Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Map Reveals 20% Americans at Risk of 'Forever Chemicals' in Drinking Water

• Marijuana Use is Correlated With Lower Bmi. As Legalization and Prevalence of the Drug in the U.S. Increases, the Prevalence of Obesity May Decline. Reduced Obesity Does Not Require Daily Use, Finds Study of 735,921 People

• For Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder, Exercise Not Only Reduces Alcohol Dependence, but Also Improves Mental and Physical Health

• Healthy Blood Pressure as a Teen Could Be Critical for the Rest of Adulthood

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Map Reveals 20% Americans at Risk of 'Forever Chemicals' in Drinking Water

A new study from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) shows that about 20% of Americans may be drinking water with harmful 'forever chemicals.' PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) are chemicals. They don't break down easily and can stay in the environment for a long time.

PFAS can be found in many everyday items and can get into the soil, oceans, and water supplies. The USGS found that between 71 to 95 million people in the U.S. get their drinking water from sources underground that have detectable levels of PFAS. This water comes from both private and public wells and hasn't been cleaned or filtered yet.

Researchers tested over a thousand underground water samples. They considered how city development and well depth might affect PFAS levels. They used a special computer model to figure out which areas might have more PFAS.

PFAS exposure can cause serious health issues. It may raise cholesterol, weaken the immune system, and increase cancer risk. We don't fully know how dangerous PFAS are. There are over 12,000 types. So, we must keep checking and cleaning our water.

This study is especially important for people with private wells because they might not know a lot about the quality of their water. The USGS map online can help people see where the risks are.

Source: newsweek.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Marijuana Use is Correlated With Lower Bmi. As Legalization and Prevalence of the Drug in the U.S. Increases, the Prevalence of Obesity May Decline. Reduced Obesity Does Not Require Daily Use, Finds Study of 735,921 People

A recent study in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research by Ray M. Merrill shows that using marijuana might be linked to a lower body mass index (BMI). This could help reduce obesity rates. The study looked at data from over 735,000 adults in the U.S. from 2016 to 2022. It found that people who use marijuana are less likely to be obese, especially in states where it's legal.

Marijuana use rose from 7.5% to almost 15% as more states allowed it for health and recreational reasons. Interestingly, obese individuals were 35% less likely to use marijuana compared to those who aren't obese. Also, not using marijuana every day could still be beneficial for lowering BMI.

The study links lower BMI to marijuana use. It doesn't prove marijuana treats obesity. The researchers suggest that marijuana might change how our bodies handle calories or affect our hunger levels. But, health experts advise being careful with marijuana because it can have other health risks if used a lot or for a long time.

As more places in the U.S. make marijuana legal, future studies will need to look more into how marijuana use affects weight and overall health. This could help us understand if marijuana could be a part of fighting obesity.

Source: liebertpub.com

HEALTH

For Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder, Exercise Not Only Reduces Alcohol Dependence, but Also Improves Mental and Physical Health

Recent research has shown something exciting for those with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Exercise is not just good for your body. It also lowers the need for alcohol and boosts mental health.

A study in the PLOS ONE journal, published on October 30, 2024, reviewed many trials. It found strong evidence that regular exercise reduces alcohol consumption. It also lowers AUDIT scores, which measure alcohol use disorder. It also showed that exercise makes people physically fitter, improving things like heart health and how well lungs work.

But that's not all—exercise also makes a big difference in how people feel. It can lessen feelings of anxiety, sadness, and stress. Exercise releases endorphins. They are natural brain chemicals. They make you feel good and relaxed.

The study looked at various exercises, including running, swimming, yoga, and weight training. This variety means that almost anyone can find a type of exercise they like and can do, making it easier for more people to try.

Adding exercise to your life can be a powerful way to help recover from AUD. It's simple, doesn't cost much, and not only helps you cut down on drinking but also leads to a happier and healthier life.

Source: eurekalert.org

Healthy Blood Pressure as a Teen Could Be Critical for the Rest of Adulthood

Keeping your blood pressure healthy as a teenager is more important than you might think. A recent study found that teens with high blood pressure often struggle to lower it as they get older.

Researchers looked at nearly 3,000 people, tracking their blood pressure from when they were six years old up to their mid-fifties. They checked their blood pressure nine times over 38 years.

The results were clear: those who had high blood pressure when they were younger were more likely to have it as adults too. The study shows that if a teenager has high blood pressure, it gets harder to lower it as they grow up.

This research tells us that the teen years are key for managing blood pressure. Keeping it under control as a teenager could help avoid serious health problems later in life.

The study was peer-reviewed, which means other experts checked it to make sure it was done right. It was an observational study. The researchers watched and recorded data to see if there was a link between teenage blood pressure and later health. They didn't try to change anything, just observed.

For teenagers and their families, watching blood pressure now could be an important step for a healthier future. If you know a teenager, helping them keep an eye on their blood pressure could make a big difference.

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.