Calorie counting isn't the best way to lose weight. How a person's body burns calories depends on a number of factors, including the type of food eaten, metabolism, and even the type of organisms l...| Harvard Health
Given the huge increase in the use of CT scans, concern about radiation exposure is warranted. Patients should try to keep track of their cumulative radiation exposure, and only have tests when nec...| Harvard Health
A 2023 review of 70 studies found that both unprocessed and processed red meat are linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, with no apparent difference in risk between men and...| Harvard Health
A Mediterranean-style diet emphasizes healthy foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seafood, beans, and nuts. Learn how to adopt this diet for better health....| Harvard Health
Drinking water and changing your diet are just some ways to avoid kidney stones. See the full list here....| Harvard Health
A Mediterranean diet featuring plant-based proteins is associated with more weight loss and steeper declines in cholesterol, insulin resistance, and inflammation markers than a Mediterranean diet w...| Harvard Health
While some guidelines suggest stopping prostate cancer screening after age 70, the decision to continue depends on a man's general health and life expectancy. Before a man decides to continue with ...| Harvard Health
Strict vegan and paleo eating patterns seem to be at opposite ends of the diet spectrum. Both can offer health benefits, though it's wise to understand the nutritional gaps left by each appr...| Harvard Health
Because metabolic syndrome boosts the risk of developing several serious health problems, a troubling rise in rates of occurrence of metabolic syndrome among certain segments of the US popul...| Harvard Health
The key isn’t to deny stress, but to recognize and acknowledge it—and then to find the upside, because a full-throttle fight-or-flight stress response is not the only possible r...| Harvard Health
What is white noise? And is there evidence that it can improve your sleep? Explore white noise and other noise colors like pink and brown noise. Learn what the research says about whether they trul...| Harvard Health
What is borderline personality disorder?| Harvard Health
You know you should exercise. Regular exercise can add years to your life — healthy, active years. Exercise lowers heart disease risk, protects against some cancers, strengthens joints, and even keeps your mind sharper.| Harvard Health
During a recent check-up, my doctor snuck a look at her phone a couple times. I don’t think it had anything to do with my health or care, so it was mildly annoying—but I didn’t say an...| Harvard Health
Strength training and protein are two ways to combat age-related muscle loss, known as sarcopenia. Muscles need protein to help fuel new growth and maintain mass. However, many aging men don't cons...| Harvard Health
You might be surprised to learn that diet plays an important role in chronic inflammation-- digestive bacteria release chemicals that may spur or suppress inflammation. The types of bacteria that p...| Harvard Health
A healthy diet that includes poultry, fish, whole grains, vegetables and fruits, nuts, legumes, low-fat dairy products, and unsaturated fats can help control high blood pressure....| Harvard Health
With its emphasis on breathing practices and meditation — both of which help calm and center the mind — it's hardly surprising that yoga also brings mental benefits, such as reduced anxiety and depression. What may be more surprising is that it actually makes your brain work better. A sharper ...| Harvard Health
A painful muscle strain requires extra care. It helps to avoid intense activity; ease pain with massage, topical creams, or over-the-counter painkillers; do gentle stretches; and get enough sleep, ...| Harvard Health
Most people are at low risk of melanoma and don't need annual skin cancer screenings. People should be screened annually if they have risk factors such as dozens of atypical moles, a family history...| Harvard Health
Renewed research into the potential benefits of psychedelic drugs has led to interest in microdosing — taking a fraction of a regular dose. Many people believe that microdosing can hel...| Harvard Health
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted thoughts or mental images that make people feel uncomfortable. They're common, affecting some six million Americans, and can be effectively managed using tools such ...| Harvard Health
Stir-fries feature a healthy dose of vegetables combined with lean protein and a flavorful sauce. When served over steamed brown rice, stir fries are a good example of a well-balanced, nutritious m...| Harvard Health
Buying the right shoes is an investment in foot health. When you’re ready to replace some of that uncomfortable footwear here are some tips that can help....| Harvard Health
A 2020 study found that people defined as lonely had a higher risk of dementia than those who were not considered lonely. Loneliness also was associated with smaller brain sizes and poorer executiv...| Harvard Health
Benzodiazepines and drugs with strong anticholinergic effects have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease in people who take them. There are alternatives to both types....| Harvard Health
Mind & Mood| Harvard Health
Though the visceral fat that lies behind the abdominal wall makes up only a small percentage of the body's fat, a growing body of research indicates that it is linked to a number of diseases and co...| Harvard Health
Overview of exercise recommendations for adults, pregnant women, and children...| Harvard Health
