Monday, February 9, 2026

Do you have to have your appendix removed for appendicitis? Plus link between obesity and heart failure

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Good morning and happy Monday!

Thanks for starting your week with me—I truly appreciate you being part of this growing community. Today's newsletter dives into two topics that come up all the time in real life (and real doctor's offices). First, we look at appendicitis and the big question many people are surprised to hear: can antibiotics sometimes work instead of surgery? Then we shift gears to discuss the relationship of obesity and risk of heart failure.

As always, I've sprinkled in a few tidbits along the way—quick, useful insights you can read in under a minute and actually remember later. My goal is simple: clear, practical health information you can use without needing a medical dictionary.

Thank you again for reading, sharing your time, and trusting me as a source of health guidance. If you're finding this newsletter helpful, I'd be grateful if you'd pass it along to friends, family members, coworkers, or anyone else who might benefit. Your referrals are the reason this community keeps growing, and I truly appreciate it.

Wishing you a strong, healthy start to the week—and as always, thanks for being here.

Warmly,

Michael Fedak, MD
The Exercise Doc

Can Appendicitis Be Treated Without Surgery?

For more than a century, surgery has been the standard treatment for acute appendicitis. If your appendix became inflamed, it was removed. But growing evidence now shows that for uncomplicated acute appendicitis, antibiotics alone can be a safe and acceptable alternative for many people. A major 10-year follow-up study recently published in JAMA helps clarify the long-term pros and cons of both options.

Read online

Or if you prefer to watch the video

Obesity and Heart Failure

Today we're talking about something that's becoming a bigger and bigger part of heart health: the link between extra body weight and heart failure. If you've ever wondered, "Does my weight affect my heart?" or "If I lose weight, will my heart failure get better?" you're not alone. This topic can feel confusing—especially because of something doctors call the "obesity paradox." Let's break it down in plain English.

Read online