The editorial team at Harvard Health Publishing welcomes 2026 by thanking readers for their support and highlighting its efforts to expand the voices of the Harvard Medical School faculty who contribute each month.
Malaise is a feeling of weakness, fatigue, or being generally unwell. Addressing underlying causes and making healthy lifestyle changes — such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep — can help people with malaise feel better.
A hemoglobin HbA1c test is standard for anyone at risk for diabetes or anyone with diabetes. The HbA1c is a blood test that shows a person’s average blood sugar levels over a three-month period.
Synthetic dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, creams, and gels. The supplement is marketed for “fountain of youth” effects, but evidence about its actual effects is mixed.
A power nap lasts anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. The shut-eye can effectively increase alertness and focus, enhance mood, reduce fatigue, and possibly support work performance.
Gingivitis occurs when sticky plaque and hard tartar form at and below the gums. Brushing and flossing teeth, plus getting regular cleanings at the dentist’s office, can help reverse and prevent gingivitis.
The editorial team at Harvard Health Publishing welcomes 2026 by thanking readers for their support and highlighting its efforts to expand the voices of the Harvard Medical School faculty who contribute each month.
The new year is a good time to focus on cognitive fitness. Exercise, healthy eating, mental challenges, good sleep, controlling stress, and social engagement support neuroplasticity and help keep thinking and memory sharp.
Metabolism—how your body turns food into energy—is strongly influenced by genes, but lifestyle still matters. Choosing nourishing foods, avoiding extreme diets, and building muscle through regular exercise can modestly boost calorie burning and support weight loss.
A pinched nerve occurs when something compresses or irritates a nerve. This can cause pain, tingling, or weakness in areas like the neck, back, or wrist. Rest and home remedies can help, but physical therapy and medication are sometimes needed.