in school, there's a higher chance of getting sick. Also, in winter, people are indoors more, which helps germs spread."

Whooping cough is very risky for babies. One in three babies who catch it need to go to the hospital. Even though there's a vaccine, many people missed their shots during the pandemic. The germ causing the sickness might have also changed, which makes fighting it harder.

The vaccine needs five doses over six years, which means going to the doctor often. Not everyone can do this regularly. Dr. Tina Tan says some parents don’t get their kids vaccinated because they are scared by false information.

Whooping cough starts like a common cold but turns into severe coughing. For babies, this can stop their breathing and lead to dangerous problems like pneumonia.

It's important for pregnant women to get vaccinated to protect their newborns until they can get their own shots. However, fewer women are getting vaccinated now. Dr. Chow stresses the need for discussions with hesitant parents to clear up misinformation and build trust.

Some people are skeptical about vaccines, while others, like Aaron Sittinghorse, see their importance for protecting everyone’s health.

Source: npr.org

Weighted Blankets Can Help to Improve Sleep in Adults With Insomnia and Other Mental Health Conditions Including Anxiety and Depression | Study Found the Blankets Were Effective in Improving Sleep, Reducing Medication Use, and Enhancing Mood

Many adults have trouble sleeping because of stress, anxiety, or depression. A recent study shows that weighted blankets might help.

Dr. Suzanne Dawson from Flinders University led a study that found weighted blankets can improve sleep for adults. These blankets help people use less sleep medicine and feel better overall.

Weighted blankets are heavy and give a gentle pressure that feels like a comforting hug. This can calm the nervous system, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

The study reviewed 18 others. It confirmed that these blankets help adults sleep better. Users of the blankets said they slept better. They needed fewer sleeping pills and felt happier and less pain.

However, the results for kids are mixed. Some children with ADHD or autism showed little improvement. But, many parents saw their kids were more relaxed and focused after using the blankets.

This research led to new guidelines for using weighted blankets in mental health services in South Australia.

As weighted blankets become more popular, experts are working to create clear rules on the best way to use them, like how heavy they should be and how often to use them.

Dr. Dawson's work shows that weighted blankets could be a good option for adults looking to improve their sleep naturally. This could be especially useful for those who want to avoid taking sleeping pills.

Source: scimex.org

✢ 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.