Precision Medical Care Newsletter - June 2025
June 2025: Summer days are here! Enjoy!
Be sure to check the labels of any foods that “sound healthy” as those dried cherries and mango sticks often have more sugar than a bag of skittles! In general, healthy snacks that come in packages should have more grams of proteins than carbs and ideally less than 7 grams of sugar PER SERVING. The kids are home for summer and these sugary snacks are often in our kitchens and cars so remember: the kids are growing and can metabolize sugar much more efficiently than adults. Those few extra grams of sugar per day and change your body composition very quickly.
From the desk of Dr. Deepti Agarwal
This month, I had the privilege of speaking at the inaugural SXSW London on a panel called “How to Have a Healthspan, Not Just a Lifespan.” The conversation spanned longevity science, hormone health, cognitive decline, and how modern medicine can be reimagined through the lens of data and agency—not by offering more prescriptions, but more precision.
Here’s what I shared:
- Precision beats prediction.
We now have tools—like multi-omic data, wearable insights, and longitudinal labs—that let us measure how you're aging in real-time. That means health isn’t guesswork anymore. It’s personalized, proactive, and adaptable. (Side note: for those interested in more genomics testing stay tuned for testing offerings this summer)- Recovery is the new intervention. Healthspan isn’t about being invincible—it’s about resilience. How quickly you bounce back from stress, inflammation, poor sleep, or injury is now seen as a marker of biological age.
- Hormones matter—especially when they’re changing. Perimenopause, andropause, and the transitions of midlife aren’t “just how it is.” They’re data-rich opportunities for recalibration, not resignation.
- Brain fog isn’t just in your head. Cognitive changes are often rooted in inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, or micronutrient depletion. They're signals we can now track—and treat.
The takeaway?
You don’t age on a schedule. You age based on how you live—and now, on how you respond to how you live. And that gives you real agency.We now have the tools to listen, interpret, and act—together. It’s our privilege to partner with each of you on this journey at Precision Medical Care.
Supplement Spotlight : Creatine
Creatine: A Quick Guide for Patients
What is Creatine? Creatine is a natural compound found in small amounts in foods like meat and fish, and it’s also made by your body. It’s stored in muscles and used for energy during short, intense activities like weightlifting or sprinting. Many people take creatine as a supplement to boost exercise performance.
Is It Safe? Creatine is one of the most studied supplements and is generally safe for healthy adults when taken at recommended doses. However, it’s not advised for people with kidney disease or those taking medications that affect kidney function. Always check with your doctor before starting creatine, especially if you have health conditions or take medications.
Who Can Benefit? Creatine is most helpful for:
• Athletes or active individuals doing high-intensity workouts (e.g., weightlifting, sprinting).
• People looking to build muscle mass or improve strength.
• Older adults aiming to maintain muscle mass or strength (with doctor approval).
• Vegetarians/vegans, who may have lower natural creatine levels due to diet.
Benefits
• Improved Exercise Performance: Boosts strength, power, and endurance for short bursts of activity.
• Muscle Growth: Supports increased muscle size when paired with resistance training.
• Recovery: May reduce muscle damage and improve recovery after workouts.
• Brain Health: Early research suggests potential cognitive benefits, especially under stress or sleep deprivation, but more studies are needed.
How Much to Take?
• Standard Dose: 3–5 grams per day of creatine monohydrate, taken with water or a meal.
• Timing doesn’t matter much—consistency is key. Mix with water, juice, or a smoothie for easy consumption.
Side Effects Creatine is well-tolerated, but some may experience:
• Mild stomach upset or bloating (often avoided by taking with food or smaller doses).
• Water retention, which can cause temporary weight gain (1–3 pounds) due to muscle hydration.
• Rare reports of muscle cramps or dehydration, though evidence is limited. Stay well-hydrated to minimize risks.
Key Tips
• Choose creatine monohydrate—it’s the most researched, effective, and affordable form.
• Drink plenty of water while using creatine to support hydration.Latest lab test to “predict” likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease: Quest AD detect
We have been ordering these tests (billed to insurance) to establish a “baseline” for patients at higher risk of dementia and/or experiencing symptoms of cognitive decline.
Quest Diagnostics Launches New AD-Detect™ Blood Test to Aid in Confirming Alzheimer's Disease - Apr 9, 2025
“Only $749, a new lower price!” Since I started ordering the Galleri test for myself and our PMC patients in 2019, I have been waiting for the price to go down from the $970 price we have been paying for the Galleri “liquid biopsy” test as an emerging adjunct for detecting early cancers. Learn more about the test here: www.Galleri.com
Speaking of better pricing , Eli Lilly announced that direct cash pricing for four vials of Zepbound will be available for $499 at the higher doses of 12.5 and 15 mg will be available for order and delivery by August.
Podcast Recommendations
Katie Couric and Dr. Eric Topol
Protein: how much and for who?
