Skip to main content

Memory Archive

Articles

Do you need a mental health day?

Just as it's wise for people to take a sick day when they have a cough, fever, or nausea, certain signs indicate people need a mental health day. These include feeling burned out at work, overwhelmed by personal issues, unmotivated, exhausted by work or life demands, more anxious or depressed than usual, unable to sleep consistently, or drawn to substance use. While some spend a mental health day on indulgent activities, others run errands or tick items off their to-do list. Not taking a mental health day when needed can trigger flare-ups of depression or anxiety.

Cataract surgery may lower dementia risk

A 2024 study suggested that older adults who undergo cataract surgery to improve vision may have a lower risk of developing dementia.

Can a "weekend warrior" exercise regimen protect your brain?

A 2024 study of more than 10,000 dementia-free people found that fitting the recommended amount of weekly exercise into one or two sessions was associated with a similar reduction in dementia risk as exercising throughout the work week.

Eating more fruit at midlife may help ward off later-life depression

A 2024 study found that eating more fruit during middle age may be linked with a lower risk of developing depression later in life.

Mediterranean diets lower blood sugar levels and slow brain shrinkage

Eating a traditional Mediterranean diet or green Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes more foods high in plant foods, including green tea and duckweed, may help reduce brain shrinkage, a 2024 study suggests.

Think your child has ADHD? What your pediatrician can do

Problems with attention and focus, impulsivity, and constant motion are possible symptoms of ADHD.

Overcome your fear factor

Research has shown that feelings of general anxiety, nervousness, and fear tend to rise with age. This can lead to increased isolation and less exercise, and may progress to an anxiety disorder. Strategies to help manage and overcome increased feelings of fear include seeing a therapist, practicing mindfulness, consulting with a financial expert, and hiring a personal trainer.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE 32-page gift worth $29.95.

PLUS, don’t miss out on your 25% off promo code.

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle—You’ll discover powerful, research- backed strategies for health longevity drawn from Harvard Medical School experts—ways to eat for a longer life, build strength and flexibility to stay independent, protect your bones, heart, and brain as you age, and even cultivate the habits linked with “super-agers” who stay sharp and active well into their 80s and 90s—all delivered to your email box FREE.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of Living Longer, Living Well!.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of Living Longer, Living Well.