Every week, Dr. Roizen talks about the latest health headlines that YOU need to know:

• Severe flu season warning – A new H3N2 influenza strain is causing a particularly bad flu season, with strong evidence that flu vaccination significantly reduces hospitalizations, especially in younger adults.

• Flu vaccine effectiveness – Discussion of how well the flu shot prevents hospitalizations in different age groups.

• Coffee and heart health – New randomized research showing coffee consumption reduces episodes of atrial fibrillation.

• Dangers of light smoking and vaping – Even smoking just 2–5 cigarettes per day (or vaping) significantly increases death rates, especially in older adults.

• Education and brain health – Higher educational attainment is linked to better memory and cognitive function as people age.

• Physical activity and dementia prevention – Staying physically active in midlife lowers the risk of developing dementia later in life.