My Choices Weekly News

Walking After Meals: Small Habit, Big Metabolic Gains
“Did you know that your blood sugar can spike by 30% or more after a typical meal, even if you do not have diabetes? However, the solution could be as simple as taking a short walk after eating. Emerging research shows that the simple act of walking after meals may dramatically improve metabolic health.”

The power of pets in reducing loneliness and social isolation for at-risk groups
“A new pilot program is the first to use a shared interest in pets to help build connections between young and older adults to reduce loneliness and social isolation.”

Ultra-Processed Foods Tied to More Than 124,000 Preventable Deaths in U.S.
“Ultra-processed foods could be driving an increase in preventable deaths, a global study reports. For every 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption in total daily energy intake, the risk of all-cause mortality rose by 2.7%. Ultra-processed foods have been associated with 32 adverse physical and mental health outcomes.”

There’s a way to make sure you never lose your workout motivation.
“We all know that exercising regularly is important for health, but finding the motivation is often challenging. Fatigue, daily commitments, and lack of energy make us think twice before getting off the couch and heading to the gym. In a world where motivational tips abound on TikTok, a new study shows that one of the most effective ways to gain and maintain motivation is much simpler: mindfulness.”

Smoking, Drinking, And Lack Of Exercise Start Showing Adverse Health Impact At Age 36
“A new study claims to have pinned the exact age at which bad habits begin to catch up with our health, and it might be younger than you think. A new study by Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland says that by their mid-30s, people who had an unhealthy relationship with drinking, smoking, and exercise at an earlier age were already showing signs of adverse health.”

Exercise boosts brain health — even when energy is low
“We know exercise is good for our body, but what about our brains? A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that exercise plays a crucial role in keeping our minds sharp, even when one of the brain’s key energy sources isn’t available. The study, led by Mizzou researchers Taylor Kelty and R. Scott Rector, offers fresh insight into brain health and suggests that exercise could play a bigger role in preventing cognitive decline than previously thought.”

New Study Explores the Impact of High-Volume Exercise on Heart Health
“Key Findings: Individuals engaging in intermediate physical activity had the lowest risk of CAD events, such as heart attacks. Those performing high-volume exercise did not experience a reduction in CAD risk compared to those in the low range. However, individuals in the high-volume exercise group had a lower risk of all-cause mortality, reinforcing the broader health benefits of sustained physical activity beyond cardiovascular disease prevention. Coronary artery atherosclerosis remained a strong predictor of CAD events regardless of exercise volume. This study highlights that coronary atherosclerosis in high-volume exercisers is still associated with cardiovascular events, reinforcing the need for careful risk assessment and management in physically active populations.”

HHS, FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Nation’s Food Supply
“Washington, DC—APRIL 22, 2025—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced a series of new measures to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply—a significant milestone in the administration’s broader initiative to Make America Healthy Again.”

Sugary Drinks Linked to Gut Bacteria Changes and Diabetes
“Sugary drinks have been linked to changes in the gut microbiome and to a higher risk of developing diabetes in Hispanic or Latino populations, according to study published in Cell Metabolism. Hispanic or Latino populations are at higher risk for diabetes compared to their white counterparts, according to the National Institutes of Health, and while the role of diet in diabetes has been well-studied, less is known about the link between the gut microbiome and disease risk, said Linda Van Horn, PhD, RD, chief of Nutrition in the Department of Preventive Medicine, who was a co-author of the study.”

Navigating global uncertainty together: reframing our approach to control
“In an ever-changing academic landscape, focusing on what we can – and can’t – control and influence helps us build resilience. Here, Imogen and Jay offer practical tips and strategies to help you feel more engaged.”

This physical activity is better at reducing stress than going to the gym — it’s not sex
“Looking to step up your workouts? Forget running on the treadmill or cycling to work. An international team of researchers suggests a different activity to manage stress, build resilience and improve well-being — dancing. “Our research shows that by dancing, we can tap into a natural stress-relief mechanism that enhances our resilience and helps us cope with daily pressures,” said Jonathan Skinner, co-author of the study at the University of Surrey in the UK.”

