Jennifer Fisher

1 month ago | health.harvard.edu | Jennifer Fisher |Michelle Chan

February 25, 2025 By Jennifer Fisher, MMSc, PA-C, Health Writer Reviewed by Michelle Chan, MD, Contributor; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can be transmitted to humans. With ongoing outbreaks and evolving research, it's important to understand the risks, how the virus spreads, and what you can do to stay safe. Here's what we know about bird flu in February 2025.

2 months ago | health.harvard.edu | Jennifer Fisher |Robert Shmerling

January 29, 2025 By Jennifer Fisher, MMSc, PA-C, Health Writer Reviewed by Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing A torn meniscus is a common knee injury that can affect anyone, from athletes to older adults. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in your knee that cushions and stabilizes the joint. When it tears, it can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your knee.

2 months ago | health.harvard.edu | Jennifer Fisher |Robert Shmerling

January 27, 2025 By Jennifer Fisher, MMSc, PA-C, Health Writer Reviewed by Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that naturally declines with age. DHEA supplements are often marketed as a way to boost energy, improve mood, and enhance physical and sexual health, and some people turn to them for these anti-aging benefits.

Jan 7, 2025 | health.harvard.edu | Jennifer Fisher |J. Kevin Tucker

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health condition that affects about one in seven US adults. Understanding CKD, its risk factors, symptoms, and treatments can help people manage the condition effectively and prevent further complications. What is chronic kidney disease? Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops when the kidneys are damaged and slowly lose their ability to work as they should. Healthy kidneys filter blood, remove waste, balance electrolytes, and help control blood pressure.

Nov 26, 2024 | health.harvard.edu | Jennifer Fisher |Robert Shmerling

Our feet are essential for daily movement, but they can be prone to pain and discomfort. Foot pain can come on suddenly or develop over time, affecting your ability to walk, run, or even stand comfortably. Often, pain occurs in specific areas of the foot, such as the heel, arch, ball, toes, or top of the foot. The pain can range from mild aches to more severe discomfort, depending on the cause. Understanding the source of your foot pain is key to finding relief.