10/27/25 - #508

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Nearly 1 in 5 Urinary Tract Infections Linked to Contaminated Meat. Since They’re So Common, Mostly Affecting Women and the Elderly, UTIs Place a Huge Burden on Healthcare Systems and Productivity, Costing Billions Every Year in the U.S

• Expanding Hydrogel-based Pill Offers New Affordable Weight Loss Treatment After Successful Clinical Trial. Once Swallowed, It Expands in the Stomach to Induce a Feeling of Fullness Faster, Thereby Reducing Food Intake Without Needing Strong Medications or Injections

• U.S. Funding Cuts Could Result in Nearly 9 Million Child Tuberculosis Cases, 1.5 Million Child Deaths

• Warmer Nights Are Causing Widespread Reductions in Sleep Duration Across the Globe. The Likelihood of Experiencing Short Sleep—defined as Less Than Six Hours Per Night—increases by Approximately 40% With Similar Results Being Observed During Heatwaves

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Nearly 1 in 5 Urinary Tract Infections Linked to Contaminated Meat. Since They’re So Common, Mostly Affecting Women and the Elderly, UTIs Place a Huge Burden on Healthcare Systems and Productivity, Costing Billions Every Year in the U.S

A new study shows that almost 1 in 5 urinary tract infections (UTIs) may be caused by bacteria from raw meat. The research was done in Southern California, but the problem may affect people across the U.S.

UTIs are one of the most common infections. They mostly affect women and older adults. These infections cost billions of dollars every year in doctor visits, treatments, and lost work time. Most UTIs are caused by a type of bacteria called E. coli, which is also found in raw chicken and turkey.

Researchers from George Washington University and Kaiser Permanente studied over 5,700 samples from people with UTIs and from meat sold in stores. They used special tests to find out where the bacteria came from. They found that 18% of the infections were likely caused by meat.

People in low-income areas were 60% more likely to get these kinds of UTIs. Experts say this shows that food safety is also a social issue. Your risk shouldn’t depend on where you live.

To help protect yourself:

• Cook all meat and poultry fully

• Wash your hands and kitchen surfaces after handling raw meat

• Keep meat sealed in the grocery cart and fridge

• Don’t let raw meat touch other foods

UTIs aren’t just a personal health issue. They’re also a food safety problem. Taking simple steps at home can help lower your risk.

Source: publichealth.gwu.edu

WEIGHT LOSS

Expanding Hydrogel-based Pill Offers New Affordable Weight Loss Treatment After Successful Clinical Trial. Once Swallowed, It Expands in the Stomach to Induce a Feeling of Fullness Faster, Thereby Reducing Food Intake Without Needing Strong Medications or Injections

A new pill called Sirona may soon help people lose weight in a safer and cheaper way. It does not use strong medications or injections. Instead, the pill is made from a special material called hydrogel. After you swallow it, the pill expands in your stomach and helps you feel full faster. This makes it easier to eat less.

In a recent clinical trial in the UK, people who took Sirona lost up to 13.5% of their body weight in six months. On average, people with mild obesity lost about 6.4% of their weight. They also ate around 400 fewer calories each day.

The trial took place at University Hospital Southampton and was funded by Innovate UK. The results were published in the journal Obesity. No serious side effects were reported, and most people handled the pill well.

Sirona may help two groups: people who are overweight and want to prevent obesity, and people who are stopping weight loss drugs like Ozempic or Mounjaro. These drugs can be expensive and may not be easy to keep using.

Sirona is not a drug. It’s made from two safe materials that expand in the stomach. It helps control hunger naturally and could be available by 2027.

A larger study is being planned in the UK and U.S. to confirm the results.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting any weight loss plan.

Source: uhs.nhs.uk

HEALTH

U.S. Funding Cuts Could Result in Nearly 9 Million Child Tuberculosis Cases, 1.5 Million Child Deaths

A new study warns that recent U.S. cuts to global health aid could lead to a major rise in tuberculosis (TB) among children. If funding is not brought back, nearly 9 million kids may get sick with TB, and 1.5 million could die by 2034.

TB is a serious lung disease that spreads easily. It’s especially dangerous for children and people with HIV. Most new cases would happen in poor countries in Africa and Southeast Asia, where health systems depend on outside support.

Before 2025, the U.S. was the biggest donor to TB programs around the world. These programs helped test, treat, and prevent TB, saving millions of lives. But major budget cuts this year—including shutting down USAID—have hurt these efforts.

Researchers from Harvard and Boston University looked at 130 countries. They found that even one year without funding could erase 20 years of progress. They also found that restoring the money quickly could prevent 90% of future deaths.

Experts say other countries and private groups must step in if U.S. funding doesn’t return. They warn that TB is still the world’s deadliest infectious disease and progress shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Helping kids get tested and treated early is the best way to save lives.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about any health concerns.

Source: hsph.harvard.edu

Warmer Nights Are Causing Widespread Reductions in Sleep Duration Across the Globe. The Likelihood of Experiencing Short Sleep—defined as Less Than Six Hours Per Night—increases by Approximately 40% With Similar Results Being Observed During Heatwaves

A new study shows that hotter nights are making people sleep less—and it’s a growing health problem.

Researchers looked at sleep data from over 300,000 people and found that when night temperatures rise from 54°F to 81°F (12°C to 27°C), people lose about 15 to 17 minutes of sleep. Even worse, the chance of getting less than six hours of sleep goes up by 40%. This happens even more often during heatwaves.

Sleep expert Dr. Bastien Lechat says sleep is important for your mood, memory, immune system, and heart health. Missing sleep doesn’t just make you tired—it can harm your long-term health.

The study found that heat-related sleep loss affects people of all ages and in many countries. And as the planet gets hotter, this problem could get worse.

To help, experts suggest both big and small changes. Cities can plant more trees, use heat-reflecting materials, and design homes that stay cooler. At home, you can keep blinds closed during the day, use fans or air conditioning, and open windows at night if it cools down.

Also, drink plenty of water, avoid caffeine late in the day, and skip heavy meals or alcohol before bed. These small steps can help your body stay cool and sleep better.

Hot nights may be here to stay—but with the right habits, you can still get the rest you need.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor for personal health concerns.

Source: news.flinders.edu.au

✢ 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.