Harvard Health Content API

People may notice they get less sleep on the nights leading up to a full moon.

Many people contract COVID-19 from people who have no symptoms.

It’s estimated that only 30% of American adults do the twice-per-week strength training recommended by experts. Some people think they need special equipment to perform strength-building exercises, while others just don’t know where to start. Adding three simple exercises—push-ups, reverse lunges, and planks—to one’s physical activity twice a week can help improve strength, which may help a person stay independent longer.

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the bowl-shaped structure of muscles and tissue that supports the pelvic organs weakens. This allows one or more organs in the pelvis, such as the bladder, uterus, small intestine, or rectum, to shift downward and bulge into the vagina. In some instances, the organs compress the urethra or shift the rectum, producing urinary problems or constipation. Women also commonly experience a sensation of a bulge in the vagina, in addition to pain or pressure, and sex may be painful. The three main treatment options for the condition are pelvic floor physical therapy, a device called a pessary to hold the organs in place, and surgery.

Chemical peels, which use a chemical solution to remove the top layers of the skin, are sometimes used to target skin changes that often occur with age. There are home versions as well as peels that are used in medical spas and dermatologists’ offices. They can be beneficial as long as one uses the right agent and the right technique. Used incorrectly, chemical peels can be harmful and even cause burns or pigment changes.

A ringing sound in one or both ears is usually a form of an annoying condition called tinnitus. When tinnitus persists, treatment  such as cognitive behavioral therapy, tinnitus retraining therapy or biofeedback, can ease symptoms.

In rare cases, people who have had cosmetic dermal fillers experience swelling after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, but this shouldn’t stop people with fillers from being vaccinated.