AI-driven study finds appearance, not health, is the top exercise motivator
“A new study from Tel Aviv University used AI tools for the first time to discover what motivates people to exercise and which strategies are most effective for maintaining physical fitness.”

Impact of combined high-intensity bodyweight interval training and breathing exercise on cardiometabolic health in normal-weight middle-aged adults with hypertension
“In conclusion combined exercise for 10 weeks could lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, increase CRF, and improved lipid profile. As a clinical implication, the results of this study can be an alternative or complementary approach to treatment for hypertension, potentially reducing the need for medications and their associated side effects.”

Kennedy asks FDA to revise ‘self-affirm’ rule for food ingredient safety
“March 10 (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. directed the Food and Drug Administration on Monday to revise safety rules to help eliminate a provision that allows companies to self-affirm that food ingredients are safe. This would increase transparency for consumers as well as the FDA’s oversight of food ingredients considered to be safe, Kennedy said.”

Adding 2,500 Daily Steps May Improve Heart Health In Female Cancer Survivors
“Among older female cancer survivors, moderate daily exercise significantly reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Cancer survivors are statistically more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Reducing sedentary time and increasing activity can be easily integrated into daily life to lower cardiovascular disease risk.”

Exercise tied to reduced risk for some neuropsychiatric diseases
“People who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity may be less likely to develop dementia, stroke, anxiety, depression and sleep disorders compared with those with more sedentary behavior, according to preliminary study results.”

Make Sure You’re Getting Plenty of These Superfoods for Peak Kidney Health
“According to the CDC, it is estimated that over 1 in 7 US adults has chronic kidney disease. This can cause excess waste and fluid to build up in the body, leading to health problems like heart disease, increased infections, depression, anemia and loss of appetite. The kidneys are essential for overall health.”

Integrative Oncology Program
“The Cancer Advances podcast is joined by the Chair of the Palliative and Supportive Care Department, Laura Shoemaker, DO, and Integrative Medicine Specialist, Naoki Umeda, MD, to talk about Cleveland Clinic’s Integrative Oncology Program. Listen as they share how combining evidence-based complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and lifestyle medicine, with conventional cancer treatment can help alleviate symptoms, enhance patients’ quality of life, and improve outcomes.”

Surprising benefits of one of the most simple forms of exercise
“When it comes to exercise, sometimes simple is best for accessibility and consistency. Not to be overlooked, walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise that provides numerous benefits in the short and long term.”

How to bridge the historical divide between physical and mental wellness
“In a comprehensive Genomic Press Interview published today in Brain Medicine, psychiatry resident Dr. Nicholas Fabiano reveals how a personal injury transformed into groundbreaking research on the intersection of physical and mental health. The interview showcases Dr. Fabiano’s innovative work in lifestyle psychiatry and his mission to bridge the historical divide between physical and mental wellness.”

Muscle strengthening exercise may help tackle insomnia in older adults
“Resistance or muscle strengthening exercise, using weights or the body itself, may be the best type of exercise for tackling insomnia in older age, suggests a pooled data analysis of the available research, published in the open access journal Family Medicine and Community Health.”

A Public Health Amicus Brief Highlights the Harm if the Supreme Court Invalidates a Key Provision of the Affordable Care Act
“Millions would lose access to free preventive health care services such as cancer screenings, the public health brief says.”

The ‘dark matter’ of nutrition: How AI and network science are transforming our understanding of food and health
“Network science and artificial intelligence can identify food molecules that negatively affect health as well as alleviate disease by proposing dietary changes, a Northeastern expert says.”

A prescription for produce improves health, new research finds
“When Davron Jones’ therapist prescribed fruits and vegetables, he was skeptical. The 52-year-old Alameda, California, resident was struggling with depression and alcohol addiction, as well as diabetes and a heart condition. His therapist, who worked at a community health clinic in nearby Oakland, thought improving his nutrition could help.”

