Recent Blog Articles
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/15477/conversions/59f61b05-2e23-463a-a0f7-b8aef6addd73-micro.jpg)
Testosterone-blocking drugs boost heart disease risk when given in combination
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/15472/conversions/9f706d6e-3ba5-441f-a1ce-d93af96cdb5d-micro.jpg)
Parenting isn't easy: Two important skills can help
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/14937/conversions/fcff561e-5fc9-4fbd-aac0-b9ea3778052b-micro.jpg)
Does sleeping with an eye mask improve learning and alertness?
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/15415/conversions/2acee670-1e43-413e-a07b-437512d22803-micro.jpg)
Do tattoos cause lymphoma?
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/14051/conversions/dea50ed5-99ea-4779-aa5b-56fae11aaa92-micro.jpg)
Hot weather hikes: Staying safe when temperatures spike
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/15405/conversions/f22b5f3d-fd64-479d-b10a-b2409347f160-micro.jpg)
Cannabis drinks: How do they compare to alcohol?
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/15404/conversions/ccd2e44a-96c4-492f-a05c-c2706549efc0-micro.jpg)
What is Lewy body dementia?
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/15083/conversions/2fa8315b-f48e-43fb-8b56-d681a1715343-micro.jpg)
Dog bites: How to prevent or treat them
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/15386/conversions/33679f9f-8065-4e13-a188-2ca67472b36f-micro.jpg)
Ever read your medical record? Here's why you should
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/14810/conversions/778f3d8c-0b73-420c-8d03-e8542d49660d-micro.jpg)
Shining light on night blindness
![photo of Robert H. Shmerling, MD](https://d2icykjy7h7x7e.cloudfront.net/authors/OdKCKaVzyx3xPsUxIBc9zJz8m3zvysnJa3UJsGOd.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Dr. Robert H. Shmerling is the former clinical chief of the division of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and is a current member of the corresponding faculty in medicine at Harvard Medical School. As a practicing rheumatologist for over 30 years, Dr. Shmerling engaged in a mix of patient care, teaching, and research. His research interests center on diagnostic studies in patients with musculoskeletal symptoms, and rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. He has published research regarding infectious arthritis, medical ethics, and diagnostic test performance in rheumatic disease. Having retired from patient care in 2019, Dr. Shmerling now works as a senior faculty editor for Harvard Health Publishing.
Twitter: @RobShmerling
Posts by Robert H. Shmerling, MD
![Are antidepressants also pain relievers? featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10483/conversions/GettyImages-1271594809-thumb.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Are antidepressants also pain relievers?
![Do vitamin D, zinc, and other supplements help prevent COVID-19 or hasten healing? featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10467/conversions/GettyImages-1205058793-thumb.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Do vitamin D, zinc, and other supplements help prevent COVID-19 or hasten healing?
![Harvard Health Ad Watch: Mitochondria do a lot for you — what can you do for them? featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10462/conversions/GettyImages-1174585269-thumb.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Harvard Health Ad Watch: Mitochondria do a lot for you — what can you do for them?
![Zero weight loss from zero calorie drinks? Say it ain’t so featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10456/conversions/GettyImages-1282314946-thumb.jpg)
Nutrition
Zero weight loss from zero calorie drinks? Say it ain’t so
![You got the COVID-19 vaccine? I have vaccine envy featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10446/conversions/GettyImages-499206463-thumb.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
You got the COVID-19 vaccine? I have vaccine envy
![Does your health monitor have device bias? featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10424/conversions/GettyImages-1226039778-thumb.jpg)
Staying Healthy
Does your health monitor have device bias?
![Flowers, chocolates, organ donation — are you in? featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10415/conversions/GettyImages-488624012-thumb.jpg)
Staying Healthy
Flowers, chocolates, organ donation — are you in?
![COVID-19 vaccines: Safety, side effects — and coincidence featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/12651/conversions/aadaf2e3-bb45-4bea-9f23-179f90c92e36-thumb.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
COVID-19 vaccines: Safety, side effects — and coincidence
![Harvard Health Ad Watch: Can an arthritis drug help you become a morning person? featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10406/conversions/GettyImages-184839696-thumb.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Harvard Health Ad Watch: Can an arthritis drug help you become a morning person?
