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Harvard Health Blog

Read the latest posts from experts at Harvard Health Publishing covering a variety of health topics and perspectives on medical news.

Articles

The care that transgender youth need and deserve

Published March 14, 2022

Some people feel very strongly that their gender is not the one they were assigned at birth. When families, health care providers, and others ignore or deny this, or try to stop the person from living as the gender they feel is right for them, it’s not only unkind but dangerous.

Anti-inflammatory food superstars for every season

Published November 30, 2021

Inflammation is part of the body’s healing process, but chronic inflammation can contribute to a range of health issues. In every season, regularly eating a variety of anti-inflammatory foods can benefit your health.

Warming up to the cold: Staying active in any weather

Published March 10, 2022

It’s difficult to get motivated to be active outside during cold-weather months, but it’s important to your health and can help you meet any fitness goals you’re trying to reach. There are ways to get outside and moving in cold temperatures.

Struggling to sleep? Your heart may pay the price

Published March 9, 2022

Growing evidence suggests that poor sleep is linked to a host of health problems, including a higher risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Now, a recent study on people in midlife finds that having a combination of sleep problems may nearly triple a person’s risk of heart disease.

The mental health crisis among children and teens: How parents can help

Published March 8, 2022

Alarming rates of anxiety and depression are affecting children and teens across the US. While calls are made to expand much-needed programs and access to services, there are actions parents can take today to support their children’s mental health.

Harvard Health Ad Watch: A blood thinner winner?

Published March 7, 2022

Medicines known as blood thinners are prescribed as long-term treatment to avoid initial or recurring blood clots that could cause serious complications. What does an ad in heavy rotation about the brand name blood thinner Eliquis get right and what else do you need to consider?

Talking to children about tragedies and scary headlines in the news

Updated March 1, 2022

When news of the world is overwhelming and awful, our first instinct is usually to shelter our children and not say anything about it to them at all, a strategy that's usually not viable. Instead parents can give children the perspective and skills they need to navigate a sometimes scary world.

Close relationships with neighbors influence cardiovascular health in Black adults

Published March 3, 2022

A study of Black adults living in the Atlanta area suggests that feeling rooted in community and socializing with neighbors may strongly contribute to better cardiovascular health, which might lower risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Can breastfeeding really prevent pregnancy?

Published March 2, 2022

New parents might want to wait awhile before considering having another child, and breastfeeding prevents ovulation, so some people use it as a natural birth control method during the early months of an infant’s life. However, it's effective only if a mother is breastfeeding frequently and an infant is receiving only breast milk as food.

Olive oil: Can it lower your risk of dying early?

Published March 1, 2022

The benefits of olive oil to help reduce the risk of heart disease are well-known, but a recent study showed that people who consumed the highest amount of olive oil daily had a lower overall risk of dying early, as well as lower risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.

Taking an aging parent to the doctor? 10 helpful tips

Published February 28, 2022

When you take an aging parent to a medical appointment, you wind up playing many roles. Millions of people in the US are caring for family members and are learning as they go along, so they can benefit from tips to keep them on track before, during, and after the appointment.

Preventing preeclampsia may be as simple as taking an aspirin

Published November 9, 2021

Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that can cause serious health issues. While it can happen during any pregnancy, certain risk factors increase its likelihood. Now, a statement from the US Preventive Services Task Force supported by a review of research recommends that doctors prescribe a low-dose daily aspirin for those at risk.

Resilience: 5 ways to help children and teens learn it

Published February 24, 2022

The past two years have been hard and children and teens have had to deal with particularly challenging circumstances. Resilience—the ability to overcome hardship and stress—is one of the most important skills parents can teach their children.

Could cataract surgery protect against dementia?

Published February 23, 2022

Having surgery to remove cataracts restores blurred or distorted vision, helping to improve quality of life for older adults. Now, a new study makes a strong case that removing cataracts may reduce a person’s risk of developing dementia.

Another natural remedy for constipation?

Published February 22, 2022

Constipation can describe many types of problems with moving your bowels. It becomes chronic when it lasts for weeks or months. Many people are interested in natural remedies for constipation, and one of the most common is adding fiber to your diet. A new study compared three natural sources of fiber, with encouraging results.

Even low-level air pollution may harm health

Published February 21, 2022

The burning of fossil fuels is a major contributor to climate change, and pollution from this burning has been linked to millions of premature deaths worldwide. And, according to a new report, even low levels of air pollution may harm our health although we can take steps to limit exposure.

Boosting your child’s immune system

Published October 12, 2021

As children go through another school year under the cloud of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are asking what they can do to keep their children healthy. While no magic solutions can ward off every illness, parents can take steps to help children — and everyone in their household — protect their health by keeping their immune systems robust.

Does the sex of your surgeon matter? A new study says yes

Published February 17, 2022

If you need surgery, does the sex of the surgeon matter? A study reviewed procedures done in Canada over a 12-year period involving more than a million adults, and found that in general, people operated on by female surgeons were less likely to experience complications. But why?

 

 

Can we prevent depression in older adults by treating insomnia?

Published February 16, 2022

Depression is common among older adults, and insomnia doubles the risk of major depressive disorder. There is increasing evidence that treating insomnia in older people who have both insomnia and major depression has the potential to improve both their sleep and their mood.

Health disparities and headache treatment

Published February 15, 2022
Migraines are a common neurologic condition, but it’s estimated that in the US only about a quarter of adults with migraine are able to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Part of the reason for this is likely due to disparities in health care, and researchers found evidence of disparities related to race, socioeconomic status, insurance coverage, and geography.

Optimism, heart health, and longevity: Unraveling the link for Black Americans

Published February 14, 2022
Recent findings from the largest and longest-running study of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Black Americans suggest that a positive outlook can lead to longer life. But while optimism may boost heart health and overall health, the full picture is more complicated.

Icy fingers and toes: Poor circulation or Raynaud’s phenomenon?

Published October 15, 2021
Some people have poor circulation, but if your fingers pale and go numb when exposed to quick changes in temperature, it could be Raynaud’s phenomenon, a different kind of circulation problem. Generally, avoiding sudden exposure to cold and other factors that cause blood vessels to constrict, and being prepared with gloves and extra layers of clothing, helps.

Take the lead on lead poisoning

Published February 10, 2022
The use of lead in consumer products was banned in the United States in 1978, but lead exposure is still a serious problem today, especially for young children. This led the CDC to lower the blood lead reference value, which is used to identify those at highest risk. When should children be tested for lead exposure, and what should parents do if there is lead in their home?

New guidance on return to youth sports and activity after COVID-19

Published February 9, 2022
Early in the pandemic, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that any child who tested positive for COVID-19 have an in-person evaluation with their pediatrician before returning to sports, but recently the AAP updated its guidance with recommendations based on the severity of a child’s illness.

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