Good morning. In today’s edition:

• CDC Says Slivered Onions Are Likely Cause of McDonald's E. Coli Infections as Cases Rise to 90

• New Study Hints at Why Keeping the Weight Off is So Hard

• Genetic Analysis Reveals Role of Melatonin in ADHD Symptom Severity | Study Found That Genetic Variations Affecting Melatonin Production Could Contribute to ADHD Symptoms, Particularly Through Disrupted Sleep Patterns

• A Recent Survey Has Revealed the Most Common Culprits Behind Sleepless Nights

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

CDC Says Slivered Onions Are Likely Cause of McDonald's E. Coli Infections as Cases Rise to 90

The CDC announced that E. coli cases linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders have risen to 90. Investigators believe slivered onions on the burgers are the likely cause of the outbreak.

The last E. coli case was reported on October 16. The CDC says the public health risk is very low. After discovering the outbreak, McDonald's quickly removed the Quarter Pounders from the affected state menus on October 22. Testing by the Colorado Agriculture Department confirmed that the beef patties were not the source.

This outbreak has had serious consequences. One person has died, and 27 have been hospitalized. Among those, two have developed a severe kidney condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome. This includes a teenage girl from Grand Junction, Colorado, who got sick after eating several Quarter Pounders. She is now being treated for kidney damage.

Cases have been reported in thirteen states. The FDA has identified slivered onions from Taylor Farms Colorado Springs as the most likely contamination source. As a result, McDonald's will stop using onions from this supplier. It will offer the Quarter Pounder without onions this week in the affected areas.

Other restaurants in Colorado, like Taco Bell and Burger King, have also removed onions from their menus as a safety step. No further E. coli cases linked to these restaurants have been reported.

Source: nbcnews.com

WEIGHT LOSS

New Study Hints at Why Keeping the Weight Off is So Hard

Ever wondered why it's so hard to keep weight off after you lose it? A recent study shows that our fat cells "remember" their past size, which might be why losing weight doesn't always last.

Scientists found that when someone gains a lot of weight, it changes their fat cells deeply, not just making them bigger. These changes stick around even after losing weight. This "memory" of being larger is why it's tough to keep weight off.

The study, published in the journal Nature, looked at people and mice who lost a lot of weight. It found that their fat cells still acted as if they were heavier, even two years after weight-loss surgery or dieting. This shows that the body remembers and holds onto its past, making it hard to stay slim.

Researchers say these findings mean that people who lose weight might need extra help to keep it off. "It's not your fault," says Laura Hinte, a biologist who worked on the study. She explains that because of the way our bodies remember weight, it's more challenging to stay thin.

This discovery could change how we approach weight loss. It's not just about eating less; it's also about understanding and managing how our bodies remember weight. This could help us find better ways to keep the weight off permanently.

Source: nature.com

HEALTH

Genetic Analysis Reveals Role of Melatonin in ADHD Symptom Severity | Study Found That Genetic Variations Affecting Melatonin Production Could Contribute to ADHD Symptoms, Particularly Through Disrupted Sleep Patterns

Recent research from Hamamatsu University School of Medicine suggests that melatonin, a sleep hormone, plays a big role in how severe ADHD can be in children. Melatonin helps signal our body when it’s time to sleep. If a child's body doesn't make enough melatonin, it can be hard for them to sleep. This might worsen their ADHD symptoms.

The study explored if there’s a connection between melatonin levels and ADHD by examining genetic data. Results showed that kids with certain genetic traits that lead to less melatonin often face tougher ADHD symptoms. Dr. Nagahide Takahashi, the lead researcher, points out that these findings are not just about sleep delays. It suggests that genes might directly influence both sleep and ADHD symptoms.

Also, the research looked at melatonin's link to immune responses, like inflammation. It tends to be higher in kids with ADHD.

Dr. Takahashi thinks that better sleep habits could help reduce ADHD symptoms. Future studies will explore if treatments that regulate melatonin might help. These include strict bedtime routines and melatonin supplements.

This study highlights the importance of good sleep for managing ADHD. Dr. Takahashi hopes to find better ADHD treatments. He believes that a deeper understanding of genetics, health, and daily routines will help.

Source: psypost.org

A Recent Survey Has Revealed the Most Common Culprits Behind Sleepless Nights

A recent Talker Research survey for Newsweek shows that many U.S. adults can't sleep at night. The causes are stress, insomnia, and our gadgets' bright screens. The survey included 1,000 adults and found that 23% of them can't sleep because of stress. Insomnia keeps 17% awake, and 14% stay up too late watching TV or movies.

The survey found that 19% of younger people, especially Gen Z, said that scrolling on their phones at night makes it hard to sleep. This shows how much screens are a part of our lives.

Sleep expert Lauri Leadley says that sleep is very important for our health. During sleep, our bodies fix themselves, our brains clean out toxins, and we remember things better. But, stress and the blue light from screens can stop these important processes.

Leadley suggests making changes to how we prepare for bed to get better sleep. She recommends turning off gadgets and keeping them out of the bedroom. Instead of watching TV, she suggests reading a book or listening to calm music as better bedtime activities.

By creating a quiet, screen-free space at bedtime, especially for those over 45, we might be able to improve our sleep and feel better during the day.

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.