Dr. Thomas G. Hopkins, MD

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.

11/16/2025

It's a sobering fact that about two out of three Americans show some level of cognitive impairment by age 70.

While cognitive decline is currently not preventable or curable, there are emerging tactics you can employ to protect your brain health—one surprising tactic involves exposure to scents while sleeping.

Here’s what you need to know about how diffusing scents during sleep may boost brain health.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/study-finds-diffusing-scents-while-sleeping-may-boost-brain-health

About two out of three Americans have some level of cognitive impairment at an age 70, according to the National Institutes of Health. Cognitive decline takes a tremendous toll on the quality of life of an individual and breaks the heats of family members. It also can be quite costly with expensive....

11/09/2025

A major focus of my practice is preventative health, which is why I'm adamant about staying on top of screenings—especially those related to metabolic function.

When abnormal chemical reactions interfere with your body's ability to convert food into energy, it can lead to a metabolic disorder, affecting everything from your weight to your overall health.

Understanding your metabolism is key to a healthier life. Here's what you need to know about maintaining 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...

11/02/2025

I receive many questions from my patients about Parkinson's disease, and it's understandable why.

As a life-altering and debilitating condition that is unfortunately rising in the US, concerns about lowering risk are real.

While it can be frightening, there are simple lifestyle changes that can help you protect your brain health. This post offers 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...

10/26/2025

Every flu season, I see patients who struggle—some bounce back after a week, while others end up hospitalized for several weeks.

A weaker immune system, not just underlying heart or lung conditions, can lead to serious complications from the flu.

Want to know how to lower your risk of serious illness? Focusing on boosting your T-cells can make a profound difference. Here’s what you need to know.

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

10/19/2025

It's a fact that most cancer cases have a higher survival rate when detected early.

However, with over 200 types of cancer but only five standard early screenings, more than half of all cancers are diagnosed in advanced stages. A new technology is emerging to fill this gap.

Multi-cancer early detection blood tests—or liquid biopsies—are helping provide a more comprehensive approach. If you're curious about this test, let's talk at your next appointment.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/what-are-multi-cancer-early-detection-blood-tests

10/12/2025

For years, I've talked to my patients about the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, and olive oil is a key ingredient.

With the recent boom in popularity, there are so many options to choose from that it can be a bit overwhelming.

But don't worry, picking the right one doesn't have to be confusing! Here are some simple tips to help you make an easier, more informed choice.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/3-tips-buying-olive-oil

You may have noticed how big the olive oil section of your supermarket has become. Olive oil consumption almost doubled from 1990 to 2021 and brands are offering olive oil at different price points and styles to keep up with the demand.Its popularity as a cooking oil began taking off in the 1980s af...

10/05/2025

I've had a few patients tell me they're skipping their flu shot this year because it didn't seem to work for them in the past.

It's true that a flu shot isn't 100% effective, but it's still the best way to lower your risk of getting sick. So why doesn't it always prevent the flu?

I'm breaking down three key reasons in this post:
https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/3-reasons-you-might-catch-flu-despite-getting-flu-shot

Have you (or someone you know) sworn off getting a flu shot because it didn’t work? Sometimes, flu shots aren’t 100 percent effective, but they are considered the best method of flu prevention, lowering your risk of getting sick between 40 and 60 percent. Why aren’t flu shots completely reliab...

09/28/2025

You've probably heard the term "cognitive impairment" before, and sadly, it's something many of my patients are dealing with.

What you might not know is that there are different types of impairment. This post offers a brief overview of the different forms.

If you're concerned about your cognitive health, let's talk about it at your next appointment.
https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/different-types-cognitive-impairment-mci-dementia

Learn more about the different types of cognitive impairments and how these brain health issues can impair a person’s ability to function.

09/21/2025

I often remind my patients that their overall health is directly tied to their gut health. When your gut isn't properly cared for, you may gain weight, get sick more often, or have digestive issues.

Your gut has so many responsibilities, and factors like stress, poor nutrition, and dehydration can affect how it functions.

Want to learn more about the profound connection between your gut and your total well-being? Click here!
https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/how-your-gut-health-influences-your-overall-health

It makes sense that if we have an unhealthy gut, we’ll have gastrointestinal issues. But sometimes we forget that what we eat affects our entire body – not just our gut. How does the gut have so much influence over our health?

09/14/2025

A healthy gut is more than just what you eat! While diet plays a crucial role, three other key factors influence your gut health. Watch this video, where Dr. Andrea Klemes, chief medical officer at MDVIP, reveals the surprising connections between your gut and your lifestyle.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/3-things-besides-diet-can-improve-gut-health

Learn how sleep, exercise, and stress management can transform your digestive health. Watch the full video to discover how to nurture your gut from the inside out!

The food you eat is key to your gut health — but it’s not the only important thing. Exercise, sleep and stress also play an important role. Watch the video above to find out how.

09/07/2025

I want my patients to exercise, eat gut-friendly foods, and get enough rest—yet, they still struggle with gut health issues.

Why? I think in some cases, it’s the medications they take. Do you take medicines that upset your gut health? Click here to find out: https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/these-medications-mess-your-gut-biomes-0

Gut health is a relatively new line of research. As more and more studies are published, experts realize that gut microbiota function like an organ. And like other organs, it’s affected by what you ingest. While you’re probably aware your diet can affect biomes, you may not have thought about me...