11/06/25 - #516

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Parkinson’s Disease and Diet: Frequent Consumption of Sweets (+20%), Red Meat (+15%), and Cured Meats (+32%) Linked to Higher Likelihood of Developing PD, While Fruit, Primarily Citrus, Exhibits Protective Properties (–16%), According to a Study on 1292 Italian Patients

• Ozempic for All

• On Average, Women Had Lower Fitness (VO2peak Values) Than Men. However, Adults in Countries With Higher Human Development and Lower Gender Inequality Had Higher Fitness Levels. This Suggests That Social Structures That Promote Equality and Development May Enable More Women to Engage in Exercise

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea May Be Linked to Microbleeds in the Brain

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Parkinson’s Disease and Diet: Frequent Consumption of Sweets (+20%), Red Meat (+15%), and Cured Meats (+32%) Linked to Higher Likelihood of Developing PD, While Fruit, Primarily Citrus, Exhibits Protective Properties (–16%), According to a Study on 1292 Italian Patients

A new study from Italy found that certain foods may raise or lower your risk of getting Parkinson’s disease (PD), a brain disorder that affects movement and balance.

Researchers looked at the diets of 1,292 people—680 with PD and 612 without. They found that eating sweets often was linked to a 20% higher chance of having Parkinson’s. Eating a lot of red meat raised the risk by 15%, and eating cured meats like ham or salami raised the risk by 32%.

But not all foods were harmful. Eating more fruit—especially citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits—was linked to a 16% lower risk. These fruits may help protect the brain because they contain healthy nutrients that fight damage and swelling in the body.

Other risk factors had an even stronger effect than food. People with a family history of PD, or those exposed to pesticides or metals, had higher risks. On the other hand, people who drank coffee or had smoked in the past had lower risk, though smoking is still harmful in many other ways.

This study doesn’t prove that food causes or prevents Parkinson’s. But it shows that eating habits may play a role. A healthy diet with more fruits and fewer sweets and processed meats could help protect the brain.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Source: journals.sagepub.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Ozempic for All

Millions of Americans struggle with obesity, which raises the risk of serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Now, a growing number of experts say a powerful class of weight-loss drugs—called GLP-1s—should be made available to more people, especially those on Medicaid.

Ozempic, one of the most well-known GLP-1 drugs, helps people lose 15% to 20% of their body weight in clinical trials. This kind of weight loss can lower the risk of many diseases. While weight doesn’t tell the whole story about health, carrying extra weight is linked to dying earlier. People with obesity at age 40 live, on average, three to four years less than those at a healthy weight.

About 14 million adults on Medicaid have obesity, but most can’t access GLP-1 drugs. The reason? High cost. Covering these medications could stretch state budgets, so many Medicaid plans don’t pay for them.

Still, experts say giving access to these drugs would save lives—and could save money in the long run. Preventing chronic diseases can reduce the need for costly treatments later.

Obesity affects more than 40% of adults in the U.S.—over 100 million people. Helping them isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a national one. Making these medications available through Medicaid could be a step toward better health for all.

Disclaimer: Always talk to your doctor before starting any medication, including weight-loss drugs.

Source: theatlantic.com

HEALTH

On Average, Women Had Lower Fitness (VO2peak Values) Than Men. However, Adults in Countries With Higher Human Development and Lower Gender Inequality Had Higher Fitness Levels. This Suggests That Social Structures That Promote Equality and Development May Enable More Women to Engage in Exercise

A new study found that adults are more physically fit in countries where men and women have equal rights and access to resources. This is especially true for women.

Researchers looked at fitness data from over 119,000 healthy adults across the world. They used a test called VO2peak, which checks how well the heart and lungs work during exercise. Overall, men scored higher than women. But in countries with better health care, education, income, and gender equality, women had much better fitness—at all ages.

Young women in equal societies had VO2peak levels that were 6.5 points higher than those in less equal countries. That difference is big enough to help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, and early death.

For men, the same trend showed up, but mostly in those under age 40. The study shows that fitness isn’t just about personal habits. It’s also shaped by the world around us—like income, safety, time, and support.

When women have equal chances to work, move safely outdoors, and join sports, they’re more likely to stay active. Experts say this is a strong reason to support policies that help more people—especially women—get access to exercise programs and safe places to move.

Helping women be more active helps everyone stay healthier.

Disclaimer: Always talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program or making changes to your physical activity.

Source: psypost.org

Obstructive Sleep Apnea May Be Linked to Microbleeds in the Brain

A new study shows that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be linked to small bleeds in the brain, called microbleeds. These tiny bleeds are more common as we get older. They may raise the risk of stroke and memory loss over time.

OSA happens when the airway gets blocked during sleep. This can cause loud snoring, choking, or gasping for air. People with OSA often feel tired during the day because their sleep is poor. Some avoid treatment because they don’t like using a CPAP machine, but experts say it’s important to take this condition seriously.

The study found that people with moderate to severe OSA had more new brain microbleeds than those without it. These brain changes may raise the risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

There are ways to manage OSA:

• Use a CPAP or similar machine

• Wear a mouth device to keep the airway open

• In some cases, surgery may help

Signs of OSA include:

• Loud snoring

• Waking up gasping or choking

• Morning headaches

• Trouble focusing

• Feeling tired during the day

• Night sweats or teeth grinding

Experts say getting help early may protect your brain as you age. If you or your partner notice any of these signs, talk to a doctor about testing for sleep apnea.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Please talk to your doctor for proper care.

Source: edition.cnn.com

✢ 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.