The Thank You Your Body Deserves

Thrive with Dr. Torri: Tips for a Healthier You | November 2025

November is the season of gratitude. We gather with family and friends, savor favorite foods, and celebrate traditions that make life sweet. But in the rush of shopping, cooking, and crossing off endless to-do lists, we often forget one of the greatest blessings of all – our health.The truth is, the holidays can take a toll. Cortisol, the hormone your body releases when stressed, often spikes this time of year. High cortisol is not just about feeling frazzled. It weakens the immune system, disrupts sleep, and leaves you more vulnerable to colds and flu. I have seen many people push through November on fumes, only to find themselves sick and exhausted by December.

The good news is that you can catch these problems before they snowball. A cortisol test can show how your stress hormones are functioning. A vitamin D check can reveal whether your immune system has the support it needs. Simple blood work can uncover hidden causes of fatigue, like low iron or B12. These are not luxuries. They are tools to help you stay strong and fully present for the people you love.

Sometimes, the impact of these tools is life-changing. I once had a patient who came in for blood work “just to be safe” before the holidays. They felt fine, but their labs told another story. Early signs of colon cancer had been discovered, which is something that could have gone unnoticed for years if he hadn’t tested. Because of that test, he was able to make changes, get treatment, and enjoy many more Thanksgivings with his family. That is what I call a second chance.

Early detection is not about fear. It is about listening to your body before it has to shout. A cholesterol panel can show silent risks. A glucose test can uncover prediabetes. Cancer markers can pick up patterns that symptoms have not yet revealed. These numbers tell a story, and sometimes that story is the very reason you get to make another memory at the table.

Giving back to yourself does not require a weeklong retreat. It may look like choosing rest instead of another late night, preparing a healthier meal, or checking your body’s “dashboard” with a quick lab test. When you care for yourself, you are better equipped to care for everyone else.

So, this Thanksgiving, pause to thank your body for carrying you through another year. Then give back to it with a little extra attention. Gratitude is powerful, but gratitude paired with action is what keeps you thriving.

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