Nearly one in five hospitalized adults is harmed or dies each year due to a diagnostic error. Diagnostic errors include a delay in diagnosis, a wrong diagnosis, or unclear communication about a diagnosis. Tricky-to-diagnose conditions include pneumonia, heart attack, stroke, sepsis, blood clots, and lung cancer. Women, minorities, and older adults may be more vulnerable to diagnostic mistakes. People can lower their risks of diagnostic errors by telling the doctor about their medications, taking a trusted companion to appointments, and seeking second opinions in cases of doubt.
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A 2025 studyfound that intermuscular fat—fat stored within muscle tissue—may increase a person’s risk of heart disease.
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People who aggressively lower their high blood pressure not only help their heart health, but also may protect their brains from cognitive decline in the process, according to a 2025 study.
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While there are limited studies about the health benefits of cold-water immersions, a 2025 analysis found regular ice baths or cold showers may help reduce stress levels, improve sleep, and increase quality of life.
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Men can overcome the barrier of back pain in the bedroom by trying different sexual positions and adjusting their intensity and frequency.
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Walking is one of the best ways for older adults to get the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. But to ensure people get the most from their walking workouts, they need to focus on intensity. One way to do this is with target heart rate. A typical target heart rate for moderate-intensity exercise is between 65% and 75% of a person’s calculated maximum heart rate. Improving walking form and doing interval workouts can help increase speed and thus intensity.
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A 2025 study suggested that people with sedentary jobs are at higher risk of developing insomnia, which can persist for many years.
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A 2025 analysis suggested that GLP-1 medications used for diabetes and weight loss are associated with lower risks for an array of conditions, but that they increase risks for several others.
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In a 2025 Harvard study of more than 133,000 people followed for four decades, those who ate the most red meat each day (a quarter-serving or more) had a 13% higher risk of developing dementia later in life, compared with people who ate the least.
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Surgery is usually warranted when bunion pain becomes disabling, a skin ulcer develops, or it’s necessary to prevent a bunion from dislocating the second toe. However, recovery can be long and painful, and there’s no guarantee that bunions won’t come back. Prior to surgery, it might help to use strategies that reduce bunion pain, such as adding cushioning to shoes, stretching shoes where a bunion rubs against them, getting roomier shoes or shoes made with stretchy fabrics, and using toe spacers.
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