Does a vegetarian diet help or harm your brain? Here’s what the science reveals
“In a recent review article in the journal Nutrients, researchers explored whether following vegetarian or vegan diets improves neurological health. Their findings indicate that well-planned plant-based diets, rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, can protect against oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, which contribute to neurodegeneration. However, care must be taken to support cognitive well-being while also preventing nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, selenium, and iodine, as these nutrients play crucial roles in brain function and neuroprotection.”

Research debunks belief that e-cigarettes support smoking cessation
“Researchers at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science and Moores Cancer Center at University of California San Diego have found that, among smokers in the United States, e-cigarette use does not increase smoking cessation and is actually associated with reduced tobacco abstinence. The findings, published March 5 in JAMA, refute the notion that e-cigarettes can help people quit, a common misperception among tobacco users and e-cigarette proponents.”

Medicare patients with cancer often receive aggressive treatment over supportive care
“Overall, claims records showed that 45% of the patients experienced potentially aggressive care (such as multiple acute care visits within days of death), while there was a low receipt of supportive care, such as palliative, hospice and advanced care planning in the last six months of life. While hospice care spiked to more than 70% during the month that death occurred, over 16% of patients spent less than 3 days in hospices. Moreover, receipt of advanced care planning and palliative care remained below 25%.”

Acceptability of self-sampling and self-testing for infections: a rapid systematic review on public users’ views
“Conclusions: This review synthesised evidence on the acceptability of SS/ST and factors affecting it across different infections, sampling approaches, settings, and populations. Evidence shows that most people with experience of self-sampling/self-testing found it acceptable and were willing to accept some discomfort in favour of several perceived benefits. This amenability to self-sampling/self-testing could be leveraged for diagnosing infections and preventing transmission. It can be used to support the viability of new models of clinical care and pandemic preparedness.”

Dancing your way to fitness: Study shows health benefits of free-form dance are comparable to conventional exercise
“Forget sneakers or cleats and put on those boogie shoes, as new research from Northeastern University finds that dancing can have the same health benefits as running and other forms of exercise.”

Diet and fitness apps linked to problem eating and body image issues
“New research has linked the use of diet and fitness apps to problematic eating habits and body image issues, particularly in young people. It highlights the fine line that exists between using these apps for motivation and using them to perpetuate potentially dangerous behaviors.”

Nutrition Misinformation
“Nutrition advice is rife with misinformation − a medical education specialist explains how to tell valid health information from pseudoscience”

FDA delays when a final rule on what foods can be labeled as ‘healthy’ goes into effect
“The US Food and Drug Administration’s new standards for foods before they can be labeled as “healthy” on their packaging will go into effect about two months later than planned, according to a government document scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday.”

QA Exclusive: Food Safety Leaders React to Jim Jones’ Departure, FDA Layoffs
“Last week’s news of Jim Jones’ resignation from his position as deputy commissioner for human foods at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following the Trump administration’s layoffs of 89 staffers in the agency’s food division has sparked concerns about the future of food safety in the United States, according to various stakeholders interviewed by QA magazine.”

Most plant-based restaurant meals are unhealthy, study finds
“In a recent study published in the journal Nutrients, researchers examined the menus of restaurants around the world to see whether plant-based offerings at both omnivore (OMNI) and vegan or vegetarian (VEG) eateries are ‘healthful’ in terms of avoiding saturated fats, refined grains, and deep-fried foods.”

The growing list of human viruses: Are we prepared for the next outbreak?
“In a recent review published in the journal Virology, researchers examined the increasing diversity of human viruses, their epidemiological significance, and preventive strategies to mitigate emerging threats.”

