Gather ‘round, health enthusiasts and curious minds! This week’s Ditch the Labcoat interlude is a delightful detour through some of my personal reflections and professional advice pertaining about the topic ‘du jour’ (health topic ‘du jour’ – not crypto or AI). How do I avoid getting sick while staying human? Spoiler: It involves coughing into your sleeve, skeptical Googling, and maybe even a splash of cranberry juice (for the narrative, not the science).
Cold, Flu, and the Art of Accepting Viruses
Let’s face it: kids, birthday parties, and indoor playgrounds are a breeding ground for viruses. I fondly reminisced about the stink-eye era of COVID, where coughs in public were met with the disdain reserved for spoilers at a movie premiere. Now? It’s a free-for-all of sniffles and sneezes. But he’s not mad about it—after all, exposure builds immunity.
Takeaway: Viruses are the price of admission for living a social, vibrant life. Embrace the snot (within reason).
The Vitamin C Myth and Other Missteps
I don’t pull punches: popping vitamin C like candy won’t save you from a cold. Sure, it tells a great story (looking at you, scurvy-era sailors), but science says otherwise. While high doses might slightly reduce symptom duration, it’s more “maybe” than miracle. Exercise and sleep? Better bets. Just don’t go overboard with the high-intensity workouts—your immune system prefers a chill U-shaped curve of effort.
Mark’s Tip: If you’re Googling cold cures, remember: if it worked, we’d all know by now. Check the sources, not just the clickbait.
Parenting in a Viral World 
Parenting during fall and winter is like refereeing a hockey match: someone’s always out of the game due to a “penalty” (read: post-viral cough). I champion keeping kids active, social, and properly rested. The key? Avoid bubble-wrapping your kids; they need to be out there mixing it up, germs and all.
Pro Tip: Teach your kids to wash their hands, cough into their sleeves, and own up to being sick. Germs may be inevitable, but good hygiene is a solid defense.
For more insights listen the podcast Episode 23
The U-Shaped Curve of Wellness 
My favorite metaphor for health interventions? The U-shaped curve. Not enough sleep or exercise is bad. Too much? Also bad. But that sweet spot in the middle? That’s the Goldilocks zone your body craves. Stick to consistent, moderate activity and prioritize 6-9 hours of quality sleep (hint: put the phone in another room).
Click for more information: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurologist-dr-richard-cytowic-your-stone-age-brain/id1516343565?i=1000675361479
Episode 19- describes limiting screen time in kids
Hot Take: The U-shaped curve is the humblebrag of health advice: simple, elegant, and universally applicable.
Vaccines: Your Viral Insurance Plan
I give props where they’re due: vaccines save lives. From influenza to RSV to shingles, vaccines are a no-brainer for high-risk populations and those looking to avoid severe complications. His advice? Stay informed, consult reputable sources, and make the choice that’s right for you.
Reality Check: Modern medicine has made the preventable… well, preventable. Don’t sleep on vaccines if you’re in a vulnerable group.
https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/history-of-vaccination/a-brief-history-of-vaccination
Cranberry Juice, Colds, and Cautionary Tales 
Ah, cranberry juice—the hero of urinary tract infection prevention lore. I dismantled this myth with surgical precision: while the theory behind cranberries and E. coli sounds great, the evidence doesn’t hold up. Still, if it’s harmless and you’re desperate? Drink up. Just don’t expect miracles.
Mark’s Rule: “If it sounds too good to be true and costs a fortune, it probably is.”
Here is what Dr. Sri says about Kidney Stones in our podcast Episode 22
The Ripple Effect of Parenting 
I dived deep into the Kaiser Permanente study on adverse childhood events (ACEs), exploring how turbulence in childhood—whether from trauma or inconsistent parenting—can lead to chronic illness in adulthood. His advice for parents? Prioritize stability, routine, and emotional presence.
Mark’s Wisdom: “A healthy, level-headed parent is the best medicine for a child’s physical and mental well-being.”
Learn more from Dr. Hasan Merali in Episode 28
Research, Reflection, and Reality Checks
My approach to health advice is refreshingly honest: if he doesn’t know, he looks it up. And not just anywhere—he checks reputable journals, cross-references sources, and approaches each claim with healthy skepticism. His message to listeners? Educate yourself, question everything, and don’t fall for the wellness-industrial complex’s flashy promises.
Closing Thought: “If you’ve found a magical cure for the common cold, please share it. But make sure it’s published somewhere better than MAD Magazine first.”