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If you have upset someone, the best way to rectify the situation is by making a sincere, heartfelt apology. But just saying the words isn't quite enough: for an apology to be effective, it h...| Harvard Health
ARCHIVED CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date each article was posted or last reviewed. No conte...| Harvard Health
Attention control is an essential element for time management and productivity. And, of course, being able to power through your to-do list in record time is a great stress reliever. To stay focused, you need to avoid letting distractions derail your goals. Mindfulness meditation can be a valuable technique for ...| Harvard Health
Due to the lengthy wait for an appointment with a therapist, many people have turned to the numerous mental health apps available on smartphones. Research did not find convincing evidence th...| Harvard Health
Muscle weakness impairs health. Weakness may be caused by aging, inactivity, medication side effects, or underlying conditions such as neuropathy....| Harvard Health
The science of neurogenesis suggests it’s possible to create new neurons in the hippocampus, which can improve a person’s memory and thinking skills. Certain types of aerobic activities, stress...| Harvard Health
A review of studies published Aug. 18, 2020, by BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine suggests that consuming honey appears to improve upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and in some cases shorten the...| Harvard Health
There is already evidence that knee arthroscopy for osteoarthritis does not help most people. A study attempted to determine if the results would be better for people with osteoarthritis and a torn...| Harvard Health
Coping with stress in a positive way is known as resilience, and it has many health benefits. Good ways to increase resilience include meditating, reframing a situation, leaning on friends and fami...| Harvard Health
Addiction can affect anyone, but social determinants of health — the factors that influence a person's circumstances in life — can have a negative impact on a person's efforts to...| Harvard Health
The medication Suboxone has helped many people who are addicted to opiates, but even within the addiction treatment community there are misunderstandings about this drug and its ef...| Harvard Health
Protein is an essential building block of a healthy diet, and these foods have plenty. But what are the benefits and how much is too much?...| Harvard Health
Plant-based or plant-forward eating patterns focus on foods primarily from plants. This includes not only fruits and vegetables, but also nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans. It doe...| Harvard Health
Learn about tofu's nutritional benefits and discover delicious recipes and techniques to enjoy this versatile ingredient....| Harvard Health
Mental decline is common, and it's one of the most feared consequences of aging. But cognitive impairment is not inevitable. Here are 12 ways you can help reduce your risk of age-related memory los...| Harvard Health
Antidepressants aren't the only solution for depression. Research shows that exercise works as well as antidepressants for some people, although exercise alone isn't enough for someone with severe ...| Harvard Health
Doomscrolling is the habit of constantly scrolling online news headlines, which often blare bad news. Doomscrolling can lead to a wide range of physical and mental health effects. People can create...| Harvard Health
Cognitive distortions are internal mental filters or biases that fuel anxiety and make us feel bad about ourselves. These filters can cause us to devolve into counterproductive brooding that...| Harvard Health
Posture problems can lead to back pain, poor balance, headaches, and breathing difficulties. Poor posture can also promote incontinence, constipation, and heartburn....| Harvard Health
Kratom has been used for centuries for various conditions; today people are using it to treat chronic pain and mitigate opioid withdrawal symptoms. But there is no control or regulation of t...| Harvard Health
Protein can help you maintain muscle mass and may help you manage your weight by keeping you feeling full longer. We've got savory and sweet options for high-protein snacks that will satisfy your h...| Harvard Health
Many people practice meditation in hopes of staving off stress and stress-related health problems, even though the evidence for doing so is spotty. A new study that analyzed the results of nearly 5...| Harvard Health
Discover what CBD oil is and whether it can help with pain management....| Harvard Health
For many people, retirement is a key reward for decades of daily work—a time to relax, explore, and have fun unburdened by the daily grind. For others, though, retirement is a frustrating period ...| Harvard Health
The body’s circadian rhythm controls our sleep-wake cycle, so an irregular rhythm can negatively affect sleep and proper functioning, which can lead to health problems including mood disorder...| Harvard Health
Thunderstorm asthma is an attack that starts or worsens after a thunderstorm. It can occur in anyone with asthma, but it most often affects people with seasonal allergies. There are several ...| Harvard Health
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, teaches people to challenge negative thought patterns and change their responses to unsettling situations. It is an effective therapy for many mental health co...| Harvard Health
