Good morning. In today’s edition:

• California Suspends Distribution of Raw Farm Raw Milk Products After Bird Flu Detection

• Weight Loss Drugs Like Semaglutide, Also Known as Ozempic, May Have a Side Effect of Shrinking Heart Muscle as Well as Waistlines, According to a New Study. The Research Found That the Popular Drug Decreased Heart Muscle Mass in Lean and Obese Mice as Well as in Lab-grown Human Heart Cells

• Cases of Highly Infectious and Preventable Measles Surged Across the Globe by 20 Percent Last Year

• Dark Chocolate Linked to Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Study Says

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

California Suspends Distribution of Raw Farm Raw Milk Products After Bird Flu Detection

California has stopped the sale of Raw Farm's raw milk after finding bird flu in the milk samples. The entire operation, from the cows to the milk bottles, is now under quarantine, announced by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The bird flu was found during a routine check at the Raw Farm on November 27. Results from the next day confirmed the bird flu virus was in the milk. Luckily, none of this milk was sold to the public.

Because of this, Raw Farm has stopped all its raw milk sales for now. They confirmed that their cows do not show any bird flu symptoms and are working closely with state officials to fix the situation.

This issue is significant because raw milk has recently become popular for its supposed health benefits, even though health experts warn that it can carry dangerous bacteria and viruses like bird flu. Raw milk is riskier for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weaker immune systems.

California continues to investigate the spread of bird flu in dairy products. More cases of bird flu have been found in farm workers in the state. Health officials advise anyone who drank raw milk and feels sick with flu-like symptoms to get medical help right away.

Source: edition.cnn.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight Loss Drugs Like Semaglutide, Also Known as Ozempic, May Have a Side Effect of Shrinking Heart Muscle as Well as Waistlines, According to a New Study. The Research Found That the Popular Drug Decreased Heart Muscle Mass in Lean and Obese Mice as Well as in Lab-grown Human Heart Cells

Researchers at the University of Alberta have found that the weight loss drug Semaglutide, also known as Ozempic®, could shrink heart muscle. This study was published in JACC: Basic to Translational Science. It looked at the effects on both mice and lab-grown human heart cells.

Semaglutide is known for helping people lose weight effectively. However, it has side effects like nausea and stomach issues. A new concern is that the weight loss could be muscle loss. It is higher than what happens with just diet changes or aging. Losing muscle this way could harm your health. It may weaken your immunity and raise your infection risk.

In the study, mice were fed a diet high in fat and sugar before being treated with Semaglutide. These mice lost about 30% of their body weight and 65% of their fat mass. But, their heart muscles, especially in the left ventricles which help pump blood, also got smaller. However, this did not affect how well their hearts worked.

Lab tests on human heart cells showed similar results—the cells got smaller after being treated with the drug for 24 hours.

The drug does not affect heart function in the short term. But, the researchers suggest careful monitoring of heart health in people using Semaglutide, as its use becomes more common. This could help understand the long-term effects on heart health.

Source: technologynetworks.com

HEALTH

Cases of Highly Infectious and Preventable Measles Surged Across the Globe by 20 Percent Last Year

Last year, measles cases around the world went up by 20%. This virus is very contagious but can be stopped with vaccines. Health experts say that not enough children are getting vaccinated, which is causing more measles cases.

To stop measles from spreading, people need two doses of the vaccine. Health groups like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. CDC say that at least 95% of people need these vaccines to prevent outbreaks. Between 2000 and 2023, the measles vaccine saved over 60 million lives.

In 2023, over 22 million children did not get their first dose of the vaccine. Also, only 74% of kids got the second dose they needed. Because many kids were not vaccinated, there were big outbreaks in 57 countries. About 107,500 people died from measles last year, and most of them were children under five years old.

Measles can cause severe problems, like blindness and pneumonia, especially in young kids. It can also cause brain swelling. The WHO's leader, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stressed the need to vaccinate everyone, no matter where they live, to save lives.

In the U.S., fewer young kids are getting vaccinated, which is worrying because measles was already stopped here in 2000. Health officials say the vaccine is the best way to protect against measles and keep everyone safe.

Source: independent.co.uk

Dark Chocolate Linked to Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Study Says

Chocolate lovers, take note! A recent study suggests that eating dark chocolate might lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that eating 1 ounce of dark chocolate a few times a week could lower this risk by 21%.

Before you grab a chocolate bar, remember that not all chocolate offers the same benefits. The study highlighted that dark chocolate, not milk chocolate, is the healthier choice. Milk chocolate, in fact, was linked to weight gain, which can increase diabetes risk.

Why dark chocolate? It contains more cacao—the less processed form of chocolate—rich in flavanols. These compounds are strong antioxidants. They fight inflammation and may prevent chronic diseases, like diabetes.

The study analyzed data from over 111,000 people over 25 years. It could not prove that dark chocolate prevents diabetes. Also, the findings are based on observations rather than controlled trials, so more research is needed.

Despite its potential benefits, dark chocolate should be consumed in moderation. Dr. Nestoras Mathioudakis, a diabetes expert, warns against using chocolate to manage blood sugar. He suggests opting for naturally rich flavonoid foods like dark berries and apples instead.

So, if you like chocolate, try small amounts of dark chocolate. It could be a tasty, healthy choice. It's part of a bigger picture. It includes a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

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.