Maureen Salamon
As seen in:
MSN,
MSN Australia,
Estadão,
Terra,
WebMD,
CBS Moneywatch,
CBS News,
Harvard Gazette,
Harvard Health Publishing,
The Atlantic
and
Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch. Bylines in The NY Times, The Atlantic, CNN, WebMD and other major outlets. Opinions are my own.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Maureen Salamon
The overlap between back pain and pelvic floor dysfunction
Aching back? You’re certainly not alone: an estimated 80% of Americans will cope with lower back pain at some point in their lives, according to the National Institutes of Health. If you’re in midlife or beyond, you might think the problem is due to arthritis or a spinal disc issue. But a Harvard expert says it’s wise to consider another possible culprit — pelvic floor dysfunction. In women, this term means that the muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and bowel don’t work correctly.
Signs of pneumonia: Sometimes vague and unexpected
You thought you had a run-of-the-mill cold, but suddenly you feel much sicker — one of the many signs of pneumonia that begins with a whimper instead of a bang. Many people expect pneumonia to trigger a high fever and severe cough from the get-go. But the lung infection — which kills 50,000 American adults annually — sometimes shows up more quietly, making diagnosis difficult.
Four simple habits to ease the toll on your overwhelmed brain
Maureen Salamon If you're checking emails while you're on Zoom calls, texting during conversations, or watching TV while scrolling social media, you're multitasking. You're also typical – but that doesn't mean you're doing your brain any favours Many people seem to pride themselves on multitasking – doing two or more tasks at the same time – viewing it as a skill that helps them get more done. But the argument against multitasking isn't quite as simple as “the brain can't do two things at once”.
Using a vibration plate: What it can — and can't — do for your body
Watching someone step onto a vibration plate is mesmerizing: within seconds, their whole body begins to tremble, a subtle ripple running through muscles and skin. Social media is rife with such images, which are unquestionably entertaining. But they also spur questions: What is a vibration machine, and why is it trendy? More importantly, what health benefits does whole-body vibration claim to offer — and does it deliver?
The surprising link between ovarian cancer and the fallopian tubes
Medicine has long named cancers for where they originate. But that practice may be tipped on its head (in at least one instance) by mounting evidence that most cases of ovarian cancer actually start not in the ovary, but in the nearby fallopian tube.
What factors speed up aging?
; ; ; ; Continue reading More for You Continue reading More for You
What factors speed up aging?
If we’re naming things that speed up looking and feeling older, factors such as sun exposure, stress, or smoking may come to mind. But here’s something you might not have considered: worrying about aging may actually leave its mark on the body in a similar way.
Routine cancer screenings for older adults: Mammograms, colonoscopies, PSA tests, and more
If you’ve diligently undergone cancer screening tests for years, or perhaps decades, you might assume they should continue indefinitely — but that’s not typically the case.
Strength training over decades linked to longer life
We’ve long known that aerobic exercise might help us live longer, and now strength training is being credited with the same effect. People who do up to two hours of strength training each week, over several decades, may reduce their risk of dying earlier from several serious conditions, including heart disease and neurological diseases, according to a Harvard-led study published June 12, 2026, in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
How to save money on medication
If you can practically hear your wallet cry out in pain every time you pick up medication at the pharmacy, there’s good reason. The sticker shock of prescription drugs is increasingly hard to ignore. Prescription drug spending among Americans has jumped markedly over the past three decades, driven largely by high prices for brand-name medications, according to an article co-authored by Harvard cardiologist and health economist Dr. Dhruv Kazi. The research was published June 2, 2026, in Circulation.
C-reactive protein: Should healthy people be tested for it?
Here’s a sobering statistic: one in three people doesn’t survive their first heart attack. But cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure explain only half of heart attacks. The other half, scientists are learning, may be due to chronic, low-level inflammation — a factor readily gauged by measuring an inflammation marker called high- sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).
Estrogen-only hormone therapy tied to lower dementia risk
Use of estrogen-only hormone therapy by menopausal women may significantly lower their odds of developing Alzheimer’s-related brain changes or being diagnosed with dementia, according to a study published Sept. 8, 2026, in Neurology. Researchers analyzed two databases involving more than 20,000 women over age 50, comparing those who had reported estrogen-only hormone therapy use with women who didn’t use hormone therapy.