Brain aging linked to neuronal hyperactivation, not decline, study finds
“A study of nematodes by researchers at Nagoya University in Japan has found that aging-related decline in brain function is caused by the excessive activation of certain neurons over time, rather than a decline in neuronal activity. This finding, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that interventions aimed at reducing neuronal hyperactivation, such as dietary changes, could potentially mitigate age-related cognitive decline.”

New method uses stool DNA to track diet and health
“Scientists have developed a breakthrough method to track diet using stool metagenomic data. Developed by researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB), the new method, called MEDI (Metagenomic Estimation of Dietary Intake), detects food-derived DNA in stool samples to estimate dietary intake. MEDI leverages stool metagenomics, which refers to sequencing all the DNA present in fecal samples (including microbial, human, and food-derived DNA). This non-invasive, data-driven approach offers an objective alternative to traditional food diaries and questionnaires, which are still the gold standard in dietary assessment but can suffer from misreporting and compliance issues.”

Doctors Demand Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Panel Update ‘Outdated and Misleading’ Milk Recommendation
“Washington, D.C. — Doctors and dietitians from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a public health advocacy nonprofit with more than 17,000 doctor members, called on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation today to update its health panel report, Healthy Beverage Consumption in School-Age Children and Adolescents.”

18 Foods That Have More Protein Than an Egg
“Eggs are a popular and easy source of protein. A large egg contains 6.3 grams of protein (13% of the DV). However, other foods have more protein per serving.”

Rising U.S. Childhood ADHD, Anxiety and ASD Tied to Caregiver Mental Health
“February 18, 2025 – Childhood mental, behavioral and developmental disorders include conditions like anxiety, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression, which can affect a child’s well-being, starting as early as preschool.”

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for the Treatment of Vestibular Migraine: A Prospective Pilot Study
“Conclusions – In this non-controlled, prospective pilot study, a MBSR program was highly effective for decreasing dizziness burden and improving measures of quality of life in subjects with VM. Future randomized controlled trials are warranted and forthcoming.”

Lifestyle and environmental factors play bigger role in health and premature death than genetics
“A new study led by researchers from Oxford Population Health has shown that a range of environmental factors, including lifestyle (smoking and physical activity), and living conditions, have a greater impact on health and premature death than our genes. The researchers used data from nearly half a million UK Biobank participants to assess the influence of 164 environmental factors and genetic risk scores for 22 major diseases on ageing, age-related diseases, and premature death.”

A Patient’s Ability to Perform a Cardiac Stress Test Offers a Critical Window on Their Mortality Risk
“New York, NY (February 19, 2025)  People who can exercise sufficiently on a treadmill during cardiac stress testing have a lower mortality risk regardless of their overall level of heart disease, a Mount Sinai-led team of researchers has found.”

Cancer incidence and deaths still higher in Appalachia despite progress
“Fewer people than before are being diagnosed with and dying from cancer in Appalachia, but cancer incidence and death rates remain substantially higher, especially in certain areas of Central Appalachia, compared to elsewhere in the U.S.”

Tim Davern: The Earth is a Liver
“I am fascinated by the Greek myth of Prometheus, the Titan who stole fire from the god Zeus and gave it to man in the form of enlightenment. For his crime, he was chained to a rock face atop a mountain and every day, Zeus’ eagle devoured his liver, but every night it grew back, ensuring eternal torment.”

If you are a Peloton subscriber, check this out
Northwestern Medicine and Peloton Team Up on Wellness Innovation, Starting With Heart Health
“CHICAGO — Northwestern Medicine announced a new initiative with Peloton, launching a 30-minute heart health walk featuring Peloton Instructor, Matt Wilpers, and Northwestern Medicine’s Clyde Yancy, MD, chief of cardiology.  The class coincides with Heart Awareness Month, and is the latest addition to Peloton’s Health Centered class collection, which includes conversations with medical advisors on how to incorporate movement for lifestyle goals and chronic conditions.”

New tools may help mental health hospitals close life expectancy gap through exercise
“An innovative set of resources released this month will help mental health services implement potentially life-saving exercise programs for patients, addressing the alarming gap in life expectancy faced by people with severe mental illness.”

