Well+Being - The Washington Post

Does aspartame pose a health risk? Here’s what the science says.

A World Health Organization committee may label aspartame as a possible carcinogen. Health experts say the research behind the review is flawed.

By Anahad O’Connor

How hot is too hot to exercise outside?

Getting acclimated to the heat, exercising in shade and listening to your body can keep you safer if you’re exercising outdoors in a heat wave.

By Kelsey Ables

What to know about Prime and other caffeinated energy drinks

By Jennifer Hassan and Teddy Amenabar

Melanoma, often on feet and nails, more deadly in Black men, study shows

By Andrea Atkins

What you need to know about kombucha, the healthy fermented tea drink

By Stephanie Clarke

A photo illustration of a doctor taking a man's blood, while an illustrated red drop of blood moves down the screen.

Advice

Ask a Doctor: Why is it so hard to find my veins for blood tests?

By Trisha Pasricha, MD, MPH

An illustration of someone running through different phases of the sun.

Tips for coping with increasingly hot weather

It’s never been more important to be smart about the heat.

By Tara Parker-Pope

Medical Mysteries: A surgeon’s ominous pain and a question of grilled meat

A retired surgeon suddenly developed violent abdominal pain. After losing 21 pounds, he discovered the unexpected cause that was hiding in plain sight.

By Sandra G. Boodman

Is an older loved one refusing to see a doctor? Try this.

But don’t turn the conversation into a power struggle.

By Janice Neumann

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

By Washington Post Staff

latest from Well+Being

Advice

Feeling distracted? Here’s what to consider besides ADHD.

Tips for coping with increasingly hot weather

Feeling tired? These 5 tips may help you rev up your energy.

How our brain tries to beat the heat — and why heatstroke is dangerous

Wildfire smoke may be having a negative impact on your mental health

The FDA just approved another gene therapy. Here’s what to know about them.

Cough drops and mouthwash: Tips to stay cool during summer workouts

Probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics: The microbe garden in your gut

DON’T MISS

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

By Washington Post Staff

GUIDES

Plantar fasciitis is painful. Some people are treating it the wrong way.

Flip-flop season is here, and so is your risk for plantar fasciitis. Here’s what causes it, how to prevent it, and how to treat the foot pain.

By Teddy Amenabar

More people are living with dementia. What are the signs and risk factors?

By Marlene Cimons

Who can donate blood? What to know about FDA’s new guidelines

By Teddy Amenabar, Fenit Nirappil and Laurie McGinley

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

By Aaron Steckelberg and Lindsey Bever

11 tips to plan your health care after job loss

By Lindsey Bever

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.