Harvard Health Content API

Research has found associations between social media use and negative mental health effects in both youth and adults. These ill effects may reflect the particular ways people use social media. People may have a healthier online experience if they focus on interacting with others, rather than just scrolling through posts. Some additional strategies that can help improve the experience are avoiding posts from unpleasant people, discussing contentious subjects in person rather than online, and using social media to enhance real-life relationships.

A 2020 study found that people defined as lonely had a higher risk of dementia than those who were not considered lonely. Loneliness also was associated with smaller brain sizes and poorer executive function (the ability to plan, focus attention, and remember instructions).

The number of people taking large amounts of melatonin (more than 5 milligrams per day) is at an all-time high. However, the amount in a supplement can be significantly higher than what the label shows. This can cause people to take too much, especially since many use melatonin regularly.

Researchers estimated that if people increased daily activity by 10 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking, it could result in 7% fewer deaths per year. Increasing daily activity by 20 or 30 minutes could lower the rate by 13% or 17%, respectively.

Urine is often pale yellow, but different colors can indicate dehydration, injury, or conditions like kidney stones or liver disease. In some cases, different colors are caused by certain foods or medications.

Psoriasis is among the most common skin diseases, and once it shows up, it never entirely goes away. While there is no cure for psoriasis, certain medications and other treatments can reduce flare-ups and help manage symptoms when they do occur. Treatments include topical medications, light therapy, oral and injected prescription  drugs, and lifestyle modifications like weight management, stress reduction, and following a healthier diet and regular exercise.

The pandemic has increased the number of video workouts available to homebound exercisers. Many fitness centers routinely offer livestreamed classes, and exercise videos are readily accessible online. While video workouts are still a great option for those who are not ready to return to the gym or who want an alternative and fun way to exercise, people should follow some basic guidelines to ensure they get the most from their online experience.

If a man’s prostate cancer becomes high-risk or begins to spread, he has two treatment options: surgery to remove the prostate or radiation to destroy the cancer cells. While both are equally good at controlling cancer, research has found that radiation often produces better quality of life over the long term. There are two ways to deliver radiation to the prostate: external beam radiation and brachytherapy.

Practicing self-forgiveness about a past wrongdoing is not easy, but it can have a range of health benefits. Studies have shown that self-forgiveness is associated with reduced guilt, shame, stress, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, as well as greater self-esteem and life satisfaction. The process of self-forgiveness follows four Rs: responsibility, remorse, reorienting, and renewal.

A placebo response (improvement in symptoms from the act of taking a drug independent of its biological effects) is not fully understood. Still, placebos are commonly used in clinical trials to test the effectiveness of a specific therapy.