Fall Health, Ozempic and Sudden Vision Loss, Menopause and Cancer, Skin serum coming soon

 

Is AI Making Us Feel Bad About Aging? Plus: Fall health reminders, an important question about Ozempic and Vision, what is NAION? what I learned about Menopause & Cancer, and something new coming for your Skin! Autumn is officially here — and with it comes that familiar feeling of a fresh start. New routines. Cooler weather. Fall clothes. Back-to-school schedules. And, for many of us, a renewed focus on our health. But there is something else I've been thinking about lately: Is AI affecting your self-esteem? I recently saw advertisements featuring a woman who was supposedly 90 years old — yet had the back and skin of someone who looked about 35. My first thought was: This isn't real! But people may actually believe what they're seeing — and buy what is being sold. My second thought was: What is this doing to the way people feel about themselves? We already live in a culture where photographs can be filtered, retouched and manipulated. Now artificial intelligence can create an image of a person who doesn't even exist — or make a real person look dramatically different from reality. That can create a completely unrealistic standard of what aging is supposed to look like. Please don't let AI fool you! Healthy aging does not mean looking 35 at 70, 80 or 90. It means maintaining your strength, mobility, energy, cognitive function, confidence and independence — while looking like you. I am all for looking your best. I am all for good skincare — that's why I have a few select products that I sell — healthy nutrition, hormones when appropriate, exercise and everything else that helps us age well. But let's not compare ourselves to an AI-generated fantasy. Real people have laugh lines. Real people have wrinkles. Real people have changing bodies. And real people can still look absolutely wonderful.

Your Fall Health Checklist

Fall is also a great time to make sure you are up to date on the basics. Have you: ✓ Received your recommended flu vaccine? ✓ Discussed whether you should receive the current COVID vaccine? ✓ Checked whether you need pneumonia, shingles or RSV vaccination? ✓ Scheduled your annual physical or preventive visits? ✓ Had your eye exam? ✓ Had your recommended cancer screenings? ✓ Checked your blood pressure and cholesterol? ✓ Reviewed your medications and supplements? ✓ Started getting your sleep schedule back on track? Don't wait until everyone around you is coughing and sneezing! If you're not sure which immunizations are appropriate for you, ask me. Recommendations depend on your age, health history and risk factors.



Can Ozempic Make You Go Blind? You've probably heard a lot about semaglutide — Ozempic, Wegovy and related medications. They have transformed the conversation about obesity, diabetes and weight management. But as with any medication, there are potential risks and questions that deserve thoughtful discussion. I recently came across a video featuring an eye surgeon discussing sudden vision loss and the question of whether medications such as Ozempic could be involved. What I found particularly interesting is that he doesn't just discuss this rare complication of semaglutide — he also explains how the risk may be reduced or prevented in some people. I'm sharing it because I think it's important to hear the concerns directly from someone who specializes in the eye. Watch the video here As always, don't stop a prescribed medication because of something you see online. If you're taking semaglutide or considering it, discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider.

Menopause & Cancer

I recently attended the Menopause & Cancer Global Conference, and it was an outstanding educational experience. The meeting brought together experts looking at one of the most challenging areas in women's health: How do we safely and effectively manage menopause in women who have had cancer? There is so much nuance here. The answers aren't always simply "yes" or "no." Cancer type, hormone receptor status, treatment history, symptoms, age, time since diagnosis and the woman's individual priorities all matter. I came away with a lot of information that I would love to share with you if you or someone you know could benefit from counseling in this area. I will be discussing some of what I learned at the next Peri + Menopause Café if anyone is interested.

Mark Your Calendar!

Peri + Menopause Café Wednesday, October 14 • 7:00 PM ET Our last Peri + Menopause Café was wonderful! We had women joining us from different places — including someone all the way from New Jersey — and we had three women over 70 participating. I especially loved seeing women of different ages and stages of life sharing questions and experiences with one another. That's exactly what I hoped this group would become. A place where you can ask questions, learn something new, and realize: You're not the only one going through this. You don't have to have your camera on, and the Café is free and confidential. Mark your calendar now: Wednesday, October 14 at 7:00 PM ET CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Or visit my website at DrTuakli.com for the registration link. Coming Soon: Something New for Your Skin I've been working on something that I think you're going to love. I'm preparing to introduce a facial serum that combines skin nourishment with serious sun protection — SPF 50 protection in a lightweight serum that makes it easy to use every day. Think of it as skincare that does more than simply moisturize. It's designed to nourish your skin while providing daily protection from the sun, making it especially useful as part of an anti-aging skincare routine. And I'm hoping to have it available in time for the holiday season! I'm thinking ahead to Christmas gifts... A beautiful skincare product that someone will actually use — while helping protect the skin they have. I'll have more details, including how you can order it, as soon as it arrives!

