Well+Being

A perfume bottle spraying illustrated flowers. — (The Washington Post/Chelsea Conrad/The Washington Post; iStock)

Fragrances may seem harmless. But the research is raising alarm.

Scientists have linked a group of chemicals used in fragrances to numerous adverse health outcomes, including insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease.

By Trisha Pasricha, MD

(iStock)

Consider these tools to help you remember when to take pills

Poor medication adherence results in 125,000 deaths each year. So it’s crucial to have a system that keeps you on track.

By Alexandra Frost

An illustration of a woman in a life preserver floating over the shadow of her own sad face reflected in the water.

14 ways to cope with depression and better your mental health

By Robert Klitzman, MD

How pollution can increase the risk of osteoporosis

By Marta Zaraska

With more active lifestyle, average adult could live 5.3 years longer

By Ian McMahan

Half of younger cancer patients are not told about fertility preservation

By Lindsey Bever

A winning mix: High standards, high support

“Positive discomfort” is the idea that full potential lies on the other side of being challenged. But it’s also a leap beyond “no pain, no gain.”

By Alexandra Moe

Doing good is good for you, research shows

Altruism, such as volunteering and donating, has been shown to improve happiness and well-being, and may be fundamental to being human.

By Richard Sima

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

By Washington Post staff

An illustration of a Thanksgiving table, with a dog looking up as the turkey is being passed.

Aging, weight loss and a gift guide: The week in Well+Being

Plus, ways to increase your tolerance to lactose if dairy does not agree with you.

NewsletterTHURSDAYS

Well+Being: Tips and guidance on food, fitness and mental health

latest from Well+Being

Why one expert says it’s time to redefine cerebral palsy

How music can change your perceptions of a memory

The 2024 Well+Being gift guide: Ideas to help you live well

Exercising to lose weight? Science says it rarely works.

Are you good at building friendships? Here’s how to tell.

Can sitting too close to a screen damage your eyesight?

I was estranged from my family. I returned one Thanksgiving.

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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

How to protect yourself from mosquito bites

By Teddy Amenabar and Lindsey Bever

What to know about 6 popular home tests for allergies, cancer and more

By Andrea Atkins

Ticks love hot weather, too. How to avoid these common tick diseases.

By Marlene Cimons

Confused by new mammogram guidelines? Here’s what to know.

By Lindsey Bever

meet the WELL+BEING TEAM

Anjuman Ali is an editor with a passion for health journalism who believes in empowering people with science-based information to care for their health.

Emily Codik is an editor focused on elevating expert voices through a variety of formats, including visual journalism and social media.

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.

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.

Caitlin Gilbert is a data reporter and former neuroscientist who uses analyses, statistics and visualizations to better understand and explain how we live.

Trisha S. Pasricha writes the Ask a Doctor column. She is a physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Chelsea Conrad is a designer, illustrator and art director whose vibrant visuals add explanation, depth and, sometimes, humor to well-being stories.

Garland Potts is a news designer focused on explaining health and well-being topics with engaging visual storytelling.

Maya Valentine is a photo assignment editor who produces visually rich stories that explore nutrition, fitness and other health topics.

Aaron Steckelberg uses his deep knowledge of graphics and visual storytelling to create health and science journalism that informs and delights.