Harvard Health Content API

Women officially reach menopause a year after periods end. Any vaginal bleeding after menopause should be evaluated. Bleeding can come from vaginal dryness or atrophy, medication side effects, various infections, endometrial thickening, or cancer.

Statins are among the most-prescribed drugs in the United States, but some people are concerned about side effects. Lifestyle changes involving diet and exercise can help lower cholesterol enough to take a statin break

Acts of kindness do more than make the giver and recipient feel good—they can also bolster psychological and physical health. Research suggests kindness can improve happiness and increase social connectedness as well as reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure. Evidence also suggests concentrating good deeds into shorter time periods enhances well-being more powerfully than spreading actions out. Kind acts can include complimenting people, running errands for a neighbor, making a donation to charity, and signing up to volunteer.

Eating high amounts of processed red meat each day may increase the risk for future cognitive decline and dementia. Switching out processed red meat for nuts, legumes, low-fat dairy, chicken, or fish also may lower the risk.

In a 2025 study of 1,800 patients undergoing dental surgery, a combination of two over-the-counter pain relievers was more effective and produced fewer side effects than prescription opioids for treating postsurgical pain.

In a 2024 study, researchers found that the short-term brain boosts people receive after doing moderate to vigorous exercise can last 24 hours.

Yogurt is a popular source for probiotics, the “good” live bacteria a person’s diet needs to counterbalance harmful bacteria in the gut. But there are other choices available, such as kefir, kimchi, kombucha, miso, and tempeh.

People often don’t realize they are at high risk for falling until after they’ve taken a tumble. Studies have shown that maintaining optimal core and postural strength, good balance, and flexibility in the calves and hips are the best ways to prevent falls. At-home tests can help highlight weaknesses in these three areas that can then be addressed with a personal trainer or physical therapist.