Stair climbing may significantly lower cardiovascular risks
Taking the stairs whenever you can is a simple way to sneak more vigorous physical activity into your day — and might garner significant health benefits. A research review and meta-analysis published online Aug. 13, 2026, by the American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs found that people who regularly climb stairs may have substantially lower risks of developing cardiovascular problems and dying from them.
Should you have a hysterectomy?
Before scheduling surgery, understand what a hysterectomy can — and can't — treat. Here's information that can help guide the decision. September 16, 2026 By Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch Reviewed by Louise King, MD, JD, Contributor Share Print This Page Some surgeries save lives. For most women, however, seeking a hysterectomy isn’t about extending their life — but reclaiming it.
Why do I sweat so much?
“Don’t sweat it.” People often use that idiom to encourage others to stress less. But that may be hard to do if you’re indeed wondering, “Why do I sweat so much?” Everyone sweats, but some men feel like they’re constantly drenched, even when others seem comfortable in the same conditions. Excessive sweating is common, embarrassing — and often misunderstood.
The surprising cognitive costs of multitasking
Constant task-switching may leave you distracted and error-prone — and less productive than you realize. September 15, 2026 By Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch Reviewed by Andrew E. Budson, MD, Contributor; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing Share Print This Page Multitasking involves coupling one unconscious activity, such as walking on a treadmill, with a conscious one, such as reading a book.
Walking pneumonia: The "mild" illness that can still pack a punch
Often mistaken for a stubborn cold, this contagious lung infection can linger for weeks — and sometimes lead to more serious complications. September 15, 2026 By Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch Reviewed by Gerald Weinhouse, MD, Contributor Share Print This Page If you’re among the people who’ve heard the term “walking pneumonia” but don’t quite know what it means, join the club.
Sleep apnea symptoms in women: Why they may be overlooked
Women with sleep apnea might not snore loudly — or even realize anything is wrong. Here are signs of sleep apnea in women that can fly under the radar.
What factors speed up aging?
If we’re naming things that speed up looking and feeling older, factors such as sun exposure, stress, or smoking may come to mind. But here’s something you might not have considered: worrying about aging may actually leave its mark on the body in a similar way.
The problem with "classic" Lyme disease symptoms
One day, Wendy noticed a quarter-sized rash at the top of her thigh. By the next day, it had grown to the diameter of a half-dollar. But since the flat, red patch didn’t resemble the bullseye rash Wendy had seen listed among Lyme disease symptoms, it didn’t even occur to her she might have the infection. Wendy was wrong.
Overweight and taking blood pressure medications: Study finds it's a trend that's working
Obesity has long been known to pose an array of health risks, but more people with this condition are taking medications to lower their blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It appears this approach is working: better treatment has narrowed the gap in these cardiovascular risk factors between older adults with obesity and those of normal weight, according to an analysis published in the July 25, 2026, issue of The Lancet.
Mindfulness practices to reduce stress and improve focus
Most of us carry around a pocket-size computer — our cell phone — that manages to hijack our attention and fan our stress levels on a daily basis. But a Harvard expert proposes an antidote to this and other pervasive sources of distraction and tension: mindfulness practices, which anchor our consciousness moment by moment. What is mindfulness?
Migraine: How it's diagnosed and what that means
When a doctor makes a diagnosis, many people expect proof. Migraine doesn’t offer that. Yet the diagnosis can still be definitive — just not in the way you might expect, says neurologist Dr. Paul Rizzoli, clinical director of the Graham Headache Center at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s/Faulkner Hospital. Nearly 16% of Americans are affected by migraine, which strikes women at nearly twice the rate as men.
Tricep workouts you can do at home
While it’s tempting to focus solely on training the biceps or deltoids — readily visible muscle groups long symbolizing strength in popular culture — don’t overlook the value of tricep workouts. The triceps muscles at the back of the upper arm constitute about two-thirds of its muscle mass — making them indispensable to our arm strength, says Mary Kate Miller, clinical supervisor of physical therapy at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Outpatient Center Malden.
Bird dog exercise for your core: How to do it safely
You might know full well what a bird dog is, but have never heard of the bird dog exercise. If so, count yourself in good company. So named because the position resembles a hunting dog pointing toward its prey, the bird dog seems pretty straightforward. Also called an “opposite arm and leg raise,” it’s performed on the hands and knees and involves extending one arm and the opposite leg simultaneously. But despite its simplicity, the bird dog workout packs a powerful punch.
