12/29/25 - #553

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• People Who Regularly Consume Polyphenol-rich Foods and Drinks, Such as Tea, Coffee, Berries, Cocoa, Nuts, Whole Grains and Olive Oil, May Have Better Long-term Heart Health, With Healthier Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Profiles

• GLP-1 Pills Are on the Way. Here's What to Know

• Nearly 5 Million Flu Illnesses Reported So Far Nationally, Latest CDC Data Shows

• Giving Men a Common Antidepressant Could Help Tackle Domestic Violence: World-first Study

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

People Who Regularly Consume Polyphenol-rich Foods and Drinks, Such as Tea, Coffee, Berries, Cocoa, Nuts, Whole Grains and Olive Oil, May Have Better Long-term Heart Health, With Healthier Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Profiles

Eating certain plant-based foods every day may help your heart stay strong as you get older. A new study from King’s College London followed over 3,000 adults for 11 years. It found that people who ate more foods rich in polyphenols had better heart health.

Polyphenols are natural compounds found in plants. They are in everyday foods like tea, coffee, berries, cocoa, nuts, whole grains, and olive oil. People who ate more of these foods had lower blood pressure and healthier cholesterol. They also had a lower risk of heart disease.

The researchers created a “polyphenol diet score” based on 20 common foods. This score helped them see how overall food habits—rather than just one food—affect heart health.

The study also tested people’s urine. They found that those with higher levels of polyphenol breakdown products had better heart markers, including more “good” cholesterol (HDL).

Experts say even small changes, like eating a handful of nuts or using olive oil instead of butter, may help your heart over time.

“These foods are easy to find and simple to add to your meals,” said Dr. Yong Li, one of the study’s authors. “Adding them regularly is a smart way to support heart health.”

As we age, our heart risk goes up. But this study shows that a polyphenol-rich diet may help slow that risk.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational use only. Always talk to your doctor before changing your diet.

Source: kcl.ac.uk

WEIGHT LOSS

GLP-1 Pills Are on the Way. Here's What to Know

You may have heard of Ozempic or other GLP-1 drugs. These medicines help people lose weight and manage blood sugar. But they come as weekly shots, can be costly, and aren’t always covered by insurance.

Now, pill versions of these drugs are on the way.

One pill is a form of Wegovy, which could be approved by the FDA by the end of the year. Another pill may follow soon after. Both are meant to treat obesity, and many people are excited about having an option that doesn’t involve needles.

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It’s a hormone your body makes that helps you feel full and helps control blood sugar. GLP-1 drugs copy this hormone’s action but stay in the body longer. This helps people eat less and keep blood sugar steady.

The new pills work in the same way but may be easier to take. They could also be more affordable or better covered by insurance. This could make treatment possible for more people.

Experts still want to see more data on safety, side effects, and cost. But for many, these pills offer hope for a simpler way to manage weight and health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new medication.

Source: npr.org

HEALTH

Nearly 5 Million Flu Illnesses Reported So Far Nationally, Latest CDC Data Shows

Flu season is getting worse in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says nearly 5 million people have gotten the flu this season. About 49,000 have been sent to the hospital, and 1,900 people have died.

New York City has some of the highest flu levels in the country. Other states with moderate flu activity include Texas, New Jersey, Colorado, and Hawaii. The rest of the country is seeing low or very low levels—for now.

Most flu cases are being caused by a new version of the virus called “subclade K” of A(H3N2). This strain doesn’t match the flu shot perfectly, but health experts say the vaccine still helps. It can lower your risk of getting very sick, going to the hospital, or dying.

Flu deaths in children are also a concern. Three children have died from flu so far this season. Last year, 288 children died—the most since 2009. The CDC says most of those kids were not vaccinated.

Fewer kids are getting the flu shot this year—about 10% less than before the pandemic. So far, about 140 million flu shots have been given out across the country.

Doctors say it’s not too late to get your flu shot. As people travel and gather indoors for the holidays, flu spreads more easily. The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months old get a yearly flu shot.

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Please talk to your doctor.

Source: abcnews.go.com

Giving Men a Common Antidepressant Could Help Tackle Domestic Violence: World-first Study

A new study from Australia found that a common antidepressant called sertraline may help lower domestic violence among some men.

Researchers from the University of New South Wales and the University of Newcastle studied over 600 men. Some were given sertraline, and others got a placebo (a fake pill). Most of the men had been in trouble with the law.

After two years, 28% of men who took sertraline committed another act of domestic violence. In the placebo group, that number was nearly 36%. For men who took the drug regularly, the chance of reoffending dropped by 30%. Sertraline works by raising serotonin levels in the brain, which helps control emotions and actions.

Before the trial began, men who took sertraline had less depression, anger, and irritability in just four weeks.

However, medicine alone wasn’t enough. The study also offered support like counseling, help with housing, and 24-hour crisis care. This mix of treatment helped the men stay in the program and make changes.

One man said the pills helped him stay calm during a road rage incident. A partner of another man said, “I used to sleep with a hammer under my bed. Now I can sleep more easily.”

The program cost about $7,000 per person each year, compared to $150,000 for jail.

This study does not excuse violence. But it shows that treating mental health and offering support can help stop harm before it happens—saving lives and helping families feel safe.

Source: theconversation.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.