Marijuana Use Linked To Heart Attack Risk, Especially For Older People
Two new pieces of research suggest that using marijuana could lead to a higher heart attack risk, especially among older people, though both sets of data come with caveats about the results. Meanwhile, federal nutrition guidelines may soon warn against eating ultra-processed foods.
The Hill:
Marijuana Use Increases Risk Of Heart Attacks, New Studies Suggest
Two new studies suggest that regular use of marijuana could be linked to a higher risk of heart failure or heart attack, especially among older people. The preliminary findings of the studies, which have yet to be published, will be presented next week at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2023 in Philadelphia. (Fortinsky, 11/6)
In other health and wellness news —
The Washington Post:
Nutrition Guidelines May Soon Warn Against Ultraprocessed Foods
For decades, the federal government’s dietary guidelines have urged people to eat plenty of foods rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein — while warning us to steer clear of foods high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fat. But now, the scientific experts who shape the way we eat might start warning consumers against eating too many ultra-processed foods. (O'Connor, 11/7)
Axios:
Walmart Sensory-Friendly Hours Start Friday At Stores Nationwide
Walmart stores nationwide will lower the lights, turn off the radio and change their TV walls to a static image for daily "sensory-friendly hours," the retailer announced Tuesday. Walmart's hours, which start Friday, appear to be the biggest shopping program yet for people with sensory processing issues, which include autism, ADHD and PTSD. (Tyko, 11/7)
CNN:
Breast Implants Play A Crucial Role In Innovative Procedure To Save Life Of Man With Severe Lung Damage
When 34-year-old Davey Bauer’s lungs stopped working, doctors turned to an unusual tool to help keep him alive: large breast implants. Experts say it was an innovative solution to give Bauer’s body time to fight off a nasty infection so it could accept a lifesaving double lung transplant. It may be the first instance of a potential transplant practice that could save people with infectious disease who probably would not have survived just years ago. (Christensen, 11/8)
Bloomberg:
Gas Stoves Mean Dangerous Pollution In Most Homes, Study Finds
Households with gas stoves are regularly exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution that are above legal limits, a Europe-wide study found. “The severity of indoor air pollution that is found in homes with gas cooking equipment is significantly higher than what we're seeing in electric cooking homes,” said Nicole Kearney, director of CLASP Europe, the NGO that commissioned the study. “The levels of indoor air pollution are higher often than what we see outdoors.” (Rudgard, 11/7)
ProPublica:
The EPA's Struggle To Limit Drinking Water Contaminants
As far as state and federal officials are concerned, the drinking water in Smithwick, Texas, is perfectly safe. Over the past two decades, the utility that provides water to much of the community has had little trouble complying with the Safe Drinking Water Act, which is intended to assure Americans that their tap water is clean. Yet, at least once a year since 2019, the Smithwick Mills water system, which serves about 200 residents in the area, has reported high levels of the synthetic chemical 1,2,3-trichloropropane, according to data provided by the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization that collects water testing results from states. (Philip, 11/7)
The Wall Street Journal:
The Surprising Way To Eat Less Sugar This Holiday Season
What if the best way to curb sugar cravings is just to eat as much as you want? That is the core of an idea gaining traction among dietitians, who say that letting ourselves graze unfettered on a cache of Halloween fun-size Snickers can reduce our sugar lust in the long run. (Dizik, 11/7)
KFF Health News:
Listen To The Latest 'KFF Health News Minute'
This week on the KFF Health News Minute: Schools struggle to keep nurses on staff, and the Social Security Administration says it will review how it claws back money it says it wrongly paid to beneficiaries. (11/7)
