Health Archives | Hamptons Mouthpiece

In Health

Could the Epstein-Barr Virus “Kissing Virus” Be Behind More Than Just Mono?

May 7, 2026 In Health 5 Mins Read

We’ve all heard of Mono. Maybe you had it in high school and disappeared for weeks, living on naps and popsicles, or maybe you just remember it as the “kissing disease” that took someone out for a season. What no one tells you is that the Epstein-Barr Virus doesn’t pack up and leave once you feel better. It moves in and stays.

The Epstein-Barr Virus infects about 95% of adults, which means almost everyone reading this has it sitting quietly in their body right now. Most of the time, the Epstein-Barr Virus behaves itself, but sometimes it doesn’t; and that is where things start to get interesting.

For years, lupus has been treated like one of those frustrating medical mysteries. Why does the body suddenly turn on itself? Why does it attack healthy tissue like it forgot whose side it’s on? New research is pointing to the Epstein-Barr Virus as a possible trigger, and not in a small way.

Here is the real talk version. Your immune system is supposed to protect you. Think of it like your personal security team. The Epstein-Barr Virus is the hacker that gets into the system, flips a switch, and suddenly, your security team is working against you. That is exactly what researchers are seeing, especially in people with lupus.

What really stands out is that people with lupus have significantly higher levels of these hijacked immune cells. The Epstein-Barr Virus is not just hanging out. In some cases, it is actively interfering with how the body functions.

Then there is multiple sclerosis, and this is where the conversation really shifts. Research has shown that your risk of developing MS increases dramatically after infection with the Epstein-Barr Virus. In fact, one of the largest studies ever done, led by researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, found that the risk of MS increased 32 times after Epstein-Barr Virus infection. Even more eye-opening, virtually every person in the study who developed MS had previously been infected with the Epstein-Barr Virus, while cases in people without the virus were extremely rare. Let that sink in for a second.

Now before everyone panics, having the Epstein-Barr Virus does not mean you are going to develop a serious illness. Most people do not. But it does raise a bigger question. Why do some people stay perfectly fine while others deal with chronic conditions?

The Epstein-Barr Virus is part of a much bigger picture. Genetics matter. Stress matters. Hormones, environment, lifestyle, all of it plays a role. Think of the Epstein-Barr Virus as loading the gun, but something else pulls the trigger. That is why this conversation matters.

Here is where it gets even more interesting and honestly something we should all be paying attention to. The Epstein-Barr Virus may also be connected to long-term inflammation, and that is where aging and even cancer risk come into the conversation.

Organizations like the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation have been studying how chronic inflammation affects the body over time. The Epstein-Barr Virus can create a state of low-level, ongoing inflammation, something researchers are now calling inflammaging. It is not loud, it is not obvious, but it slowly wears the body down.

That kind of constant immune stress linked to the Epstein-Barr Virus does not mean it directly causes cancer, but it can create an environment where the body is not as strong at protecting itself from damage. Over time, that matters.

Researchers are also looking at the Epstein-Barr Virus in connection with chronic fatigue, Long COVID, and other autoimmune conditions. One of the reasons is that the Epstein-Barr Virus can reactivate when your body is under stress. So if you have ever felt completely fine and then suddenly exhausted or off for no clear reason, there may be more going on beneath the surface.

Let’s bring this back home for a second. We live in a world where everyone is pushing, juggling, and running on empty more often than we admit. Your immune system is constantly trying to keep up. The Epstein-Barr Virus loves those moments when your body is run down. That is when it has the opportunity to stir things up.

The good news is that science is finally catching up. Now that researchers are identifying the Epstein-Barr Virus as a key player, they are working on real solutions. Vaccines are being developed to prevent it. New treatments are being designed to target only the infected cells instead of shutting down the entire immune system.

That is a big shift from where we have been.

The bottom line is this. The Epstein-Barr Virus is common, it is persistent, and it is finally getting the attention it deserves. It may not be the whole story, but it is clearly part of it. For the first time, we are not just managing symptoms. We are starting to understand what is actually driving them.

