Hello all, and welcome to these beautiful fall, and back to school, days.
This issue, again, covers a lot of ground: Anyone who knows me will understand why I wrote about how much sleep children and teens actually need and the telltale signs a child isn’t getting enough. Dr. Milt McColl breaks down “Zone 2” training and why it’s such a good starting point for anyone getting into shape. Dr. Alan Spira digs into the science of caloric restriction and whether eating less really can help us live longer. And Dr. C. Angela Jiang answers the question on a lot of patients’ minds this season — should you get the new mRNA flu vaccine, mFLUSIVA?
Now, if we only had a little more success on the football field…
Go Stanford!
Eric
Eric Weiss, MD, September, 2026
How Much Sleep Do Children and Teens Really Need? Signs Your Child May Not Be Getting Enough
Healthy sleep plays a crucial role in children’s growth, learning, emotional regulation, and overall health, yet many kids and teens aren’t getting enough. This guide explores how much sleep children need at every age, why teenagers naturally start staying up later, and the signs that your child may be running on too little sleep. You’ll also find practical strategies for improving sleep, from consistent bedtimes and calming routines to managing screens, caffeine, and naps. Plus, learn about common childhood sleep concerns and when snoring, daytime fatigue, or persistent sleep difficulties may warrant a conversation with your child’s doctor.
What is “Zone 2” Training?
Zone 2 cardio doesn’t have to involve complicated heart rate calculations or specialized equipment. It’s simply a comfortably challenging pace that helps build your cardiovascular fitness without leaving you exhausted. This guide explains how Zone 2 fits into a balanced approach to fitness, why it can be a useful starting point for beginners, and how to tell if you’re in the right intensity using the simple “talk test.” You’ll also learn how often to train, which activities work well, and how gradually building your aerobic base can support endurance, consistency, and long-term fitness and weight management goals.
Calorie Restriction: Can Eating Less Help Us Live Longer?
Should you get the new mRNA Flu Vaccine? What to know about mFLUSIVA
I know this particular session has already begun (and is fully booked), but there will be more (and other options)! I am a fan and supporter of Jerzy and his Happy Body program so I include this small update and shout out here.
Some of you may know Jerzy Gregorek, and for those who don’t — he’s spent decades developing The Happy Body method, and he’s just opened up a new year-long mentoring program for anyone who wants to study it in depth. The Happy Body Mentoring: Athletic Lifestyle Medicine began Wednesday, September 2 and iss built around a principle Jerzy has taught for years: “Hard Choices, Easy Life. Easy Choices, Hard Life.” The program works through what he calls the Fatalist and Master paradigm — learning to notice the inner voice that undermines discipline, and to build the one that supports it — with the goal of giving participants real, practical tools for a stronger body and steadier mind. Although the in person program is booked, I believe recordings are available. If you’re interested in this, or other programming, text or email Jerzy directly to set up a time to talk: 310-488-1862 or jerzygregorek@gmail.com.
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Yours, in health and resilience,
Eric and the TVD MD team…
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The information contained in this newsletter is provided for general informational and education purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider to discuss whether any treatment, medication, or information is appropriate for you, and for guidance on any emerging updates in care. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice based on the information provided here.
