Preventive care Archive

A 2026 national survey suggested that half of all American adults under 50—and 35% of older adults—get health information from social media influencers or podcasters, the minority of whom are health care professionals. People should be skeptical of any advice from these sources.

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots can answer medical questions, but they don’t replace the medical judgment of doctors. For patients, AI is currently most useful for understanding medical conditions, explaining doctor’s notes and lab reports, and helping to prepare for doctor visits.

After most types of surgery, early and increased walking appears to support a smoother recovery. A 2026 study found that increased daily steps above pre-surgery levels were linked with shorter hospital stays, lower complication rates, and fewer readmissions.

Staying at home during a power outage can be risky for your health. To be safe, take steps to maintain power for essential medical equipment, store medications properly, and prepare for other hazards.

Full-body MRI scans are marketed as a way to detect hidden cancers and other health conditions before symptoms appear. But these elective scans aren't as precise as medically recommended MRIs and may reveal harmless abnormalities that lead to unnecessary follow-up tests.

A 2026 study suggested that getting a high-dose flu shot may reduce older adults' risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared with a standard-dose flu shot.

A 2026 study indicates a precipitous decline in the number of primary care providers in the United States accepting new patients. Without a primary care doctor, people are more vulnerable to serious medical problems and may have trouble getting regular tests and prescriptions.

Taking a multivitamin does not reduce the chance of heart disease or mental decline, but it does reduce the risk of being diagnosed with cancer or developing cataracts.

Meditation can be a natural part of everyday life, similar to maintaining a healthy diet or exercise routine. In this video, learn how meditation can be simple, flexible, and can be practiced almost anywhere.

While there is no agreed-upon normal range for body fat, most men ages 60 to 79 should aim for 13% to 24% body fat. Measuring waist and hip size can provide an estimate of how much dangerous belly fat a person carries.