Real talk, real people. And maybe it is time we stop thinking of Mono as “just Mono.”

In Health

My Drama Queen Thyroid: The Sequel

December 18, 2025 In Health 4 Mins Read

Because apparently, she needed more attention in 2025

If you read my last thyroid update, “Taming My Drama Queen Thyroid,” you already know my thyroid does not do subtle. She is dramatic. She is demanding. She thrives on chaos. She absolutely believes the world revolves around her.

Well, she’s back.
And she brought snacks.
Just not the ones I’m allowed to eat.

Yes, my Graves’ disease has made a return appearance in 2025. This time, it wasn’t loud panic or obvious symptoms. It was sneaky. My TSH dropped very low, even though I wasn’t feeling completely unhinged. But I was feeling off. And when you live with thyroid disease, “off” is your early warning system.

The Symptoms Were Quiet but Persistent

This round was less fireworks, more slow burn.

I was dealing with bloating, disrupted sleep, exhaustion that made no sense, increased anxiety, and certain food triggers that suddenly felt like they were personally attacking me. Nothing extreme on its own, but together it was enough for me to say, “Something is not right.”

I listened.
I called my doctor.
And here we are.

Back on Medication (Again)

Yes, I am back on my medication, methimazole, and I am already beginning to feel better. There is no shame in that. There is no failure in needing help. Thyroid disease is not something you power through. It is something you manage, sometimes for life.

Let me say this clearly:
Medication is not the enemy. Ignoring your body is.

Welcome Back to the Low-Iodine Diet

And now for the part that hurts the most.

I am officially back on a restricted low-iodine diet, which is about as fun as it sounds. Think of it as a cleanse, but without the joy or the bragging rights.

This means:

Limited coffee (cruel and unusual punishment)
No alcohol (I have thoughts about this)
No dairy
No gluten
No shellfish
No sea salt
And honestly, no joy in the snack aisle

Basically, none of the good stuff.
If it tastes amazing, I probably cannot have it.
If it brings happiness, it’s suspicious.

Between the medication and the diet, my thyroid has turned my life into a very beige experience. But I remind myself that this is temporary, intentional, and necessary.

What This Round Taught Me

Because thyroid disease always has a lesson:

Remission does not mean the story is over.
Symptoms do not have to be dramatic to be important.
Lab numbers matter, but so does how you feel.
Food can absolutely trigger symptoms, even when labs look “almost fine.”
Listening early beats fixing things later.

Most importantly, I learned again that your body whispers before it screams. If you pay attention early, you can often avoid the worst of it.

Why I’m Sharing This

Because too many people, especially women over 40, brush things off as stress, menopause, burnout, or just life. Sometimes it is life. And sometimes it is your thyroid quietly flipping the table.

Real talk:
If something feels off, trust yourself.
If your labs are “borderline,” push for answers.
If you need medication again, take it.
If you need to eat like a monk for a while, complain, but do it anyway.

There is strength in paying attention.
There is power in early action.
And there is freedom in telling the truth, even when that truth is:

“My thyroid is being a diva again, and I am on a diet I did not choose.”

What I’m Doing Now

Right now, I am focusing on:

Medication consistency
A restricted low-iodine diet, even though I miss everything
Limiting coffee and alcohol (send encouragement)
Eating foods that support healing, not chaos
Sleeping like it is my full-time job
Regular labs and doctor check-ins
Giving myself grace instead of guilt

Because healing is not linear. It is layered. And sometimes it is deeply inconvenient.

My thyroid may be a drama queen, but I am still in charge.
She can have the spotlight.
I run the show.

Stay tuned.
Hopefully, the next update is boring.

In Eats

Healthy Foods essential to your well being

October 14, 2025 In Eats 3 Mins Read

Hamptons Wellness: 3 Foods That Keep You Feeling Good Inside and Out

Let’s talk about food that actually does your body good. Not the trendy stuff on Instagram, but the real deal that fuels your energy, your mood, and your long-term wellness.
These three healthy foods aren’t complicated. They’re simple staples that pack a serious punch for your immune system, heart, skin, and gut.

