Scientists May Have Found Cause Of Severe Morning Sickness
The discovery suggests that a single hormone — GDF15 — plays a role in causing hyperemesis gravidum, meaning a possible route to new treatments has been uncovered. Also in the news: more lead poisoning from applesauce pouches; the Air Force embraces smartwatches for health; and more.
The 19th:
Scientists Find Possible Cause Of Hyperemesis Gravidum
New research published by the journal Nature points to the discovery that a single hormone causes nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: GDF15. Researchers found that the amount of this hormone in a pregnant person’s bloodstream before and during pregnancy determines the severity of the nausea and vomiting. GDF15 is released by the body in response to stress, with the receptors of this hormone rooted in the part of the brain responsible for triggering vomiting. (Gerson, 12/13)
In other health and wellness news —
San Francisco Chronicle:
Lead Poisoning Outbreak In Applesauce Pouches Spreads To 31 States, Including California
A lead poisoning outbreak tied to contaminated cinnamon applesauce pouches has spread to nine additional states, including California, U.S. health officials said on Tuesday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has received reports of at least 128 “adverse events” linked to the recalled products, pulled from shelves in late October and early November, in 31 states. The affected individuals, predominantly children age 6 or younger, exhibit symptoms associated with acute lead poisoning. (Vaziri, 12/13)
Reuters:
Farmworkers, Environmentalists Urge EPA To Pull Approval For Glyphosate
Farmworker and environmental advocacy groups on Wednesday asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to immediately suspend and cancel the federal government's approval for the herbicide glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer. In a petition filed with the EPA, six groups including the Center for Food Safety and the Farmworker Association of Florida asked for immediate action that would make selling or using the chemical illegal until the EPA thoroughly analyzes glyphosate's health and environmental risks. (Mindock, 12/13)
Military.com:
Air Force Issues Smartwatches And Rings To 1,000 First Sergeants To Manage Their Health
The Air Force has distributed wearable smart devices to more than 1,000 first sergeants in an attempt to help some of the most overworked and stressed enlisted members keep track of their health and wellness. Chief Master Sgt. John Alsvig, the Air Force first sergeant special duty manager, told Military.com in an emailed statement that the First Sergeant Academy early this year began passing out both a smartwatch and a smart ring to each graduate in hopes they'd use them to monitor their vital statistics. (Novelly, 12/13)
AP:
After Recalls And Infections, Experts Say Safer Eyedrops Will Require New FDA Powers
— When you buy eyedrops at a U.S. store, you might assume you’re getting a product made in a clean, well-maintained factory that’s passed muster with health regulators. But repeated recalls involving over-the-counter drops are drawing new attention to just how little U.S. officials know about the conditions at some manufacturing plants on the other side of the world — and the limited tools they have to intervene when there’s a problem. (Perrone, 12/13)
AP:
More People Are Using CBD Products. There's Still Little Research On The Benefits And Risks
CBD use increased 50% in the past four years, according to a new survey published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. About 1 in 5 survey respondents said they used CBD in the past year. People who use cannabis are more likely to report using CBD, CBG and other hemp-derived compounds, the survey, done by NORC at the University of Chicago, showed. Also, people who live in a state where marijuana is illegal are more likely to use delta-8 THC, a mildly intoxicating sibling of delta-9 THC, which is the psychoactive compound in marijuana. (Shastri, 12/13)
The Washington Post:
The Toys You Should Never Gift To Children, According To ER Doctors
When shopping for toys, we often want to pick something fun. But can some of them also be dangerous? According to emergency room physicians, they can be. In a video that went viral on TikTok, Meghan Martin, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla., said certain gifts can land children in the ER. (Bever and Soong, 12/13)
AP:
In Hypochondria Paradox, Swedish Study Finds A Higher Death Rate In Those Who Fear Serious Illness
A large Swedish study has uncovered a paradox about people diagnosed with an excessive fear of serious illness: They tend to die earlier than people who aren’t hypervigilant about health concerns. Hypochondriasis, now called illness anxiety disorder, is a rare condition with symptoms that go beyond average health worries. People with the disorder are unable to shake their fears despite normal physical exams and lab tests. Some may change doctors repeatedly. Others may avoid medical care. (Johnson, 12/13)
