If you've looked outside recently and noticed hazy skies or smelled smoke in the air, you're not imagining it. Smoke from Canadian wildfires has made its way into Ohio, leading to periods of poor air quality across much of the state. Although these events are usually temporary, they can have real health consequences—especially for certain groups of people. Fortunately, there are several practical steps you can take to reduce your exposure. What Is Causing the Poor Air Quality? The primary...

As healthcare professionals, we often encourage patients to focus on the things they can control: exercise regularly, eat a nutritious diet, prioritize sleep, maintain a healthy weight, manage stress, and avoid tobacco. These recommendations remain the cornerstone of disease prevention, and for good reason. Yet over the past several decades, researchers have increasingly recognized that our health is influenced by more than our current lifestyle. The environments in which we grow can leave...

Cholesterol testing often focuses on LDL, the so-called "bad cholesterol," but this approach misses important details that can affect your heart health. While LDL levels provide useful information, they do not tell the whole story. Testing for Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) offers a deeper understanding of cardiovascular risk. This post explains why these tests matter and how they can help you and your healthcare provider make better decisions about your heart health....