A study confirms the positive effects of exercise on insulin signaling proteins in the brain.
“A study led by researchers at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, published in the journal Aging Cell, reveals that specialized brain cells involved in the body’s insulin response are activated after exercise. This finding suggests that physical activity may have a direct, positive impact on brain function.”

The “Wild West” of Cancer Misinformation Online
“Between 2013 and 2017, Australian wellness influencer Belle Gibson achieved Instagram fame by claiming she had cured her terminal brain cancer naturally. Gibson amassed a vast and lucrative following, encouraging her supporters to avoid chemotherapy and other medical treatments. But her story began to unravel when she was exposed in March 2015, with journalists from The Australian and Fairfax Media revealing she’d fabricated her diagnosis.”

DOGE vs. the NIH: Say goodbye to the greatest engine of biomedical research ever created
“Friday, the Trump administration slashed indirect costs associated with NIH grants. What does this mean, and why could it be so disastrous for biomedical research?”

Landmark Study Aims to Enroll 100 000 Black Women to Investigate Their Cancer Risks and Outcomes
“The study, which the American Cancer Society (ACS) launched nationally last May, aims to explore environmental and behavioral factors that influence cancer risk and outcomes in a cohort of more than 100 000 Black women, making it the largest ever research initiative involving this population. In the coming years, the study will enroll tens of thousands of Black women between the ages of 25 and 55 years who do not have a history of cancer. The goal: to better understand the specific drivers of cancer in this group and to inform approaches to address cancer disparities. The study will take place across 20 states and the District of Columbia, where collectively more than 90% of Black women in the US live.”

Scientists at Penn’s Institute for RNA Innovation pursue vaccines to stop celiac disease
“Jax Bari, an 11-year-old from Philadelphia, shows me a photo of himself. It’s hard to look at; in it, he’s sprawled out on the bathroom floor, sad, exhausted. He says, just hours earlier, he had accidentally consumed gluten while out to eat with his family. What followed was hours of vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.”

FDA Approves Novel Non-Opioid Treatment for Moderate to Severe Acute Pain
“Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Journavx (suzetrigine) 50 milligram oral tablets, a first-in-class non-opioid analgesic, to treat moderate to severe acute pain in adults. Journavx reduces pain by targeting a pain-signaling pathway involving sodium channels in the peripheral nervous system, before pain signals reach the brain.”

Low-level traffic air pollution linked to liver damage and fatty liver disease
“Low levels of traffic-related air pollution harms the liver and may raise the risk of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, a new study in mice suggests.”

Mindfulness treatment program reduces cravings in those with opioid addiction
“Key takeaways: Mean opioid craving was reduced by 67% in the mindfulness-based intervention. Anxiety was also significantly reduced from baseline to 24 weeks in both treatment groups.”

Opera introduces Opera Air – the first browser to actively improve your wellbeing
“Oslo, Norway – 4 February 2025 – The Norwegian browser maker Opera [NASDAQ: OPRA] is introducing Opera Air, the first browser built around the concept of mindfulness. Beyond being a powerful, secure, and fully functional browser, Opera Air is designed to make its users feel better while they browse the web. The new browser integrates mindfulness tools such as breathing exercises, meditation, binaural beats, stretching, and positive quotes directly into the browsing experience. Users also get to enjoy a minimalist Scandinavian design and frosted glass UI.”

Virtual reality meditation can alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms
“A new study from the Texas A&M University School of Public Health provides additional evidence that meditation using immersive virtual reality devices provides greater relief from depression and anxiety symptoms than meditation alone.”

“Healthy vs. Unhealthy Food” Isn’t a Good Mindset—and It Can Cause Harm
“Guilt-free. Decadent. Healthy. Indulgent. Clean. Junk. The words we use when we talk about food can be full of judgment masquerading as health advice. It’s what’s lurking behind the concept of food morality. Labeling foods with moral categories can bring feelings of virtue (“I’ll be good and order the salad!”) or shame (“I was bad and ate the brownie.”). It also ignores the many ways in which food nourishes us—physically, emotionally, and culturally.”

