Traditional cholesterol tests that label LDL as “bad” and HDL as “good” are important but don’t provide a full picture of heart health. The key markers that truly predict cardiovascular risk are ApoB (which measures the number of cholesterol-carrying particles that can form plaque) and Lp(a) (a genetic variant that increases inflammation and clotting). By testing these advanced biomarkers, physicians can detect risk earlier and tailor prevention through lifestyle, nutrition, and, when needed, medication. Measuring ApoB and Lp(a) offers a more accurate, personalized path to preventing heart disease and extending healthspan.

Hormones are powerful messengers that influence how we age - from metabolism and body composition to mood, energy, cognition, and cardiovascular health. For both women and men, maintaining hormonal balance is essential not just for feeling well today, but for preserving long-term vitality and healthspan. At LifespanMD, we take an evidence-based, preventive approach to hormone optimization. Our team integrates hormone therapy in Ottawa (HRT and TRT) with advanced diagnostics, metabolic testing, and fitness assessments - helping clients age stronger, think sharper, and live longer, better.

If you’re like most Canadians, you may assume you are getting enough protein. After all, the average diet easily covers the government’s recommended intake of 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. But here’s the catch - that number was set to prevent outright deficiency, not to help you stay strong, independent, and healthy as you age. At LifespanMD, we look beyond “adequate.” The science is clear: most people benefit from almost double the recommended amount, especially as they get older or aim to improve their fitness and metabolic health.

Incretin-based medications are changing how doctors treat diabetes and obesity, and they are also generating headlines about weight loss and even healthy aging. While these drugs offer clear benefits for blood sugar, weight control, and heart health (in diabetics), questions remain. In Canada, they are only approved for diabetes and obesity, not for anti-aging, but the science behind them is opening new conversations about what it means to grow older in better health.

At LifespanMD in Ottawa, we provide expert hormone health services for women and men, including menopause care, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Led by our hormonal health specialists, our personalized programs restore balance, improve energy, and support long-term wellness.

At LifespanMD, we see wearables as powerful companions in longevity care. These devices create daily awareness and provide accountability. The growing body of evidence shows that wearables can increase physical activity, improve recovery, enhance sleep hygiene, and support more consistent progress in the lifestyle factors most strongly tied to longer and healthier lives: aerobic fitness, daily movement, and cardiovascular health.

VO₂ max measures the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilize during peak exertion. Think of it as your cardiovascular engine capacity. The higher it is, the more efficiently your heart, lungs, and mitochondria deliver and use oxygen - and the more physiological stress your body can tolerate and recover from.

What makes this especially compelling is the growing body of research showing that VO₂ max is one of the strongest predictors of lifespan and healthspan we have.

BPC-157 is gaining widespread attention in the regenerative medicine space for its potential healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Frequently promoted for soft tissue repair, tendon healing, gut health, and injury recovery, BPC-157 has become a trending topic among patients seeking advanced wellness solutions. At LifespanMD, one of the most common peptide questions we receive is whether BPC-157 is legal, safe, and effective in a clinical setting.

We envision a future where proactive health, vitality, and longevity are within reach for all. That's precisely why we're so proud and excited to welcome Dr. Steve Radke to our team. Dr. Radke is a physician who not only deeply shares this transformative vision but also brings it vibrantly to life through her truly unique and comprehensive approach to patient care. Her dedication to fostering overall well-being, rather than just managing symptoms, perfectly aligns with our commitment to helping you unlock your healthiest, most vibrant self.

At LifespanMD, we understand that brain health is critical for healthy aging. With dementia and Alzheimer’s disease rates on the rise, many of our clients ask, “How can I lower my risk of dementia?”

The good news is that up to 45% of dementia cases may be preventable through targeted lifestyle changes and medical interventions.¹ In this article, we explore the most effective, evidence-based strategies to prevent dementia, support cognitive function, and promote long-term mental clarity.

Whether you're concerned about memory loss, cognitive decline, or Alzheimer’s prevention, the strategies below offer a proactive path toward protecting your brain health.

What if the best years of your life are still ahead of you?

At LifespanMD, we’re on a mission to shift the focus from simply treating illness to actively creating wellness.. That’s why we’re proud to welcome Dr. Valerie Hertzog, a physician who shares this vision and brings it to life through her unique approach to care.

As we step into May, recognized globally as Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it is an ideal moment to reflect on one of the simplest yet most powerful tools for protecting your long-term skin health: daily sunscreen use. At LifespanMD, we view prevention as a foundational element of living longer and healthier lives. When it comes to defending your skin, sunscreen is not just optional - it is essential. With so many options on the market, choosing the right one matters. Here is what you should look for to ensure you are getting meaningful protection.

The gut microbiome plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, weight management, and overall health. Emerging research continues to reveal how gut bacteria influence fat storage, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation - key drivers of metabolic health. Read our recent article to learn more!

VO₂ max, or maximal oxygen uptake, is the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilize during exercise. A higher VO₂ max indicates greater efficiency in oxygen transport and utilization, which directly correlates with better health outcomes and enhanced longevity.

Humans have pursued lifespan extension for centuries, but modern research has formalized this quest. Since the early 20th century, scientists have identified potential longevity molecules, with metformin—best known for treating type 2 diabetes—standing out as a widely debated candidate. Initial animal studies and observational human data sparked excitement about metformin’s anti-aging potential, but conflicting evidence has since tempered enthusiasm. A recent 2024 study in monkeys, however, has reignited interest.

The effects of aging accelerate as we get older, leading to disease and frailty. Regenerative cell treatments could help replenish what we lose with age and bring us back to a healthier state.

The pursuit of longevity has traditionally focused on increasing lifespan - the total number of years an individual lives. However, modern geroscience emphasizes that extending life without improving health leads to a prolonged period of disability and chronic disease.

Maintaining strong bones is vital for mobility, longevity, and overall healthspan. This article explores osteoporosis, risk factors for low bone mineral density (BMD), and effective strategies to maintain bone strength as we age.

Sleep is a cornerstone of human health and wellness - just like proper nutrition and regular exercise. Yet, in our busy modern world, it’s often taken for granted or pushed aside. Chronic sleep deprivation can have serious long-term effects, ranging from reduced cognitive function to increased risk of serious health conditions.

Did you know nearly 20% of breast cancer cases in Canada are diagnosed in women under 50? What you can do to catch breast cancer early.