Dr. Laura E. Babe, MDVIP

03/12/2026

03/12/2026

Maybe you (my patients) are wondering why I am always asking how you are keeping yourself busy and what your hobbies or activities are. It's not just because I like to hear how about your latest bridge tournament or art show or vacation, although that is always a fun conversation, but because being lonely is bad for you. Social connections and regular contact with others, even familiar strangers, helps to keep us healthier.

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/how-social-isolation-can-harm-your-health

02/20/2026

February is Heart Health Month. It's also often cold and gloomy, at least here in Michigan. Many of my patients complain their weight goes up in the winter. It is not just lack of exercise, but snacking due to boredom, or stress, or whatever. Try to pick healthy snacks, that don't make you immediately hungry again. Unsalted nuts, fresh fruit, yogurt. If you are bored go for a walk, or check the birdfeeder. Don't check the fridge.

02/06/2026

Many of my patients wear devices that collect important health data; examples include continuous glucose monitors, smart watches, pedometers and heart rate monitors. Unfortunately, nothing is done with the data. If you’re collecting health information, be it from a wearable device or even a home blood pressure monitor, share it with me. Here’s how.

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/youre-already-monitoring-your-health-data-heres-tips-sharing-it-your-doctor

02/02/2026

5 Tips for Losing Weight With or Without a GLP-1 Drug

Whether you want to lose weight to prevent disease or you just want to look and feel better, there has never been a better time. Losing just a modest amount of weight can help improve sleep patterns, blood sugar levels, cholesterol profile and blood pressure readings. However, losing weight can be very hard, which is why so many people are turning to GLP-1 drugs. Of course, GLP-1 drugs aren’t for everyone.

If you’re trying to lose weight with or without pharmaceutical assistance, I would be glad to help you on your journey. Current patients, give the office a call to set up an appointment.

02/02/2026

It's Groundhog Day. Again. Ever feel like you are stuck losing the same 5 lb over and over again? Changing habits is hard and taking control of diet and exercise involves changing old habit and building new ones. MDVIP and I are here to help. Patients, if you are ready to take control, call the office to set up an appointment.

01/26/2026

Everyone ages, years go by, and birthday candles get blown out again and again. Just because the date on your driver's license is getting more remote does not mean you have to feel OLD. Biological aging is complicated, and not only related to the passage of time. In my practice of Internal Medicine I manage cholesterol, hypertension, and many other chronic medical conditions, but through the MDVIP program, I also can help you to age more gracefully, by taking time to discuss diet, exercise habits, sleep habits, social activities, mood, and many other factors that help you to age better, not just get older. Patients, if you are due for your annual exam, give us a call.

01/02/2026

Happy New Year! Ready to jump into good health? If your resolution for the new year involves exercise, remember to build up gradually. MDVIP.com offers exercise plans and videos. Patients, reach out to me via the portal if you want to me to send you information on improving something in particular.

Find a physician near you in the MDVIP national network of primary care doctors who focus on delivering personalized medicine, patient-centered and preventive care.

10/07/2025

Most cancer cases have a higher survival rate when they’re detected early. However, there are more than 200 types of cancer, and only five have early screenings. As a result, more than 50 percent of cancers are diagnosed in an advanced stage. A new type of test may change this dynamic. Called liquid biopsies, these multi-cancer early detection tests may help fill the gaps left by the five standard cancer screenings. If you’re curious about this test, let’s talk at your next appointment.

09/18/2025

Do we ever really know what is in the latest and greatest supplement advertised on your cell phone or facebook or that shiny magazine that comes in the mail? Not all ingredients are listed on the label in all cases.

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/medication-health-fraud/pain-flex-may-be-harmful-due-hidden-drug-ingredients

If you are taking this, talk with your doctor about how to taper off.

09/04/2025

It's fall in Ann Arbor, the air is cooler, football has started, the students are back, and colds, coughs and sniffles have started. To protect yourself against serious illness this winter, get your flu shot. Everyone, from infants to adults, can benefit from influenza vaccine, unless known to be allergic to the vaccine. Patients: we are getting flu shots in, call the office for a time to come in. Covid Vaccines are not yet available. Stay tuned.

08/27/2025

We all know that chocolate tastes good, but having chocolate as part of your diet may actually be good for your health, including helping to lower blood pressure. Consider it a vitamin, not a food group. One small square of dark chocolate or one serving of cocoa a day.

See more at https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/have-high-blood-pressure-chocolate-may-help-lower-it