Good morning. In today’s edition:

• E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Mcdonald’s Quarter Pounders in Multiple States

• My 100 Pound Weight Loss

• New Study Suggests ‘Manly’ Men at Higher Risk of Heart Problems: Men Who Strongly Conform to Traditionally Masculine Behaviors Are Significantly Less Likely to Receive Treatment for Heart Conditions. Societal Pressure on Men to Appear Tough and Self-reliant May Be Putting Their Hearts at Risk

• Sweetened Beverage Taxes Decrease Consumption in Lower-income Households by Nearly 50%, Finds New Study Based on 4 US Cities. 8 Cities in the US Have Implemented Taxes on Sugar-sweetened Beverages, Which Contribute to Health Issues Including Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Mcdonald’s Quarter Pounders in Multiple States

An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders has sickened 49 people in 10 states. Sadly, one person in Colorado has died. Health experts are looking into whether the slivered onions or beef patties used in these burgers might be causing the illness.

The CDC announced that McDonald's, in some states, has stopped using these ingredients to prevent more people from getting sick. So far, ten people, including a child with a serious kidney problem, have been hospitalized.

McDonald’s is working closely with health officials to find out what caused the outbreak. They think the problem might be with the slivered onions, which come from just one supplier.

This is a quickly developing situation, with the first person getting sick on September 27. McDonald’s has taken the Quarter Pounders off their menu in the places where people got sick, which lowers the risk of more people getting ill. Still, the CDC thinks the number of cases could go up.

Symptoms of E. coli include really bad stomach cramps, high fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. Health authorities are trying hard to stop the outbreak and keep everyone safe. McDonald’s and the CDC promise to keep everyone updated as they learn more.

Source: nbcnews.com

WEIGHT LOSS

My 100 Pound Weight Loss

Jelly Roll, a famous singer, is on a big tour. But he's doing more than singing; he's also working hard to stay healthy. He's already lost 100 pounds by being active and eating right, with help from his personal chef.

He keeps active by walking around stadiums, boxing, and playing basketball. These activities help him burn calories and get stronger. His chef makes sure he eats healthy foods that still taste great. One of Jelly Roll's favorite snacks is a banana with honey, dark chocolate, and a sweetener called stevia.

His diet focuses on foods that are high in protein but low in carbs. Instead of deep-frying his favorite Nashville hot chicken, he air-fries it. This makes the chicken healthier without losing its tasty crunch. This way of cooking helps Jelly Roll stick to his diet and enjoy his meals.

Dr. Jennifer Morera, a health expert, says that eating more protein and fewer carbs can help reduce hunger and increase metabolism. This means Jelly Roll feels full longer and his body burns more fat. However, she reminds everyone to talk to a doctor before starting a new diet to make sure it's safe.

With holiday season coming, Dr. Morera suggests keeping portion sizes small and staying active, especially after eating sweets. This will help balance the treats with healthier choices.

Jelly Roll's journey shows that with determination and the right support, anyone can make big health changes.

Source: CBS TEXAS

HEALTH

New Study Suggests ‘Manly’ Men at Higher Risk of Heart Problems: Men Who Strongly Conform to Traditionally Masculine Behaviors Are Significantly Less Likely to Receive Treatment for Heart Conditions. Societal Pressure on Men to Appear Tough and Self-reliant May Be Putting Their Hearts at Risk

A recent study in JAMA Network Open suggests that overly tough men may avoid needed heart treatment. They fear it will show weakness. This large study, led by doctors including Nathaniel J. Glasser and Jacob C. Jameson, looked at over 4,000 men and their health over many years.

Researchers measured how much these men followed traditional masculine behaviors, like being strong and not asking for help. They used something called "male gender expressivity" (MGE). Men with higher MGE were up to 15% less likely to be diagnosed or treated for diabetes. They were also 11% less likely to get treatment for high blood pressure.

This study shows that when society tells men to always be tough, it can actually harm their health. These men might not go to the doctor when they need to, which can make heart problems worse later on.

The findings suggest that it's important for everyone, especially men, to know that it's okay to ask for help. Health education should help change the idea that men shouldn't show weakness. This could make men healthier and reduce heart risks.

This research tells us that we need to change how we think about masculinity. Helping men feel comfortable to seek medical care without feeling judged could lead to better health for everyone.

Source: jamanetwork.com

Sweetened Beverage Taxes Decrease Consumption in Lower-income Households by Nearly 50%, Finds New Study Based on 4 US Cities. 8 Cities in the US Have Implemented Taxes on Sugar-sweetened Beverages, Which Contribute to Health Issues Including Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

A University of Washington study shows that taxing sugary drinks, like soda, helps lower-income families buy 50% less of them. In cities with the tax, like Seattle and San Francisco, poorer families cut their soda purchases more than wealthy ones, who reduced them by 18%.

Sugary drinks can lead to health problems such as obesity and diabetes. Lower-income folks often buy more soda, so the tax is helping them drink less, which can lead to better health. Melissa Knox, a researcher on the study, said, "Cutting down on sugar can make you healthier." These drinks don't have good nutrients and are linked to many health issues."

The study followed about 400 households for a year before and after the tax started. They found that the price of sugary drinks went up, especially for lower-income families, by 22%. However, these families didn’t try to buy cheaper sugary drinks from nearby places without the tax. Instead, they started buying drinks that weren’t taxed, like water or juice.

The study found that the tax money often funds programs for low-income areas. So, these families are paying more for soda. But, they benefit from the tax money that helps their communities. This shows that the tax is working and could be even more helpful for families with less money.

Source: washington.edu

✢ 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.