Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Giving Up Sugar Can Change Your Body for the Better—within Days

• Nearly Three-quarters of U.S. Adults Are Now Overweight or Obese, According to a Sweeping New Study Published in the Lancet. The Study Documented How More People Are Becoming Overweight or Obese at Younger Ages Than in the Past

• Dementia May Arrive a Decade Earlier in Men at High Risk for Heart Disease, Study Finds

• Nationwide Recall of Anxiety Drug Over Life-threatening Packaging Error

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Giving Up Sugar Can Change Your Body for the Better—within Days

Many of us know that too much sugar can lead to big health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. However, reducing your sugar intake can quickly make things better.

Here's the scoop: Cutting down on sugar not only helps avoid these issues but also improves your mood, skin health, and brain power. Amy Goodson, a nutritionist, notes that you might even see better sports performance!

So, which sugars should you reduce? It's key to know that not all sugars are harmful. Natural sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy come packed with vitamins that benefit you. For example, a mango is high in sugar but also has nutrients and fiber which help your body process that sugar efficiently.

However, added sugars—those extra sugars put into foods during processing—are the ones to watch out for. They don't offer any health benefits and can lead to health issues if consumed too much. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests keeping added sugars under 50 grams per day.

Check food labels for added sugars, often listed as anything ending in "ose" or labeled as syrup. Cutting added sugars can prevent weight gain. It can also lower your risk of diseases, including some cancers and heart disease.

While enjoying natural sugars in whole foods is okay, avoiding added sugars can greatly improve your health. Cutting back on them today might help you feel better quickly!

Source: nationalgeographic.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Nearly Three-quarters of U.S. Adults Are Now Overweight or Obese, According to a Sweeping New Study Published in the Lancet. The Study Documented How More People Are Becoming Overweight or Obese at Younger Ages Than in the Past

A new study shows a big worry: almost 75% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. This number has grown a lot since 1990 when just over half were in this group. The research, shared in The Lancet, shows more people are getting overweight or obese younger than before.

Being overweight can lead to serious health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and can shorten lives. The study also found that many kids are overweight or obese. If this doesn't change, by 2050, about 260 million people could be overweight or obese.

Experts say we need to do more to stop this problem. They think we're not doing enough right now. Dr. Sarah Armstrong, a health expert, says, "We need to pay more attention and spend more on this issue."

The study uses something called BMI to tell if someone is overweight. A BMI over 25 means overweight, and over 30 means obese. Even though it's not perfect, BMI helps us see trends.

The cost of obesity is also huge. It could cause up to $9.1 trillion in extra health costs in the next ten years. To fight obesity, we need better rules about healthy eating and more help for people to stay healthy. This includes better food choices and treatments that work.

Source: nytimes.com

HEALTH

Dementia May Arrive a Decade Earlier in Men at High Risk for Heart Disease, Study Finds

Men at high risk for heart disease may show signs of dementia up to ten years earlier than women with similar health issues. This discovery was made by Dr. Paul Edison from Imperial College London. He says that a new finding links heart and brain health. It has big implications for health.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. It has risks, such as being overweight, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Other risk factors are smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and not getting enough exercise. These problems can make the blood vessels smaller, which cuts down the oxygen that gets to the brain and can lead to dementia.

The study, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, looked at data from over 34,000 adults aged 45 to 82. It found that cardiovascular risks are critical in middle age for avoiding dementia later on. Men's higher rates of poor heart health could explain why their brain health suffers earlier.

Experts say it's vital to start healthy habits in middle age to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risks. Also, keeping your mind active helps fight off memory loss.

Men have more dangerous fat around their organs. It's linked to a higher heart disease risk. Women have less risky fat around their hips. Starting heart-healthy habits earlier can help men reduce the chance of dementia.

Source: ctvnews.ca

Nationwide Recall of Anxiety Drug Over Life-threatening Packaging Error

Endo Inc., a Pennsylvania drug company, has recalled its medicine clonazepam. It treats anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms. This recall is due to incorrect dosage information on the packaging. It could be dangerous for users.

This recall involves 16 lots of Clonazepam Orally Disintegrating Tablets. Some boxes were mistakenly printed with the wrong drug strength and code. Patients might take the wrong amount of medicine. This could cause serious side effects. They include excessive sleepiness, confusion, dizziness, poor coordination, slurred speech, and very weak muscles.

The most dangerous risk is respiratory depression. It can be deadly if breathing slows too much or stops. This is risky for people with lung problems, those at the highest safe dose of this drug, or those on medications that affect breathing.

Clonazepam increases a calming brain chemical. It helps relax nerves, prevent seizures, and ease muscle tightness. It is used for conditions such as epilepsy, panic attacks, and muscle issues.

No injuries or bad reactions have been reported yet. However, anyone with this drug should stop using any from the recalled lots and talk to their doctor if they might have taken the wrong dose.

The recalled tablets were sent to stores nationwide. Patients and stores should stop using and selling them, respectively. Contact Inmar Inc. for returning the product.

Endo is working with health officials and a packaging company to fix this serious mistake.

Source: newsweek.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.