![Are early detection and treatment always best? featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10403/conversions/GettyImages-1144500089-thumb.jpg)
Heart Health
Are early detection and treatment always best?
![Need surgery? Should you avoid your surgeon’s birthday? featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10398/conversions/GettyImages-1183048938-thumb.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Need surgery? Should you avoid your surgeon’s birthday?
![Can gout be prevented? featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10388/conversions/GettyImages-200287182-001-thumb.jpg)
Men's Health
Can gout be prevented?
![Good news: Deaths due to HIV are way down featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10376/conversions/GettyImages-172763852-thumb.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Good news: Deaths due to HIV are way down
![Will eating more chilis help you live longer? featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10366/conversions/GettyImages-1045869228-thumb.jpg)
Heart Health
Will eating more chilis help you live longer?
![Treating neuropathy: Which medication is best? featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10359/conversions/GettyImages-1161937059-thumb.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Treating neuropathy: Which medication is best?
![Masks save lives: Here's what you need to know featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10347/conversions/GettyImages-1219864420-thumb.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Masks save lives: Here's what you need to know
![Migraine headaches: Could nerve stimulation help? featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10343/conversions/GettyImages-1055466742-thumb.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Migraine headaches: Could nerve stimulation help?
![Does lupus or arthritis affect your prognosis if you get COVID-19? featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10336/conversions/GettyImages-1196557438-thumb.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Does lupus or arthritis affect your prognosis if you get COVID-19?
![It’s still true: Not all the news about COVID-19 is bad featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10332/conversions/GettyImages-460131649-thumb.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
It’s still true: Not all the news about COVID-19 is bad
![Stopping osteoarthritis: Could recent heart research provide a clue? featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10309/conversions/GettyImages-1272506685-thumb.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Stopping osteoarthritis: Could recent heart research provide a clue?
![New guidelines for aches, pains, and strains featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10297/conversions/GettyImages-1201431473-thumb.jpg)
Exercise & Fitness
New guidelines for aches, pains, and strains
![Harvard Health Ad Watch: A feel-good message about a diabetes drug featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/11177/conversions/bb178786-d464-460e-ba55-0605bbb971d3-thumb.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Harvard Health Ad Watch: A feel-good message about a diabetes drug
![Does diet really matter when it comes to adult acne? featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10264/conversions/adult-acne-thumb.jpg)
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Does diet really matter when it comes to adult acne?
![Which test is best for COVID-19? featured image](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/10259/conversions/GettyImages-1216575896-thumb.jpg)
COVID-19
Which test is best for COVID-19?
Recent Blog Articles
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/15477/conversions/59f61b05-2e23-463a-a0f7-b8aef6addd73-micro.jpg)
Testosterone-blocking drugs boost heart disease risk when given in combination
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/15472/conversions/9f706d6e-3ba5-441f-a1ce-d93af96cdb5d-micro.jpg)
Parenting isn't easy: Two important skills can help
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/14937/conversions/fcff561e-5fc9-4fbd-aac0-b9ea3778052b-micro.jpg)
Does sleeping with an eye mask improve learning and alertness?
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/15415/conversions/2acee670-1e43-413e-a07b-437512d22803-micro.jpg)
Do tattoos cause lymphoma?
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/14051/conversions/dea50ed5-99ea-4779-aa5b-56fae11aaa92-micro.jpg)
Hot weather hikes: Staying safe when temperatures spike
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/15405/conversions/f22b5f3d-fd64-479d-b10a-b2409347f160-micro.jpg)
Cannabis drinks: How do they compare to alcohol?
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/15404/conversions/ccd2e44a-96c4-492f-a05c-c2706549efc0-micro.jpg)
What is Lewy body dementia?
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/15083/conversions/2fa8315b-f48e-43fb-8b56-d681a1715343-micro.jpg)
Dog bites: How to prevent or treat them
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/15386/conversions/33679f9f-8065-4e13-a188-2ca67472b36f-micro.jpg)
Ever read your medical record? Here's why you should
![blog image 1](https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/14810/conversions/778f3d8c-0b73-420c-8d03-e8542d49660d-micro.jpg)
Shining light on night blindness