Brian Hoeflinger, MD
Join 22,000+ readers of my free weekly newsletter, where I use my 25 years of experience as a board-certified neurosurgeon to simplify the complex world of medicine, health, and fitness. Plus, get unique insights into my life and work as a neurosurgeon and passionate advocate against drunk driving.
To My Younger Self
Note to My Younger Self By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD March 30, 2025 | #40 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. These are the most important things I've learned in life that I would share with my younger self if I could. Parents won’t always be there. Money and stature don’t buy happiness. Tomorrow is not promised. Make the most of today. Spend a good part of your life helping others and see how life rewards you in return. You can’t control what...
How to Build a Healthier Brain: Daily Habits That Make a Difference
How to Build a Healthier Brain: Daily Habits That Make a Difference By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD March 23, 2025 | #39 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week What neurotransmitter, often referred to as the “learning chemical,” increases with mental stimulation and novelty? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Serotonin B) Acetylcholine C) GABA D) Melatonin Building a Healthier Brain Brain health is no less...
How Coffee Affects Your Brain
Your Brain on Coffee By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD March 16, 2025 | #38 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which organ is primarily responsible for metabolizing caffeine? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Brain B) Kidneys C) Stomach D) Liver Coffee, Caffeine, & Your Brain What is it about coffee that leaves you dreaming about that first cup in the morning? Is it the tantalizing aroma, the bold taste,...
The Heartbreaking Reality of Losing a Child: My Perspective as a Neurosurgeon & Father
The Heartbreaking Reality of Losing a Child By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD March 9, 2025 | #37 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which imaging modality is considered the gold standard for diagnosing acute intracranial hemorrhage following head trauma? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Non-contrast CT scan B) Ultrasound C) MRI D) PET scan Bearing the Weight of Loss As a neurosurgeon, one of the most...
Making Difficult Decisions & The Art of Medicine
Making Difficult Decisions & The Art of Medicine By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD March 2, 2025 | #36 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which vitamin is ascorbic acid? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Vitamin A B) Vitamin E C) Vitamin C D) Vitamin D The Art of Medicine I have spent many sleepless nights wondering if my capabilities as a brain and spine surgeon outweigh a patient’s right to choose...
The Reality of Breast Cancer Today & Understanding Your Risk
The Reality of Breast Cancer Today & Understanding Your Risk By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD February 23, 2025 | #35 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week At what age do most health organizations typically recommend that women begin routine mammogram screenings? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) 30 B) 35 C) 40 D) 45 The Reality of Breast Cancer Today Breast cancer isn't just another health statistic, it's...
What 60 Years of Life Has Taught Me
What Has 60 Years of Life Taught Me By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD February 16, 2025 | #34 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which of the following parameters is NOT evaluated by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Pupil reaction B) Eye opening response C) Verbal response D) Motor response Reflections on My Life I'm 60...
Does Happiness Make You Healthier?
Does Happiness Make You Healthier? By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD February 9, 2025 | #33 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which neurotransmitter is most associated with feelings of motivation and reward? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Serotonin B) Dopamine C) Oxytocin D) Endorphins Happiness & Health Today, I wanted to talk about the topic of happiness. I feel that being happy is to feel...
12 Years Without My Son: Life After Tragedy
12 Years Without My Son: Life After Tragedy By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD February 2, 2025 | #32 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Twelve years ago, I awoke from a dream after the death of my son. The vision for a book came to me in glaring detail complete with chapters and a title which remained unchanged from that night. The book quickly took shape over 2 months as I wrote through many a sleepless night. The words and emotions poured out of...
The Importance of Strength Training and Muscle Mass as You Age
The Importance of Strength Training and Muscle Mass as You Age By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD January 26, 2025 | #31 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which myokine released by muscles during strength training has anti-inflammatory effects and is associated with healthy aging? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Myostatin B) Cortisol C) Leptin D) Irisin The Importance of Strength Training As we age,...
Join 22,000+ readers of my free weekly newsletter, where I use my 25 years of experience as a board-certified neurosurgeon to simplify the complex world of medicine, health, and fitness. Plus, get unique insights into my life and work as a neurosurgeon and passionate advocate against drunk driving.