David Salm, MD

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."

11/25/2025

Herbs and spices are generally considered a healthier alternative to America’s most popular flavoring agent, salt, and many, in fact, have health benefits of their own. They may be rich in healthy compounds called phytonutrients, including carotenoids, flavonoids and isoflavones. But some herbs and spices may also be rich in heavy metals, which can be harmful to our health. Here’s what you need to know.

Herbs and spices are generally considered a healthier alternative to America’s most popular flavoring agent salt, and many, in fact, have health benefits of their own. They may be rich in healthy compounds called phytonutrients including carotenoids, flavonoids and isoflavones.Unfortunately, some ...

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

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

11/13/2025

Let’s talk about coffee. Most of my patients drink coffee daily, and a large percentage of them purchase coffee (or another beverage) from a coffee shop every week. Coffee shops can be very enticing, rolling out festive, seasonal flavors, particularly during this time of year. But these drinks may be taking a toll on your wallet, and more importantly, your health. Here’s more on coffee shop coffees.

Do you swing by Dunkin’ drive-thru for coffee on your way into work? Or frequent Starbucks for an afternoon caffeine boost? If your answer was yes, you’re not alone. About 73 percent of Americans drink coffee daily and more than 50 percent buy coffee (or another beverage) from a coffee shop at l...

11/11/2025

Many of my patients switched from dairy milk to a plant-based alternative such as almond or oat milk. However, not all alternative milks are created equal –and this is especially true of almond milk. Here’s what might be in your almond milk.

Have you switched to plant-based dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk? Whether this switch was for health or because you can’t tolerate traditional dairy, there’s something you should know about your beverage of choice: Not all alternative milks are created equal – and this is especially...

11/06/2025

About two-thirds of Americans have some level of cognitive impairment by age 70. Currently, cognitive decline is not preventable or curable; however, there are tactics you can take to protect your brain health, such as exposure to scents while sleeping. Here’s what you need to know.

About two out of three Americans have some level of cognitive impairment at an age 70, according to the National Institutes of Health. Cognitive decline takes a tremendous toll on the quality of life of an individual and breaks the heats of family members. It also can be quite costly with expensive....

11/04/2025

My patients ask many questions about bone health. It’s understandable – osteoporosis is a debilitating health condition that affects many older women and some men. A commonly overlooked risk factor is excessive alcohol consumption, which is rising among American women. More women are drinking and drinking heavily. Learn more about the connection between alcohol and bone health. https://bit.ly/3ACm0MD

When you think of osteoporosis, you probably imagine a frail, older woman. After all, osteoporosis is most often associated with thin, older women with small bone structures. White and Asian women tend to have a higher risk than Black and Latina women, but their risk also is significant.

11/01/2025

Winter is a few weeks away, which means we need to put some extra effort into controlling our blood pressure. Your blood pressure rises in colder weather – and while you may be borderline or okay in the summer, your blood pressure may be too high in winter. Try these seven tactics to help manage your blood pressure during the winter.

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween!

10/30/2025

Have a fun, safe Halloween!