Well+Being

(Maya Valentine /TWP)

These 6 habits helped successful dieters lose weight and keep it off

Consuming more protein and fiber and embracing variety are among the behavioral and lifestyle changes linked to successfully losing weight.

By Anahad O’Connor

A wrist and ankle stretch. — (The Washington Post/The Washington Post; Courtesy of Claudio Gil S. Araujo)

5 stretches to test your flexibility. (It may help you live longer.)

People with the stiffest joints — especially women — were substantially more likely to die prematurely than people with greater flexibility.

By Gretchen Reynolds

A photo illustration that shows the back of a woman's legs as she stands on the side of a mountain. Around her light blue lines snake around.

Why poop problems may put you at risk for varicose veins

By Trisha Pasricha, MD

How to track your health at home

By Hallie Levine

Even after having their tubes tied, some women got pregnant

By Erin Blakemore

Historic numbers of older Americans are now living by themselves

By Judith Graham

Lead found in several ground cinnamon products tested by Consumer Reports

A new study by Consumer Reports found concerning levels of lead in about one-third of cinnamon powders and spice blends that it tested.

By Teddy Amenabar

It’s not just dogs. Cats like to fetch, too.

Cats and dogs both like to play fetch — it’s rooted in their hunting instincts and plays an important role.

By Mikel Delgado and Judith Stella

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

By Washington Post staff

An illustration of someone blowing on a dandelion.

No sex drive, gluten and gaslighting: The week in Well+Being

Cognitive behavioral therapy can significantly improve sexual dysfunction problems related to perimenopause and menopause, research shows.

By Tara Parker-Pope

NewsletterTHURSDAYS

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

latest from Well+Being

No sex drive after menopause? A unique talk therapy may help, study finds.

5 ways to recognize and avoid political gaslighting

Apple unveils AirPods that can work as hearing aids

I’m a gastroenterologist. Here’s the surprising truth about gluten.

Babesiosis, another disease spread by ticks, is on the rise

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How to protect yourself from mosquito bites

Health experts say the “gold standard” against bug bites is DEET, a chemical repellent developed almost 80 years ago to help the U.S. Army keep mosquitoes away.

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

Americans are sleeping more than ever. See how you compare.

By Caitlin Gilbert and Luis Melgar

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.

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.

Shirlene Obuobi is a second-year cardiology fellow at the University of Chicago medical center. Her comics about navigating health care appear on her Instagram @ShirlywhirlMD.

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.