Men might be more likely than women to rely on their doctors when making health care decisions
Taking an active role in your health care is essential for treatment that best suits your needs. But among older adults, men — more than women — tend to depend on their physicians’ guidance for health care decisions, according to a study published online July 29, 2026, by PLOS One. Researchers analyzed data from an ongoing, nationally representative study of 6,098 adults ages 50 and older (average age 66, 48% men) living in England.
Do you really have high cortisol?
Cortisol is blamed for everything from weight gain to exhaustion, but true disorders involving high cortisol are rare. Here's what you should focus on instead. August 18, 2026 By Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch Reviewed by Nicholas Tritos, MD, Contributor Share Print This Page Social media influencers blame “high cortisol” for an array of problems, from stubborn belly fat to poor sleep.
How chemotherapy can affect women's sexual health -- and what can help
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, it stands to reason that one of the last things on your mind is your sexual health. But many women tell gynecologic oncologist Dr. Katharine Esselen that chemotherapy, as well as other cancer treatments, have nevertheless changed their sex lives in myriad — and often unexpected — ways. Chemotherapy side effects can include far more than the typical fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
C-reactive protein: Should healthy people be tested for it?
Here’s a sobering statistic: one in three people doesn’t survive their first heart attack. But cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure explain only half of heart attacks. The other half, scientists are learning, may be due to chronic, low-level inflammation — a factor readily gauged by measuring an inflammation marker called high- sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).
The 5 pillars of longevity: Movement, nutrition, sleep, stress reduction, and social connection
If you hear the term “longevity” and think only about living longer, you’re missing half the point. “What we actually want is both more years and more of those years lived in good health,” says Dr. David Barzilai, a longevity physician and the medical editor of Harvard Health Publishing’s Special Health Report Pathways to Longevity.
How to save money on medication
If you can practically hear your wallet cry out in pain every time you pick up medication at the pharmacy, there’s good reason. The sticker shock of prescription drugs is increasingly hard to ignore. Prescription drug spending among Americans has jumped markedly over the past three decades, driven largely by high prices for brand-name medications, according to an article co-authored by Harvard cardiologist and health economist Dr. Dhruv Kazi published June 2, 2026, in Circulation.
The health risks of gray divorce: Stress, insomnia, high blood pressure, and more
As later-life breakups surge, so can the physical and mental toll. July 20, 2026 By Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch Reviewed by Suzanne Salamon, MD, Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing Share Print This Page Gray divorce—which involves couples ages 50 and older ending their marriage—has become more common over the past 30 years.
Weaning off a GLP-1? Tips for the transition
After a year of using a GLP-1 medication to lose weight, Abby was ecstatic to have shed more than 100 pounds. But she grew uneasy as she approached her target, wondering what happens when you stop a GLP-1 drug and how she could maintain her stellar results. Research suggests Abby’s concern about rebound weight gain is well founded.
Eating more fish may help prevent macular degeneration
Researchers pooled data from 18 studies involving over 180,000 adults (ages 56 to 79) with AMD or at high risk for it. Study lengths varied, but most (61%) followed participants for at least 10 years. The researchers found that people with the highest omega-3 intake were 18% less likely to have or develop AMD compared to those with the lowest intake.
Strength training over decades linked to longer life
We’ve long known that aerobic exercise might help us live longer, and now strength training is being credited with the same effect. People who do up to two hours of strength training each week, over several decades, may reduce their risk of dying earlier from several serious conditions, including heart disease and neurological diseases, according to a Harvard-led study published June 12, 2026, in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Loneliness linked to cognitive decline and early death
Some people don’t mind spending time alone, while others hate it. But older people who struggle with loneliness — rather than from strictly being alone — may be more likely to develop thinking and memory problems and die earlier, according to an analysis published July 15, 2026, by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Researchers used statistical models to analyze 11 earlier long-term aging studies involving 175,070 adults ages 50 and older from 18 countries.
Seven hours of sleep linked to better blood sugar regulation
Experts have long said we should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night to stay alert and ward off health problems tied to sleep deprivation. A study published in the March 2026 issue of BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care reinforces that advice by suggesting that sleeping for around seven hours on weeknights is linked to better blood sugar regulation.
