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1 month ago | 
health.harvard.edu | Sarah Klein |Robert Shmerling
As many as one in four American adults has arthritis, a leading cause of joint pain. And those aching ankles, knees, hips, wrists, elbows, and shoulders can get in the way of everyday activities, family responsibilities, and work. But joint pain isn't something you have to resign yourself to living with. There are steps you can take today — like exercising more — that can help ease your discomfort. Causes of joint pain There are a number of different reasons your joints might hurt.
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1 month ago | 
health.harvard.edu | Hallie Levine |Robert Shmerling
Cloudy urine is often nothing to be overly concerned about. But you should let your doctor know about it if it persists, especially if you have other symptoms. Here's a closer look at what it could mean, and what to do about it. What should urine look like, and what do we mean by "cloudy" urine? Cloudy urine looks, well, cloudy. "Normal urine should be transparent and light yellow," explains Dr. Robert Shmerling, Senior Faculty Editor at Harvard Health Publishing. Cloudy urine looks milky or hazy.
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1 month ago | 
seniorsguide.com | Terri Jones |Annie Tobey |Robert Shmerling |Kari Smith
Senior Health 3/5/2025 | By Terri L. Jones After injuries and certain surgeries and medical events, patients may be referred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Seniors Guide writer Terri L. Jones provides an overview of inpatient rehabilitation and what to expect. Bob fell and fractured his shoulder.
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2 months ago | 
health.harvard.edu | Lindsay Warner |Robert Shmerling
February 20, 2025 By Lindsay Warner, Content Licensing Editor, Harvard Health Publishing Reviewed by Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing Gut health is an easy thing to take for granted — or to ignore completely, if everything is generally functioning well.
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2 months ago | 
health.harvard.edu | Sarah Klein |Robert Shmerling
One aspect many practitioners love about yoga is how welcoming and inclusive it can be. The ancient movement and meditation practice can work for everyone. And there are no prerequisites to giving it a try, other than curiosity and a desire to improve your fitness, flexibility, and strength. Case in point: You can even practice yoga seated in a chair. What is chair yoga? Chair yoga is exactly what it sounds like: yoga that is performed while seated in a chair.
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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.
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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.
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Jan 16, 2025 | 
seniorsguide.com | Kathryn Pomroy |Brian Marsh |Kimberly Lankford |Robert Shmerling
Medicare, Social Security, and Insurance 1/16/2025 | By Kathryn Pomroy Question: What is the Social Security Fairness Act, and will I be impacted by this new law? Answer: President Biden signed legislation on Jan. 5 expanding Social Security benefits for millions of retired public service workers, enabling teachers, firefighters, police officers and others who receive pensions to also receive full benefits each month.
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Jan 9, 2025 | 
health.harvard.edu | Sarah Klein |Robert Shmerling
Staying active as you get older is key to aging well. Physical activity can not only reduce the risk of heart disease and cognitive decline, it can also help you maintain your ability to perform everyday activities like carrying groceries, getting out of bed in the morning, and lifting your grandchildren or pets. But as you age, you may not be able to do the same exercises you could perform easily in your 20s — or even 50s and 60s.
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Jan 7, 2025 | 
thebeaconnewspapers.com | Robert Shmerling
Drug side effects are common and often quite troublesome. Major side effects, such as severe or even life-threatening allergic reactions, require immediate treatment and discontinuation of the drug. More minor symptoms may be tolerable when weighed against drug benefits. And sometimes, these go away on their own as the body gets used to the drug. But there’s another type of side effect you hear much less about: ones that are beneficial.
