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Muscle loss is common after middle age. To counter muscle loss, it’s essential to strength train regularly and consume lots of protein. Whole foods are the best sources of protein, but protein supplements might also be used.
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.
Pelvic floor exercises can involve strengthening or stretching the muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and core. The exercises can lead to better bladder and bowel control. They can also help improve sexual function.
A foam roller is a cylinder made of foam. When the tool is used properly, it can help reduce tension in muscles and other soft tissue. Foam rolling also helps increase flexibility, especially when used as a warm-up before exercise.
Experts define a low-carb snack as one with 5 grams of carbohydrates or less per serving. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends snacks that are fresh, balanced, and packed with nutrients like protein and fiber.
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.
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.
Many activities, such as reading small print or doing needlework, contribute to eye strain. To avoid or reduce eye strain, it helps to keep eye surfaces moist and take breaks when doing anything that requires focused close-up vision.
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 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.