Well+Being

(The Washington Post/Chelsea Conrad/The Washington Post; iStock)

Ask a Doctor: Can gum disease cause other health problems?

People with gum disease are at a much higher risk for serious medical issues such as heart disease.

By Haider Warraich, MD

(Lauren Miller/for The Washington Post)

For cancer survivors, sexual intimacy can pose unexpected issues

Cancer and cancer treatments can have significant effects on sexuality and patients' ability to enjoy sex, but these issues are often not mentioned by doctors.

By Netana H. Markovitz

Sleep deprivation is unhealthy. These strategies can help overcome it.

By Ashley Abramson

More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults lived with chronic pain in 2021

By Linda Searing

Scientists identify thousands of unknown viruses in babies’ diapers

By Erin Blakemore

How — and why — you should increase your social network as you age

By Judith Graham

Losing the men in our lives to poor health

Our weekly Well+Being newsletter explores men's health, disability bias and helping patients regain their voice after disease impairs their ability to speak.

By Tara Parker-Pope

Pinkeye cases rise in allergy season. It might be a covid symptom, too.

Experts say it is too early to tell whether conjunctivitis is associated with the new subvariant, XBB.1.16.

By Lindsey Bever

Are you ready to forgive? A new study shows letting go is good for health.

A new study conducted across five countries shows that when forgiveness is taught, practiced and achieved, the result is better mental and overall well-being.

By Tara Parker-Pope

Have a question for a doctor? The Washington Post can help.

By Washington Post Staff

latest from Well+Being

Are you ready to forgive? A new study shows letting go is good for health.

Patients were told their voices could disappear. They turned to AI to save them.

Sorry, weed probably does not make you more creative

Too hot outside for a workout? A hot bath can actually help.

An extra 10 minutes at dinner may help kids eat more healthy foods

Cage-free or free range? What labels on egg cartons really mean.

A silent crisis in men’s health gets worse

Why melanoma is so deadly for men, and why it doesn’t have to be

don’t miss

GUIDES

Why daylight saving time is worse for your body than standard time

Daylight saving time gives us more light at the end of the day to enjoy spring and summer activities, but it can have a negative impact on our health.

By Aaron Steckelberg and Lindsey Bever

11 tips to plan your health care after job loss

By Lindsey Bever

The best health books experts read in 2022

What’s the difference between RSV, the flu and covid-19?

By Teddy Amenabar

How to survive a crowd crush and why they can become deadly

By Tara Parker-Pope

meet the WELL+BEING TEAM

Tara Parker-Pope is a longtime editor and science writer who knows that well-being is best achieved through the small health decisions we make each day.

Anahad O’Connor is a veteran health reporter who writes about the science of food and the various biological and cultural forces that influence how we eat.

Gretchen Reynolds has covered exercise science for more than two decades, including the perils of inactivity and the benefits of moving just a little more every day.

Richard Sima is a neuroscientist turned science journalist committed to revealing the wonder and mystery of the brain — and why it matters.

Kelyn Soong is an avid runner who writes about exercise culture and the lessons everyday athletes can learn from sports stars and fitness experts.

Amanda Morris is a science reporter and hard of hearing woman whose reporting on people with disabilities and chronic illnesses challenges long-held stigmas and sheds light on health disparities.

Lindsey Bever writes with empathy and expertise on a variety of personal health topics, including chronic illness, mental health and navigating the medical system.

Teddy Amenabar explores the science and the myths behind the health information people are seeing, searching and talking about online.