Could the internet be… good for you? Here’s what you should know about this week’s health headlines

Hello health and wellness enthusiasts. My name is Kaitlin, your weekly guide to the latest health news you may have missed.

First, let’s recap what my wonderful colleagues worked on this week.

• Natalie Rahhal reports that mpox, the disease caused by the monkeypox virus, is spreading rapidly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and causing a global threat. Although the monkeypox virus peaked in the United States in 2022, experts have concerns — and advice on how to reduce the risk.

• Sadly, the man who received the first pig kidney transplant has died – but as Natalie learned from the transplant specialist she spoke to, there is still plenty of reason to be hopeful in the field of xenotransplantation, which could very well “turn medicine on its head.” down”. ear.”

• Raw milk is increasing in popularity despite the many health risks associated with it. (And, this bird flu season, you have one more reason to stay away.)

• Oh, and it turns out your grandmother was right: As freelancer Sarah Hunter Simanson reported, new research says taking stairs is great for your health — and it’s easier to incorporate into your life than you might think. (Feel free to groan every time you jump the elevator… we don’t judge.)

• Marie-Claire Dorking from the UK team also reported a new study that found salting your food may increase your risk of stomach cancer by around 40%. She found that to reduce sodium content, the best advice is to learn to love herbs!

Here are other health headlines you should know.

Use the internet!

Finally, a study that doesn’t tell us to limit screen time. A new study published in the journal Technology, Mind and Behavior analyzed data from 2.5 million people in 168 countries and found that about 85% of the time, people who have and use the Internet report higher levels of well-being compared to those who don’t use it. This was true even when the researchers adjusted their data to take into account the economic levels of Internet users.

More people are expected to live longer

Global life expectancy will increase by about four to five years until 2050, with the most significant gains in countries that have a lower overall life expectancy, according to findings published in the Lancet this week. Researchers believe that this increase is due to public health measures that reduce deaths from various communicable diseases (diseases such as respiratory diseases or tuberculosis that are transmitted from person to person, or through animals, surfaces or food) and that the biggest factor risk for early death will be caused by diseases attributed to lifestyle factors, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Consider becoming vegan or vegetarian

In a new study published in PLOS One, researchers at the University of Bologna in Italy, analyzed 48 studies and concluded that plant-based diets can reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and premature death. These diets, which avoid or exclude animal products, show associations with better cholesterol levels, control of blood sugar, blood pressure and body weight, as well as reduced inflammation. The researchers note, however, that it’s important to follow a healthy plant-based diet because simply avoiding animal products can lead to mineral or vitamin deficiencies.

Avoid this tea

A new report from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned customers this week to Avoid Yogi Echinacea Immune Support Tea. The tea was recalled because “pesticide residues above action levels were detected,” the FDA said. Although the health risks of pesticides vary depending on the chemical used, concerns include potential neurological effects, respiratory problems, endocrine disruptions and cancer.

Human touch is important for weight loss

Human support can be important when it comes to supporting weight loss, according to a new study from Northwestern Medicine. The study looked at 400 adults with obesity and compared weight loss results between those who used just one app, Wi-Fi scale and Fitbit and those who used the same technology plus telehealth coaching. Those who only used technology to support their efforts were not as effective at losing weight as those who also used a human coach, suggesting that while technology can be helpful, it still cannot replace in-person interaction.

This diet could be good for your mental health

A study at the University of South Australia found that the Mediterranean diet reduces symptoms of stress and anxiety in older adults. In their study of 294 Australians aged 60 and over, researchers noted that specific dietary components – fruits, nuts, vegetables and sweetened drinks with minimal sugar – were particularly impactful when it came to these mental health benefits.

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