It’s Tuesday, February 3. Today, we’re diving into the big health headlines and breaking down what they actually mean for your daily routine.

On the radar today:

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Does a bag of chips have more in common with a cigarette than actual food? That’s the argument researchers at Harvard, Michigan, and Duke have made in a paper published in the healthcare journal, the Milbank Quarterly. Researchers are calling for ultra-processed foods (UPFs) — the sodas, packaged snacks, and store-bought sweets that have become staples in our pantries — to be strictly regulated. Although we’ve always just called them junk, the report argues these foods meet the “established benchmarks” for actual addiction. In other words, they're engineered to feed the same reward pathways in your brain as nicotine. 

Why It Matters: As per CDC data, 55% of all calories consumed by Americans come from UPFs. And for the crowd aged 1–18, that number jumps to nearly 62%. Also, the conversation around UPFs' consumption has mostly been centered around individual responsibility and moderation. But this report might nudge a shift towards food industry accountability, pushing for regulation akin to what we have for tobacco. The authors note that it’s even more urgent, since, unlike tobacco, food is necessary for human survival. 

Read more: How ultra-processed food took over America.

🗞️ HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced expansion of funding for faith-based addiction programs to help tackle homelessness and drug crises. 

🗞️ Sales reports say Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill is off to a strong start — hitting over 26,000 US prescriptions in its second week after its launch.

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🛌 Is It Really Possible To “Bank” Sleep?
If you’ve ever tried to sleep extra hours on a Sunday to prepare for Monday, you’ve attempted “sleep banking”. Proponents who spoke to the BBC say snoozing extra for a week before a big event creates a safety net that helps your brain stay alert. But not everyone is buying it; some say sleep is like a credit card, thusyou can’t build a positive balance. You're likely paying off an existing debt — aka those sleepless nights — you already owed yourself. 

☕ Coffee For Your …. Gut? 
Coffee can actually be a helpful tool for digestion. According to The Guardian, caffeine stimulates gut muscles to keep food moving. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or IBS, it can backfire by speeding things up too much. Dietitian Dr. Emily Leeming tells the publication that coffee also provides antioxidants that feed healthy gut microbes. However, don’t go overboard with it post-noon! 

🍢 No More Barbeque Nights? 
Oncologists are urging people to limit charred food, whether it's meat or vegetables. Speaking to Parade, Dr. Anton Bilchik warns that high-heat charring creates harmful compounds (HCAs and PAHs), which can cause DNA damage in the cell, increasing the risk of developing cancer — especially colorectal cancer. Don’t worry, an occasional charred meal isn't a reason to panic, but making it a habit is …. a questionable decision.

🏋️ Instead of overcomplicating your strength training routine:

Stick to the squat. Personal trainer Caroline Idiens tells Woman & Home that it’s a great move because it engages your legs, core, and back all at once. Once body weight feels easy, add weights or bands to practice with extra resistance.

🥣 Per Louella Berryman’s recipe for Women’s Health, try these PB&J Overnight Oats — it’s a meal-prep friendly breakfast that doesn’t feel any less than a treat. 

The Perks: High fiber, a nice fridge life, and zero morning cooking required.

Health Food: Chia seeds provide healthy fats and omega-3s; peanut butter has omega-6 fatty acids and arginine. Both have been linked to improved heart health. 

Macros: 23g protein | 23g fat | 68g carbs | 545 calories (per serving).

Thanks for reading! At The Blue & Green Letter, we track wellness trends and health essentials every day, bringing you one well-curated update to help you live well and stay informed.

Disclaimer: The information shared here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Our content is sourced from reputable health publications and government data. Readers are encouraged to review the original articles and consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.