Dr. Thomas G. Hopkins, MD

10/18/2026

Many of my patients tell me that maintaining their weight becomes more difficult as they get older.

Sometimes the change is only a few pounds. For others, weight gain can become significant enough to increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and arthritis.

So why does weight gain become more common during middle age? Here are six possible reasons.

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/6-possible-reasons-why-youre-gaining-weight-during-middle-age

10/15/2026

Many of my patients are concerned about dementia, so they focus on eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep and keeping their minds active.

But there’s another important factor that can be easy to overlook: hearing health. Research has found a connection between hearing loss and dementia risk, making hearing another area to pay attention to as we age.

Let’s talk about it during your next visit.

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/lower-your-risk-dementia-critical-connection-between-hearing-loss-and-brain-health

10/11/2026

Every year, I have patients who catch the flu. Some recover within a week, while others develop complications that can lead to hospitalization.

Heart and lung conditions can increase the risk of severe illness, but the strength of your immune response also matters. T-cells play an important role in helping your body fight infection.

Here’s what you should know about supporting your immune system and lowering your risk of serious flu illness.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/does-flu-knock-you-out-weeks-boost-your-t-cells

10/07/2026

October often brings great weather for walking and spending time outdoors. But if you’re walking through wooded or brushy areas, it’s important to be mindful of ticks and Lyme disease.

Many people recover from Lyme disease within a few weeks. Others may experience longer-lasting symptoms that can be much more complicated.

Let me know if you think you’ve had a tick bite. Here’s more on long-term Lyme disease.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/long-term-lyme-disease-associated-particular-bacterial-strain

10/04/2026

Some of my patients take turmeric supplements hoping to ease pain, support memory, slow aging or help with weight management.

Turmeric is sometimes combined with black pepper to improve absorption. However, this combination may also pose health risks, including potential liver damage.

Talk to me about the supplements you’re taking. In the meantime, here’s what you should know about turmeric and black pepper supplements.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/turmeric-and-black-pepper-supplements-may-damage-liver

10/02/2026

Some of my patients have a lot of questions about Parkinson’s disease, and understandably so. It’s a life-altering condition that can significantly affect movement and quality of life.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent Parkinson’s disease, there are lifestyle habits that may help lower your risk.

Here are four tips worth knowing.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/4-tips-help-lower-your-risk-parkinsons-disease

09/29/2026

Your metabolism does much more than affect your weight. It converts the food and beverages you consume into the energy your body needs for everything from breathing and circulating blood to exercising.

When abnormal chemical reactions interfere with this process, metabolic disorders can affect your overall health. This is one reason I’m adamant about staying on top of recommended screenings.

Here’s what you need to know about maintaining your metabolic health.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/understanding-your-metabolic-health-and-how-it-impacts-your-body

Fundamentally, your metabolic health is about how well your body responds to and processes food. Our metabolism’s job is to convert what we eat and drink into energy to power your body’s functions. When everything is working well, your body has the energy to do a range of amazing things – from...

09/03/2026

I always encourage my patients to make a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management part of their everyday lives. However, these wellness tactics are difficult and require a huge commitment.

Fortunately, there are easier wellness tactics that are just as important and that you can take to help maintain your wellness beyond 60.

Share your favorite personal wellness tactic.
https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/preventive-measures-you-can-take-your-50-60s-and-beyond

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We often think of prevention from the perspective of youth. If we had started eating healthy in our 20s, if we had built strong exercise habits in our 30s, if we had maintained a healthy weight in our 40s … While we can do a lot of good — or bad — when we’re young, we can still have an impac...

08/31/2026

Losing weight is not easy. And sadly, there’s a good chance you won’t achieve your weight loss goals. In fact, it’s very common.

Most of my patients who begin a diet don’t achieve their desired results and/or gain back the weight they lost. But their efforts aren’t in vain.

Here are some benefits of following a weight management program, even if you didn’t achieve your weight loss goals.

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/didnt-reach-your-goal-weight-youre-healthier-trying

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08/27/2026

About 50% of my patients have high blood pressure. Hypertension can cause serious health problems; in fact, it’s dubbed “a silent killer”.

The condition is largely lifestyle-related, which is why I recommend exercising, following the DASH diet, managing stress, and getting good sleep to help manage it.

A recent study found that eating dark chocolate can help. Foods rich in flavan-3-ols, a plant pigment, such as cocoa, apples, grapes, and tea, can help lower blood pressure.

Here’s what you need to know.
https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/have-high-blood-pressure-chocolate-may-help-lower-it

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