Reduce Risk

• Early-stage research indicates that GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, may reduce the risk of developing certain cancers. • Data shows that patients with liver, breast, colorectal, or lung cancer using these drugs were 38% to 50% less likely to progress to stage 4 disease. • Experts caution that current findings are based on observational studies, which analyze existing data and are less conclusive than controlled clinical trials.

• A new study from Project Viva shows that replacing 30 minutes of daily sitting time with exercise significantly lowers type 2 diabetes risk in teens aged around 13. • Researchers analyzed data from over 800 adolescents in Eastern Massachusetts who wore movement trackers and kept sleep logs for up to 10 days. • Results exceeded expectations, highlighting small lifestyle changes' strong protective effects against future diabetes in youth.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, with the CDC identifying colorectal cancer as the third most common cancer for both men and women in the United States. Cleveland Clinic registered dietitian Julia Zumpano emphasized that a healthy, diverse microbiome reduces inflammation, which is linked to increased colorectal cancer risk, and recommended dietary changes including high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes alongside fermented and probiotic foods such as yogurt and kimchi. In addition to dietary modifications, regular physical activity has been shown to reduce colorectal cancer risk, though individuals experiencing persistent gastrointestinal symptoms should seek medical attention. The preventive approach focuses on gradual lifestyle transitions rather than overwhelming dietary overhauls.

Institutional investors and hedge funds executed defensive portfolio adjustments on Friday, March 13, 2026, reducing exposure ahead of the weekend due to escalating geopolitical risks in the Persian Gulf region and growing stress in the global private credit market. The Nasdaq declined 1.78% to 22,111 and the Dow dropped 1.56% to 46,777 as surging oil prices and Iran-related fears triggered broad risk-off sentiment across markets. Market observers noted that sophisticated investors remained in defensive positions pending clarity on the Strait of Hormuz, with key monitoring points including tanker traffic, Sunday night oil futures, and potential ceasefire negotiations. The S&P 500 has fallen approximately 3% for the month of March, placing the index in negative territory for the year.