Shep Dunlevie, MD

12/31/2025

It’s New Year’s Eve. Some of you will probably spend a nice, quiet evening at home, while others will paint the town. But many of you will probably have a drink or two to help ring in the new year. At the risk of sounding like a wet blanket, if you’re going to drink, make sure you’re doing so safely and understand how much you’re really drinking. And remember: Never drink and drive!

Many people are unaware of the health effects of alcohol on the body. Educate yourself on how much alcohol you are really drinking and one drink consists of.

12/25/2025

! Do you eat special dishes on Christmas? If yes, which ones are your favorites? I find that mainstream holiday fare — high-fat foods, alcohol and desserts – can often trigger heartburn with some of my patients. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent heartburn. Here’s what you need to know.

During special occasions heartburn can be prominent due to the types of food and alcohol present. Discover 5 tips for avoiding heartburn at special occasions.

12/23/2025

Do you wake up stiff and sore? Or do you become achy as the day unfolds? If you answered yes to either of these questions, it's time to start showing some love to your joints. In truth, you should always treat your joints well, whether you're in pain or...

12/16/2025

For years, lung cancer has been considered a man’s disease. However, lung cancer rates among women rose 84 percent over the past four decades, compared to men’s rates, which dropped by 36 percent. I’m even seeing this in my own practice. Why is this happening? Studies found that the increased risk of lung cancer may be linked to a woman’s reproductive history. Here’s more on the topic.

Lung cancer is the second most common occurring cancer and leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. And while most women are more concerned about breast cancer, lung cancer kills more women than breast, cervical and ovarian cancers combined.

12/15/2025

! Hanukkah’s celebration lasts eight days. While this sounds fun, for many of my patients, it means eight days of preparing, cleaning, cooking, wrapping gifts, lifting boxes, socializing and possibly traveling, which can take a toll on their spines. If holiday festivities make your back and neck ache, here are some simple tips to help prevent the pain.

Holiday stress can turn the “most wonderful” time of the year into the “least healthful.” But you can minimize weight gain and lower your chances of getting sick with these tips.

12/11/2025

I always encourage my patients to listen to their bodies, and this time of year, your body is probably asking for more sleep. Throughout the year, your body’s sleep needs change. Many factors affect the amount of sleep your body needs, but arguably, the most influential is the amount of daylight you get each day. Here are three reasons why your body wants more sleep during the fall and winter.

Holiday celebrations are a tempting trap. Here are some healthy eating tips for anyone whose doctor has warned them to “watch what you eat."

12/09/2025

The holiday season is a wonderful time of year. But it has its baggage. Financial issues, grief, family strife and health issues can really make the season less festive. When my patients are experiencing holiday stress, I suggest these tips.

Even if the holiday season is your favorite time of the year, preparing for festivities can cause a lot of stress. But you can ease some of the pressure with these simple tips.

12/04/2025

Do you sit for hours? Most of my patients do. Many of them have desk jobs and then watch TV at night; hobbies such as knitting, sewing and painting are also popular. And doom scrolling on phones has become part of most people’s daily routine. But sitting for hours can take a toll on your body. These tips can help offset the negative effects of sitting.

Many people spend hours of their day sitting at a workstation – for work, to manage personal finances or engage in a hobby like gaming. That sewing desk, painter's easel and work bench are also workstations.

11/27/2025

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. As tempting as it may be to eat a little too much of your favorite holiday foods, you’ll want to avoid overeating, especially if you are trying to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. Here’s why.

Holiday celebrations are a tempting trap. Here are some healthy eating tips for anyone whose doctor has warned them to “watch what you eat."

11/20/2025

Today is the . Lung cancer is probably the biggest concern associated with smoking, but there are many others, including calcifications in the brain responsible for memory, emotions and motivation. Quitting smoking is extremely difficult, particularly for women, but it can save your life. If you’re a smoker, talk to me about devising a quit plan for you.

Find out why it is harder for women to quit smoking than it is for men. Explore expert studies explaining 5 reasons why this tends to happen. Learn more.

11/18/2025

For years, I’ve been warning my patients about health issues associated with eating processed red meats such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, jerky and cold cuts. Research has linked these foods with a higher risk of obesity, heart disease, stomach cancer and colorectal cancer. New research suggests that it also may raise your risk of dementia. Here’s what you need to know. https://bit.ly/48iMG38

It's not news that processed red meats such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, jerky and cold cuts have a bad health rap. Studies have tied them to the risk of obesity, heart disease, stomach cancer and colorectal cancer. Some researchers suspect that process...

11/14/2025

It’s World Diabetes Day - a good day to take stock of your lifestyle and see if you’re doing all you can to offset your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. For example, daily exercise is one of the best approaches you can take to help reduce your risk of diabetes and obesity, which raises the risk of type 2 diabetes. This article explains a recent study that found exercise is a good starting point in managing and controlling diabetes and obesity. We can also talk about your fitness routine at your next appointment. https://bit.ly/3JrlXbd

There's a new term for an epidemic you're probably aware of: Diabesity. It probably sounds a little melodramatic, but it is the largest epidemic in human history, according to a study published in Clinical Diabetes and Endocrinology.