Dr. Thomas G. Hopkins, MD

08/06/2026

I always encourage my patients to wait before jumping onto the latest supplement bandwagon.

Why? Supplements commonly fall out of favor once a substantial number of studies have been conducted and the results don’t support health claims.

Here are a handful of common supplements whose claims didn’t pan out.
https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/these-popular-supplements-may-not-have-desired-effect

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There was a time – especially in the 1980s – where antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E were popular. Scientists thought these nutrients might be the key to lowering cancer and heart disease risks.Unfortunately, the research didn’t pan out — and higher doses of these supplements led to prob...

07/27/2026

I warn my patients to limit their processed foods. Many brands use questionable ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, excessive salt and added sugar.

There’s also a wide range of preservatives used - some are deemed safe, while others should be avoided.

Here are five preservatives that may have ties to cancer.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/5-preservatives-avoid

Processed foods can be a double-edge sword. On one hand, they’re easy, convenient time savers. But they are often made with questionable ingredients, from high fructose corn syrup, excessive salt and added sugars.

07/23/2026

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, there’s a good chance it’s related to stress.

In fact, the combination of insomnia and stress is problematic for many Americans, according to a recent Gallup poll.

If stress keeps you up at night, talk to me about it and check out these tips.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/americans-are-more-stressed-and-sleeping-less

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, chances are you’re stressed. Stress is another public health issue plaguing America. In fact, more than 25% of American adults reporting being so stressed that they can’t function, according to a poll conducted by the American Psychological A...

07/20/2026

Women have been using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for years to help ease menopause symptoms and lower their risk of menopause-linked conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease and dementia.

However, I warn female patients with a personal or family history of heart disease or a hormone-dependent cancer to avoid HRT. As a result, some of these women try supplements, but that might not be the best alternative.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/cant-take-hrt-supplements-may-not-be-best-alternative-0

In 1942, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals introduced the first hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women going through menopause. Over the intervening decades, doctors have gone back and forth on the safety and efficacy of using HRT to treat symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal discomfort.

07/16/2026

I talk a lot about heart disease to my patients because it’s been the leading cause of death in the U.S. for more than a century.

Despite public health efforts to lower the rates, they continue rising. Here’s an overview of a recent report on heart disease, along with tips to help you keep your heart healthy.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/heart-disease-could-affect-60-us-adults-2050-studies-say

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It’s not news that heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S. for more than a century. And despite public health efforts to lower heart disease rates in the U.S., it continues to lead in all-cause mortality. In fact, within the next 30 years, heart disease and stroke rates will ...

07/13/2026

Many of my patients have heard me talk about the Mediterranean and Dash diets. But there’s another valuable diet that you can follow for brain health; it’s the Mind diet.

Here’s how the Mind diet can help lower your risk of dementia.

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/diet-can-help-lower-your-risk-alzheimers

07/10/2026

Kidney disease is rising in the U.S. Currently, 37 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, but 90% are unaware of it, as its signs and symptoms are unnoticeable in earlier stages of the disease.

This is why I educate my patients on how they can lower their risk.

Here’s what you need to know https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/kidney-diseases-are-rising-heres-how-help-lower-your-risk

07/08/2026

Many of my patients want to lose weight quickly, and I can’t blame them. But rapid weight loss is difficult to sustain; in fact, it’s usually followed by rapid weight gain. Here’s more on the importance of losing weight gradually.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/what-if-i-lose-weight-too-quickly

A lot of people trying to lose weight often start out fast – dropping pounds at a rapid pace. But losing weight too fast can be detrimental to your health and sabotage your overall goals. Rapid weight loss is often followed by rapid weight gain. Or worse: Rapid weight loss can put your health at r...

05/31/2026

While cognitive decline is a significant concern for many, clinical research indicates that dementia is largely preventable through proactive lifestyle and clinical interventions. It is a common misconception that significant memory loss is a "natural" part of aging.

Let’s prioritize your long-term brain health—we can discuss your personalized preventative roadmap during your next consultation.

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/defining-dementia-and-what-it-does-brain

05/24/2026

Allergy mitigation is a matter of proactive management, not just reactive treatment.

With forecasts indicating an intense seasonal peak, staying ahead of symptoms is vital. Consistent adherence to your clinical protocol, paired with targeted lifestyle shifts—such as monitoring local pollen counts and air filtration—can significantly reduce the inflammatory burden on your system.

Don’t wait for the peak to prioritize your respiratory comfort. Let’s get ahead of the season together: https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/3-tips-handling-longer-more-intense-allergy-season