11/17/25 - #523

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Early Peanut Exposure May Explain Fall in Child Allergies—but is It Safe?

• Certain Obesity Drugs Will Cost as Little as $149 and Medicare Will Start Covering Them Under White House Deals

• Chronic Kidney Disease Now Affects More Than 780 Million People Worldwide. In the UK Around 11.9% Equivalent to 6.3 Million Adults Are Estimated to Have CKD. In Western Europe 12.4% Adults Are Estimated to Have CKD

• Long-term Use of Melatonin Supplements to Support Sleep May Have Negative Health Effects

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Early Peanut Exposure May Explain Fall in Child Allergies—but is It Safe?

Giving babies peanuts early may help protect them from peanut allergies later in life, new research shows.

Doctors looked at the health records of over 120,000 children. They found that peanut allergies dropped by 43% in babies born between 2017 and 2019. This change came after new feeding guidelines in 2017. These guidelines said it’s okay—even helpful—to give babies peanut foods at 4 to 6 months old.

This advice was based on a 2015 study called the LEAP trial. That study showed babies who ate peanuts early were 81% less likely to develop peanut allergies. At first, this advice was only for babies at high risk, like those with severe eczema or egg allergies. In 2021, the rules expanded to include all babies.

The new study shows that these changes are working in real life. Experts now say that early peanut exposure could prevent over 100,000 allergy cases each year.

Is it safe? Doctors say yes. Reactions in babies are usually mild, like a rash or throwing up. The key is to start with small amounts and feed peanut foods often—not just once. Giving it once or twice isn’t enough.

Dr. Christopher Parrish, an allergy expert, says, “This is the only proven way to lower the risk of a serious food allergy. It works best if you feed it regularly.”

Parents who are nervous should talk to a doctor. But for most families, starting early may be one of the best ways to prevent peanut allergies.

Source: newsweek.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Certain Obesity Drugs Will Cost as Little as $149 and Medicare Will Start Covering Them Under White House Deals

Some popular weight loss drugs will soon cost as little as $149 a month. The Trump administration has made deals with drug companies Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to lower prices. Medicare will also start covering these drugs for more people beginning in mid-2026.

Right now, drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound can cost over $1,000 per month without insurance. Under the new deals, pills could start at $149 and shots could cost around $250 to $350. Some Medicare patients may pay just $50 a month. These prices will be offered through a new website called TrumpRx, expected in early 2026.

To qualify for Medicare coverage, you must have certain health issues. These include being overweight with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or having had a stroke. About 10% of people on Medicare could qualify.

The FDA will also fast-track review of new weight-loss pills. Both drugmakers are preparing new pills that may come out soon.

Experts say these deals could help many people who couldn’t afford these drugs before. But they remind us that medicine works best with a healthy diet and exercise.

“This is not a magic fix,” said Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “But it’s a good tool to help people take control of their weight.”

Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly will also lower prices for Medicaid and cash-paying customers. More details will be shared as the new programs roll out.

Disclaimer: Always check with your doctor before starting any new treatment.

Source: edition.cnn.com

HEALTH

Chronic Kidney Disease Now Affects More Than 780 Million People Worldwide. In the UK Around 11.9% Equivalent to 6.3 Million Adults Are Estimated to Have CKD. In Western Europe 12.4% Adults Are Estimated to Have CKD

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is now a serious global health problem. A new study shows that more than 780 million people around the world have CKD. That means about 1 in 7 adults are affected. In the UK, around 6.3 million adults—about 12%—are living with this condition. In Western Europe, the number is slightly higher at 12.4%.

CKD happens when the kidneys stop working properly over time. In the early stages, people usually don’t feel sick, so many don’t know they have it. But if it gets worse, it can lead to serious health problems. Some people may need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

CKD is now the ninth leading cause of death worldwide. In 2023, it was linked to 1.5 million deaths. It also raises the risk of heart disease. About 11% of heart-related deaths are linked to poor kidney function.

Older adults, and people who are Black or of South Asian background, are more likely to get CKD. Doctors say more awareness and early testing could help people get treatment sooner.

The World Health Organization has added CKD to its list of major health threats. Experts say the disease should be treated as seriously as cancer or heart disease.

Treatments for CKD are getting better, but early care is still key. If you’re over 45 or have health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes, ask your doctor about your kidney health.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Please talk to a doctor for medical advice.

Source: gla.ac.uk

Long-term Use of Melatonin Supplements to Support Sleep May Have Negative Health Effects

Melatonin is a hormone your body makes to help you sleep. Many people take melatonin supplements to fall asleep faster or deal with jet lag. These pills are easy to buy and are often seen as safe. But new research shows that using melatonin for a long time may have serious health risks.

A large study looked at over 130,000 adults with trouble sleeping. People who took melatonin for more than a year were more likely to be diagnosed with heart failure, go to the hospital for heart problems, or die from any cause. In fact, long-term melatonin users had about a 90% higher risk of heart failure. They were also nearly twice as likely to die during the five-year study.

The study cannot prove that melatonin caused these problems, but the link is strong. It shows the need for more research on melatonin’s safety, especially for the heart.

In the U.S., melatonin is sold as a supplement. This means it is not checked by the government for quality like prescription drugs. The amount of melatonin in each pill can be different depending on the brand.

Experts say melatonin should not be used every night for long periods unless a doctor says it’s okay. Trouble sleeping can be caused by many things, and there may be better, safer treatments.

Bottom line: Melatonin may seem safe and natural, but long-term use could be harmful. Talk to your doctor before using sleep aids regularly.

Source: newsroom.heart.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.