Good Biohacking and Cursive Writing
1. Opinion: Wash Post article Tech billionaires used performance drugs in secret. Now they’re selling a revolution; BBC also does story on biohacking --- are real honest docs willing to tell you these are ready for you now? And who are the “wellness influencers”?
2. Let’s get back to science Now that the beach and pools are open, and IMHO year round: Protect yourself Micronized zinc please
3. Science 2 and my sister’s comments—at least 50 genes and their proteins increase risk of cardiovascular disease.. the inexpensive way to get rid of this risk and a more expensive way to ensure these proteins are eliminated
4. Science story 3 this week. Writing your future
1. **Unlocking the Future: The Promises and Perils of Biohacking**
“Opinion: Wash Post article Tech billionaires used performance drugs in secret. Now they’re selling a revolution …As biohacking gains momentum among elites, the Enhanced Games aims to normalize longevity drugs through a Vegas sports spectacle. Critics call the premise dangerous and unethical” reads the Wash post sub-headline; The BBC follows suit stressing a $40,000 a year Equinox gym program.
Here’s my take:
In recent discussions surrounding the burgeoning field of biohacking, two major publications --the Washington Post and the BBC ---have spotlighted this intriguing, yet controversial, movement. At the heart of this conversation is Christian Angermayer, a self-proclaimed “billionaire biohacker.” His involvement in the Enhanced Games, where participants enhance their performance with a cocktail of legal (at least in the UAE and Greece) supplements and hormones, has reignited debates about the ethics and implications of biohacking.
Biohacking, in essence, seeks to modify the human body through various means, from supplements to more radical interventions, to optimize health and longevity. Angermayer’s use of weight loss drugs, testosterone, peptides, and growth hormones to alter his physiological state represents a vanguard approach, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with current medical and biotechnological advancements. However, these enhancements also raise significant questions about safety, and the true motivations behind such use of and publicizing such practices.
The BBC’s exploration of biohacking revealed a landscape dominated by influencers rather than medical professionals. A study by Pew found that less than half of the 7,000 “wellness influencers” surveyed possessed any dical credential, even a semi-legitimate medical credential. Instead, many identified as non-certified coaches or entrepreneurs, leveraging platforms like Instagram and TikTok to promote substances or services they sell or earn money promoting . The potential risks of following non-expert advice are evident, as the complex interactions between various supplements (many not shown to have benefit greater than long term risks) and drugs remain largely unresearched.
While the allure of biohacking lies in its promise to unlock human potential, the reality is more nuanced. For individuals, the unregulated stacking of supplements and hormones could pose serious health risks. Yet, from a societal viewpoint, the data generated by these self-experiments could provide valuable insights into human biology, albeit at the expense of those willing to take the risk.
Ultimately, the path to true longevity and health optimization lies in rigorous scientific inquiry. Current research on aging mechanisms is promising as the 14 areas of research have all yielded promising results in animal models and five have now moved into rigorous human trials. ,
Thus within five to seven years, we may have effective interventions that are both safe and accessible. Until then, lifestyle modifications—such as stress management, healthy food choices, timing, and portion size and cooking techniques, , and regular physical activity in all 4 speres shown to increase longevity—are proven ways to maintain health and vitality, offering a sensible alternative to the more extreme measures of biohacking.
And one principle of living healthier longer so you could take advantage of the advances in science like the GLP-1’s in low dose or creatine or vitamin D3 or the 40 other choices –is to avoid preventable errors like smoking, vaping, and maybe falling for Influencers’ wellness sales pitches of unproven supplements and processes.
As you navigate this complex terrain, it’s crucial to balance innovation with caution. The potential for biohacking to contribute to our understanding of health is immense, but it must be pursued with transparency and a commitment to rigorous scientific validation. Only then can we truly harness the power of biohacking for your greater good, and healthy longevity or as we says your younger RealAge (you body’s ActualAge as opposed to your calendar age)
2.Let’s get back to science 3. Now that the beach and pool’s are open, and IMHO year round: Protect yourself Micronized zinc please
**Understanding the Science Behind Everyday Health Decisions**
In today’s fast-paced world, where information is at our fingertips, making informed health decisions has never been more accessible. Yet, the plethora of data can sometimes lead to misconceptions, especially regarding sun exposure and genetic predispositions to disease. Let’s delve into these topics with a scientific lens to empower you with insights that can significantly enhance your health journey.