Study Finds High Prevalence of Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency in Type 2 Diabetes
“Key Takeaways: Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin D, are prevalent in individuals with type 2 diabetes, affecting overall health and disease management. A pooled analysis of 132 studies found nearly half of T2D patients have multiple micronutrient deficiencies, with vitamin D, magnesium, and iron being most common.”

The hidden health costs of NFL food advertisements
“A new study by a research team led by the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), found that the foods advertised during National Football League (NFL) games, the most watched sporting events in the U.S., were frequently high in sodium, calories and fat content.”

Unhealthy diet may speed up biological aging, even in young adults
“The results of a new study involving 826 young adults suggest that diets high in fast food, processed red meat, and soda but low in fruits and vegetables may be linked to faster biological aging.”

Juice cleanse may harm gut and oral health
“Think your juice cleanse is making you healthier? A new Northwestern University study suggests it might be doing the opposite. The study, recently published in Nutrients, found that a vegetable and fruit juice-only diet – even for just three days – can trigger shifts in gut and oral bacteria linked to inflammation and cognitive decline.”

Kroger now offers nutrition coaching
“Kroger is strengthening its foothold in healthcare with a new nutrition coaching program that includes tips and tools for shoppers to encourage healthier eating, the grocer announced Monday. The program, known as OptUP Your Nutrition, is free to Kroger Plus loyalty members and includes a 30-minute virtual coaching session with a registered dietitian.”

New Findings Strengthens Case for Exercise Therapy in Cancer Care
“Key Takeaways: Exercise interventions significantly reduce anxiety and depression in older cancer patients, improving HRQOL. Mind-body exercises, such as tai chi and yoga, are more effective in reducing depression and anxiety than conventional exercises.”

CEOs and celebrities swear by cold plunging. New research calls its benefits into question
“That’s the question a group of University of South Australia researchers set out to answer through their unique meta-analysis of 11 global studies. But the results, published in the PLOS One journal on Jan. 29, were murky.”

Pickleball program boosts health and wellness for cancer survivors
“A new community-based pickleball program called Project Rally is helping cancer survivors improve their physical and social well-being, according to a recent pilot study. The program has shown strong results in terms of participation, enjoyment, and physical improvements.”

Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease, MASLD Drive Growing Liver Cancer Burden in the US
“Key Takeaways: Primary liver cancer in the US has increased significantly, driven by ALD and MASLD, with a 142% rise in prevalence from 2000 to 2021. Hepatitis C virus remains the leading cause of liver cancer, but ALD and MASLD are the fastest-growing etiologies, altering the epidemiological landscape.”

Mindful walking just might become the most important part of your day
“Our fast-paced society emphasizes productivity and constant activity, making moments of stillness and mindfulness challenging to find. While mindful practices might seem time-consuming or even impossible to engage in during a busy workday, walking offers a unique way to cultivate mindfulness while engaging in gentle physical activity.”

The FDA calls for at-a-glance nutrition labels on the front of packaged foods
“The Food and Drug Administration wants to change how packaged food is sold in the U.S. In the waning days of the Biden administration, the agency has proposed requiring a new label on the front of most packaged food and drinks aimed at helping Americans make healthier food choices.”

Science Update: Healthy eating not common during and after pregnancy in the United States, NIH study suggests
“Healthy eating during pregnancy and the year after giving birth may be uncommon in the United States, suggests a study by researchers at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and other institutions. On a scale from “A” to “F,” study participants received a grade of “D” on a measure of healthy eating. However, eating habits remained stable during pregnancy and after, with scores changing little during the six times participants were questioned during the study. The authors concluded that their results suggest a need to improve diet quality during and after pregnancy.”