Vitamin Corner

CoQ10: Supporting Your Cellular Energy Every cell in your body needs energy, and your mitochondria are responsible for producing much of it. Coenzyme Q10 — better known as CoQ10 — plays an important role in mitochondrial energy production and also acts as an antioxidant. CoQ10 has attracted a lot of interest in the healthy-aging and longevity world because our bodies naturally produce it, and levels may change as we age. Research has looked at CoQ10 in areas including cardiovascular health and mitochondrial function. The evidence is interesting, but I don't consider CoQ10 a magic "anti-aging" pill. And that's an important distinction. The goal isn't to take every supplement that claims to slow aging. The goal is to understand which supplements — if any — might make sense for you. The foundation of healthy aging still comes first: Good nutrition + exercise + sleep + stress management + preventive healthcare. Supplements should complement those things — not replace them. If you're wondering whether CoQ10 belongs in your personal health plan, ask me at your next visit.

A Final Thought for Fall

Autumn is a beautiful reminder that change is not the same thing as decline. Our bodies change. Our hormones change. Our skin changes. Our priorities change. And yes — we get older. But getting older doesn't mean giving up on ourselves. It means learning how to take better care of the person we're becoming. And please remember: Don't let an AI-generated image convince you that you're supposed to look like someone who doesn't exist. Take care of yourself. Protect your health. Protect your skin. Keep moving. Keep learning. And most importantly, keep enjoying your life.

New Peri+ Menopause Cafe!

 ☕️  I’d love to invite you to something new! For anyone who is interested including those already on HRT

🌸 Peri + Menopause Café is coming! 🌸

What if we had a place to talk openly about perimenopause and menopause—without embarrassment, judgment, or feeling like we’re the only ones going through it?

That’s exactly why I’m starting the Peri + Menopause Café. ☕️💜

This will be a relaxed, virtual gathering where women can:
✨ Ask questions
✨ Share experiences
✨ Learn what’s normal—and what isn’t
✨ Talk about symptoms, hormones, sleep, sex, mood, weight, brain fog and more
✨ Connect with other women going through this stage of life

No lectures. No pressure. Just an honest conversation with women who understand.

And yes, I’ll be there as a physician—but this is a conversation, not a medical appointment.

If you’re in perimenopause, menopause, or simply wondering what’s happening to your body, you’re invited.

☕️ Come grab your coffee (or tea!) and join us.

Registration is now open.

#Perimenopause #Menopause #MenopauseCafe #MidlifeWomen #WomensHealth #MenopauseMatters #MidlifeAdvantage #WomenSupportingWomen

Happy 4th of July, Summer health tips

 

🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July! As we celebrate Independence Day, I hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful holiday filled with laughter, good food, and time with the people you love. A few weeks ago, my husband and I enjoyed cycling along the beautiful Costa Blanca in Spain. It reminded me that healthy aging isn't about running marathons or spending hours in the gym—it's about staying active in ways that bring you joy. Whether it's walking, swimming, gardening, dancing, or riding a bicycle, regular movement is one of the best investments you can make in your health. I encourage you to make this summer one of movement, connection, and enjoying the outdoors. One last summer reminder: Whether your summer adventures take you across the world or simply around your neighborhood, remember to stay active, stay hydrated, and protect your skin. This recent heat wave is also a good reminder that dehydration can sneak up on all of us, particularly as we get older. And while you're taking care of yourself, consider checking in on an elderly parent, relative, friend, or neighbor. A quick call or visit during periods of extreme heat is a simple act of kindness that can truly make a difference. ☀️ Summer Health Tip: Protect Your Skin Summer is a wonderful time to be outside, but don't forget to protect your skin. A few reminders: • Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher—SPF 50 is even better if you'll be outdoors for extended periods). • Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or perspiring. • Don't forget commonly missed areas like your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet. • A wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective clothing add another layer of protection. If you're looking for physician-recommended options, we carry an all-mineral SPF 50 facial sunscreen and mineral sunscreen powder in our office. They provide excellent protection while feeling light and comfortable for everyday use. 🩺 Medical News You Can Use One of the most exciting areas of medical research continues to be cancer treatment. Researchers have recently reported encouraging early results using an experimental therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer—one of the most challenging cancers to treat. While this treatment is still being studied and is not yet widely available, it offers hope that advances in precision medicine may continue to improve outcomes for patients in the future. Read the Harvard article here: https://hms.harvard.edu/news/experimental-drug-doubles-median-survival-patients-metastatic-pancreatic-cancer 🌿 Supplement Corner D-Mannose: A Great Supplement for Bladder Health If you suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), D-mannose may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider. D-mannose is a naturally occurring sugar that makes the lining of the bladder less friendly to certain bacteria, preventing them from sticking to the bladder wall. Instead, the bacteria are simply flushed out when you urinate. It may be especially helpful for: • Women with recurrent urinary tract infections • Seniors who experience frequent bladder infections • Women who tend to develop UTIs after intercourse • Individuals who experience UTIs several times a year and want to help keep their bladder healthy As with any supplement, it's important to discuss whether it is appropriate for your individual situation. Probiotics: Supporting Your Body's Good Bacteria Probiotics are the "good" bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the digestive tract and the vagina. They can be especially beneficial after taking antibiotics, which often eliminate both harmful and beneficial bacteria. When choosing a probiotic, quality matters. Not all products contain the same strains or amounts of beneficial bacteria, so selecting a reputable brand is important. And remember—once the bottle has been opened, many probiotics should be stored in the refrigerator to help preserve their effectiveness. 🎤 The Midlife Advantage I'm excited that more organizations are recognizing the importance of educating employees about women's health during midlife. My presentations on The Midlife Advantage help companies understand how supporting women through perimenopause and menopause can improve employee well-being, retention, engagement, and leadership. If your company, professional association, hospital, or community organization is looking for a speaker on menopause, healthy aging, longevity, or The Midlife Advantage, I would be grateful for an introduction. Many speaking opportunities come through personal referrals, and your recommendation means a great deal. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your healthcare journey. Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful, and healthy Fourth of July—and a wonderful summer!  Warm regards, Dr Tuakli

P.S Discover My Podcast Wellness and Wisdom! If you’re looking for trustworthy, easy-to-understand conversations about women’s health, my YouTube channel is the perfect place to start. I cover topics like menopause, hormone health, HRT, stress, wellness, Diabetes and Hypertension and aging confidently — all in a way that’s supportive, practical, and empowering. As well as fun stuff like travel. Please subscribe. My podcast is available on all the major platforms including Youtube and Spotify. My goal is to help you feel informed and in control of your health journey. Each video offers expert insights, real talk, and guidance you can actually use in your daily life. Look for my latest podcast on YouTube and Spotify, where I interview Joi Schweitzer a young African American female pilot who had an engine failure landing her plane at National airport in DC. My latest travelogue is to Colombia South America.

Click here to visit my channel!

Rooted in science. Guided by compassion. Committed to lifelong wellness.

Why Menopause Is a Retention Issue

Many organizations are struggling with employee retention, yet one workforce issue remains largely overlooked: menopause.

Women in their 40s and 50s often occupy leadership, management, and highly specialized roles. At the same time, they may experience symptoms such as sleep disruption, brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, and hot flashes.

When these symptoms are misunderstood or ignored, talented employees may reduce their hours, decline promotions, or leave the workforce altogether.

The good news? Small workplace adjustments, better education, and supportive leadership can make a significant difference.

Menopause is not just a health issue—it is a talent retention issue.

How is your organization supporting women during this important stage of life?

I speak on menopause, leadership, and the Midlife Advantage. Message me if your organization is interested in bringing this conversation to your team.

#MenopauseInTheWorkplace #Leadership #EmployeeRetention #WomenInLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing

Do I drink too much? Is your 'normal' drink , or that glass of red wine, harmful?

https://youtu.be/pZe24YhDV90

 In this episode of Wellness & Wisdom, Dr. Nadu A. Tuakli, MD, MPH sits down with hepatologist Dr. Kimberly Forde MD, PhD, MHS to talk about what alcohol is really doing to your brain, liver, hormones, sleep, and long-term health. 

