Skip to main content

Medical tests Archive

Articles

They found colon polyps: Now what?

After removal of precancerous growths (polyps) in the colon, return for a follow-up colon exam in three, five, or 10 years, depending on the number and types of growths that the doctor found and removed. A healthy diet can help prevent cancer.

What does it mean to have an enlarged heart?

An “enlarged” heart on an X‑ray doesn’t always mean trouble. Further heart imaging can help reveal what’s really going on.

Navigating your online patient portal: Best practices

Online patient portals enable people to see their medical records, communicate with their doctors, and more. This improved access has advantages along some with potential pitfalls, which can be avoided.

Tips for adjusting to bifocals and other specialty lenses

Adjusting to bifocals, trifocals, or progressive lenses can be challenging. Unlike traditional glasses, these versions include two or more vision zones. Because people use different parts of the lens for different tasks, objects can seem slightly distorted when they move their eyes.

Can you prevent the hunched back of kyphosis?

Osteoporosis, age-related disc degeneration, and poor posture can cause or worsen a curved upper spine (hyperkyphosis). Maintaining bone health and strengthening the muscles responsible for good posture can help to slow the development of a curved spine.

How can I prevent spring allergies?

Last year's spring allergies were miserable. Learn when to begin antihistamines and nasal sprays so symptoms are blunted before pollen peaks.

Can frequent blood donation cause iron deficiency anemia?

Regular blood donations can sometimes lead to low iron levels and anemia. Learn why it happens, who's at risk, and when to pause giving blood.

What might be causing my anemia?

An anemia diagnosis can cause concern. Doctors can trace possible causes through clues that provide information about iron levels, hidden blood loss, nutrition, and bone marrow.

Why does my pneumonia keep returning?

Repeated infections in one lung can point to hidden airway damage, aspiration, immune problems, or inflammation. Tests like CT and bronchoscopy may help identify the cause.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE 38-page gift.

PLUS, don’t miss out on your 25% off promo code.

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle—You’ll discover powerful, research- backed strategies for health longevity drawn from Harvard Medical School experts—ways to eat for a longer life, build strength and flexibility to stay independent, protect your bones, heart, and brain as you age, and even cultivate the habits linked with “super-agers” who stay sharp and active well into their 80s and 90s—all delivered to your email box FREE.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of HEALTHBEAT ESSENTIALS: 10 Keys to Living Well at Any Age!.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of HEALTHBEAT ESSENTIALS: 10 Keys to Living Well at Any Age.