Brett A. Brechner, DO

02/16/2026

Blogs

Most of my patients drink caffeinated beverages, which helps protect the heart, enhance cognitive function and improve blood sugar processing. However, most people are unaware of their caffeine intake, and too much can lead to GI issues, muscle tremors, headaches and disordered sleep. Here are some sources of caffeine, beyond the obvious coffee and tea. If you’re concerned about your intake, we can talk about it at your next appointment.

Many of us can relate to German composer and musician Johann Sebastian Bach when he said: “Without my morning coffee, I'm just like a dried-up piece of roast goat."Most of us feel that way because the country seemingly runs on caffeine: 93 percent of Americans consume caffeinated beverages, 75 per...

02/12/2026

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...

01/05/2026

12/16/2025

12/04/2025

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



A group of people eating at a table

During special occasions heartburn can be prominent due to the types of food and alcohol present. Discover 5 tips for avoiding heartburn at special occasions.

11/12/2025

As daylight fades, many people feel their mood dip. ❄️ 😞 A few small daily habits can help prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and keep you feeling your best all winter long.

10/20/2025

Alcohol consumption can affect medications, weight and overall health, which is why I commonly ask my patients how much alcohol they drink. However, answering this question is more difficult than it seems; many factors are involved. If you’d like to understand how much you’re really drinking, here’s what you need to know.

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.

10/14/2025

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.

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...

10/01/2025

Summer Outing 2025. We had an amazing time with our staff and family at the Chicago Air and Water Show this summer.