You’ve probably heard of microplastics — a term for small pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size (5 mm is about the width of a pencil eraser). But they can be much smaller.

These particles, which can be nearly invisible to the eye and small enough to travel in the air, are a byproduct of consumer and industrial goods, from synthetic textiles like nylon and polyester to personal care products and car tires. They’re even in paint.

Plant-based proteins have been trending for at least a decade. Studies suggest foods such as chickpeas, beans, lentils, quinoa, tofu, tempeh, nuts and seeds can be healthier than animal-based proteins like red meats, eggs, fish and poultry in that they can:

The end of your life may seem far off in your 40s, even your 50s and 60s, but it’s never too soon to start healthy behaviors proven to add years to your life and your health span, the period of our life when we live mostly disease-free.

Extending your health span and lifespan requires a holistic approach encompassing diet, exercise, mental and social health, integrating positive behaviors and quitting those habits, which work against long life.

Here’s your guide for what you can do to extend your life in your 40s, 50s and 60s.

When it comes to health span – the period in our life where we live healthy – not everything is in our hands. First, no one lives forever – and most of us will die from or with a chronic condition. Genetics also play a big role in our longevity and risk for chronic conditions.

Here’s one doctor’s prescription for what patients can do to avoid burnout.

Healthcare can be a real headache that’s causing many Americans to avoid going to the doctor -- and that’s not healthy.

An MDVIP/Ipsos survey shows that 1 in 3 Americans are feeling burned out by their interactions with medical providers, and for good reason: 

Snacks are a big industry in the U.S. They constitute almost 25 percent of Americans’ calories and account for one-third of daily added sugar, according to a study published in PLOS Global Public Health.

About one million Americans live with multiple sclerosis (MS). It’s often considered a younger person’s disease, as diagnoses tend to occur between ages 20 and 40. But you can be diagnosed with MS at any age.

When you’re diagnosed closer to age 50, it’s known as late onset multiple sclerosis or LOMS. Two examples include actresses Christina Applegate (diagnosed at age 49) and Annette Funicello (diagnosed at age 50). And a diagnosis after age 60 it’s considered very late onset MS or VLOMS.

After reviewing all the nominees who became official members of the MDVIP Ambassadors Club l

Skin cancer occurs when damaged DNA causes abnormal cell mutations to grow indiscriminately and uncontrollably in the epidermis, the outermost skin layer. These cells can rapidly multiply forming malignant, cancerous tumors.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and the intense UV light of tanning beds are the two primary causes of skin cancer. There are four main types:

There are many skincare beauty products with proven ingredients helpful for fighting age spots, wrinkles, sagging skin, blemishes, skin tone inconsistencies and dull skin – including retinol, vitamin C, peptides, ceramides, retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), hydroquinone and Kojic acid. But when it comes to skin health, beauty only goes skin deep.

To keep your skin in its healthiest condition, these lifestyle choices play an important role.