Dr. Jennifer Hollywood, MD

04/07/2026

If you’re trying to lose weight, you’ll need to take a good, hard look at your diet, starting with your protein intake. Many of my patients wonder which type of protein is better for weight control – plant-based or animal-based. Here’s what you need to know.

Plant-based proteins have been trending for at least a decade. Studies suggest foods such as chickpeas, beans, lentils, quinoa, tofu, tempeh, nuts and seeds can be healthier than animal-based proteins like red meats, eggs, fish and poultry in that they can:

04/06/2026

Now that the weather is warmer, many of my patients will spend more time outdoors, engaged in activities. Unfortunately, many of them will wear unsupportive shoes, such as sandals and flip-flops, which raise the risk of plantar fasciitis. If you’ve ever experienced plantar fasciitis, you know how painful and debilitating it can be. Check out these tips to help you lower your risk for the condition and treat it at home.

At the masters last year, plantar fasciitis sidelined Tiger Woods. But plantar fasciitis isn’t just an athlete’s problem. It’s a common problem that can develop in anyone, anytime of the year. However, many people are more susceptible to it during the warmer months as they participant in outdo...

03/26/2026

Do you want to live until you are 80 years old? 90? Maybe even 100? It’s possible, but you’ll have to commit to a healthy lifestyle, which can help offset your genetic risk of diseases. Here are steps you can take in your 40s, 50s and 60s to help you live longer.

The end of your life may seem far off in your 40s, even your 50s and 60s, but it’s never too soon to start healthy behaviors proven to add years to your life and your health span, the period of our life when we live mostly disease-free.Extending your health span and lifespan requires a holistic ap...

03/25/2026

You already know that exercise can help prevent and manage heart disease and type 2 diabetes. But you may not realize that it’s also good for brain health, particularly in warding off dementia.

Many people don't like working out. They see is as a chore, despite knowing that regular exercise helps manage weight, lower stress, strengthen bones, improve sleep, elevate mood and ease some conditions.Experts also credit exercise with some brain-health benefits such as improved memory, better cog...

02/24/2026

February is American Heart Month, a good time to discuss heart health issues. My patients are aware of the connection between their body composition, diet, sleep habits, fitness routine, smoking status, stress level and alcohol consumption and their heart health. What many of them don’t realize is the connection between heart disease and breast cancer. Here’s what you need to know.

It’s not news that heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death worldwide. However, what is new is the connection found between heart disease and breast cancer, a leading form of cancer.

02/10/2026

I regularly educate my patients on the importance of good quality sleep. Sleep affects many processes, including blood pressure control. Interestingly, sleep quality affects men’s and women’s blood pressure differently. Here’s more information.

You’re probably aware getting enough sleep is essential to overall health and well-being. Sleep helps lower blood pressure and inflammation, regulate metabolism and insulin uptake and reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke. This is why sleep deprivation is linked to obesity, heart disease, ty...

02/09/2026

Observances

2/14 Valentine’s Day

I encourage my patients to exercise and manage their stress to control their blood pressure. But just thinking of your significant other also helps, according to a recent study. Happy Valentine’s Day. Here’s what you need to know.

Stress -- you can’t escape it. And it can wreak havoc on blood pressure. Exercise, meditation and hobbies are common, effective stress busters. So is having a social support system of friends and relatives. But if they’re not available, having your significant other present – even if it’s on...

10/16/2025

Some of my patients ask a lot of questions about Parkinson’s disease, which is understandable. It’s a life-altering, debilitating disease that’s been rising in the US. Here are four tips to help lower your risk of Parkinson’s.
https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/4-tips-help-lower-your-risk-parkinsons-disease

Legendary National Football League quarterback Brett Favre was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), a progressive and debilitating nervous system disorder that affects cognitive and motor abilities. In the early phases, symptoms develop slowly, are mild and possibly overlooked. For in...

07/08/2025

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

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.

07/03/2025

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!

06/19/2025

Extreme heat can be problematic for your health, especially if you’re active outdoors. At the beginning of each summer, I tell my patients how important it is to prevent heat-related issues. Here’s what I tell them.

Summer 2023 was the hottest summer on record, according to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (more commonly known as NASA). And summer 2024 is on track to beat it.