1. Salmon: The Heart Helper and Mood Booster

If there’s one food you should put on your plate twice a week, it’s salmon.
It’s nature’s multivitamin in fish form, loaded with iron, zinc, niacin, vitamin B6, and B12. But the real magic is in its omega-3 fatty acids, those good fats that protect your heart and brain, ease inflammation, and even help with mood.

It’s also rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant that keeps your thyroid healthy and supports your immune system. Think of selenium as your body’s “anti-rust” mineral. It helps prevent damage from free radicals and keeps things running smoothly.

That grilled salmon with lemon and dill? More than delicious. It’s self-care on a plate.

For more on the benefits of salmon, click here.

2. Yogurt: Gut Love in a Cup

Let’s get real. Gut health is everything. When your gut’s happy, you’re happy.
That’s where yogurt comes in. It’s packed with protein, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, plus the all-important probiotics – the friendly bacteria that keep your digestive system balanced.

Go for Greek, organic, or plain yogurt whenever possible. Skip the sugary, flavored versions that turn breakfast into dessert.

A daily serving of yogurt can help boost your immune system, improve digestion, and may even support mental health. The gut-brain connection is real, and taking care of your digestive system helps your entire body work better.

Learn more about the benefits of yogurt here.

3. Oranges: Your Everyday Immunity Shield

There’s a reason oranges have been a go-to for generations. They’re not just about vitamin C, though that’s a big one.
Oranges are packed with antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and flavonoids that help your body fight inflammation, lower cholesterol, and keep your heart strong.

They’ve also been linked to lowering the risk of certain cancers, including breast, lung, and colon cancer, while helping your skin glow and your blood pressure stay steady.

The flavonoid hesperidin found in oranges helps regulate blood pressure, while beta-carotene supports eye health and slows signs of aging.

That morning orange is doing more than waking you up. It’s protecting you from the inside out.

For more on the power of oranges, click here.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to reinvent your diet or chase the latest wellness craze.
Start with simple, real foods like salmon, yogurt, and oranges that quietly do their job to keep you healthy, glowing, and energized.

Wellness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being consistent.
Eat good. Feel good. Live well, Hamptons style.

In Health

Know Yourself. Check Yourself. Live.

October 7, 2025 In Health 3 Mins Read

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month a time when pink ribbons fill the streets, and we’re reminded to pause, reflect, and take care of ourselves. But this month isn’t just symbolic it’s a wake-up call.

Because breast cancer doesn’t just happen to “someone else.” It affects women, men, and young women. It affects families. It changes lives.

🩷 Real Talk: Awareness Is Power

Thirty-two years ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember that time vividly when the fear, the uncertainty, and the courage she showed every day. She underwent a lumpectomy and radiation treatment, back when people didn’t talk about breast cancer openly.

She survived and lived cancer-free for many years. Her strength was extraordinary.

But what many didn’t know then is that older radiation treatments sometimes caused heart complications years later. My mom developed heart issues and passed away in 2017 from congestive heart failure.

Her journey reminds me that breast cancer awareness isn’t just about surviving, it’s about long-term care, early detection, and paying attention to every part of your health.

📊 The Facts You Should Know

According to Breastcancer.org, approximately 1 in 8 women (13%) in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives.

About 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage – before cancer has spread outside the breast – when treatments tend to work best.

Those numbers matter, because they remind us that early detection truly saves lives.

💕 What You Can Do

This information is provided by Breastcancer.org, and it’s simple, actionable, and life-saving:

Self-examination is important – Know your body and your normal.
If you feel something, say something – Don’t wait or second-guess yourself.
Schedule your yearly mammogram – Talk to your doctor about your family history.
Women with dense breasts: Ask about additional screening options.

Early detection saves lives. Be proactive. Don’t be scared. You’re not alone.

If you need support, Ellen Hermanson Foundation is an incredible local resource right here in the Hamptons.

How to Do a Self-Exam

Once a month:

Look in the mirror for dimpling, redness, or swelling.
Raise your arms and check for changes in shape or size.
Feel while standing or lying down – use small circular motions.
If something feels off – call your doctor.

