Kelly Ripa Absent from "Live with Kelly and Mark" Following Gum Graft Surgery Kelly Ripa has remained absent from her daytime talk show "Live with Kelly and Mark" this week as she continues to recover from a recent gum graft surgery. The host, who has been a staple of the program since its inception, has not appeared on the show since July 27, 2026, when guest host Kevin Jonas filled in for her. Her absence has been marked by the participation of guest cohosts, including actress Pamela Adlon, who joined cohost Mark Consuelos on July 30. Ripa’s husband, Mark Consuelos, has provided regular updates on her condition, offering insights into the recovery process and the challenges she faces. The surgery, described as a "gum graft," involves replacing lost tissue around the teeth, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Consuelos explained that the procedure is necessary to address long-standing dental issues, which he noted had been "overdue" for Ripa. Despite her reputation for not feeling pain, Consuelos revealed that the recovery has been particularly difficult for her. He shared that Ripa avoids using numbing agents during dental visits, making the procedure more painful. "When she goes into the dentist, she doesn’t really use the Novocain, but this one hurts," he said, emphasizing that the surgery has been "bad" for her. Ripa’s absence from the show has been managed by a rotating cast of guest hosts. Kevin Jonas, the musician from the Jonas Brothers, appeared on July 27 and 28, while Mila Kunis took over on July 29. Adlon, known for her roles in "Californication" and "Better Things," joined Consuelos on July 30, following her appearance as a guest the previous week. Scott Foley, an actor from "Scrubs" and "Scandal," is scheduled to guest host on July 31.#cleveland_clinic #mark_consuelos #kelly_ripa #live_with_kelly_and_mark #pamela_adlon
GMA’s Sam Champion shares details on 'urgent' heart procedure Sam Champion, a weather anchor for Good Morning America, shared updates about his recent heart procedure with fans, revealing he is on the path to recovery. The 64-year-old returned to the morning talk show on March 25, 2026, after taking a few days off for an urgent medical intervention. During the broadcast, he described experiencing a "little bit of a heart scare over the weekend," which led to further testing and treatment. Champion had initially raised concerns when he posted from a hospital bed on March 23, stating he had undergone a nuclear stress test that revealed "some things that needed to be taken care of." He later explained that the procedure involved a cardiac catheterization, a more invasive diagnostic method, which was performed at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York City. "So today I went into the cardiac catheterization laboratory… and we took care of it. Thanks to these procedures. I am well and expected to make a full recovery," he said in a social media post. In a follow-up message on March 24, Champion confirmed he would return to work on March 25 and planned to discuss heart health in greater detail. "All is well and I’ll see you tomorrow on GMA," he wrote. "I want YOU to know what to ask your doctors… sooo we’ll talk more in depth about my procedures and my stents and the signs so that you can be more aware and more involved in your health conversations." On the show, he explained that despite maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, his doctor recommended further testing after he experienced shortness of breath. This led to the cardiac catheterization, which allows doctors to examine the coronary and pulmonary arteries for blockages or structural issues.#good_morning_america #mayo_clinic #cleveland_clinic #sam_champion #mount_sina_fuster_heart_hospital
New guidelines offer new approach for managing high cholesterol Doctors now recommend that patients get a lipoprotein(a) test along with other screenings to manage high cholesterol, according to updated guidelines released by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. The guidelines emphasize more aggressive prevention strategies and earlier treatment, including a one-time lipoprotein(a) test for all adults. This genetic marker is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular conditions. The guidelines aim to improve tools doctors use to assess cardiovascular risk, which remains the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Dr. Roger Blumenthal, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins and chair of the guideline writing committee, noted that 80% or more of cardiovascular disease is preventable. Elevated LDL cholesterol, often called "bad" cholesterol, plays a major role in this risk. However, relying solely on LDL levels may not be sufficient. Blumenthal highlighted that measuring additional biomarkers can provide a more complete picture of a patient’s risk and help determine whether cholesterol-lowering therapy should begin earlier. The lipoprotein(a) test is a simple blood test that is widely available and increasingly offered by primary care physicians as part of preventive care. Since lipoprotein(a) is genetically determined and stable over time, it typically needs to be tested only once, ideally early in adulthood. Elevated levels indicate an inherited risk for cardiovascular disease. The guidelines also promote the use of coronary calcium scoring, a noninvasive scan that measures calcified plaque in arteries.#american_heart_association #american_college_of_cardiology #johns_hopkins #cleveland_clinic #circulation
