You’ve probably heard the term “biomarker” being bandied – especially around prevention and longevity. What does the term mean?

There’s a technical definition used by the National Institutes of Health: A biomarker is “a biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process or of a condition or disease.”

When you raise a glass to toast a special occasion or unwind after a long day, cancer risk probably isn't the first thing on your mind. Yet the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer is more significant than many people realize. Understanding this connection could be one of the most important health decisions you make.  

There are those of us who exercise nearly every day and those of us who exercise … um … less frequently. In fact, only about a quarter of U.S. adults meet recommended guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise.

Generally, federal guidelines suggest that people between 18 and 64 get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week and at least two sessions of resistance training or weightlifting.

High-intensity interval training, also known as HIIT, has emerged as an effective and time-efficient exercise strategy, offering health benefits that extend beyond traditional workout routines. 

Studies have demonstrated that HIIT can deliver remarkable improvements in cardiovascular health, body composition and cognitive function — in less time than moderate-intensity continuous training. And it even helps boost mental health.

Many men in my practice over the age of 50 sometimes experience difficulties urinating. The cause is usually benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and it’s a common problem affecting millions of men worldwide. In fact, about 50 percent of men between the ages of 51 and 60, and 90 percent of men over age 80 have BPH, according to the Urology Care Foundation. 

Perimenopause and menopause are often referred to as “the change of life” and for good reason. This stage in a woman’s life can profoundly affect her quality of life and long-term health. Yes, that might sound a little dramatic, but it’s the reality of the situation.  

In recent years, GLP-1 weight-loss medications have become one of the most talked-about developments in the fight against obesity and type 2 diabetes. With brand names like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound and Trulicity, these drugs have evolved from diabetes treatments to powerful tools for weight management. Currently, about 12 percent of American adults have used a GLP-1 drug, according to a medical brief published in JAMA.

When many people think about preventing dementia, they focus on mental exercises, physical activity and a healthy diet. But there's another crucial factor that many people overlook: hearing health. Recent research has revealed a surprising and significant connection between hearing loss and dementia risk, offering us a new pathway to protect our cognitive function as we age.  

If you work or take care of children or someone else (or both), there’s a good chance you struggle to fit exercise into your busy weekday schedule.  

That’s okay — because when you get the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity doesn’t matter as much as just getting the exercise. Your body benefits whether you squeeze that 150 minutes into the weekend or spread it out over the course of the week, according to multiple studies published over the last few years.  

When it comes to weight loss, I see it all the time. Frustration — especially when one of my patients works hard and sacrifices only to end up staring at the same number on the scale. They count calories, change their diet and increase their exercise but don’t lose weight.  

It’s frustrating for them, and it’s frustrating for me. I know how hard it is and also how important reaching a healthy weight can be for their health.