ISSUE 13: SEPTEMBER 2025 

Hello Everyone, I want to get started with a very bright spot and introduce the newest member of our family. Meet Bodhi, a cavapoo who is currently 4 months and a dream dog! 

 

There’s a ton of stories in this month’s newsletter—so dive into the ones that catch your eye. Here's a quick snapshot: 

 

🍷 Alcohol use is falling—because “less is more” when it comes to health.

🌍 Dan Buettner on longevity—less about perfection, more about connection.

🧠 Lithium’s new promise for dementia—an old drug with fresh hope.

👵 60 is the new 40—but living longer doesn’t always mean living healthier.

☀️ Melanoma warning—remember your ABCDEs even though summer is over.  

🏈 CTE—from NFL stars to high school players, the risk starts early.

💬 Therapy—helpful, yes, but not meant to last forever.

🩺 DO vs MD—different degrees, same care.

🦴 Back pain & surgery—the hardest part is finding the best surgeon.

🎙️ Alana & Zoe—two young women proving that advocacy skills should start early.

 

I hope you learn something new and useful to help you Speak Up For Your Health. Links are in red bold and underlined. Thanks for reading!

It’s not your imagination—people really are drinking less. According to a new Gallup survey, alcohol consumption in the U.S. is at a 90-year low, and it’s not because everyone is shifting to cannabis gummies. The reason? People are listening to the science showing that even small amounts of alcohol can have negative health effects. 

Dan Buettner Gets Real About Longevity

Think you know about Blue Zones? Think again. In my latest podcast, I had a refreshingly honest conversation with Dan Buettner, the National Geographic explorer behind the world’s longevity hot spots. We talked about how he actually lives, what he’s learned after two decades of studying long life, and what he thinks about today's trendy longevity hacks. Key Takeaway: Longevity is less about perfection, more about connection, habits, and joy.This episode is part wisdom, part reality check—and 100% worth a listen. You can hear the full interview with Dan here. 

LIthium: OLD DRUG, NEW HOPE FOR ALZHEIMER'S

New research suggests that micro-doses of lithium may help protect the brain from the inflammation and plaque buildup linked to Alzheimer's. While lithium has been FDA-approved since 1970 to treat bipolar disorder, those doses are high and often come with significant side effects. Scientists are now studying whether doses as small as 1/1000th of the psychiatric level could deliver benefits for Alzheimer’s without the risks. The science is still early—but it’s one of the most promising breakthroughs in years. Image credit:  Network18 Creative Watch here 

IS 60 (really) The New 40? 

Yes—and I proved it with data during my keynote at the Alliance for Health Policy’s Summit on Aging in DC. But here's what else I proved: 80 is not the new 60. Sorry, everyone. We may be living longer, but too often those extra years are not healthy years. That’s why our healthcare policies, priorities, and culture need to catch up. Big thanks to the artist who captured my talk in this amazing graphic recording. You can also watch my keynote here. 

Summer may be over but the risk of melanoma isn't. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer—but if caught early, it’s highly treatable. The key is knowing what to look for. Dermatologists use the ABCDE rule to flag suspicious moles:

A: Asymmetry

B: Border (irregular edges)

C: Color (varies within the mole)

D: Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser)

E: Evolving (changing in size, shape, or color)

You can watch the segment here. 

 

CTE: Not Just a Pro Athlete’s Problem

Do you really want your child to play football? This won’t be popular…but my answer is no. CTE—chronic traumatic encephalopathy—isn’t just an NFL issue. Studies show that college, semi-pro, and even high school football players can develop this brain disease from repeated hits, even without a concussion. The earliest signs—mood changes, depression, anxiety—can appear long before dementia-like symptoms. FYI, Shane Tamura, the Manhattan shooter, never played pro football but believed he had CTE. Watch here

THERAPY: HOW LONG IS TOO LONG? 

Counseling can be life-changing—but it’s not meant to be a lifestyle. According to the CDC, 50% of people who see a therapist only need 15–20 sessions to see real improvement. Therapy is working when you have the skills to keep your emotions within a “normal” range—not when you your therapist becomes a long-term crutch. If sessions start feeling repetitive or you’re just rehashing old problems, it may be time to re-evaluate the relationship with your therapist. Watch here

MD vs DO: Does It Matter? 

You may have noticed more doctors with D.O. after their name instead of M.D.—and wondered if there’s a difference in your care. While there are some philosophical differences in the approach to care, both complete similar medical school education, go through the same residency training, and carry the same medical license. Whether your physician is an MD or DO, you’re getting the same level of expertise. The bigger takeaway: don’t get caught up in the letters—focus on finding a doctor who listens, treats you as a partners and practice evidence-based medicine. Watch here

When Back Pain Leads to Surgery

Back pain is one of the most common health problems adults face—but what happens when the patient is also a doctor? In this episode, gastroenterologist Dr. Robert (Bob) Ganz shares his 20-year journey with back pain – from subtle early symptoms to spine surgery. In this conversation, Bob and I were chatting as if we at a cocktail party, and he candidly reflects on his posture, physical therapy, and the challenges of choosing the right surgeon. Along the way, he reveals what it’s like to be both the patient and the physician—including the unforgettable moment when he ended up diagnosing his own surgeon. Listen here

Speaking Up Starts Young

Advocating for your health isn’t just something older adults need to learn—it’s a skill everyone should start practicing early. At just 17, Alana Kendall shares how living with Type 1 diabetes has given her not only strength and independence, but also a sense of compassion and purpose. And at 22, my daughter Zoe Feldshon reflects on her seven-year journey with a misdiagnosis before finally getting surgery and the hard lessons she learned about self-advocacy, persistence, and believing in yourself—even when  specialists (and parents) get it wrong. You can listen to Zoe's story here and Alana's story here. 

 You can find previous editions of ArcHealth on my website. 

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.