May Day!
And NOT May Day, May Day, May Day. Do you know the history behind this international distress call? It was coined in 1923 by Frederick Stanley Mockford, a senior radio officer at Croydon Airport in London. He was asked to come up with a word that could be easily understood by all pilots and ground staff in an emergency. Since much of the air traffic he dealt with was between London and Paris, he suggested “Mayday” — an anglicization of the French “m’aider”, a shortened form of “venez m’aider”, meaning “come help me.” The convention of saying it three times is deliberate — to reduce the chance of it being misunderstood or mistaken for a similar-sounding word in poor radio conditions.
But I digress…
I’m referring to our annual participation in the Woodside May Day Parade! Fun, and green, was had, as usual, as you saw above. Curious to see more? See TVD’s INSTAGRAM page!
On to things more serious, and perhaps even suitable for a May Day shout out: many of you will have received a letter from Dr. Cheryl Futerman at Welch Road Imaging. As I type this Welch Road Imaging is having their last day before shuttering their doors for good. Sad news.
Dr. Futerman wrote earlier this month, “I deeply regret to inform you that, after ten years at our location on Burgess Drive, our lease was terminated with 30 days’ notice and the space was leased to another practice. This compressed time frame did not provide an adequate opportunity to relocate. Therefore, I must sadly inform you that Welch Road Imaging will be closing permanently, and that our last day seeing patients will be May 20, 2026.
As you may know, this practice predates my tenure and was established in the early 1960s to provide high-quality radiology services to a thriving local medical community and beyond. I have been privileged to be a partner and owner of WRI for nearly 35 years, beginning my career in the former Medical Plaza on Welch Road. My career has been dynamic—overseeing the digital transformation of radiology, expanding to a busy multi-modality imaging center on Channing Avenue in 2005 and then pivoting to focus primarily on Women’s Imaging in 2016 at our current location. I have cherished every moment.”
For those of you who have been patients at WRI know that Dr. Futerman has partnered with Inview Imaging, one of the few remaining independent, radiologist-owned practices in the Bay Area. It is well established and highly regarded, with subspecialty-trained radiologists who ensure thorough and accurate interpretations. InView is across the bridge in Fremont for those willing to travel, otherwise give them a bit and then work with your TVD physician to get copies of your images and reports to your new imaging center of choice.
Thank you, Dr. Futerman, for your nearly 35 years of service to our community. You will be missed.
In health,
Eric
Eric Weiss, MD, May, 2026
How to Know If Your Child Needs to See a Doctor vs. Wait It Out
Wondering whether your child’s symptoms need medical attention or just time and rest? This guide breaks down common childhood illnesses — including fevers, coughs, vomiting, rashes, and ear pain — and explains when it’s safe to manage symptoms at home versus when to call your pediatrician or head to the emergency room. It also covers important red flags parents shouldn’t ignore, plus practical home care tips to help keep kids comfortable while they recover. A helpful, evidence-based resource for parents navigating those stressful “wait it out or see a doctor?” moments.
What Are Peptides and Can They Actually Help Your Health?
Peptides are everywhere right now — from skincare and supplements to weight-loss medications and wellness trends — but how much of the hype is backed by science? This article breaks down what peptides actually are, the different types available, and what current research says about their potential benefits for skin, muscle recovery, and weight management. It also explores the important difference between FDA-approved peptide medications and the growing unregulated supplement market, where quality and safety can vary dramatically. If you’ve been curious about collagen powders, GLP-1 medications, or trending “recovery” peptides, this guide offers a balanced, evidence-based look at what’s worth knowing before you buy in.
Travel Health Checklist: What to Do 6 Weeks Before You Fly
Natural Supplements During Menopause: What the Evidence Actually Shows
Menopause can bring a wide range of symptoms — from hot flashes and sleep disruption to mood changes and brain fog — leading many women to explore natural supplements for relief. This article takes a balanced, evidence-based look at some of the most commonly used options, including magnesium, omega-3s, creatine, vitamin D, and herbal supplements, while explaining where the science is promising and where claims may be overstated. It also highlights the importance of lifestyle foundations like sleep, exercise, and nutrition, and discusses when hormone therapy may still play an important role. A practical guide for women looking to navigate menopause with realistic expectations and safer supplement choices.
In this month’s The Village Square I’d like to give a shout out to my friend April Umek who is a candidate for this year’s Visionary of the Year nominated by the Blood Cancer United, the organization formerly recognized as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). She asked me to note that every contribution, regardless of size, truly makes a difference; remarkably, 90% of all funds raised are channeled directly toward life-saving research and patient support services. She writes,
“From March 27 to June 6, I’ve formed a team of committed friends and family to raise $100,000.Every dollar goes directly to Blood Cancer United, the largest nonprofit dedicated to creating a world without blood cancers—fueling lifesaving research, advancing advocacy so patients can access treatment, and providing hope, education, and practical support for patients and their loved ones.
My ‘why.’
I’ve supported Blood Cancer United since 2020. Every year I attend the Grand Finale and leave inspired by the tangible impact—this year, I have the privilege of being the candidate who inspires others to make a difference. After 25 years as a Physician Assistant, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply leukemia and lymphoma affect patients and families. I have helped one patient at a time in my healthcare career but now how the ability to help thousands. Several close friends have faced these cancers, and walking beside them showed me how critical strong research and compassionate support truly are.
I also witnessed the journey of a friend’s 17-year-old son, who was diagnosed with blood cancer and, more than once, came close to dying. Thanks to breakthroughs supported by organizations like Blood Cancer United, he is alive and thriving today—now studying to become a doctor so he can save lives. Stories like his are why I believe so deeply in this mission.
This organization makes a measurable impact with every dollar raised, and I’m proud to stand with Blood Cancer United
Please consider supporting this organization by making a contribution to my campaign, and by sharing the link to my page with your network. All donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible. For more information on Blood Cancer United, please visit their website.
On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you for your support.”
Please join me in making a donation to April’s campaign HERE.
*****
Yours, in health and resilience,
Eric and the TVD MD team…
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.
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.
