12/26/25 - #552

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Does High-fat Dairy Prevent Dementia? Not So Fast, Experts Say

• 5 Things to Know About the New Obesity Pills That Are on the Way

• CDC Adopts Advisers’ Recommendation Against Universal Hepatitis B Vaccines for Babies

• The National Institute on Drug Abuse Found That 22% of Americans Aged 19–30 Use Alcohol, Cannabis, or Both to Help Them Sleep. Cannabis Was Far More Common Than Alcohol, Use Varied by Gender and Race, and Researchers Cautioned That Regular Reliance May Worsen Sleep and Increase Addiction Risk

…and lots more. Have a great day!

Still Struggling With Hemorrhoids? You’re Not Alone.

If you've tried creams, wipes, or even surgery—and you're still dealing with pain, swelling, and that constant fear of a flare-up—you’re not crazy. You’re just not getting to the root of the problem.

Most solutions only work on the surface. But hemorrhoids run deeper than that. And until you support what’s happening inside your body, the cycle continues.

That’s why thousands are turning to Hem Hero®—a powerful, natural supplement from the trusted Hem Healer® brand.

Formulated with clinically-studied ingredients, Hem Hero® helps:

• Reduce swelling and discomfort

• Strengthen and support vein health

• Soothe itching and irritation

• Deliver discreet, lasting relief from the inside out

No messy creams. No awkward moments. Just three small capsules a day—1 in the morning, 2 at night—and you’re on your way to feeling normal again.

✅ Free shipping on orders $79.99+
✅ Subscribe and save 10%
✅ Cancel anytime

It’s time to stop suffering in silence.
Try Hem Hero® today and finally feel like you again.

👉 Shop now. Comfort is just a click away.

FOOD & NUTRITION

Does High-fat Dairy Prevent Dementia? Not So Fast, Experts Say

A new study from Sweden looked at nearly 28,000 people over 25 years. It found that those who ate more high-fat cheese and cream had a slightly lower risk of dementia. For example, eating about two ounces of high-fat cheese each day was linked to a 13% lower risk. But experts say we shouldn’t rush to eat more cheese.

The study only looked at people’s diets once, back in 1991. It did not follow how their diets changed over time. When researchers did a follow-up on a smaller group, the link between cheese and brain health was no longer strong.

Experts say cheese may only look helpful because it replaced worse foods, like processed meats. That doesn’t mean cheese is good for the brain — it may just be the better choice compared to unhealthy meats.

Also, most dairy in Sweden comes from grass-fed cows. This can lead to more omega-3 fats, which may help the brain. But in the U.S., most dairy is made differently, so results may not be the same.

The study found no brain benefit from butter, milk, yogurt, or low-fat dairy. People who ate low-fat dairy were already less healthy, which may have affected the results.

In the end, experts say this study does not prove that cheese or cream prevents dementia. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, and managing health problems are still the best ways to protect your brain.

Source: edition.cnn.com

WEIGHT LOSS

5 Things to Know About the New Obesity Pills That Are on the Way

Millions have used weekly shots like Wegovy or Zepbound to lose weight. Now, pills that work in a similar way are coming—and they may be more convenient and affordable. Here’s what you need to know:

1. The First Pill Is Approved The FDA has approved a daily pill version of Wegovy, made by Novo Nordisk. It uses the same ingredient—semaglutide—and works like the injection. Eli Lilly is also working on a pill called orforglipron, with a different ingredient.

2. Daily Doses, Different Rules These pills must be taken every day. The Wegovy pill needs to be taken on an empty stomach and absorbed over 30 minutes. Eli Lilly’s pill has no food or water restrictions.

3. They Work, But Differently In studies, the Wegovy pill helped people lose about 17% of their body weight. Eli Lilly’s pill led to about 12% weight loss. Both had similar side effects: mostly nausea and diarrhea.

4. They May Cost Less These pills may be cheaper than shots. Novo Nordisk’s starting dose is $149/month without insurance. Injectables can cost over $1,000/month before discounts.

5. More Pills Are Coming The FDA may approve Eli Lilly’s pill soon. Both companies are also testing new drugs that may be even more effective in the future.

Source: npr.org

HEALTH

CDC Adopts Advisers’ Recommendation Against Universal Hepatitis B Vaccines for Babies

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) no longer recommends that all newborns get the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Instead, if a mother tests negative for hepatitis B, parents and doctors can decide together when to give the shot.

Since 1991, the CDC had advised giving the first dose at birth. This helped reduce hepatitis B in children from 18,000 cases a year to about 20. Now, the CDC says that babies with low risk can wait until 2 months or later.

Hepatitis B is a virus that harms the liver. It spreads through blood and body fluids, and babies can catch it during birth. While most adults recover, babies often develop long-term infections. These can lead to liver cancer, organ failure, or early death.

Some health experts warn that delaying the shot could lead to more infections. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical groups still recommend giving the shot at birth. They say the vaccine is very safe and protects babies early.

Critics worry that the new advice sends the wrong message and may confuse parents. A recent study suggests waiting just two months could cause hundreds more infections each year.

The vaccine is still available at no cost. Parents who want it at birth can still ask for it.

Doctors stress that the hepatitis B shot is a strong tool to prevent serious illness. Many experts believe removing the universal advice is a dangerous step back.

Source: edition.cnn.com

The National Institute on Drug Abuse Found That 22% of Americans Aged 19–30 Use Alcohol, Cannabis, or Both to Help Them Sleep. Cannabis Was Far More Common Than Alcohol, Use Varied by Gender and Race, and Researchers Cautioned That Regular Reliance May Worsen Sleep and Increase Addiction Risk

A new study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 22% of young adults aged 19 to 30 use alcohol, cannabis, or both to help them sleep. Cannabis was much more common than alcohol.

Men were more likely than women to use these substances. Use also differed by race and background. But researchers warn that using alcohol or cannabis regularly to fall asleep may cause more harm than good.

While some people feel these substances help them fall asleep faster, they may actually lower sleep quality over time. They can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycles, making it harder to stay asleep or feel rested. Regular use may also raise the risk of addiction.

Experts say it’s better to build healthy sleep habits. Try keeping a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine late in the day, and getting sunlight in the morning. Relaxation exercises or therapy may also help with sleep.

This study is a reminder that even if something feels like it helps in the short term, it might create problems later. If you’re having trouble sleeping, talk to a doctor or health provider before using alcohol or cannabis as a fix.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It does not give medical advice. Always check with your doctor before starting or stopping any treatment.

Source: mayoclinicproceedings.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.