It seems the way we think about alcohol consumption may be on the verge of a major shift. According to U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and a recently released report, alcohol is now officially linked to seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancers. Interestingly—and quite frankly, shockingly—around 16.4% of breast cancer cases can be attributed to alcohol consumption. To top it off, alcohol is now considered the third-leading cause of cancer in the United States, trailing just behind tobacco and obesity. Many people will wonder how could something as socially normalized and celebrated as a glass of wine at dinner or a beer at a party carry such a heavy risk, and yet so many of us remain completely unaware? Currently, alcohol labels simply warn about risks like birth defects and impairment, but they completely leave out the potential cancer connection. Surgeon General Murthy and health experts are pushing for new warning labels and updated drinking guidelines to educate the public. Think about it—what if we could save lives simply by adding a line of text on a bottle? It feels like a small change with monumental potential. Women, in particular, face greater risks even with smaller amounts of alcohol due to biological factors. The bright side? Experts say cutting back even now could reduce future risks and, in some cases, reverse harmful effects. Personally, I enjoy having a few beers on the weekend. While experts point out that some damage from drinking can be reversible, they also stress that cutting back can significantly reduce future risks. This isn’t about demonizing beer or alcohol; it’s about being informed and making mindful choices. If updated labels and federal guidelines help create awareness, we all stand to benefit, ensuring that what we enjoy in moderation doesn’t silently harm us in the long run. In the last couple years, I have mindfully cut back on my beer consumption, limiting myself to just a few a week. I started doing this as these research reports started to trickle out. Now, with the recent news reports, if you're like me, a little awareness might just change how you approach your next drink.
Vitamin D deficiency is an often-overlooked concern that impacts nearly 40% of Americans. Fatigue, muscle aches, frequent colds, and even feeling down can all be signs of low vitamin D, but many misinterpret these issues as something else. These seemingly minor symptoms can point to deeper health challenges if ignored for too long. Keeping vitamin D levels within the ideal range of 60-80 ng/mL is key to staying healthy and warding off chronic conditions.
Getting outside for just 10-20 minutes a day without sunscreen is one of the easiest ways to boost your vitamin D naturally. However, for those who can’t spend time in the sun daily, or for individuals with darker skin tones or diets low in fatty fish, fortified dairy, or egg yolks, supplements can be a lifesaver. Adding foods rich in magnesium, like spinach and nuts, can also support how the body uses vitamin D, enhancing its impact. The ideal D3 dose in the wintertime is 35 per units per pound of bodyweight, plus 100-200 units of vitamin K2. For example, a 160lb person should take 5600 units of D3 daily in the winter.
Healthy vitamin D levels do so much more than strengthen bones—they also lower the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Regular blood tests are the best way to monitor your levels and make adjustments if needed. A combination of sunlight, a nutrient-packed diet, and supplements can make a huge difference in your health, protecting you from potential long-term problems while helping you feel your best every day.
COVID-19 VACCINE NEWS: A peer-reviewed study conducted by high school students at an FDA lab has uncovered some pretty startling details about Pfizer’s mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Yes, you heard that right—high school students. These young researchers, working under the guidance of FDA scientists, took a deep dive into the vaccine and confirmed something concerning. The study, which got published on Dec. 29, 2024, in The Journal of High School Science, found that Pfizer’s mRNA vaccine contains levels of residual DNA contamination way higher than what’s considered safe—6 to 470 times over the regulatory limits, to be precise. The students tested two separate batches of the vaccine and found “residual DNA to a level that exceeds 10 nanograms per dose.” To put it in perspective, anything beyond this limit raises eyebrows, and these results shot way past that threshold. Now, what does this mean exactly? That part is still a bit of a mystery. According to the study, the impact of these leftover DNA fragments on health isn’t fully understood yet. But here’s where it gets serious—the researchers noted these DNA fragments could cause something called “insertional mutagenesis,” a fancy term for DNA mutations that might lead to cancer. This revelation was first brought to light by Maryanne Demasi, Ph.D., an investigative medical journalist. To me, it’s impressive and fascinating that high school students, while under the mentorship of FDA scientists, made such a critical discovery. It just goes to show, sometimes the biggest insights come from the least expected places.
Keeping our kids healthy and free from injuries while they play winter sports is an absolute must. Chiropractic care can be a valuable addition to their warmup and recovery routines, offering another layer of protection and performance enhancement for young athletes—and their proud parents. I’d love to share why I personally believe chiropractic care is a game-changer for winter sports. Whether your little ones are zooming down the slopes, gliding gracefully on ice, or powering through cross-country trails, keeping their bodies in top shape matters more than you think. Regular chiropractic care works hand in hand with things like warmups and cool-down stretches to set the stage for fewer injuries, better performance, and faster recovery times. Honestly, the benefits go beyond just the kids—families can see the difference too! Here’s why I think incorporating chiropractic care into your winter sports routine is so crucial. Take balance and coordination, for instance. When your kids are on skis or snowboards, the ability to control their movements is everything. That effortless glide? It’s no accident. Spinal adjustments, which enhance the body’s natural ability to sense its position (proprioception), can really elevate performance in big ways. And let's not forget the importance of injury prevention. When the spine and joints are in proper alignment, the risk of sprains or strains can drop dramatically. Add in faster recovery from falls, improved flexibility, and even better strength, and this is why chiropractic care, kids and winter sports go hand in hand.
