Lately, there’s been a lot of media coverage about dengue fever, a mosquito-transmitted virus. Every summer there’s an uptick in this virus, mostly in tropical areas, but this year is different. On any given year, dengue infects about 400 million people worldwide, of which 100 million become ill and 21,000 die. However, this year, there’s already been twice as many cases reported as last year -- and we’re only halfway through the year.

Menopause is a significant psychological and physiological transition in a woman’s life. As women go through perimenopause, they can experience hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, mood swings and insomnia. And while many women expect the typical signs and symptoms of perimenopause, they don’t anticipate higher cholesterol levels, especially when they’re eating healthy and exercising regularly.

Currently, glaucoma affects around 3 million people in the U.S., but the number is expected to rise as the population ages. In fact, experts warn of a potential blindness epidemic if we don’t raise awareness of this disease. Glaucoma has no cure; however, early detection and careful monitoring can prevent significant vision loss.

Most of us slow down as we age. We schedule fewer activities, relax more and get more rest. After raising children and retiring from careers, taking it easy can be a welcomed change. But slowing down also can be more literal like walking at a slower pace. This type of slowing down suggests your body is aging.

“How long it takes us to walk a specific distance on a level surface is an indicator of your overall health and life expectancy,” says Bernard Kaminetsky, MD, medical director, MDVIP. “Technically, it’s called gait speed and it’s often included in the MDVIP Wellness Program.”

We all know we’re supposed to “eat healthy.” But what the heck does that even mean? Ask five different people and you’ll get five different answers: paleo, keto, vegan, Mediterranean, low carb. Which is the “correct” diet?

If you or a loved one has diabetes, you may have seen or heard of a technology called continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs. They are a significant technological advancement designed to assist individuals with diabetes in managing their blood sugar levels more effectively.

Being agile in your 60s and beyond isn’t about the ability to rapidly change direction while running or doing zig-zag lateral side-skipping. It’s about being flexible and coordinated with nimble enough reaction times to regain your footing when you trip, maneuver a full shopping cart around a busy store, maintain good balance or avoid bone-breaking falls.

It’s never too late to focus on what it means to be mobile, which is what agility comes down to. If you maintain your agility, you’ll retain balance, flexibility and strength despite natural aging.

Whether you’re a runner, golfer, Pilates aficionado or pickleball player – or a dedicated couch potato — your 40s are primetime for focusing on agility.

Why is 40 important? That’s because strength and muscle mass begin to decline when we hit our 40s. And if we do nothing, they can decline by 1 to 2 percent every year for lean muscle mass and up to 5 percent for strength.

Keith Richards once described getting old as “fascinating.” “The older you get, the older you want to get.”

Richards, who recently turned 80, may be fascinated, but many of the rest of us are worried about aging and the challenges that come with it. In fact, two-thirds of Americans, responding to a recent MDVIP/IPSOS survey, said they’re concerned about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, chances are you’re stressed. Stress is another public health issue plaguing America. In fact, more than 25% of American adults reporting being so stressed that they can’t function, according to a poll conducted by the American Psychological Association.