Like most vitamins, B12 can't be made by the body and must be gotten from food or supplements. A B12 deficiency –– which might stem from a vegan or vegetarian diet, or proble...| Harvard Health
Omega-6 fats were once criticized as unhealthy, but researchers for the American Heart Association have concluded that they are in fact beneficial to the heart. ...| Harvard Health
Lowering LDL cholesterol has been shown to lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have suggested that more aggressive goals for LDL levels in people who already have CVD can decrease ...| Harvard Health
Learn what we do and don't know about the potential health benefits of turmeric....| Harvard Health
The table below lists the calories burned by doing dozens of activities listed by category (such as gym activities, training and sports activities, home repair, etc.) for 30 minutes....| Harvard Health
Overview of strategies for staying healthy| Harvard Health
One group of hormones are nicknamed the "feel-good hormones" because of the happy and, sometimes, euphoric feelings they produce. There are many natural ways to increase levels of serto...| Harvard Health
Stephanie Watson was the Executive Editor of the Harvard Women’s Health Watch from June 2012 to August 2014. Prior to that, she worked as a writer and editor for several leading consumer health publications, including WebMD, A.D.A.M. (MedlinePlus), BabyCenter, Momentum magazine, and Lupus Now magazine. She also served as executive editor for Focus on Healthy Aging, a publication of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.| www.health.harvard.edu
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Proper nutrition helps keep energy levels up and protects against many age-related illnesses and diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. But how do you maintain an eating routine and diet that keeps you and your family healthy and works within your lifestyle and budget?| Harvard Health
Most salad greens contain essential dietary nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and water. Some of the most nutritious greens are spinach, kale, and romaine lettuce. Some greens, like iceberg le...| Harvard Health
When it comes to fighting high blood pressure, the average American diet delivers too much sodium and too little potassium. Eating to reverse this imbalance could prevent or control high blood pres...| Harvard Health
You may have noticed that many playgrounds are now “safer” than they used to be. It’s great to think about safety, especially since there are hundreds of thousands of playground-r...| Harvard Health
Aging and a family history can increase your risk for a stroke, but women can reduce this risk by managing factors that are under their control. Lowering high blood pressure, keeping weight in chec...| Harvard Health
While somewhat common in adolescence, gynecomastia in adult men is rare. It may be caused by liver disease, medications, or treatment for prostate cancer. ...| Harvard Health
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Regular exercise may be an effective way to fend off depression....| Harvard Health
Having a higher-than-normal blood sugar level, known as prediabetes, puts people at risk for diabetes and heart disease. Weight loss and exercise can help reverse the condition....| Harvard Health
Mediterranean-style diets emphasize good fats and good carbs, which can reduce cardiovascular risk and the development of diabetes....| Harvard Health
Depression affects about 20% of adults ages 65 and older. Antidepressants and psychotherapy are the usual first-line treatments, but research suggests that a regular meditation practice also can he...| Harvard Health
Making small, gradual changes to your eating habits and patterns is an easy way to incorporate the Mediterranean diet approach into your life. ...| Harvard Health
Yoga, an ancient practice and meditation, has become increasingly popular in today's busy society. For many people, yoga provides a retreat from their chaotic and busy lives. It hel...| Harvard Health
Pressed coffee, once the darling of trendy coffee houses the world over, has broken out of its upscale origins and can now be found in kitchens all across America. Aficionados have been raving for ...| Harvard Health
Want to know how much testosterone is okay for you? The answer may surprise you. Learn all about the male sex hormone here, including its primary benefits....| Harvard Health
Mental health clinicians traditionally viewed sleep disorders as a symptom of a psychiatric disorder, but research suggests that in some patients sleep issues may be a cause of the disorder....| Harvard Health
Discover the nutritional value and potential health benefits of chia seeds. Learn ways to incorporate chia seeds into your diet....| Harvard Health
When you were a child and your mother told you to go play outside, it wasn’t just because she needed some child-free time. Inspired by a Japanese practice, forest therapy is an immersion in n...| Harvard Health
Cooking with gas stoves releases nitrogen dioxide and gas appliances introduce other toxic chemicals into homes, but people can take steps to protect their household and help improve outdoor...| Harvard Health
The brain is continuously changing and developing across the entire life span. There is no period in life when the brain and its functions just hold steady. Some cognitive abilities become weaker w...| Harvard Health
Understanding glycemic load is just as important as the glycemic index of foods What are the facts about the glycemic load of foods? If you have diabetes, you probably know you need to monitor your...| Harvard Health
