Harvard Health Blog
Read posts from experts at Harvard Health Publishing covering a variety of health topics and perspectives on medical news.
There is a renewed interest in the potential for psychedelic drugs to be used for medical purposes in the treatment of a variety of psychiatric conditions. Broadly, these drugs are able to induce altered thoughts and sensory perceptions, and research has found them to be beneficial in treating depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and they can also be helpful for some people in end-of-life situations.
Now that many people have been vaccinated against COVID-19, it feels like things are starting to return to something resembling normal. But because the vaccines have not yet been approved for those under 12, families with children under this age need to be careful and thoughtful as they plan summer activities.
Last year, approximately 1.7 million new HIV infections occurred worldwide, and rates of infection are also rising in parts of the US. While a daily pill known as PrEP can help prevent HIV, two new formulations could make it easier for a broader range of at-risk people to use.
A news story about a worrisome or life-threatening ailment might get you thinking about your own health, especially if you happen to have some of the same symptoms. But dramatic or unusual medical stories can bias your thinking and even negatively affect your health decision-making.
There are a myriad of apps and programs designed to help people lose weight, but many companies are offering products that go beyond traditional food tracking, taking a mindfulness-based approach to help people understand why they eat the way they do, and how to make beneficial changes to their eating routine.
The FDA has granted accelerated approval to the first new drug in nearly two decades for Alzheimer’s disease. But there are potential side effects, and results of studies of this drug have been mixed. It is not yet known whether the drug truly works, or how effective it will be, so the approval is contingent on the drug’s maker conducting further studies over the next several years.
Chronic insomnia affects between 10% and 15% of adults in the US. A specific form of cognitive behavioral therapy for treatment of insomnia is becoming more accessible because it can be delivered remotely. A recent study investigated how this therapy delivered via telemedicine compared to the same form of therapy delivered in person.
Prediabetes often precedes the development of type 2 diabetes, and in young and middle-aged people it’s important to identify prediabetes because it may be possible to prevent or delay the development of diabetes. Researchers wanted to know if the implications of being diagnosed with prediabetes are similar for older adults.
Prostate cancer biopsies have a low risk of side effects, but some men do experience sexual dysfunction after the procedure. But a large review of sdudies has found that these issues usually resolve within one to three months.
A study examining data from a large health care provider on more than 48,000 people who had COVID-19 found that those were consistently inactive had a significantly higher risk of hospitalization or death, while those who engaged in more than 10 minutes of activity per week had some protection against severe illness or death, and people who were active for at least 150 minutes per week had the most protection.
Physical therapy can be helpful if you have an injury or a condition that affects mobility or is causing pain. But before you embark on a course of treatment, your physical therapist will ask crucial questions that will help shape your program.
Concerns circulating about the effectiveness of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine in American Indian/Alaskan Native communities, compared to the other available vaccines for COVID-19, have been answered by responses from medical professionals within the Indigenous population, as well as by statistics showing that all three vaccines are safe and effective in people of all races and ethnic backgrounds.
Despite the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines, a small number of people develop cases even after being fully vaccinated. Most of these “breakthrough” cases are mild or moderate, and the CDC has decided to track only the ones that require hospitalization, which has disadvantages.
Many parents and children hope that this summer will allow a return to typical activities. For families who are considering summer camp for their children, adjustments and adaptations will need to be made because of COVID-19, and parents should be prepared to ask questions about planning and risk management.
Menstruation is a basic fact of human existence, yet millions of people in the US struggle to afford –– or can’t afford –– products like tampons and pads, a problem known as period poverty. Menstrual hygiene products are necessities, not luxuries, and period equity addresses this.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by rough, inflamed patches. There are a number of treatment options available, including a medication called Skyrizi that is given as an injection. Does an upbeat, frequently-run ad on TV clearly deliver all the information people need to know about this drug –– or just some of it?
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C, is a rare syndrome in some children that affects the heart and other organs. It may be a reaction to a current or past COVID-19 infection, but test results for the coronavirus are sometimes negative.
Summer is the perfect time to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your meals. Packed with health-promoting nutrients, many can be prepared without needing to use your stove or oven. And there are lots of ways to use them besides just making salads.
Growing evidence suggests women who experience certain health complications during pregnancy face a higher risk for cardiovascular disease later in life, such as heart attack and narrowing arteries. Lifestyle changes can help.
We are still learning about the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the brain, but we know that the pandemic has resulted in worsening mental health for many people. A new study confirmed that COVID-19 infection increased the risk of developing psychiatric disorders.
While the pandemic has disrupted everyone’s lives, its effects on the lives of people with disabilities are especially evident. And COVID-19 may pose a greater risk to some people with intellectual and physical disabilities, though this may depend on a variety of factors.
People with agoraphobia become anxious in places where they feel helpless or out of control, so they try to avoid such situations. But with the threat of COVID-19 still very real, fearing public spaces is a normal, or even prudent, instinct. So, when are anxious feelings normal, and when do they become a cause for concern?
Children with sickle cell disease are at higher risk for many health problems and possible complications get more serious as children grow into adults. Here are ways for parents to support teens with SCD in learning to take care of themselves.
