David A. Johnson, MD

08/06/2024

Many of my patients complain about exercise. But it’s a key ingredient of your lifespan and health span, which refers to the years of our lives we live without chronic disease and are generally in good health. Learn how working out can help you feel better each day.

While any exercise is important for good health, discover how research shows that altering your exercise routine can increase your lifespan. Learn more.

07/16/2024

“How much should I weigh?” If I had a nickel for every time a patient asked me that question – I would be retired! I’m kidding, but you get my point; I’m asked this question a lot. In truth, your weight isn’t that important; in fact, it’s just a number on a scale. Your focus should be your body composition. Here’s what you need to know. https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/how-much-should-i-weigh

07/10/2024

A few of my patients are die-hard outdoor exercisers, which can be tough in extreme elements like summer’s very high temperatures. But there are handful of tactics you can take to help make your summer outdoor workouts safer.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/5-tips-survive-hot-summer-workouts

07/03/2024

Most Fourth of July celebrations take place outdoors, which means spending time around mosquitoes. If you swear that you’re “mosquito magnet," you may be correct. Studies show mosquitoes are more attracted to some people than others. But there’s good news: You can lower your risk for mosquito bites. Here’s what you need to know.

https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/are-you-mosquito-magnet-6-tips-help-control-mosquitoes

05/24/2024

Many of my patients have heard the terms “gut health”, “microbiome” and “probiotics” but don’t really know what they mean. However, it’s important to understand these terms, as maintaining gut health can contribute to a strong immune system, controlled inflammation levels and possibly healthy neurological function. Here’s what you need to know about probiotics and gut health.

Discover what probiotics and prebiotics are and how they can positively impact your gut health. Discover daily habits you can change to improve gut health.

05/13/2024

Spring and summer allergies can be rough. It’s a very common complaint in my practice. And while medications help, I find it important to limit exposure to allergens. Here are five tips to help you do that.

After a long winter, who doesn't love a beautiful spring day? The warm air, the gentle breezes, fragrant flowers, buzzing bees and ... the sound of sneezing, sniffling and coughing. Okay, nobody likes that last part, but there is relief if you suffer from seasonal allergies.

04/10/2024

Unhealthy cholesterol numbers raise your risk for heart disease. But don’t assume your heart is healthy because your total cholesterol is below 200. Half of patients with ideal cholesterol have an underlying heart condition. Read why there’s more to heart health than just cholesterol...

The year I graduated from medical school, 1982, a brave new world of cardiology was just beginning. Researchers conducting a trial of the drug lovastatin discovered it lowered cholesterol in a small group of patients with a genetic predisposition for dangerously high cholesterol. Patients with this....

03/06/2024

For years, patients have been asking me about Alzheimer’s early-detection tests. Historically, we couldn’t test for dementia until a patient began exhibiting symptoms. But there is good news on the horizon. Researchers developed a lab test that may one day be able to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Here’s what you need to know.

Explore a new way to detect early stage Alzheimer's disease with the use of blood testing. Learn about new Alzheimer's testing abilities and prevention tactics.

02/28/2024

Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, which raises the risk for heart attack and stroke. But heart disease isn’t the only problem. High blood pressure also is a key risk factor for developing dementia, particularly vascular dementia. If you have hypertension, intensive control can help offset not only stroke and heart attack risk but can also reduce your risk of dementia and make your brain’s structure healthier, according to a new study.

Discover the risk factors of living with high blood pressure during midlife. Learn about intensive control and lowering your risk of heart disease complications.

02/21/2024

I have patients who complain about waking up out of breath or gasping. Some of them are unexplainably exhausted during the day. Or their spouse complains that they snore loudly. If you’re experiencing the same issues, you might have sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that can lead to heart disease. Here’s what you need to know.

Do you wake up out of breath or gasping? Learn about the dangers of sleep apnea & insomnia. Discover how you can prevent/lower the risk of sleep apnea.

02/14/2024

I encourage my patients to exercise and manage their stress to control their blood pressure. But a recent study suggests you can accomplish the same by just thinking of your significant other. Happy Valentine’s Day! Read more about this study. 💗💗💗

Stress -- you can’t escape it. And it can wreak havoc on blood pressure. Exercise, meditation and hobbies are common, effective stress busters. So is having a social support system of friends and relatives. But if they’re not available, having your significant other present – even if it’s on...

02/06/2024

Heart disease has reigned as the leading cause of death in the U.S. for more than a century. Despite progress made in diagnosing, treating and preventing, the disease kills one in three men and a one in four women every year. What’s the problem? Americans also are battling two other, related epidemics – diabetes and obesity. Read how these conditions contribute to heart disease.

Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S for years. Learn what contributes to the rise in heart disease & how to manage the risks.