Harvard Health Blog

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

Articles

Mind over matter? How fit you think you are versus actual fitness

A study of over 60,000 people who were followed for as long as two decades found that people’s perceptions about their level of activity have a more significant effect on their longevity than their actual fitness.

To the point: Here’s what parents should know and do about Netflix’s To the Bone

A Netflix original movie about a young woman’s struggle with anorexia nervosa is raising questions among parents about whether the movie might glamorize the disorder, and how best to talk to children about this topic.

Exercise today, look better tomorrow (really)

A small study supports the idea that exercising improves body image, whether or not the activity leads to any visible change in appearance. This suggests that additional research examining different types of exercise, and the long-term psychological effects of physical activity would be valuable.

Ketogenic diet: Is the ultimate low-carb diet good for you?

While there may be valid reasons to follow a ketogenic diet in the short term (weight loss, blood sugar control), it's difficult to maintain and could cause other health issues.

Chronic illness is a part-time job. It shouldn’t be

As currently structured, the American health care system makes it very difficult for those with chronic illnesses to manage their conditions, causing them to perform the equivalent of unpaid labor.

6 ways to keep your child safe this summer

With all the outdoor activities available to kids during the summer, it’s a good idea to take a moment to consider these tips to make sure everyone plays and stays safe.

This is your brain on alcohol

It's no secret that alcohol affects our brains. Although excessive drinking is linked to an increased risk of dementia, decades of observational studies have indicated that moderate drinking has few ill effects. However, a recent British study seems to have bad news for moderate drinkers.

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