Rob Shmerling
@RobShmerling
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Rheumatologist, editor/writer, love teaching and limericks, Tufts Jumbo, Nashville born but (sadly) lost my southern accent. I'm ok with being an ok boomer.
Mashpee, MA
Joined April 2016
An ode to the microbiome. And so it has come to this.A sign of the apocalypse?. It may seem absurd.Microbiome’s the word. Even in school.New curriculum: Stool!. Bumper stickers I’ve seen:.Bark less and eat beans!.(1/3).
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Can the vaccine for shingles prevent dementia? - Harvard Health
health.harvard.edu
It's fairly common for a medical treatment to cause side effects — but far more rarely, a side effect provides an unexpected benefit. This might be the case for the shingles vaccine, as e...
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E-bikes and E-scooters are great! But are they safe?
health.harvard.edu
The convenience, affordability, and flat-out fun of e-bikes and e-scooters are undeniable. But as their popularity grows, the rate of accidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters is climbing. ...
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Are you getting health care you don't need? - Harvard Health
health.harvard.edu
Just because you can get a particular test or treatment or take a supplement doesn't mean you should. One study suggests as much as 20% of all health care in the US is unneeded. Skipping unnece...
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Ever read your medical record? Here's why you should - Harvard Health
health.harvard.edu
When you have a medical appointment, your health provider writes notes on the visit that are available to you. It's a good idea to read these — though you may be surprised or confused by ...
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Health care should improve your health, right? - Sometimes it does the opposite. Harvard Health
health.harvard.edu
Modern medicine offers ever-expanding ways to heal and prevent disease, but it's also true that health care can cause harm. Some harms are preventable while others are much harder to control. So ho...
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The cicadas are here: How's your appetite? - Harvard Health
health.harvard.edu
Trillions of cicadas are expected to emerge in the US by the end of June, especially in the Midwest. In many parts of the world insects are considered a low-cost source of calories and prote...
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Is there a good side to drug side effects? - Harvard Health
health.harvard.edu
Not all drug side effects are created equal: some are tolerable, some are dangerous –– and some may turn out to be surprisingly beneficial with weight loss and hair growth as superstar ...
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A new drug approved for menopausal hot flashes & night sweats! Harvard Health Ad Watch: New drug, old song, clever tagline -
health.harvard.edu
A new type of nonhormonal medication to prevent hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause, Veozah, was approved by the FDA in 2023. An ad for the drug has useful information, but some ke...
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Your amazing parathyroid glands - Harvard Health
health.harvard.edu
Most people have four parathyroid glands, which are tiny in size but very important to the body's function. These glands are involved in regulating calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D, keeping ...
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Can AI answer medical questions better than your doctor? - Harvard Health
health.harvard.edu
When a study asked doctors and artificial intelligence to respond to selected patient questions, a chatbot received higher ratings for empathy and quality. But a closer look at the research ...
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How well do you worry about your health? - Harvard Health
health.harvard.edu
It's impossible to never worry about your health — but are you worrying about the right things? Popular fears and Google and TikTok searches suggest our top concerns may bypass common health ...
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Does drinking extra water really help you lose weight? - Harvard Health
health.harvard.edu
If you've ever tried to lose weight, you've probably heard the advice to drink water before a meal because it makes you feel fuller and you'll stop eating sooner. It seems like a reasonable ...
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RT @HarvardHealth: Why people think it does and what the evidence says. #HavardHealth.
health.harvard.edu
If you've ever tried to lose weight, you've probably heard the advice to drink water before a meal because it makes you feel fuller and you'll stop eating sooner. It seems like a reasonable ...
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Can watching sports be bad for your health? - Harvard Health
health.harvard.edu
Can watching sports –– not just the rough and tumble of playing them –– be harmful to your health? Whether you're at a live event or clicking through channels, it...
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Seeking fitspiration on social media? And what is "fitspiration" anyway? Harvard Health
health.harvard.edu
Fitspiration describes social media posts intended to inspire physical fitness and promote health. But is this type of motivation helpful? A recent study looked deeper into the trend. ...
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Are poinsettias, mistletoe, or holly plants dangerous? - Harvard Health
health.harvard.edu
It's commonly believed that poinsettia plants are poisonous, but are they? If they are dangerous, what can happen if some is ingested? What about other popular holiday-season plants like mis...
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Genes protective during the Black Death may now be increasing autoimmune disorders - Harvard Health
health.harvard.edu
Genes that helped people survive during the time of the Black Death are more likely to be found in people with autoimmune diseases alive today. Does this tell scientists anything about what ...
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Wondering about what veins do and how to keep them healthy? - Harvard Health
health.harvard.edu
Thousands of miles of veins throughout the body bring blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen and nutrients, and get rid of carbon dioxide before returning to the heart to be pumped out again. How do ...
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Part 2: An action plan for when an older driver’s skills decline Harvard Health
health.harvard.edu
Many people experience a decline in their driving skills as they age. While some choose to stop driving, others resist. Whether it's you or a loved one, planning ahead can help you tackle fixable i...
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When should an older driver stop driving? - Harvard Health
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