Prevention Matters

Your lifestyle choices can lower your risk:

Eat real food – more plants, less processed.
Limit alcohol and avoid smoking.
Exercise daily – even a walk counts.
Get enough rest and manage stress.
Stay consistent with screenings.

💕 Local Hamptons Resources

We’re fortunate to have incredible organizations right here in our community:

Ellen Hermanson Breast Center – Screenings, diagnostics & survivor support (ellenhermanson.org)
Coalition for Women’s Cancers (CWC) – Education, outreach & peer support (cwcshh.org)
Fighting Chance (Sag Harbor) – Free counseling for cancer patients & caregivers (fightingchance.org)

These organizations are helping our East End neighbors every day – bringing compassion, resources, and hope.

🩷 Real Talk, Real People Breast cancer awareness isn’t just a month – it’s a mindset. It’s about knowing your body, checking yourself, and living fully.

So take a moment today: feel, look, schedule that mammogram, remind a friend, and remember that awareness saves lives, maybe even your own.

In Health

Taming My Drama Queen Thyroid

October 7, 2025 In Health 6 Mins Read

Taming My Drama Queen Thyroid: My Thyroid Tried to Ruin My Life, But I Fought Back (And Won… For Now) Let me keep it real with you: my thyroid and I have had a very complicated relationship. If there were a reality show called “The Real Hormones of the Hamptons,” I’d be the breakout star.

For years, I told my primary care doctor, “I don’t feel well.” His answer? “Your thyroid tests are off.” And that was it. Meanwhile, I was dragging myself through menopause, hot flashes, weight gain, sleepless nights, mood swings, and feeling like a sweaty, exhausted extra in my own life.

But here’s the kicker: it wasn’t just menopause. My eyes became my trigger. Driving was difficult, my vision was blurred, and let’s be honest, it felt like my eyeballs were auditioning for their own horror movie. That’s when I finally saw a specialist. Boom: Graves’ disease.

Why Graves’ Disease Is So Hard to Pin Down

Graves’ is the ultimate shapeshifter. The symptoms are like that friend who borrows everyone else’s clothes, a little anxiety here, a little menopause there, maybe some heart palpitations just to keep things spicy. Graves’ copies everyone’s homework unless your doctor runs the right tests, it hides in plain sight.

Here’s the breakdown (and why it gets missed):

Graves’ disease: weight loss, fast heartbeat, heat intolerance, eye bulging, goiter
Anxiety: also fast heartbeat, also sleeplessness, also irritability
Menopause: oh, look – fatigue, hot flashes, mood swings, weight changes!
Heart disease: palpitations, chest discomfort, fatigue

See the problem? Graves’ is like that kid who copies everyone’s homework. Unless you get the right tests, it hides in plain sight.

The Tests (Or, How to Catch a Sneaky Thyroid)

When you finally land in front of a doctor who listens, here’s what helps sort it out:

TSH, Free T4, Free T3: The hormone trio. Low TSH + high T4/T3 = red flag.
Antibodies (TSI/TRAb): The smoking gun.
Radioactive Iodine Uptake Scan: Shows if your thyroid is lit up like Times Square.
Ultrasound: For those who can’t do the radioactive stuff (hello, moms-to-be).
Eye exam: Because sometimes your eyes tell the story before your bloodwork does.

Is It Hereditary?

Short answer: yes-ish. Graves’ can run in families, but it’s not guaranteed. I like to say: genes load the gun, environment pulls the trigger.

Stress, smoking, hormones, even iodine in your diet, all can flip the switch. So if Auntie has a thyroid issue and you’re feeling “off,” it’s worth checking early.

My Journey, My Remission

I’ve had ups and downs. I went into remission, then during Covid my symptoms came roaring back and I had to return to meds. But here’s the twist: I started listening to my body. That’s also when I noticed the weight changes, the kind no one warns you about. When my thyroid was overactive, I dropped weight without trying. But once my meds kicked in and my levels normalized, my metabolism slowed down and the pounds crept back on. It was frustrating, but it forced me to look at my health differently, not from a place of control, but from understanding.

