Dr. Thomas G. Hopkins, MD

03/08/2026

Cardiovascular disease is largely a lifestyle disease. But your cardiovascular health often involves other systems.

There’s a real but often overlooked connection between the endocrine system, which includes your thyroid, and your cardiovascular system.

Learn how endocrine issues affect your heart and how to maintain a well-functioning endocrine system today!

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/how-your-endocrine-system-affects-your-heart-health?utm_campaign=pt_aff-brand-core-26_02&utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=email&utm_content=livingwell_newsletter&mkt_tok=MDAyLUNUUC0xNjQAAAGgL_-sggpO0jbkrpjeozq1y-EVJ8yH6IuE_EgXealcUVH_mwtJc5pF_iiTk8H1JABBtWrgLMziR2p4HWKA1Np30NAJFKaZyq_YlqNmAoR2G3RBOXBH

We often think of the systems in our body as acting independently from one another. Our brain does its thing, our gut does its thing. But our systems are more connected than we think. Our brain and gut are connected through our central nervous system, which is why doctors occasionally refer to our g...

02/08/2026

You don’t have to call them "New Year's resolutions" to see a difference in your health. You don’t even have to follow them perfectly every single day to make an impact. 🗓️

If your goal is to live longer and feel younger, consistency—not perfection—is the key.

Fortunately, there are five scientifically backed steps you can take to improve your longevity. Here’s how to get started. 🧬✨

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/5-science-backed-steps-longer-healthier-life

Most people want to live a healthy lifestyle. As many as 87 percent of Americans agree that they would like to take steps to live a healthier for longer, according to a study conducted by MDVIP and Ipsos.

02/01/2026

It’s no secret that the typical American diet is filled with sugar, but much of it is hiding in plain sight—right in our glasses. 🥤

Excessive added sugar consumption is linked to a wide range of health issues, and a recent study specifically connects sugary beverages to heart disease. 💔

Protecting your heart might be as simple as swapping out your sports drinks or juices. Here’s what you need to know. 💧

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/want-protect-your-heart-give-juices-sports-drinks

Over the last decade, sugar has practically become public health enemy number one. Studies have linked excessive added sugar consumption with a wide range of health problems including cavities, obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

01/25/2026

Everyone ages, but did you know you actually have two different ages? 🎂

While chronological age counts the years on the calendar, your biological age measures how your body is actually functioning—and one can occur much faster than the other.

The good news? You have more control over your biological age than you might think. Here’s how to understand the difference. 🧬🏃‍♂️

https://www.mdvip.com/patients/resources/whats-your-biological-age

Everyone ages. It’s a process that none of us can avoid despite how well we care for ourselves. There are two basic types of aging – chronological and biological. And while you experience both, one type of aging can happen faster than the other.Chronological aging is what we think of when we thi...

01/18/2026

Cardiac arrest has been in the headlines recently, but there is still a lot of confusion about what it actually is—and how it differs from a heart attack. 🏥

It’s a critical distinction to make, especially since women are statistically more likely to die from cardiac arrest than men.

Knowing the signs and the risks is the first step toward prevention. Read our overview to stay informed. 🩺❤️

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/sudden-cardiac-arrest-its-more-common-men-women-have-lower-survival-rates

What are the differences between cardiac arrest and heart attack. Find out more and learn why it's more common in men, yet women also see lower survival rates

01/06/2026

🥳 It's 2026🥳 Almost half of all Americans make New Year’s resolutions, yet only a small percentage actually achieve them.

In fact, about 80 percent of resolutions fall by the wayside by February🗓️

Most people blame their lack of willpower. If you need help hitting your goals, try these five tips. ✔️🎯

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/5-tips-help-you-achieve-your-new-years-resolutions

"

By February 1st, 80% of people who make New Year’s resolutions have given up. Learn why & get tips on how to achieve your New Year’s Resolutions in 2019.

12/31/2025

🥂 It’s New Year’s Eve 🥂 Some of you will probably spend a nice, quiet evening at home, while others will paint the town. But many of you will probably have a drink or two to help ring in the new year. 🍾

At the risk of sounding like a wet blanket, if you’re going to drink, make sure you’re doing so safely and understand how much you’re really drinking. 🕛

And remember: Never drink and drive! 🚗🚫

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/how-much-alcohol-are-you-really-drinking

Many people are unaware of the health effects of alcohol on the body. Educate yourself on how much alcohol you are really drinking and one drink consists of.

12/25/2025

🎄 ! 🎄 Do you eat special dishes on Christmas? If yes, which ones are your favorites?

I find that mainstream holiday fare — high-fat foods, alcohol, and desserts – can often trigger heartburn with some of my patients. 🔥

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent heartburn. Here’s what you need to know. 🍲🥂

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/5-tips-help-prevent-holiday-heartburn

12/12/2025

🕎 ! 🕎 Hanukkah’s celebration lasts eight days, and while this sounds fun, for many of my patients, it means eight days of preparing, cleaning, cooking, wrapping gifts, lifting boxes, socializing, and possibly traveling, which can take a toll on their spines. 🎁🚶‍♀️

If holiday festivities make your back and neck ache, here are some simple tips to help prevent the pain. 🕯️🧘‍♂️

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/simple-tips-help-prevent-holiday-back-and-neck-pain

12/06/2025

It’s World Diabetes Day—a great moment to assess your habits and ensure you are taking proactive steps to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Daily exercise is one of the most effective approaches to help reduce your risk of diabetes and obesity, which significantly raises the risk of type 2 diabetes.

This article shares a recent study that found exercise is a powerful starting point in managing and controlling both diabetes and obesity. Let’s discuss your current fitness routine at your next appointment.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/afternoon-workouts-can-help-people-obesity-diabetes
https://hubs.ly/Q03bZYW80

There’s a new term for an epidemic you’re probably aware of: Diabesity. It probably sounds a little melodramatic, but it is the largest epidemic in human history, according to a study published in Clinical Diabetes and Endocrinology.

11/27/2025

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

While it's tempting to indulge in your favorite holiday foods, you’ll want to be mindful of overeating, especially if you are managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, or kidney disease.

Here’s why avoiding overeating is crucial for a healthier holiday season.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/avoid-overeating-ensure-healthier-holiday-season

Holiday celebrations are a tempting trap. Here are some healthy eating tips for anyone whose doctor has warned them to “watch what you eat."

11/23/2025

My patients frequently ask questions about bone health, and it's understandable.

Osteoporosis is a debilitating condition that affects many older women and a growing number of men. A frequently overlooked risk factor, however, is excessive alcohol consumption, which is unfortunately rising among American women.

Learn more about the significant connection between increased alcohol use and your long-term bone health.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/older-women-are-drinking-more-and-harder-and-its-affecting-their-bone-health

When you think of osteoporosis, you probably imagine a frail, older woman. After all, osteoporosis is most often associated with thin, older women with small bone structures. White and Asian women tend to have a higher risk than Black and Latina women, but their risk also is significant.