4 Important Health and Wellness Lessons We Learned from 2025
Happy 2026! As we usher in another year, it’s always a good idea to take a few moments to reflect on the past year and what we learned. We reviewed the top health news of 2025, and here are four important stories that can affect your health and wellness.
Heart Attack Risk Significantly Lowered by Tailoring Vitamin D Doses
If you have had a heart attack, you can lower your risk of having another heart attack by 52% if you take tailored doses of vitamin D to reach blood levels considered optimal health (>40 to 80 ng/mL), according to a study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025.
More than half of the study participants needed tailored doses of more than 5,000 IU of vitamin D per day to obtain >40 to 80 ng/mL, but they did measurably better than heart attack victims who didn’t have their vitamin D levels optimized. This conflicts with previous studies that recommended the standard daily dosage of vitamin D should be between 800 and 1,000 IU). Moreover, it also showed that the standard vitamin D only had a slight effect on heart disease risk.
FDA Approves First Blood Test for Alzheimer's Disease
The FDA has approved the first blood test for Alzheimer's disease. Fujirebio Diagnostics' Lumipulse G pTau217/β-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio measures specific proteins in plasma that indicate amyloid plaques in the brain. In clinical studies of nearly 500 samples, it showed 92% accuracy for positive results and 97% for negative results.
Unlike invasive spinal taps or expensive PET scans, this blood test is minimally invasive, easier to perform and more accessible. The test is performed by specialists evaluating patients with cognitive decline symptoms and isn’t generally available to primary care providers. The test is also designed to be interpreted alongside other clinical information. Early diagnosis may improve treatment outcomes for patients with Alzheimer's.
City of San Francisco Sues Big Food
As much as 70 percent of the average American diet is comprised of ultra-processed foods like frozen and boxed meals, processed meats, snack foods, baked goods and sugary drinks. Many of these foods and beverages use unhealthy ingredients that can be addictive, stimulate cravings, encourage overconsumption, have little nutritional value and are linked to heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer. This led the City of San Francisco to take a cue from the big tobacco litigation and target big food conglomerates for “flooding our nation with addictive, ultra-processed that are making Americans sick”.
In another, but related story, Walmart announced in October that it’s removing synthetic dyes and more than 30 other ingredients, such as certain preservatives, artificial sweeteners and fat substitutes from its American private brand foods. The decision was in response to studies that have found many of the ingredients to have adverse health effects, particularly for children, and can be addictive.
Informing Americans to Reduce Exposure to Microplastics
Microplastics were a big news story this past year. These tiny plastic particles — smaller than 5mm — contaminate water, soil, food and even air. The average American consumes a credit card's worth weekly, with potential links to cancer, heart disease and autoimmune conditions. Health risks associated with microplastics are elevated if you live on a coast.
To reduce exposure: eat small fish such as sardines and anchovies; buy loose produce instead of pre-packaged; brew loose-leaf tea instead of using teabags; store food in glass containers; use wooden utensils; install reverse osmosis water filters; and avoid microwaving plastic. Everyday actions like twisting bottle caps or cutting on plastic boards create microplastics. While health impacts remain uncertain, choosing eco-friendly alternatives — cotton fabrics, wooden cutting boards and reusable containers — can significantly minimize your microplastic intake.
If you are concerned about any of these issues, talk to your doctor. The screeners and tests included in the MDVIP Wellness Program can help your doctor recommend the appropriate vitamin D dosage for you and guide you on eating a healthier diet. If you or a loved one is exhibiting signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's, talk to your primary care doctor. They can refer you to a specialist who can assess you and order the test if necessary.
Don’t have a physician? Consider working with MDVIP. MDVIP-affiliated physicians have the time and resources to help you focus on heart health. Find a physician near you and begin your partnership in health »