Ho, Ho, Happy Holidays! Can you believe it? I mentioned to a patient that I couldn’t believe it was December already, and he added, yes, and these Decembers keep coming faster and faster. So true…
We also celebrated our TVD Holiday Party last night, Ugly Christmas Sweater competition and all. It was a delight and a good reminder for me of the blessings of the season and of #TeamTVD. “Thanksgiving” is still with me, even though the man with the red coat showed up last night with a sack of gifts for the kids. Blessed, indeed.
So may all of you also have such a blessed holiday season. Here’s to a cup overflowing with love, light, and health!
With joy,
Eric
Eric Weiss, MD, DTM&H, December 2025
Helping Kids Find Calm in a Loud, Always-On World
After more than 20 years in pediatric practice, I’ve learned that every era has its own “big worry.” For earlier generations, it was junk food or too much TV. For others, it was stranger danger or the pressures of standardized testing. But the concern I hear about most from parents and grandparents today—something that comes up in my office nearly every single day—is youth mental health in a world that never powers down.
Can Dementia Be Prevented? Evidence-Based Strategies to Protect Your Brain
Dementia is not a single disease — it’s a general term that refers to a decline in memory, reasoning, or other thinking skills that interferes with daily life. There are many types of dementia, and they can have different underlying causes. Of these, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, accounting for roughly 60–80% of dementia cases.
Emergency! Sudden Low Back Pain
Oh! My lumbago!
Seriously, back pain is actually no joke. Most cases of acute low back pain start suddenly and can be debilitating, significantly impacting one’s life and the activities of daily living. The range of pain can vary from mild discomfort to agonizing. Nevertheless, most cases are benign and last less than 6 weeks. Low back pain is quite common and most cases get better on their own.
Speaking of holidays, TVD is proud to sponsor The Village Chabad and their 5th Annual Chanukah Festival taking place this upcoming December 14th from 2 to 4 pm. The Village Chabad, led by Rabbi Mayer Brook, provides a variety of services to the local Jewish community, with a focus on educational programs ranging from Preschool through Hebrew School to advanced Jewish learning classes for adults. The Village Chabad strives to provide a home for meaningful Jewish connections, where everyone is welcomed with warmth, care, and authenticity.
Chanukah is, of course, the Jewish Festival of Lights, celebrating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Jewish families mark the holiday by lighting the menorah, sharing traditional foods, giving gifts, and enjoying time together. That said, the Village Chabad Chanukah Celebration is open to all, and will feature a Chanukah photo booth, crafts and balloon twisting, a gelt drop by the Woodside Fire Department, hot latkes, fresh donuts, and a live performance by Shir Soul — NYC’s premier Jewish rock band. What can I say? This sounds like an event to put on your calendar.
Happy Holidays!
Lastly this, 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.
