How Much Exercise Do I Really Need?

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 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week and at least two sessions of resistance training or weightlifting.


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Limited on Time? Interval Training Can Boost Benefits

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.


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Understanding Enlarged Prostate: Why Early Treatment Matters

Wendy Walker, MD
By Wendy Walker, MD
September 19, 2025

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.  


About the Author
Wendy Walker, MD
Wendy Walker, MD

Over the years it has been my passion to help people see the big picture of their health; how their blood sugars affect their heart, how their heart affects their activity level and how their activity affects their mind. The way I see it, we are all given a body that will last about 100 years in the best of environments. We as individuals hold the power, working under the guidance of our doctors using nutrition, exercise, supplements and medications, when necessary, to achieve the health that we desire. 

I have always been a global thinker when it comes to healthcare. Not only have I been a full-time family physician for over 20 years, I have also served as Chair for a Hospital Board, a Director for a Health Insurance Board and a Director for two Physician Organization Boards. When I went to medical school, I thought that perhaps I wanted to be a Cardiologist. However, I found out that I loved problem-solving and how all the ‘pieces’ of medicine fit together. By taking care of up to five generations in one family, I have developed lasting relationships with my patients and have learned that ‘medicine’ is a small part of overall health. I am excited to offer personalized health care in my new MDVIP-affiliated practice located in Northern Michigan. Similar to concierge medicine practices, I also offer conveniences like same- or next-day appointments that start on time. I look forward to not only improving treatment for current illnesses, but also better preventing disease. I heard it said once that a “good doctor knows what medicines to put a patient on, but a great doctor knows how to get a patient off them”. By using MDVIP’s model of care and through counseling using the annual wellness exam, I am able to be that doctor and help people achieve their healthcare goals.

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Struggling with Perimenopause? HRT is Safe and Effective

Merritt W. Dunlap, MD
By Merritt W. Dunlap, MD
September 17, 2025

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.  


About the Author
Merritt W. Dunlap, MD
Merritt W. Dunlap, MD

Merritt W. Dunlap, MD is an MDVIP-affiliated physician, who’s been practicing medicine for more than 25 years. He’s board certified in family medicine and Diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice. Dr. Dunlap graduated from the University of Nevada School of Medicine and completed his residency at Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, CA. He’s an affiliate clinical faculty member in the Department of Family Medicine at University of Nevada School of Medicine and has won numerous honors and awards including Doctor of the Year at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center and Award of Excellence, University of Nevada School of Medicine.

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Taking a GLP-1 Drug? Here’s What You Need to Know About Nutrition

Michele H. Leder, MD, FACP
By Michele H. Leder, MD, FACP
September 19, 2025

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.


About the Author
Michele H. Leder, MD, FACP
Michele H. Leder, MD, FACP

I treat my patients as I would want my own family to be treated. In my practice, medical decisions are made together, and care is always individualized and provided with respect, compassion and in a highly professional manner and welcoming atmosphere.

My internal medicine private practice in Pearl River, New York has a strong focus on preventive care with extensive wellness counseling. In addition to focusing on prevention and wellness, I also manage acute and chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity treatment. As a private doctor, I am available to my patients for urgent issues 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. My MDVIP-affiliated practice also offers services, including comprehensive, advanced health screenings and diagnostic tests, that go far beyond those found in concierge medicine practices.

My practice serves Rockland County, including New City, Piermont, Nyack, Montebello and Suffern and is also close to Montvale and Park Ridge in Bergen County, New Jersey. I also care for patients at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center and Nyack Hospital. I am the only female internist in Rockland County offering this comprehensive approach to outpatient and inpatient medical care.

My passion as an experienced primary care physician, with over 25 years in practice, is to get to know my patients extraordinarily well, so we “leave no stone unturned”. All of my patients have the ability to participate in their care, and together, we create a customized action plan to help them effectively attain their goals. I am thrilled to partner with my patients to help them enjoy the best health possible. I am happy to meet with you in my office to discuss your healthcare needs or the needs of a family member or friend.

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The Critical Connection Between Hearing Loss & Brain Health

Jennifer M. Ruh, MD
By Jennifer M. Ruh, MD
October 31, 2025

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.  


