12/26/24 - #291

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• U.S. Dietary Guidelines Should Emphasize Beans and Lentils as Protein, New Proposal Says

• FDA Approves Eli Lilly's Weight Loss Drug Zepbound for Sleep Apnea, Expanding Use in U.S.

• FDA Raises Recall Alert to Highest Level on Costco Eggs Over Risk of Severe Illness or Death Due to Salmonella

• A Study on Over a Million Kids Found Having Your Tonsils or Adenoids Removed in Early Life Could Be Linked With a Higher Risk of Developing Some Form of Stress-related Disorder Later on, Especially Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Compared With People Who Still Have Their Throats Intact

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

U.S. Dietary Guidelines Should Emphasize Beans and Lentils as Protein, New Proposal Says

A new proposal says Americans should eat more beans and lentils. They should replace red and processed meats as their main protein sources. This advice comes from a group of health experts. They advise the Agriculture Department. They are updating the U.S. dietary guidelines, revised every five years.

Experts believe that eating more beans, peas, lentils, and whole grains can reduce the risk of diseases like heart disease and diabetes. They found these foods are nutritious and can help prevent long-term health issues.

It also recommends eating less sugar, salt, and sugary drinks. And, eat more whole grains. For example, they suggest at least half of the grains we eat should be whole grains.

Studies have shown that diets high in sugary drinks can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, and too much salt can lead to high blood pressure.

These suggested changes are based on research linking diet to health problems. Angela Odoms-Young, a key member of the committee, emphasized the benefits of adding more plant-based proteins to our diets. She suggests trying "meatless Mondays" or reducing meat portions to include more beans and peas in meals.

This proposal is part of a larger effort to improve Americans' health through better diet choices. It is now being reviewed, and the public can comment on it for 60 days. The final guidelines should be ready next year. They will make dietary recommendations practical for everyone.

Source: nbcnews.com

WEIGHT LOSS

FDA Approves Eli Lilly's Weight Loss Drug Zepbound for Sleep Apnea, Expanding Use in U.S.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a drug called Zepbound, made by Eli Lilly, for treating sleep apnea in people who are obese. Before this, Zepbound was used to help with weight loss. Now, it’s the first drug that doctors can prescribe specifically for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition causes blocked airways. It makes people stop breathing for short periods during sleep.

This approval is important because it might help patients get insurance coverage for Zepbound. The drug should be used with a diet that has fewer calories and more exercise. Sleep apnea affects a lot of people—about 80 million in the U.S., and 20 million have it bad. But 85% of these cases aren't diagnosed.

Julie Flygare, who leads a sleep health group, said that sleep apnea is more than just loud snoring and needs to be taken seriously. She hopes this new treatment will help people talk more with their doctors and get better.

Zepbound has an ingredient called Tirzepatide, which is also used to treat diabetes. The drug is being studied for other health issues too. Insurance often doesn't cover weight loss drugs unless they help with other health problems, which Zepbound does now.

Zepbound offers a new way to treat sleep apnea without having to wear a mask at night. Early studies show that it can really help reduce the problems from sleep apnea, helping nearly half of the patients treated.

Source: cnbc.com

HEALTH

FDA Raises Recall Alert to Highest Level on Costco Eggs Over Risk of Severe Illness or Death Due to Salmonella

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a serious warning about certain eggs sold at Costco. These eggs may be contaminated with salmonella, a bacteria that can cause very bad illness or even death. The recall affects eggs from Handsome Brook Farms.

On November 27, the FDA announced that approximately 10,800 cartons of 24-count organic, pasture-raised eggs under the Kirkland Signature brand were recalled. This recall has now been upgraded to a Class I, the most severe level. It means there's a high chance that eating these eggs could lead to serious health problems or death.

The affected eggs were sold in 25 Costco stores in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee starting November 22. They have a use-by date of January 5, 2025, and a barcode (UPC) of 9661910680.

If you bought these eggs, it’s important to return them to Costco immediately for a full refund. Eating these eggs could be very dangerous, especially for older people. To stay safe, make sure you keep up with the latest updates on food recalls.

Customers with these eggs should not eat them but return them to Costco for a refund. Staying informed and returning the eggs can help prevent illness.

Source: nbcnews.com

A Study on Over a Million Kids Found Having Your Tonsils or Adenoids Removed in Early Life Could Be Linked With a Higher Risk of Developing Some Form of Stress-related Disorder Later on, Especially Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Compared With People Who Still Have Their Throats Intact

A recent study of over a million children found a link. Kids who had their tonsils or adenoids removed may be more likely to develop stress-related disorders later, including PTSD. This research, conducted in Sweden, was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open. It looked at the health records of children and young adults.

The findings showed that kids who had their tonsils or adenoids removed were more likely to have serious stress disorders, like PTSD and acute stress. This was in comparison to those who didn't have these surgeries. This is important. It suggests that these common surgeries might affect long-term mental health.

The study was large and tracked participants over many years, which adds to the strength of its conclusions. These insights are vital for doctors and parents. They help decide whether to proceed with procedures for repeated throat infections or sleep issues.

Knowing the possible mental health effects can improve post-surgery care. It can also help in making informed decisions about children's health. The study urges more research on the long-term effects of childhood medical treatments. It also calls for a careful look at surgeries, like tonsil or adenoid removal. We should focus on their need and possible future health effects.

Source: jamanetwork.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.