If you struggle with back pain, you know firsthand how it can diminish your quality of life. If you work, for example, there’s a pretty good chance it’s interfering with your job. Low back pain has been the leading cause of disability since 1990, according to the International Association for the Study of Pain. 

Many people with back pain are often diagnosed with one or more spinal conditions such as:

Are you a man (or know of one) who assumes that carrying a “spare tire” around the belly is inevitable? This body type is affectionately referred to as a “dad bod,” but there’s nothing endearing about it when it comes to your health. And, in fact, it can signify a number of serious medical conditions or even lead to premature death.

Over half of all men in the MDVIP Men’s Health Survey said it’s okay to have a dad bod. In this case, the majority doesn’t rule. While a dad bod may appear harmless and be socially accepted by most men, it’s a red flag, and here’s why.

Low testosterone is thought to be associated primarily with diminished sex drive – but most men don’t know the facts about erectile dysfunction and low testosterone. Watch this video explanation from MDVIP-affiliated physician Dr. Louis Minsky.

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We've all heard that wine is good for your heart. We've also heard that consuming alcohol is bad for your heart. Confused over this contradictory information? You’re not alone. Over the last decade, research has found both to be true — the difference comes down to what kind of alcohol, how much, how often, and your general state of health.

After reviewing all the nominees who became official members of the MDVIP Ambassadors Club last year, the committee selected three grand prize ambassadors. We thank all of the deserving practice ambassadors who provided an extraordinary experience for their members. Please join us in a virtual round of applause and standing ovation for:

Do ever wake up out of breath or gasping? Are you unexplainably exhausted during the day? Does your spouse complain that you snore loudly? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might be one of the 22 million Americans with sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that involves repeated, temporary lapses in breathing that occur throughout the night. Breathing disruptions often last at least 10 seconds, but in severe cases you can stop breathing in your sleep for as long as two minutes. 

If you’re a man, you’re more likely to die from heart disease than any other cause. If that surprises you, you’re not alone. Most people don’t know the number one cause of death for men is heart disease, according to surveys. But the condition actually kills one in every four men.

Fortunately, heart disease doesn’t have to be fatal – it’s largely preventable. And whether you’re in your 30s or 60s, there are things you can do to lower your risk of getting heart disease or dying from it. 

Inflammation, a byproduct of the immune system, can lead to systemic inflammation which raises your risk for heart attack and stroke. Learn more about inflammation in this video from Dr. Alan Reisinger.

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There's so much more to heart health than knowing basic cholesterol numbers, like total cholesterol, HDL and LDL. Did you the size and number of your LDL cholesterol particles matter? Learn more about cholesterol in this video from Dr. Alan Reisinger.

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If you like to run, cycle or hike outside, you have indoor options when winter hits. However, if you are a die-hard outdoor exerciser or winter athlete, who chooses to power through the freezing temperatures, gusty wind, ice and snow, you may want to adopt a few measures to protect your lungs. 

“If you’re healthy and want to try exercising outdoors during winter, you can,” says Bernard Kaminetsky, MD, medical director, MDVIP. “However, I don’t recommend it for people with lung disease.”