Harvard Health Blog

Children who are exposed to lead can have problems with learning, understanding, and behavior that may be permanent. Parents need to be aware of the dangers of lead exposure and do everything they can to keep their children safe.

Men who are diagnosed with certain types of prostate cancer often choose active surveillance, which allows them to delay the need for aggressive treatment. The results of a long-term study affirm that this approach is a valid option for managing the disease.

It's easy to blame running when a person who runs regularly develops arthritis. But that blame may be misguided. Here's a look at the latest research on the topic.

For people with obesity, weight-loss surgery can reverse or greatly improve many serious health issues, but also leaves people more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder. A new study finds that one type of surgery may increase the dangers of drinking much more than other weight-loss strategies.

Ovarian cancer, which claims about 13,000 lives each year, is hard to detect in early stages. Recent guidance from professional groups recommends removing fallopian tubes to help prevent ovarian cancer if women are undergoing gynecologic surgery and are finished with childbearing.

As the impacts of climate change on Earth threaten our well-being, the concept of planetary health acknowledges that the ecosystem and our health are inextricably intertwined. While individual efforts may seem small, here are five small steps that help make a difference when taken collectively.

The FDA authorized a brand of smokeless tobacco to use language in its advertising claiming that using snuff reduces risk of lung cancer compared to smoking cigarettes. Technically this is true, but it's not the health advantage the product's maker would like consumers to think it is.

Miscarriage describes a pregnancy loss before 20 weeks. It happens in as many as one in three pregnancies, although the risk gradually decreases as pregnancy progresses. What causes miscarriage? How is it treated? And why is appropriate health care for miscarriage under scrutiny?

Celebrities and influencers claim that consuming collagen could have miraculous benefits for skin, hair, and nails. But what does the science say?

More physical activity and less time watching TV is best for the body. But how does television time affect risk for declines in memory and problem-solving ability or risk for developing dementia? Researchers have been digging into these questions.

Nearsightedness is a growing problem worldwide. While genes and developmental factors play a role in whether a child becomes nearsighted, research suggests that spending time outdoors can lower a child's risk of developing this condition.

Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities like autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities may need extra support in building friendships and participating in social activities. Parents and other adults can help children develop their social and emotional skills.

Fatty liver disease is a condition caused by irritation to the liver, and one specific type is triggered by metabolic risk factors. Following a healthy diet can prevent or possibly even reverse it.

In many places in the United States, spring is starting earlier— which means more pollen and a longer allergy season. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage the impact of seasonal allergies and reduce sneezing and itchy eyes.

In the last 10 years, an average of four drug recalls a day have occurred in the US. Drug recalls happen for a number of different reasons, and while they are common, most are not for dangerous or life-threatening issues.

Healthier eating starts with food shopping, and supermarkets are full of choices that are both nutritious and less so. But trips to a grocery store don't have to feel overwhelming or be budget-blowing; it just takes a little planning, strategy, and thinking ahead.

The increasing size and visibility of the transgender population has implications for public health. Hormone treatment given to transgender women lowers the overall risk of prostate cancer, but the risk of a trans woman developing the disease is not zero.

Cutting back on red meat and replacing it with poultry or seafood is a good choice because those are healthier sources of protein — and better for the environment. Choosing seafood that is lower on the food chain can amplify those benefits.

Some people who have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19  have experienced lingering effects like low energy and brain fog. Could gastrointestinal problems be another aftereffect of the virus?

An ad campaign sponsored by the milk industry claims that milk is better than water for hydration. A few studies appear to support the claim, but they involved a small number of subjects and have important limitations.

A new study finds that many people with obesity avoid exercising because they fear their weight makes injury more likely. But everyone, at every weight, can find ways to exercise safely, confidently, and joyfully.

Everyone has moments when their brain feels like it's gone haywire. When these racing thoughts take over the mind can't stay focused, feeding into a cycle of anxiety. But there are things you can do to break this cycle and regain control.

A survey found many midlife women report turning to cannabis to ease uncomfortable symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, although research evaluating how well this works and long-term safety is lacking.

Loneliness boosts risk for many health problems, and can even contribute to an early death. Many people find it hard to reach out to make new friends, but there are strategies that can help.