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News for Now Update: Week ending July 29, 2023
Today’s News for Now alert contains vital information to empower your health and wellness!
Topics this week include: how an overtime labor law meant to help farmworkers has backfired, the powerful alliance formed by eagles and Washington dairy farmers, the discovery of 1,800-year-old spices that show an ancient maritime trade network in Southeast Asia, and more—stories to keep you informed of health news in your community and worldwide.
In our 1921 #TBT Pioneer Archives post, Francis M. Pottenger, Sr., MD, discusses the shift from traditional medical care that considered the whole patient to modern medical care that focuses on disease, encouraging physicians to take a more holistic view.
THIS WEEK’S NEWS
Overtime Law Backfires on Farmworkers
When Washington state passed a law in 2021 requiring overtime pay for farmworkers, many celebrated it as a win for workers. In reality, small farmers (whose prices are constrained by industrial and international competition) have resorted to spreading out the available hours among more workers, reducing (rather than raising) each worker’s income potential. As a result, some now want the legislation repealed. Read more at NPR.
Eagles Ally with Dairy Farmers in Washington
A study confirms that, in western Washington, dairy farmers appreciate the benefits of local bald eagles, vultures, and other raptors. These birds not only naturally clean fields by consuming carcasses (like stillborn calves) and placenta, but they also deter pest birds, such as starlings. Despite historical tensions between raptors and farmers globally, in this region, their symbiotic relationship has greatly bolstered eagle populations. Read more at Civil Eats.
8-Hour Eating Window Helps Obesity/Diabetes
In a recent study analyzing an 8-hour eating window in type 2 diabetes patients with obesity, those eating only between noon to 8pm saw more weight loss than those reducing their intake by counting calories. Fasting for longer between meals facilitates the body’s shift from burning sugar to fat (which aids weight loss), while decreasing the frequency of blood glucose spikes (and resulting insulin spikes), supporting diabetes control. Read more at Medical News Today.
Ancient Spices Reveal Global Trade Routes
Archaeologists studying ancient grinding tools in Southeast Asia found remnants of eight spices on them that were at least 1,800 years old, including turmeric, ginger, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, and others. Not only did this suggest that ancient recipes relied on similar spice combinations to what Westerners call “curry” today, but it provides evidence for the global maritime trade networks that allowed access to all these ingredients. Read more at Smithsonian Magazine.
THROWBACK THURSDAY
Some Observations on Therapeutic Nihilism, by Francis M. Pottenger, Sr., MD
In this 1921 #TBT article, Francis M. Pottenger, Sr., MD, discusses the tendency for medical professionals to fall into one of two categories: the traditional practitioner, who focused primarily on the patient, or the new practitioner, who focuses on the disease. Pottenger notes the importance of considering a patient more holistically, including their psychological and nervous aspects, as well as incorporating understanding and empathy into medical practice. Read more in our Pioneer Archives Post.
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News for Now Update: Week ending July 22, 2023
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