As we are approaching the fall season, where we traditionally start to think about pumpkin spice lattes and the beginning of the Stanford football season, there is another topic that is going to be equally controversial… COVID-19 vaccine, and whether or not it will be available to you if you so choose. As you may know, in a change from previous years, our current FDA has not yet approved the Moderna mRNA or the Novavax protein subunit vaccines for those under 12, or for those between the ages of 12 and 65, unless they have clear underlying health conditions. Over 65s (yikes, that’s me!) have clear data showing clearly greater benefit than risk, in terms of survival, prevention of hospitalization, and prevention of “long Covid”, so for this group, the mRNA and protein subunit Covid vaccines have been approved.
In fairness, the FDA is looking hard at the risk-benefit calculation for low-risk groups (generally young and healthy people). And like so many things these days, “politics” has inserted itself into scientific inquiry, complicating everything. Rest assured that The Village Doctor team is watching this space carefully, and doing its best to be an advocate for your and your family’s health. Watch this space for more news about where the FDA lands regarding their recommendations for either the newer mRNA Covid vaccine by Moderna (mNEXSPIKE) or the more traditional recombinant protein Novavax vaccine (Nuvaxovid).
In clearer news, we will again have the Flu vaccine available! Look for messaging about this in a month or two. Come in and roll up your sleeves. You’ll be back on the road before your pumpkin spice latte gets cold.
Yours, in health, as always,
Eric Weiss, MD, DTM&H, August 2025
Back to School – Getting Back into Routines and Staying Healthy
As the long, carefree days of summer wind down, shifting back into the structure of the school year can feel like a big adjustment for the whole family. Re-establishing consistent routines not only helps children feel grounded and ready to learn—it also supports their overall health and well-being.
Strong Bones for Life: Why Bone Loss is Reversible—and What You Can Do About It
Bone health is a critical public health concern due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with osteoporotic fractures, particularly hip fractures. Hip fractures are a leading cause of death and disability in older adults, with 1-year mortality rates ranging from approximately 16% to 30% in most populations, and up to 28.3% in the United Kingdom.
A Meaty Controversy
There is a large number of conflicting scientific studies regarding the health benefits or detriments of red meat. It has been blamed for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, though studies on either side conflict. Today, I’d like to focus on a little-discussed but interesting theory as to why red meat may be dangerous to one’s health. We’ll still talk about heart disease and diabetes.
Maybe I’m just getting old… Did you know that our local Kings Mountain Art Fair is over 60 years old?! The first Kings Mountain Art Fair was held in 1962 as a way to raise funds to establish a local volunteer fire department in Kings Mountain. From its inception, the fair has been organized and run entirely by volunteers—no corporate sponsors or public funding. So that is where you come in.
Please come to the Kings Mountain Art Fair, 2025. The Fair showcases juried original art by over 125+ independent artists and 23 Kings Mountain artists. The Fair is in-person and online! You can visit with the artists at the Fair or shop their websites for extraordinary art. Join this experience by visiting Labor Day Weekend (August 30, 31 & September 1 (Saturday, Sunday & Monday)). The Fair is open, 10 am – 5 pm, PDT.
Curious to learn/see more? Check out this video welcoming you to the Kings Mountain Art Fair!
If you are unable to shop, please consider making a donation to support our Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade. The Fair’s proceeds support this important community resource, which protects all of us in Woodside and on the Peninsula from wildfires and assists in medical aid and rescue. Our Fair is run 100% by volunteers who work hard to support the Fair and the KM Fire Department.
See you there?
Lastly, TVD Newsletter is a labor of love. If you enjoy reading this, please share widely! Was this forwarded to you by a friend? Please subscribe here.
Yours, in health,
Eric and the TVD MD team…
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.
