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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.
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.
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.
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.
Nutritional yeast is a savory condiment that’s often heavily fortified with vitamins. Because high doses may cause side effects, interact with some medications, or cause certain health problems, it’s best used sparingly as a flavoring, not as a supplement.
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.
Beta blockers have long been standard treatment for people after a heart attack. New evidence suggests they may not help those whose hearts still pump normally, though the drugs remain important for heart attack survivors with reduced ejection fraction.
High-intensity interval training alternates short bursts of hard effort with recovery, boosting aerobic fitness, heart health, and muscle in less time. For older adults, adjusting intensity to current fitness levels helps keep HIIT safe and effective.
Heart palpitations are sensations of a pounding or racing heartbeat, often triggered by stress, stimulants, or hormonal changes. They’re usually harmless but should be checked by a doctor. Palpitations may improve with lifestyle changes or treatment for underlying conditions.