It's Friday, January 23, and in today’s edition of The Blue & Green Letter, we look at:

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The US has officially completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) — the Trump administration announced on Thursday. As the decision was made public, a senior HHS official said the agency "strayed from its core mission" and acted against U.S. public interests on multiple occasions. Per the law, the US must pay all outstanding fees before its departure, which totals approximately $260 million. But legal experts say the US likely won't pay, and the WHO has little recourse — since it won’t risk creating further tension.

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in younger people, even as overall cancer mortality is declining, according to data from the American Cancer Society. Since 1990, over 1.2 million Americans under 50 have died of cancer. In 2023, colorectal cancer surpassed breast cancer as the top killer for this age group. Despite screening ages dropping to 45, low testing rates have doctors pushing for urgent public education to save lives.

🗞️ Some people are walking around with a super-antibody that naturally defeats lung cancer. Researchers have finally isolated it, but the potential to turn it into a universal drug is still uncertain. 

🗞️ Trump administration cuts off funding for fetal tissue research.

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🧠 Worried about dementia? Luckily, it isn’t the dead end it used to be. Per the 2024 Lancet Commission, 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by lifestyle shifts. The Washington Post explores scientific breakthroughs that can turn a terrifying diagnosis into a manageable journey.

💪 What will your body look like in a decade? While you can't predict the future, experts tell the New York Times that four simple tests — such as standing on one leg or sitting and rising from the floor — are telltale signs of how you will age. 

👀 If traditional meditation is not your thing, try an innate habit instead. Bustle experts say that people-watching is actually meditation with your eyes open — allowing you to ground yourself in reality and quiet your mind simply by observing the world. But remember, no judgements!

🥪 Guess it's time to cut back on those “healthy” turkey clubs. Parade reports that cardiologists rank processed lunch meats among the worst foods for artery health, as the high sodium and preservatives trigger inflammation and plaque buildup. 

🧂 Well, except for packing a punch, can food seasonings do anything else? Absolutely. This BBC story highlights how black pepper and olive oil act as nutrient boosters, stopping your body from rejecting vitamins and ensuring every bit of nourishment is used up. Go ahead and be heavy-handed with the pepper!

🛑 Ever derail your own goals on purpose? According to National Geographic, it’s actually a self-protecting mechanism that feels rewarding in the short term because it tricks your brain into thinking you’ve dodged a threat. Essentially, you’re choosing the relief of quitting over the fear of failing.

⚙️ Stop! Treating your willpower like a battery is what’s causing you trouble. This Psyche story debunks the "ego depletion" theory— revealing that your brain doesn't actually run out of fuel at the end of the day. That mental drag? That’s your mind shifting modes to stay adaptive.

🏋️ Intimidated by the gym? A new study from McMaster University finds that any lifting, heavy or light, builds muscle and strength. The specific weight doesn't matter as much as the effort. So, as long as you push until your muscles are tired, you'll see results.

👟 Speaking of this high-intensity …. suffering, you might be overworking for under-results. GQ has a low-impact loophole called “soft cardio”. You can keep your heart rate in the comfort zone, target fat, and also improve health without the burnout. Sounds like a total win!

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.