As little as 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per week may aid weight loss, reduce fat
“A new analysis of 116 randomized clinical trials reaffirms existing recommendations for achieving the optimal health benefits from exercise. It found that people who engaged in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise five days a week saw clinically significant improvements in their body weight, waist circumference, and body fat composition. The study also concludes that the benefits of exercise increase with the number of minutes of physical activity. Modest improvements occur even with 30 minutes per week of exercise, and an increase in intensity produced even more positive results.”

US may finally require Nutrition Facts labeling for alcohol
“US regulators want to make it easier for people to know what’s in each of their alcoholic drinks of choice. The Treasury Department’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has announced it is seeking public comment on two proposals aimed at overhauling how nutritional facts are displayed on beer, wine, and liquor packaging by requiring nutrition labels on bottles and cans for the first time ever. That said, the health information may not come in the form of physical labels.”

Face-to-face exercise programs improve mental health in heart disease patients
“A study led by researchers from the University of Granada, carried out in collaboration with the University of Castilla-La Mancha and the Radboud University Medical Center (The Netherlands), has shown that the context in which physical exercise is performed plays a key role in improving the mental health and quality of life of patients with coronary heart disease.”

Now that we have new ‘miracle’ diet drugs, what’s the point of exercising?
“New diet drugs are making it easier to lose weight. So does that mean we can stop exercising? Health experts say no. There is a long list of upsides to going for a walk or hitting the gym, and weight loss isn’t necessarily at the top.”

Benefits and risks of popular weight-loss drugs revealed
“Demand for weight-loss medications sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy continues to surge, with a recent study reporting one in eight Americans has taken or is currently using the drugs to treat diabetes, heart disease or obesity.”

Floods associated with 25% rise in US deaths from several major causes
“Over the last 20 years, large floods were associated with up to 24.9% higher death rates from major mortality causes in the U.S. compared to normal conditions. A new study in the journal Nature Medicine demonstrates the sweeping and hidden effects of floods—including floods unrelated to hurricanes, such as those due to heavy rain, snowmelt, or ice jams.”

Prevent Lung Cancer by Testing Your Home for Radon
“WASHINGTON — In January, the EPA recognizes National Radon Action Month and encourages Americans to test their homes for radon. Radon is an odorless, colorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that, when left unaddressed, can build up inside a home. Over time, exposure to radon can cause lung cancer. The only way to know if your home has high levels of radon is to test for it.”

Study Finds 40% of Cancer Cases Are Preventable
“A recent study by the American Cancer Society reveals that approximately 40% of cancer cases in adults over 30 in the U.S. are linked to preventable risk factors. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise are key contributors to this staggering statistic. The findings highlight the critical role individuals can play in reducing their cancer risk.”

Health Benefits or Negative Impacts Still Uncertain for Most Supplements
“Lining grocery store shelves are supplements like omega fish oil, goat’s rue and others that sound more like the ingredients of a witch’s cauldron. Social media influencers also push high-tech sounding pills like CoQ10 or plant sterols to their followers. And you can find the classic supplements online or in person — vitamin D, vitamin C or a daily multivitamin.”

5 Foods to Avoid If You Have High Cholesterol
“What you eat impacts your cholesterol — and some foods might be better left off your plate. We asked Brad Biskup, PA-C, a lifestyle and cardiovascular medicine specialist at the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute, for advice. He shares which foods to avoid and some simple tips to help improve your cholesterol and overall health.”

Physical activity linked to lower risk of having chronic conditions
“University of Iowa researchers are recommending all patients be surveyed about their physical activity levels, after a new study underscores the link between physical activity and chronic disease.”

Diet and exercise strategies that may lower your ‘biological age’
“The Summary: Research over the last year has found that certain diet and exercise regimens may help reduce a person’s “biological age.” Those regimens include following a plant-based diet, getting daily physical activity and doing strength training. Biological age is a measure of physiological health, rather than one’s number of birthdays.”