Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Companies Knew the Dangers of PFAS 'Forever Chemicals'—and Kept Them Secret

• Ozempic Shows Promise for Treating Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Study Finds

• Those With Respiratory Conditions Should Avoid the Use of Gas Cookers Where Possible

• Cat-borne Parasite Toxoplasma Gondii Linked to Increased Anxiety Risk, Study Finds - Individuals With Detectable Antibodies to the Parasite Had a Higher Likelihood of Being Diagnosed With Anxiety, While Also Noting a Reduced Risk of Epilepsy Among the Same Group

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Companies Knew the Dangers of PFAS 'Forever Chemicals'—and Kept Them Secret

For years, some companies knew that PFAS chemicals could be harmful but didn't tell anyone. PFAS are called 'forever chemicals' because they don't break down in nature. They can stay in our bodies for a long time. These chemicals are used in lots of products like nonstick cookware, waterproof clothes, and cosmetics. PFAS are useful but can cause cancer, liver issues, and fertility problems.

Back in the 1960s, companies like DuPont and 3M found out that PFAS might be toxic. But instead of sharing this information, they kept it secret. In 1981, at a DuPont factory, female workers were suddenly moved away from areas where they made PFAS. This followed reports of health problems in babies of some pregnant workers. They may be linked to PFAS.

Studies over the years have confirmed that PFAS can be very harmful. But companies continued to sell them without warning people. The truth only came out because of lawsuits and independent research.

This kind of secrecy is similar to what has happened in the tobacco and oil industries. Nowadays, as more people understand the dangers of PFAS, there are calls for better rules and safer products.

The PFAS story shows why it's important for companies to be open about what's in their products. Everyone deserves to know if something could be harmful, especially when it's something as long-lasting as PFAS.

Source: time.com 

WEIGHT LOSS

Ozempic Shows Promise for Treating Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Study Finds

A recent study found that drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, usually for diabetes and weight loss, could help those with addiction. These drugs might reduce how much people binge drink and lower the chances of drug overdoses.

Fares Qeadan, a statistics professor at Loyola University Chicago, led the study. His team discovered that people who drink a lot of alcohol and take these drugs were half as likely to binge drink. People with opioid addiction who took these drugs had a 40% lower risk of overdosing.

Ozempic and Mounjaro copy natural hormones. They control blood sugar and induce fullness after meals. The popularity of these drugs has grown a lot recently. More and more people say these drugs help reduce their cravings for alcohol and drugs.

The study looked at health records of 1.3 million people with drug and alcohol problems. It covered eight years, starting in 2014. Dr. Christian Hendershot, a researcher, did not take part in the study. He finds the results interesting but says more research is needed. He suggests studies that are more controlled to really understand how these drugs work for addiction.

This research points to a new way these medications might one day help treat addiction, but it's still early to say for sure. More studies are needed to prove their safety and effectiveness in treating addiction.

Source: npr.org

HEALTH

Those With Respiratory Conditions Should Avoid the Use of Gas Cookers Where Possible

A new study by Professor Ben Barratt at Imperial College London shows that indoor pollution, especially from gas stoves, harms people with COPD. COPD causes serious breathing issues and is a big reason why people end up in the hospital.

In the study, people with COPD carried devices that measured air pollution. They found that when there was more nitrogen dioxide in the air, which comes mainly from gas stoves, their symptoms got worse. This made it harder for them to breathe and increased their coughing and wheezing.

Cars and other outdoor sources pollute the air. But, gas stoves pollute homes most. This was the biggest problem for these patients. The study suggests that using electric stoves could be a better choice for both health and the environment.

Professor Alastair Lewis of the University of York agrees. He says that even if you burn hydrogen instead of gas, it still pollutes the home the same way. So, electric stoves are the way to go.

To help keep the air clean at home, try to open windows when you cook, avoid using candles, and consider getting an electric stove. Think of these steps like a type of medicine to help prevent worse health problems. Taking these actions can make a big difference for people with COPD.

Source: theguardian.com

Cat-borne Parasite Toxoplasma Gondii Linked to Increased Anxiety Risk, Study Finds - Individuals With Detectable Antibodies to the Parasite Had a Higher Likelihood of Being Diagnosed With Anxiety, While Also Noting a Reduced Risk of Epilepsy Among the Same Group

A recent study found that people with a common parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, may have a higher risk of anxiety. The parasite is often caught from cats or from eating undercooked meat. It’s very common worldwide, with about 30% of people infected. Most people don’t even know they have it because the body’s immune system usually keeps the parasite in check.

The study looked at data from over 8,000 people. Those who had antibodies for the parasite were 38% more likely to develop anxiety disorders compared to people who weren’t infected. Researchers think the parasite may hide in the brain and could be linked to mental health issues, but they aren’t sure exactly how it happens.

Interestingly, the study also found that people with the parasite had a lower risk of epilepsy. This was surprising because past studies suggested the opposite. Scientists are still trying to figure out why this happens.

While this research offers new clues, it does have some limits. It only studied people between the ages of 40 and 69, so the findings might not apply to younger or older people. Also, it only looked at whether people had antibodies, not how strong the infection was or when it happened.

More studies are needed to understand how this parasite affects the brain and mental health.

Source: psypost.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.