Navigating a doctor shortage
When Leo’s primary care doctor — who had overseen his health for 30 years — retired, Leo figured he’d simply switch to a provider his friend recommended. But the 60-year-old was in for a rude awakening: after many phone calls, Leo learned the practice wasn’t accepting new patients — and neither were several others in his area. Feeling adrift, Leo wondered who would now become the trusted "care quarterback" managing his routine health needs and coordinating with specialists if his health went awry.
Don’t buy into brain-health supplements
Photo by laura adai | Unsplash A nationally representative survey found that about one in four adults over age 50 take at least one supplement to improve their brain health with the promise of enhanced memory and sharper attention and focus. The problem? There’s no solid proof any of them work.
COPD symptoms: How to spot them early
Darcy, a former smoker, blamed her chronic cough on a lingering cold. She noticed she was getting winded just climbing stairs and started cutting back on everyday activities without even realizing why. The 65-year-old was normalizing symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. That’s easy to do, says a Harvard expert, since early symptoms of COPD can be subtle and develop slowly, hindering diagnosis. “Sometimes people wonder, 'Am I getting older? Deconditioned?
Routine cancer screenings for older adults: Mammograms, colonoscopies, PSA tests, and more
If you’ve diligently undergone cancer screening tests for years, or perhaps decades, you might assume they should continue indefinitely — but that’s not typically the case.
How PMOS (once called PCOS) affects women after menopause
The end of monthly periods ushers in a sense of relief for virtually every woman who reaches menopause. Women with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS; formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS) — which is characterized by irregular periods and heavy bleeding — might also expect that the menopause transition represents the end of their PMOS symptoms. The reality is starkly different, however.
Many older adults get health information from self-defined experts online
Up to 35% of older Americans — and half of adults under 50 — get health information and advice from social media influencers and podcasters, most of whom are not health care professionals, according to a Pew Research Center report published online May 7, 2026. Researchers analyzed the posts of 6,828 content producers, each of whom had at least 100,000 followers on social media, and regularly posted about health and wellness or hosted a top-ranked podcast that covered these topics.
Eating more soy and other legumes might ward off high blood pressure
Enjoy beans, peas, tofu, or edamame? Now there’s another reason to reach for them: consuming more soy products and other legumes is linked to a lower risk of developing high blood pressure, according to an analysis published online May 7, 2026, by BMJ Nutrition, Prevention, and Health. Commonly defined as a consistent reading of 130/80 millimeters of mercury or higher, high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) affects nearly half of American adults.
Stress-Busting Somatic Workouts
Many of us move in ways that can lead to injuries or chronic pain, but somatic workouts make people more aware of how their body can move better. Huffing and puffing at the end of a workout, you’re spent. But somehow, you realize you’re still holding tension in your muscles. How can that be? There’s a lot to be said for conventional exercise and its ability to rev up our cardiovascular system as well as strengthen and stretch our muscles.
What are somatic workouts?
Huffing and puffing at the end of a workout, you’re spent. But somehow, you realize you’re still holding tension in your muscles. How can that be? Somatic exercises involve paying attention to internal sensations and responses during physical movements. Why is this important? Many of us move in ways that aren’t ideal for our bodies, leaving us prone to injuries or chronic pain.
What are somatic workouts?
Huffing and puffing at the end of a workout, you’re spent. But somehow, you realize you’re still holding tension in your muscles. How can that be? There’s a lot to be said for conventional exercise and its ability to rev up our cardiovascular system as well as strengthen and stretch our muscles. But a distinctive approach to movement called a somatic workout can complement those efforts, helping release tension you don’t know you’re storing.
Don’t buy into brain health supplements
A nationally representative survey found that about one in four adults over age 50 take at least one supplement to improve their brain health with the promise of enhanced memory and sharper attention and focus. The problem? There’s no solid proof any of them work.
What factors speed up aging?
If we're naming things that speed up looking and feeling older, factors such as sun exposure, stress, or smoking may come to mind. But here's something you might not have considered: worrying about aging may actually leave its mark on the body in a similar way.
Red Light Therapy for Skin Care
It’s getting hard to escape the barrage of advertisements, signs, and social media posts touting red light therapy. Many of them trumpet big claims, including firmer, clearer, younger-looking skin. But is it all hype – or can red light therapy deliver? It really can, says Dr. Rachel Reynolds, interim chair of the Department of Dermatology at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – although she was once a skeptic about red light therapy benefits.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Maureen
Contact Maureen, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack