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By Madeline Holcombe, CNN

December 4, 2024

Gas was a major exposure source of lead for those born before 1996.  A history of lead in gasoline may be behind tens of millions of mental health conditions in the United States, according to new research.

“We’ve shifted the curve in the population for mental health problems, so that everyone has a greater liability in the mental illness symptoms, and that some people who were already at risk are going to develop diagnosable disorders sooner, more often or more kinds,” said coauthor of the study Dr. Aaron Reuben, assistant professor of clinical neuropsychology at the University of Virginia.

The study published Wednesday in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry estimates that about 151 million mental disorder diagnoses in the US are attributable to lead. The exposure likely would not have happened had it not been in gasoline, Reuben added.

Cars ran on gasoline containing lead starting inthe 1920s, and the US did not start phasing out the substance until the 1980s, after substantial evidence of harm over the decades, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Leaded gasoline continues to fuel some planes, race cars, and farm and marine equipment.

“The people who were exposed are not in the history books,” Reuben said. “Millions of Americans are walking around with an unknown, invisible history of lead exposure that has likely influenced for the worse how they think, feel and behave.”

Scientists have accumulated research over the last century showing that lead is harmful to almost every organ system, Reuben said. In a previous study, he and a team used data on childhood blood-lead levels, leaded gas use, and population statistics to estimate childhood lead exposure and found that half of the US population were exposed to adverse levels of lead early in life.

The number of people impacted might be unexpected to many people, said Dr. Bruce Lanphear, a population health scientist at Simon Fraser University in Canada with expertise in lead poisoning. He was not involved in the research.  “Given their caveats and limitations, I think they’ve done a thorough job of trying to estimate exposures,” he said.

One such limitation was that researchers did not measure all possible exposure sources, meaning that the results may actually underestimate the problem, Lanphear added. “We have not been able to fully understand how those exposures influenced health and disease across the century,” Reuben added.

Lead is a potent neurotoxin and can disrupt brain development in many ways that can impact most types of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression and ADHD, he said. But people were also likely impacted in ways that cannot be diagnosed.

“It also changed personalities. We believe that (lead exposure) makes people a little less conscientious – so less well organized, less detail-oriented, less likely to be able to pursue their goals in an organized way, and more neurotic,” Reuben added.

If lead exposure is a widespread problem and the possible health impacts are serious, what can be done? The first step Reuben recommends is to educate yourself on the sources of lead exposure. “We completely phased lead out of gasoline in ’96, we phased lead out of pipes in ’86, and we took it out of paint in ’78,” he said. “If you’re living in a home that was built before those years, you should be aware that there is likely a lead hazard in your soil or your home.”

It doesn’t mean it’s time to move out of your older home, just that you should check for lead when doing renovations or disturbing the soil, Reuben said. “The (Environmental Protection Agency) recently lowered its soil screening level, and it means that possibly one in four households in the US has soil lead that would now be deemed potentially hazardous,” he added.

You can test for lead exposure – Reuben requests tests for his kids at the pediatrician, he said. For those that have already been exposed, there isn’t a definitive answer on whetheryou can reduce your levels of lead, but Reuben recommends taking steps to identify the sources and reducing future exposure. You can also limit harm from the lead by doing other things that promote health like exercising, eating a nutritious diet and cutting out alcohol and cigarettes, he said.

But the most impactful step will be for institutions to invest in research and the elimination of lead from the environment, Lanphear said. “We really need regulatory agencies like the FDA to make sure there is no lead in the baby food,” he said. “Finding ways to deal with the 20 million homes that still contain lead hazards, getting rid of leaded aviation fuel, these are not things that people can do. This is what the government and regulatory agencies need to do.”

“We’ve got to stop putting this burden on people and families,” Lanphear added.

MedicalNewsToday – Sophia Hsin/Stocksy

• A recent study examined the potential effects that consuming different forms of protein may have on heart health.
• The researchers were interested in the ratio of plant vs. animal-based protein people consumed and their long-term health outcomes.
• The researchers learned that consuming a higher ratio of plant to animal protein could lead to a reduction of both coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

A new study links consuming more plant-based protein to a lower risk of heart disease. With deaths attributed to heart disease holding the top spot in the U.S., researchers wonder how to cut that number. While medications and technological interventions help, diet remains a focus point for those looking to prevent heart disease or improve their health after being diagnosed with it.

Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recently released the results of a 30-year study that analyzed the effect consuming more plant-based protein than animal-based protein has on heart health.

While the research did not yield a specific ratio of plant to animal protein to incorporate into dietary guidelines, the researchers did learn that people who consume more plant-based protein generally have lower ratios of both CHD and CVD.

People with the highest ratio of plant to animal protein had a 19% lower risk of CVD and a 27% lower risk of CHD.

The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Shifting the focus to plant-based protein sources

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Trusted Source, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both adult men and women. In 2022, around 1 out of 5 deaths were attributed to heart disease.

There are many reasons someone can develop heart disease, such as genetics, poor dietary choices, and habits such as smoking tobacco products and drinking alcohol. People concerned about their heart disease risk can lower it by exercising and making better food choices. For example, choosing lean meats vs. fatty red meats can reduce heart disease risk.

While protein is a staple in a diet, and focusing on lean proteins is more beneficial for the heart, some researchers wonder if people should focus more on consuming proteins derived from a non-animal source.

Diets that focus on plant-based proteins have increased in recent years as vegetarianism and veganism rise. Quinoa, edamame, and chickpeas are examples of the plant-based proteins Trusted Source people use.

With the benefits of consuming non-animal sources of protein in mind, researchers in the current project accessed data compiled in a 30-year study to develop a better understanding of how higher ratios of plant-based protein impact the heart. The study involved more than 200,000 participants. People who signed up to participate who already had CVD or cancer were excluded.

The participants provided information about their health every two to four years and completed food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) every four years. With the FFQ, the participants reported how often they consumed specific foods over the past year, which the researchers used to determine their daily ratio of plant to animal protein intake.

Throughout the study, if a participant reported having a major illness that would potentially cause them to make changes to their diets, the researchers stopped tracking their FFQs. Once the study concluded, the researchers analyzed dietary intake and CVD and CHD outcomes.

A higher ratio of plant-based protein yield heart benefits 

By the end of the 30-year study, 16,118 participants reported developing CVD, and 10,187 participants reported developing CHD. Additionally, 6,137 participants reported having strokes. The researchers compared this data to the plant-animal protein ratio to see if they could find any connections between the ratio and CVD/CHD risk.

Participants with higher plant-to-animal protein ratios showed a significantly reduced risk of CVD compared to those who had the lowest plant-to-animal protein ratio – they had a 19% lower risk. The reduced risk for CHD was even more impressive at a 27% lower risk.

The researchers said that a plant-to-animal protein ratio should be 1:2 to lower the risk of CVD and 1:1.3 for CHD. The scientists noted that over the 30-year study, participants with a higher plant-to-animal protein ratio had lower BMIs, were less likely to be smokers, and were more active.

While the researchers found positive benefits for a higher plant-to-animal protein ratio for reducing the risk of CVD and CHD, they did not find such benefits associated with stroke. The study authors pointed out that despite these findings, they have not identified an optimal plant-to-animal protein ratio and said more research is needed.

Nutrition tips for consuming more plant protein

John Higgins, MD, a cardiologist at UTHealth Houston, who was not involved in the study, spoke with Medical News Today about the study. Higgins said the findings are “consistent with prior studies that recommend plant-protein-based diets or Mediterranean diets Trusted Source as the best diets to prevent CVD as well as reduce further events.” The Mediterranean diet focuses on eating plant-based foods, healthy fats, and whole grains.

Since the authors noted different optimal ratios for preventing CVD and CHD, Higgins offered an explanation for this.

“A higher ratio for prevention of coronary heart disease might further improve blood lipids, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers – because of the fact that plant proteins are accompanied by high amounts of fiber, antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats,” he noted.

Higgins suggested that people interested in improving their plant-to-animal protein ratio should cut back on red meat and focus on eating more healthy nuts. “Eat more healthy nuts daily as a source of protein. Nuts are a good source of protein, fat, and fiber, have a low glycemic index, reduce CVD and some cancers, and improve cognitive functioning too,” he added.

Cheng-Han Chen, MD, board certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at Memorial Care Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, who was not involved in the study, also spoke with MNT.

Chen said the study findings were “entirely consistent with many previous studies which found that eating more plant-based protein instead of red meat reduces the risk of many cardiometabolic conditions including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.”

When asked whether adjusting the plant-to-animal protein ratio would be difficult for most people, he said it should be doable.

“A 1:2 plant-to-animal protein ratio means that 33% of protein intake comes from plant sources. As the average American currently gets [just over a quarter] of their protein from plant-based sources (1:3 ratio), we are talking about replacing only a relatively small amount of animal protein with plant protein in order to get significant benefits to heart health,” Chen pointed out.

How to eat more plant protein

“Some strategies would be to reduce the amount of meat in a dish, and replace it with ingredients such as beans, tofu, and nuts. One could strive to eat more protein-rich vegetables and grains such as quinoa, spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms.”
— Cheng-Han Chen, MD

As summer draws to an end, it’s time for the great pumpkin invasion. Soon (if not already) pumpkin spice flavored and scented everything will be available for your autumn enjoyment. Why do some of us love this stuff so much? According to science, it’s less about the taste and more about the aroma – pumpkin spice makes us happy.

Pumpkin spice is typically a combo of nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and allspice. Sometimes clove makes an appearance, too. The first pumpkin spice thing was created in 1934 by McCormick & Company, who introduced the mix so that their customers wouldn’t have to buy four bottles of spices to make pumpkin pie.

Why We See Pumpkin Spice Everywhere

As you’ve probably noticed, pumpkin spice is no longer limited to pie. Seventeen years ago, Starbucks popularized pumpkin spice in its now infamous seasonal latte. Since then, pumpkin spice has crept into an amazing number of products – including pasta sauce, potato chips, Spam, cereal, deodorant, beef jerky, nut milks and even Marshmallow Peeps.

Last year, Forbes valued the entire pumpkin-spice industry to be worth an estimated $608 million. But are pumpkin spice products a healthy treat?

Is Pumpkin Spice Bad for My Teeth?

There’s nothing inherently unhealthy about nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and allspice. Some have even been credited with having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits. But that’s assuming you’re consuming actual spices, not artificial flavors. The problem is, pumpkin-spiced foods and drinks often contain lots of added sugar, which is not good for your teeth or your overall health. But you can still enjoy pumpkin spice! Here’s how:

Make or purchase your own spice blend – Use it to flavor hot beverages, or sprinkle it on your oatmeal or yogurt. Or anything that you feel could use a little fall flavor.

Check out healthy pumpkin spice recipes online – Here’s a good place to start, especially if you’re following a paleo eating plan.

Pick the right treat – Try to choose a pumpkin-spice item that has no or lower amounts of added sugar.

Brush your teeth afterwards – If you do have a sugary snack, be sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after you finish.

Limit the lattes – Besides all that sugar, coffee is an acidic drink that can weaken dental enamel plus stain your teeth. Skip brushing for an hour after having acidic foods or drinks to avoid damaging softened enamel (rinse with water instead).

Avoid sticky pumpkin-spiced treats – The longer sugar lingers on your teeth, the more damage it can do.

See a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings – No matter what season it is, it’s important to see your dentist twice a year to keep coffee and these sweet treats from dimming or damaging your smile.

At Greg Says we advise that if budget constraints are keeping you from getting the dental care you need, consider getting a dental savings plan – an alternative to traditional dental insurance that can save plan members 10-60% on a wide variety of dental treatments.  Go to www.dentalplans.com for details.

By Dan Smith

Senior Living Retirement

Moving to senior housing often involves downsizing from a larger home to a more manageable living space. This transition can be both exciting and challenging for seniors. Planning ahead and following practical moving and downsizing tips can help simplify the process and reduce stress. In this article, we will provide valuable advice and strategies to make moving and downsizing a smoother experience for seniors.

1. Start Early and Plan Ahead: Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the move. Begin the downsizing process well in advance and create a timeline that includes tasks such as decluttering, organizing, and packing. Having a clear plan will alleviate stress and help you stay organized throughout the moving process.
2. Assess Your New Space: Before moving, carefully assess the size and layout of your new living space. Take measurements and consider the available storage options. This will help you determine which belongings you can comfortably bring with you and what items may need to be downsized or stored elsewhere.
3. Declutter and Downsize: Downsizing is a necessary step when moving to senior housing. Sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Focus on keeping items that hold sentimental value or are essential to your daily life. Consider donating gently used items to charitable organizations or selling them online or through a garage sale.
4. Consider Professional Services: If you need assistance with downsizing or organizing, consider hiring professional organizers, senior move managers, or estate sale companies. These professionals can help streamline the process and offer guidance on what to keep, sell, or donate.
5. Seek Support from Family and Friends: Enlist the help of family members, friends, or loved ones to assist with the moving and downsizing process. Their support can make the transition smoother and provide emotional support during this significant life change.
6. Create a Floor Plan: Before moving day, create a floor plan of your new living space. This will help you visualize where furniture and belongings will be placed. Having a floor plan in hand can make it easier to decide which items to bring and how they will fit into your new home.
7. Pack Strategically: When packing, label boxes clearly and include the contents and the room they belong to. Pack essential items separately and keep them easily accessible for the first few days in your new home. This will ensure a smooth transition and make it easier to find important items when you need them.
8. Take Care of Yourself: Moving can be physically and emotionally draining. Remember to take breaks, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest throughout the process. Take care of your physical and mental well-being to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Moving and downsizing can be a transformative experience as you embrace a new chapter in your life. By planning ahead, decluttering, seeking support, and taking care of yourself, you can simplify the moving process and transition to senior housing with greater ease and peace of mind.  Simplify your transition to senior housing with practical moving and downsizing tips. Plan ahead, declutter, and seek support to make the process smoother and less stressful.

By Pamela Hugi

August 28, 2024

Michelle Bryan (age 68) had never left the United States before she boarded a plane with her husband and thirteen suitcases to begin a new life as a retired expat (expatriate) in Ecuador. We spoke with Michelle about the benefits of retiring aboard and how she harnessed technology to plan the move and adjust to a new life abroad.

How’d you end up retiring in Ecuador?
I got to 62, and it was time to retire. I was working at a turkey processing plant in Minnesota. My husband was already retired. And so, we were tossing ideas of where to move. Then I said, “who said we have to retire in the United States?” 

International living has a list of top ten places to retire outside of the U.S. And as I read more, a city that kept coming up was Cuenca, Ecuador. So, we thought, “well, why not?” 

I spent two years, two hours a day using the internet, books from the library and YouTube videos to investigate the pros and cons. I joined several expat Facebook groups to see what people thought. A lot of people vacation here first before they move, but we decided we were just going to move here. People thought we were crazy or great or both.  We’ve been here since September 18, 2018. And there hasn’t been one day that we’ve been sorry.

How are you meeting people down there? Is there a community of expats?
I like the website, GringoPost, where people post, announcing things or selling things. You can meet other expats here easily. They have so many groups for people’s interests. It’s unbelievable. They have writing groups. They have acting groups. Painting, pottery, macrame, yoga. Any interest that an expat has, they can find a group to join.  

Did you or your husband speak Spanish before you went down?
Not at all. We use Duolingo and Google Translate and haven’t had any issues. I’ve learned most of my Spanish from going grocery shopping. 

What other pieces of tech or websites or apps have you found to be useful during this time?
I use Facebook Messenger for my friends and my four sons. To be able to call people in the states, we had to get a MagicJack phone number. We also use WhatsApp a lot here, to order food or talk to appliance guys. We also found our apartment online before we moved here. 

Do you have any advice for somebody who is thinking about retiring abroad?
You have to be adaptable. Things are done differently here. It’s not a good idea to come here and be here and say, oh, that’s not how we do it in the United States. People don’t want to hear that. They have wonderful ideas here in Ecuador! I have to say in our master bedroom, above our bed is a light switch. So, when you want to turn that light off or on, you don’t have to get out of bed. Something simple like that.

What does aging with attitude mean to you?
You get up in the morning, and things hurt that maybe yesterday didn’t, but there are people in worse situations, health-wise, financial-wise than you are. You’ve just got to think: it could be worse and appreciate what you’ve got.