Heart-Protective Diet Supports Whole-Fat Dairy, Over-The-Counter Birth Control, Wastewater Testing, Routine Eye Exams Could Decrease Dementia Risk.
Heart-protective diet in PURE study supports whole-fat dairy 🥛
Gist: A new global study published in the European Heart Journal, conducted across 80 countries, suggests that including or excluding unprocessed red meat and whole grains does not significantly impact the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature death. Instead, diets emphasizing fruit, vegetables, dairy (mainly whole-fat), nuts, legumes, and fish were linked with a lower risk of such health issues. The research challenges the conventional focus on low-fat foods, suggesting a greater focus should be put on increasing intake of protective foods such as nuts, fish, and dairy.
Nitty-Gritty: The study developed a healthy diet score based on six foods linked with longevity: fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fish, and dairy products (mainly whole fat). Participants in the top 50% of intake of these foods were assigned a maximum healthy diet score. The research involved 147,642 people from 21 countries, and found the healthiest diet (score of 5 or more) was associated with a 30% lower risk of death, 18% lower likelihood of CVD (i.e., cardiovascular disease), 14% lower risk of myocardial infarction, and 19% lower risk of stroke compared to those with the least healthy diet (score of 1 or less).
Big Picture: The study also emphasized that in regions with poor quality diets dominated by refined carbohydrates, improving diet quality could significantly reduce deaths and CVD. The findings indicate a need to re-evaluate dietary guidelines and shift the focus towards increasing the intake of protective foods.
Original source: here.
The first over-the-counter birth control approved in U.S. 💊
Gist: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given approval for the country's first over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill, Opill, developed by Ireland-based Perrigo.
Nitty-Gritty: This significant decision enables US women and girls to access contraceptive medication without a prescription for the first time. Shipment of the pills is anticipated to commence early next year with no age restrictions for purchase. Medical societies and women's health groups have long advocated for such access, as nearly half of the annual six million pregnancies in the US are unintended, with teens, women of color, and low-income individuals facing the greatest obstacles to obtain prescriptions. Opill offers a new option for an estimated 15 million US women who currently use no birth control or less effective methods. However, the cost, which Perrigo will disclose later this year, could affect accessibility.
Big Picture: Some FDA scientists raised concerns about certain underlying health conditions and the comprehension of drug instructions, but the decision may pave the way for more over-the-counter birth control options. Would a similar approach be good for Canadians? In Canada, we do not have OTC birth control, however, BC is currently the first province to offer completely free prescription birth control as of 2023. Cost is said to be the greatest barrier to contraception for Canadians.
Original source: here.
Remember wastewater testing during the pandemic? Apparently we need to keep doing that! 💧
Gist: Despite low levels of COVID-19 in most wastewater sites across Canada, researchers argue for the continuation of such surveillance to prepare for future pandemics. Wastewater surveillance, which gained importance during the COVID-19 peak, helps provide health officials with a summary of disease spread and has been recognized as a valuable public health tool for predicting future infections. The COVID-19 wastewater surveillance dashboard reveals decreasing virus levels in about 60% of the 39 sites tracked, with the rest showing stable or slightly lower readings.
Nitty-Gritty: Although Canada is seeing the lowest virus levels since reporting began, Dr. Guillaume Poliquin, vice-president of the National Microbiology Laboratory, insists that the methods have improved over time, making comparison of data challenging. Surveillance, which began in 2020, covers over 60% of Canada's population and has proven useful in tracking health threats. Poliquin believes this tool has great potential and plans are underway to sustain and expand the surveillance system.
Big Picture: Eric Arts, Canada Research Chair in viral pathogenesis, emphasizes the importance of wastewater surveillance, including for detecting new pathogens. He is part of a program looking to monitor all possible strains of coronaviruses and influenza that could infect humans. Despite its importance, there are concerns that tight budgets may reduce monitoring efforts. As a result, wastewater researchers urge Ottawa to create a national strategy for data consolidation. Some also stress the need to prioritize border surveillance. Plans for a cross-border surveillance program will be submitted in September, with a decision expected early next year.
Original source: here.
Getting your eyes checked routinely may help lessen dementia risk ðŸ§
Gist: A recent study found a significant correlation between untreated visual impairments and the development of dementia. Led by Dr. Joshua Ehrlich, the research examined data from the 2021 National Health and Aging Trends Study in the US, which included almost 3,000 individuals over 71 years old.
Nitty-Gritty: Participants underwent vision tests and were screened for dementia. The study reported that 12.3% of participants showed signs of dementia, but this figure rose to 19.5%, 21.5%, and 32.9% for those with distance, near, and moderate to severe visual impairment respectively. However, researchers cautioned that the study does not establish vision impairment as a causal factor for dementia.
Another important link suggested was between sensory impairment (both hearing and vision) and cognitive decline, as decreased sensory input could accelerate confusion. The study also indicated that vision loss might reduce community participation, impacting cognitive health.
Big Picture: The research underscores the importance of regular vision checks and timely treatment, as over 80% of vision impairment or blindness is preventable or reversible. In cases where vision loss is untreatable, vision rehabilitation therapy is suggested to maintain cognitive health by enabling individuals to engage actively in life.
Original source: here.
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