**The Sun: Friend or Foe?**
Every day, I make it a point to apply micronized zinc sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, often opting for SPF 30. It’s a choice rooted in science, despite the playful teasing from my family for choosing a child’s formulation due to its non-greasy texture.
The common belief that a tan is a sign of health is misleading. A recent survey by the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that many individuals consider tanning safe if they avoid burning, with some even believing it reduces cancer risk. However, the reality is starkly different. A tan, despite its perceived aesthetic appeal, is an indicator of skin damage, offering minimal protection (SPF 2-4) and directly harming your DNA, as highlighted by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
The message is unequivocal: avoid tanning to minimize the risk of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Embrace daily sunscreen application and revel in activities that truly enhance your skin’s appearancesuch as exercise, nutritious eating, effective stress management and 15 grams of gelatin with a multivitamin daily.
3. More Science: **Genetics and Heart Health: A New Perspective**
Turning our focus to genetics, recent research involving over 53,000 individuals sheds light on how our genes influence cardiovascular health. https://www.jacc.org/doi/ 10.1016/j.jacc.2026.03.035The study identified 50 genetic risk factors contributing to heart disease and related conditions.
Yet, the silver lining lies in your ability to mitigate these risks through lifestyle choices. Although your genes set the stage, your decisions can significantly alter the play. For instance, a 2016 study demonstrated that lifestyle improvements could slash the genetic risk for coronary heart disease by 50%.https://www.nejm.org /doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1605086
If heart disease looms in your family history, collaborate with your healthcare provider to integrate genetic data with lifestyle habits, crafting a strategy that encompasses nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep. For those keen on exploring advanced options, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) presents a promising avenue, potentially rejuvenating your physiological age and reducing disease risk. My sister says I recommend choices that are too expensive—yes TPE is expensive and should like monoclonals be covered by Medicare—but if you can afford it consider it—but I am biased—I had my fifth TPE last week and still feel half my calendar age. And the basics—food choices, exercise, stress management, and sleep, and avoiding unforced errors…aren’t expensive.
4. **Writing Your Future: The Role of Cursive in Cognitive Health**
The final piece of our scientific trilogy touches on cognitive health—a topic growing in relevance as we /you too/ age. Intriguingly, cursive writing emerges as a simple yet powerful tool for gauging cognitive function. Yes cursive writing isn’t just a good way for kids to develop their power of perception and fine motor skills. It turns out that for us older folks, cursive writing provides a window into our (mine too) cognitive challenges. (Does make me wonder. When kids who don’t ever learn cursive are 65+, will typing on a phone or keyboard be able to reveal the same thing.)
Writing –cursive that is—from a dictation involves a complex interplay of listening, language processing, and motor coordination.
Wondering about your brain power? Try taking dictation while listening to a podcast or the TV. If you take a while to get started, write slowly and find your letters are broken up or not attached smoothly, you might want to talk with your doctor about getting a diagnostic test for dementia. A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2026.1820193/full )found that the manner in which individuals take dictation can signal early cognitive decline.
With over 40 lifestyle interventions available to combat cognitive decline, knowledge truly is power. Emphasizing stress management, blood pressure control, dietary choices, and speed of processing exercises (see Freeze Frame and Double Decision on BrainHQ.com) can form a robust defense against dementia.
In conclusion, the path to optimal health is paved with informed decisions rooted in science. By integrating daily protective measures, understanding genetic influences, and embracing cognitive health practices, you can harness the power of knowledge to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life. Let’s be specific as usual with the YOU TakeHome Tips:
The YOU TakeHome Tip from Biohacking and Influencers without expertise save in influencing:
· avoid preventable errors like smoking, vaping, and maybe falling for Influencers’ wellness sales pitches of unproven substances and processes.
The YOU TakeHome Tip from the tanning studies:
· Use only micronized zinc SPF 15 or greater (preferably 30) daily—other sun blockers may not be safe
The YOU Takehome Tip from the Cardiovascular 50 + gene studies:
· Stay healthy so you may benefit from the longevity 14 by with lifestyle habits, crafting a strategy that encompasses nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep. For those keen on exploring advanced options, therapeutic plasma exchange presents a promising avenue, potentially rejuvenating your physiological age and reducing disease risk.
The YOU TakeHome Tip from the cursive writing as a test for early dementia studies:
· Take the dictation -cursive writing test; If you take a while to get started, write slowly and find your letters are broken up or not attached smoothly, talk with your doctor about a brain retraining and wellness program.
Thank you for reading
Mike Roizen, MD, FACP