I reduced (not eliminated) gluten, iodine-heavy foods, and alcohol.
I made stress management non-negotiable.
I committed to a full night’s sleep.

Now, I’ve been in remission for a year and a half. I take it day by day. Graves’ is part of my story, but it’s not the headline. My headline is resilience, learning that healing isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up for yourself every single day.

Can You Gain Weight With Graves’ Disease?

Oh, absolutely and I’m living proof. When people think of Graves’ disease, they usually picture dramatic weight loss. But after treatment, the story can flip. I actually gained weight, and losing it has been incredibly difficult and frustrating. Between menopause, lack of sleep, emotional eating, and my thyroid doing the cha-cha with my hormones, it felt like my body was working against me.

My doctor kept telling me my weight gain wasn’t connected to Graves’, but deep down, I knew something wasn’t adding up. Then I started noticing patterns, like how certain foods made me feel. I discovered that green leafy vegetables (yes, the ones we’re all told to eat!) triggered bloating that lasted for days. Turns out, when your thyroid’s recovering, your whole digestive system can become extra sensitive.

Here’s what’s really going on:

Treatment flips your metabolism. Once medication or radioactive iodine slows your thyroid, metabolism can dip below normal.
Your body’s recovering. During hyperthyroidism, you burn through calories; after treatment, appetite stays high while metabolism slows.
Hormone fluctuations. When thyroid levels swing from high to low, metabolism follows.
Menopause overlap. Lower estrogen and stress make weight management an uphill climb.

So what helps? Tracking labs, eating balanced (not restricted), limiting iodine, sleeping well, managing stress, and gentle movement, walking, yoga, light strength training. I stopped focusing on the number on the scale and started focusing on how I feel.

Because here’s the truth: the goal isn’t to be skinny, it’s to feel steady, strong, and at peace with your body.

📊 Graves’ Disease vs. Other Conditions

Symptom	Graves’ Disease	Anxiety/Stress	Menopause	Heart Disease
Weight changes	Unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased eating	Normal weight or loss due to poor appetite	Weight gain or fluctuating	Can be stable or weight gain from limited activity
Heart rate	Fast heartbeat, palpitations	Fast heartbeat, usually tied to stress	Hot flashes can cause fast heart rate	Arrhythmias, chest pain, irregular beats
Energy level	Restless, hyperactive but also fatigued	Restless, wired, fatigue from poor sleep	Fatigue, sleep disturbance	Fatigue, exercise intolerance
Heat tolerance	Heat intolerance, sweating	Can sweat under stress	Hot flashes/night sweats	No consistent heat sensitivity
Mood/Behavior	Irritability, nervousness, insomnia	Worry, nervousness, insomnia	Mood swings, irritability	Depression or anxiety (secondary to illness)
Thyroid gland	Goiter (swelling at neck), sometimes tender	Normal	Normal	Normal
Eyes	Bulging eyes, gritty/dry feeling, double vision (specific to Graves’)	Normal	Normal	Normal
Skin	Rarely, thickened skin on shins (pretibial myxedema)	Normal	Normal	Possible changes due to circulation issues

Detailed Chart: How Each Test Helps Diagnose Graves


Test	What It Measures	Typical Result in Graves’	Why It Matters
TSH	Hormone from pituitary telling thyroid to make hormones	Very low or undetectable	First clue something is wrong
Free T4 / Free T3	Thyroid hormones in blood	High	Confirms hyperthyroidism
TSI (Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin) / TRAb	Autoantibodies that attack thyroid	Positive	Specific marker for Graves’
Radioactive Iodine Uptake (RAIU)	How much iodine thyroid absorbs	High & spread evenly (diffuse uptake)	Differentiates Graves’ from thyroiditis
Thyroid Ultrasound	Size, structure, and blood flow	Enlarged with increased blood flow	Alternative to RAIU in pregnancy/breastfeeding
Eye & Physical Exam	Eye bulging, goiter, skin changes, tremors	Often present	Helps confirm the clinical picture