We explore: • How to recognize when social drinking becomes harmful • What alcohol does to the aging brain • The impact on sleep, mood, and metabolism • Why women are affected differently than men • How to reassess your relationship with alcohol — without shame This is not about fear. It’s about awareness. And it’s about giving you the information you need to make empowered choices. 

 If you’ve ever wondered: “Is my drinking normal?” “When does it become a problem?” “Is wine actually heart-healthy?” This conversation is for you. 

When does alcohol cross the line from harmless habit to health risk? Two doctors unpack:– What “moderate drinking” really means– Why tolerance is not protection– Alcohol’s impact on women’s health– The link between drinking and cognitive decline– How to rethink alcohol without guilt or stigmaA thoughtful, science-based conversation designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. 👉 

Subscribe for more conversations rooted in science and guided by care. 👉 Share this episode with someone who needs it. #doIdrinktoomuch#alcoholawareness #brainhealth #longevity #wellnesspodcast #womenshealth

New Year's email

 

Rooted in science. Guided by compassion. Committed to lifelong wellness. Your Health in 2026: An Intention We Share Dear Patients, As we welcome the New Year, I’d like to take a moment to reflect, reconnect, and set the tone for a healthy and intentional 2026—together. 🌱 From Resolutions to Intentions In the spirit of a new year, this is traditionally the season for making resolutions—but instead, let’s talk about the significance of setting intentions. More than a New Year’s resolution, an intention shifts the focus from achieving perfection to honoring your journey. Intentions allow you to channel your energy toward what truly matters, helping you prioritize and align your efforts with your values and long-term goals. An intention provides focus, clarity, and purpose in your actions. A powerful intention is: Succinct Positive Written in the present tense For example: “My thoughts and actions manifest progress and abundance.” 🩺 My Deep Gratitude to my concierge patients 💙 I cannot fully express how grateful I am to those of you who have signed up for membership in my concierge program for 2026. I am truly moved that so many of you continue to value the care I’ve provided over the years as your physician. I am loving this current model of practice. It allows me to give each patient the time they deserve. With a smaller panel, I truly know my patients—by name, by story, by family and social context—and most importantly, your medical history is always at the forefront of my mind. In an ideal world, this is how family medicine should be practiced: one-on-one, with your doctor. Protecting your health in a noisy world and confronting a Rising Tide of Misinformation 🩺 Unfortunately, healthcare is increasingly moving in the opposite direction. We now have non-medical decision-makers influencing what vaccines people should take and what our children should eat at school. I’m still waiting for the collective outrage—but it doesn’t seem to be happening. If you are my patient, I ask this of you: please check in with me before making major dietary changes or skipping recommended vaccinations, including your flu shot. My role is to help you make informed, personalized decisions—not one-size-fits-all choices driven by trends or misinformation. Good Health by Intention, It won't just happen by itself! ✨ A Shared Intention for 2026 Let’s enter this New Year with a shared intention: To keep your health moving in a positive, thoughtful, and well-supported direction. That’s an intention we can all live with. 🙂 Is concierge care right for you? For those who are curious about a more personalized, one-on-one approach to care in 2026. If you value time, continuity, and direct access to your physician, this model may be a good fit.  THIS YEAR'S FLU SEASON IS THE WORST The U.S. is facing its worst flu season in 25 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which estimates that as of Jan. 3 there have been at least 15 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 7,400 deaths. Read here for additional information : https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2026/01/why-it-seems-like-everyone-has-the-flu-this-year/?utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily Gazette 20260113 (1)&spMailingID=36143538&spUserID=MjM5OTMxOTg2OTUyS0&spJobID=3063358765&spReportId=MzA2MzM1ODc2NQS2 Discover My YouTube Channel If you’re looking for trustworthy, easy-to-understand conversations about women’s health, my YouTube channel is the perfect place to start. I cover topics like menopause, hormone health, HRT, stress, wellness, Diabetes and Hypertension and aging confidently — all in a way that’s supportive, practical, and empowering. As well as fun stuff like travel. Please subscribe. My goal is to help you feel informed and in control of your health journey. Each video offers expert insights, real talk, and guidance you can actually use in your daily life. Come learn, grow, and take charge of your wellbeing. Click here to visit my channel! Rooted in science. Guided by compassion. Committed to lifelong wellness.