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About the Author
Jennifer M. Ruh, MD
Jennifer M. Ruh, MD

I have been a family practitioner in the Southtowns area of western New York for over 30 years. I am proud to continue the personalized approach to family medicine that my father (“Dr. Joe”) embodied in his practice of over 40 years in our hometown of Orchard Park. As he did, I try to take care of the patient, physically, emotionally and sometimes spiritually. I often view my role as an educator, partner and advocate. I have learned that I should take time to focus on my health to be of most service to my family and patients. I wish to share a similar prevention-focused, health-oriented philosophy of living life as fully as possible with those who aim for the same for themselves, regardless of age.

Over the years, I have developed a passion for osteoporosis screening, prevention and treatment and a desire to extend that knowledge to patients for whom it applies. With my naval aviation background, I also am a civilian senior aviation medical examiner for those who fly for a vocation or avocation. The focus of my practice is to assist people as they work toward attain more optimal health and helping them through minor or major medical issues. Being affiliated with MDVIP has allowed me the opportunity and more time to partner with patients as they pursue their health goals.

Feel free to set up a no-obligation meet-and-greet appointment to learn more about MDVIP and me. You can also meet my wonderful, long-term staff members, Kerrie and Cindy!

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It’s Okay to Be a Weekend Warrior

Alan Reisinger, Author
By A. Alan Reisinger, III, MD, FACP
September 5, 2025

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.  


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About the Author
Alan Reisinger, Author
A. Alan Reisinger, III, MD, FACP

Dr. Reisinger is MDVIP’s Associate Medical Director. He practiced for 35+ years as a board-certified internal medicine specialist with a heart for people, a focus on prevention and a desire to see primary care delivered the way it was intended. Serving as a member and subsequent chairman of MDVIP’s medical advisory board, he has helped to lead the clinical direction of the organization since 2008 and has been a passionate advocate for aggressive cardiovascular prevention in our network.

Previously, Dr. Reisinger was on the medical advisory board for Cleveland HeartLab and currently is a member of the BaleDoneen Academy, a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a member of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology and an advisory board member of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health.

Integral to his calling is his commitment to improving patient care, and he is resolute in the need to foster enhanced collaboration between the medical and dental communities. He has lectured nationally on cardiovascular disease prevention. Dr. Reisinger has embraced the mission of changing the outcome of CVD, the leading cause of death in the world… “because we can.”

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If Traditional Weight Loss Tactics Aren’t Working, a GLP-1 May Help

Elizabeth B. Maeder
By Elizabeth B. Maeder, DO
October 10, 2025

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.  


About the Author
Elizabeth B. Maeder
Elizabeth B. Maeder, DO

I believe that the essence of a skilled physician goes beyond mere medical procedures; it encompasses the art of listening and understanding. I firmly believe that each patient's medical journey is unique, warranting a more personalized approach that caters to their distinct needs.  During each office visit, my commitment is to invest more time and attention in your well-being, ready to offer guidance and support whenever it's required. By adopting this approach, I am able to place paramount importance on more proactive care and the better prevention of illnesses. This involves embracing a holistic strategy that not only can address immediate medical concerns, but also your overall wellness.

Benefiting from the support of MDVIP, and in close partnership with fellow MDVIP affiliate Dr. Matthew Hartig, I find myself fortunate to practice medicine in a manner that resonates perfectly with my training and, most importantly, better provides the type of care that I believe every patient deserves.

What truly brings me immense satisfaction in this profession is the opportunity to cultivate lasting relationships with patients that span years. These relationships are built on the foundation of mutual trust and deep respect. I consider it both an honor and a privilege to play a meaningful role in the lives of those I care for, and I am dedicated to continuing this journey of comprehensive care and compassion.

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Suffering with Back Pain? Try Walking Everyday

Janet Tiberian Author
By Janet Tiberian, MA, MPH, CHES
August 21, 2025

Back pain is a major public health issue and one of the most frequent complaints to doctors. About16 million Americans struggle with chronic back pain and another nearly 65 million people report recent back pain.  


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About the Author
Janet Tiberian Author
Janet Tiberian, MA, MPH, CHES

Janet Tiberian is MDVIP's health educator. She has more than 25 years experience in chronic disease prevention and therapeutic exercise.

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Have High Blood Pressure? Chocolate May Help Lower It

Janet Tiberian Author
By Janet Tiberian, MA, MPH, CHES
August 20, 2025

Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, according to a report from the American Heart Association. High blood pressure stiffens the arteries, decreasing the flow of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the heart, raising the risk of heart disease and dementia.  


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About the Author
Janet Tiberian Author
Janet Tiberian, MA, MPH, CHES

Janet Tiberian is MDVIP's health educator. She has more than 25 years experience in chronic disease prevention and therapeutic exercise.

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