With cold and flu season still underway, getting vaccinated now can help protect you and your loved ones. According to Dr. Shasawat Kumar, board-certified internist with Medical Offices of Manhattan, the flu vaccine remains an important shot to get before February ends. Dr. Kumar explains that although the ideal time for flu vaccination is early in the season, it’s never too late to get protected because flu viruses continue circulating into March, and the vaccine can still reduce your risk of infection and severe illness. Read the full article. Would you like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kumar?
Blood sugar spikes can happen — even with careful management — which is why having safe, doctor-approved strategies is essential. According to Dr. Victoria Finn, movement is often the fastest natural way to lower elevated blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. When muscles contract during activity, they pull glucose from the bloodstream to use as energy, causing blood sugar levels to fall. Dr. Finn notes that even short bursts of movement, such as a brisk walk or repeated sit-to-stands, can be effective. However, she emphasizes that exercise should never replace prescribed medication, and that insulin remains the first-line treatment for blood sugar spikes in people with type 1 diabetes. Read the full article. Would you like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Finn?
With measles cases rising in recent years, understanding symptoms and staying current on vaccinations is critical. According to Dr. Yoshua Quinones, measles often begins with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes before progressing to a characteristic rash, and the best protection remains the MMR vaccine — including recommended boosters when appropriate. Dr. Quinones emphasizes that because measles is highly contagious, maintaining up-to-date immunization helps prevent severe complications and limits the spread of outbreaks through communities. Read the full article. Would you like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Quinones?
Cheese can be part of a balanced eating plan that supports healthy blood sugar — when chosen wisely. According to Dr. Yesika Garcia, part-skim mozzarella is a lower-carbohydrate, higher-protein option that may help slow glucose absorption and support steady blood sugar levels. Compared with cheeses higher in saturated fat and sodium, part-skim mozzarella also offers metabolic and heart-health benefits when enjoyed in moderation (about 1–2 ounces per day). Dr. Garcia notes that pairing mozzarella with vegetables or lean proteins can help make it a smart part of a diabetes-friendly diet. Read the full article. Would you like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Garcia?
Choosing the right hand sanitizer matters for effective germ protection — especially when soap and water aren’t available. According to Kaushik Govindaraju, M.D., look for sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol with active ingredients proven to kill common pathogens. Dr. Govindaraju explains that CDC-compliant sanitizers work by breaking down the outer membrane of viruses and bacteria, and that proper hand-rubbing technique is just as important as the formula you choose. He also highlights that thicker or gel-based sanitizers may feel more moisturizing, but the percentage of active ingredient is key to real protection. Read the full article. Would you like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Govindaraju?
Emerging research suggests that supplements supporting gut health — particularly probiotics, prebiotics, and other microbiome-friendly nutrients — may also have positive effects on skin health by influencing immune function and inflammation. According to Dr. Amy Huang, maintaining a balanced gut microbiome through targeted supplementation and diet can support a healthier skin barrier and may help with conditions such as atopic dermatitis and general skin aging. Dr. Huang adds that while the science is promising, choosing supplements with well-researched strains and quality standards — under the guidance of a healthcare provider — is key to seeing potential benefits. Read the full article. Would you like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Huang?