Harvard Health Blog
Read posts from experts at Harvard Health Publishing covering a variety of health topics and perspectives on medical news.
A study found that people who felt they had purpose in life were more likely to live longer than those who did not. Having a life purpose might lessen stress and inspire people to invest in their health. Wishing for purpose? A few strategies may help.
Half of people who live to 85 will develop Alzheimer’s disease — a disturbing statistic. But research into a family in South America has revealed a gene mutation that appears to afford protection, and may lead to a way to treat or possibly even prevent the disease.
A commercial for the fibromyalgia medication Lyrica gets certain points right, yet important information is missing, such as other vital aspects of treatment and how this drug compares to other medications.
The holiday season presents a challenge to even to those most dedicated to health-conscious eating. Generally, people tend to gain a little weight during the holidays, but a study found that it is possible to avoid extra pounds.
Sometimes after finishing prostate cancer treatment, men get an unwelcome surprise: their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels creep higher, suggesting tumors too small to be seen lurk somewhere in the body. This leads to several options. Doctors can continue to monitor a man’s condition with imaging scans. Or, given the anxiety associated with rising PSA, they […]
Different types of nail polish can have varying effects on fingernails, and have pros and cons depending on the chemicals used in making them.
Over the past decade, research has revealed that the majority of patients treated for cancer experience difficulties with memory, attention, concentration, and thinking. There are several lifestyle actions that can help improve these symptoms, as well as certain medications.
Stroke survivors are typically discharged with a program of exercises meant to help them regain independence. But researchers found that an aerobic training in a stroke rehabilitation program similar to that offered to some heart attack patients helped stroke patients improve their aerobic capacity.
Many products containing CBD claim to help women with various health issues, including sleep, mood, symptoms of PMS or menopause, and sexual pleasure. Currently, very little evidence supports these extravagant promises, and there are concerns about the quality and safety of CBD products.
In the 1980s, there was no official definition of what is now known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). But since then, more than 9,000 studies have advanced the understanding of this condition and its effects on people.
Your core muscles are your body’s foundation, and the plank pose is a great exercise to do to help build core strength—it’s challenging but not complicated. Here’s everything you need to know to plank correctly.
Palliative care improves comfort and quality of life for people with serious illness and their families, yet many people who could benefit from these services are not taking advantage of them
People who get frequent headaches and need to take medication at least 15 days a month may be at risk for medication overuse headaches, or “rebound headaches.” Treatment depends on the medication being taken.
Most people know that too much salt is bad for them and they should try to cut back, but many don’t realize it’s also possible to consume too little salt. It’s not a common problem, but it does happen and it can be harmful.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) makes people intensely dizzy from time to time. Some people are using Internet videos to self-treat the condition at home using a maneuver called the Epley maneuver. If at first it doesn’t help, below are some tips to improve the odds of success.
Heat waves are unpleasant for healthy folks. For people with cardiovascular trouble, hazy, hot, humid days can be downright dangerous.
If you’re a parent, part of your role is to prepare your children for adult life by teaching and otherwise encouraging independence. But how does one start to do this?
This year’s flu season may be severe. Almost everyone should get vaccinated, but which vaccine might be best for you? And how else can you avoid the flu?
