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:

Our skin is our body’s first barrier of defense. It protects us from the elements and keeps potentially harmful disease-causing microbes out while keeping fluids in to prevent dehydration. Skin also helps regulate body temperature through a process called thermoregulation. Near the surface of the skin, small blood vessels called capillaries enlarge when our blood gets too warm to help it cool down.

Have you ever misplaced your glasses? Or walked into a room only to forget why? For years, mild forgetfulness was considered a normal part of aging often triggered by being in a noisy environment, dealing with stress or multitasking.

Methotrexate is an old drug with some seemingly new tricks. For years it has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and certain cancers as it can slow the immune response and growth of certain cells. However, methotrexate might be the next go-to remedy for hand osteoarthritis, according to a study published in the journal The Lancet.

You’re at a sports bar and would like to get something somewhat healthy. Your first instinct may be to order a salad, but surprisingly, you might be better off with a burger. Yes, many burgers are high in saturated fat, sodium and preservatives. And some experts consider eating a lot of red meat to be a risky health behavior.