Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Links Found Between Ultra-processed Foods and Mouth and Throat Cancers

• Health Problems Related to Obesity

• Why Elderly Men Have the Highest Rates of Suicides

• Study (N=16, Healthy, Aged 22 to 45) Found That Breathing Highway Air During a Drive Increases Blood Pressure of More Than 4.50 Mm Hg, When Compared to Drives With Filtered Air

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Links Found Between Ultra-processed Foods and Mouth and Throat Cancers

Did you know that eating a lot of processed foods might increase your risk of getting certain cancers? This is what a new study is saying. Researchers looked at the eating habits of over 450,000 adults for about 14 years. Foods heavily processed, like snacks and ready-to-eat meals, might cause cancers. Cancers can occur in the mouth, throat, and esophagus.

What’s surprising is that this risk isn’t just from gaining weight by eating these foods. These processed foods are often tasty, cheap, and make us eat more, leading to weight gain. However, the study found that the risk of cancer is about more than just being overweight.

Eating just a bit more of these processed foods can raise the risk of certain cancers significantly. This suggests that something in these foods, not just the weight gain they might cause, could be harmful.

Processed foods have lots of chemicals from being made in factories. These chemicals could be harmful to our bodies. Also, the way these foods are packed and made might add other bad chemicals.

More research is needed to understand this better. But, eating less processed food and more fresh, minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is a good idea. This can help us stay healthier.

Experts like Dr. Helen Croker say eating healthier can lower the risk of these cancers. This means choosing natural and fresh foods over processed ones is important for our health.

Source: interestingengineering.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Health Problems Related to Obesity

About 40% of adults in the U.S. are overweight, meaning their body mass index (BMI) is 30 or more. This extra weight can cause health issues, but losing some of it can help.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease happens when fat damages your liver. Being overweight increases this risk, but early treatment can improve it.

Osteoarthritis causes joint pain due to extra weight. Losing just 5% of your weight can lessen the pain. Exercise is good, but ask your doctor what's best for you.

High Cholesterol can rise from unhealthy eating and lack of exercise. Eating foods like oats and fruits helps lower it.

Type 2 Diabetes is more likely in overweight people. Losing weight helps manage blood sugar levels.

Gout, causing joint pain, is more common with extra weight. Losing weight and eating healthy can help.

High Blood Pressure occurs when your heart works harder due to extra weight. Dropping 10 pounds can reduce it.

Hardened arteries from being overweight can lead to heart issues or strokes. Early treatment is important.

Kidney Disease, Sleep Apnea, and some pregnancy problems are linked to being overweight. Maintaining a healthy weight can prevent these.

Also, being overweight increases the risk of certain cancers. Healthy eating and activity can reduce this risk.

Losing weight and staying healthy are crucial to avoid these health problems.

Source: webmd.com

HEALTH

Why Elderly Men Have the Highest Rates of Suicides

On NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday, Ayesha Rascoe talked with expert Kimberly Van Orden about why older men have high suicide rates.

In 2022, suicides went up by 3% in the U.S. Men over 75 are more likely to commit suicide than other people, especially white men. Van Orden said there isn't just one reason for this. She mentioned five main factors. Feeling very sad and alone are factors that contribute to this situation. Another factor is the inability to perform tasks effectively. Being sick is also a contributing factor. Additionally, having easy access to lethal means, such as firearms, plays a role.

Even though older people are usually happier and less sad than younger ones, those who feel very sad have a harder time. Older men often don't talk about feeling suicidal and use more dangerous methods, like guns.

Van Orden, who specializes in helping older people, says they might talk about their sadness differently. They might say they can't sleep well or can't focus. They usually tell their regular doctors about these problems.

It's important for doctors to understand these signs and help older people get the right care. Van Orden believes our society doesn't discuss older people's suicides much. This is because of ageism, which is the belief that being old is negative. She says we need to care more about older people's feelings and health.

Remember, if someone is thinking about suicide, they can call or text 988 for help.

Source: npr.org

Study (N=16, Healthy, Aged 22 to 45) Found That Breathing Highway Air During a Drive Increases Blood Pressure of More Than 4.50 Mm Hg, When Compared to Drives With Filtered Air

Have you ever thought about the air you breathe while driving on a busy road? A new study by the University of Washington (UW) tells us it's something to consider.

We know busy roads are full of cars that create pollution. This pollution has been linked to health problems like heart disease and asthma. The UW study, published on November 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, finds that the air on busy roads can also raise your blood pressure.

Researchers did an experiment with healthy adults aged 22 to 45. They drove in Seattle's rush-hour traffic while their blood pressure was watched. Sometimes they breathed regular road air, and other times they used special air filters in the car. These filters removed about 86% of the pollution. The drivers didn't know when they were getting clean or regular air.

The study found that inhaling unfiltered road air increased blood pressure. The increase was more than 4.50 mm Hg compared to filtered air. This increase is similar to eating a lot of salty foods.

Joel Kaufman, the UW professor who led the study, said that even a small rise in blood pressure can lead to more heart problems in many people. The study suggests that ultrafine particles from cars increase blood pressure.

This research is important because it shows the health impact of air pollution from everyday driving. It reminds us that the air we breathe while driving isn't just about comfort – it's also about our health.

Source: washington.edu

✢ 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.