Health Conditions
Feel Well
Welcome to Feel Well, an empathetic, trustworthy place to get practical, conversational advice about health conditions. Our content is grounded in science: Authoritative medical experts, who have a deep well of knowledge of the topic at hand, weigh in on every story. As an added layer of expertise, our Medical Advisory Board, a dedicated team of health care professionals, also reviews content for accuracy. Whenever possible, we elevate the voices of real people living with health conditions. Whether you have migraine, psoriasis, heart failure, eczema, diabetes, or any other health condition, you can rely on SELF for positive, inclusive, authoritative, and genuinely helpful tips.
What Does Competing With COVID Do to an Athlete’s Body?
Pushing through to win a medal may feel worth it in the moment. But there are real risks.
By Julie StewartMedically reviewed by Pritish Tosh, MD
3 Ways to Unclog a Miserably Stuffy Nose
If allergies, a cold, or something else has you blocked, don’t just try to blow through it.
By Alexis BergerMedically reviewed by Aaron N. Pearlman, MD
Here’s How the Flu Can Lead to Serious Heart Problems
If you have certain risk factors, you might want to be extra careful about this virus.
By Lauren Del TurcoMedically reviewed by Kevin S. Shah, MD
Here’s Why We Don’t Say Someone ‘Has a Migraine’
Language matters when it comes to chronic conditions.
By Alyssa SparacinoMedically reviewed by Jessica Ailani, MD
What You Really Need to Know About the RSV Vaccine for Fall 2024
If you’re pregnant, have a baby, or are 60+, you should be paying attention to this virus.
By Ashley AbramsonMedically reviewed by Payal K. Patel, MD
Condition Spotlight
RSV
This virus sometimes seems like a cold, but it can get bad—fast—for a lot of people.Cold and Flu
Protect yourself from these common respiratory viruses.COVID-19
Here’s what we’ve learned about SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus.Long COVID
These post-viral symptoms are still a puzzle, but we know more about the pieces.Migraine
Migraine pain can include more than just a throbbing headache.
A-Z CONDITION FINDER
MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD
Infectious Diseases
Payal K. Patel, MD
Infectious Diseases
Pritish Tosh, MD
Eye Health
Anne Barmettler, MD
Mental Health
David Klemanski, PsyD, MPH
A Doctor Told Me the Whooshing in My Ear Would Just Go Away. I Actually Had a Brain Tumor
“I was told to use Flonase.”
By Erica Sloan
The Common Virus Every Parent Should Know
As a new parent, there are so many things to worry about, especially when a child gets sick. For young children, a common virus like RSV can unexpectedly and quickly escalate from a runny nose to hospitalization. Watch as SELF profiles two women who share how this virus impacted a little one they love.
7 Women Share Their Tips for Dealing With Perimenopause Symptoms
Here's what worked for them during this hormonal rollercoaster ride.
By Erica Sweeney
‘I Got Shingles at 35. These Are the Early Symptoms My Doctors Missed’
The infection can show up in unexpected ways before a rash appears.
By Cheyenne BuckinghamMedically reviewed by Fatima Fahs, MD
How to Sleep More Easily With Axial Spondyloarthritis
Nighttime pain is common with this condition, but there are things you can do to feel a lot more comfortable.
By Alice OglethorpeMedically reviewed by Petros Efthimiou, MD
Grieving My Father’s Death Left Me in Physical Pain. Turns Out, That’s Pretty Normal
No one prepared me for the way grief might affect my body, not just my mind.
By Kathleen Ferraro
6 Little Things Therapists Do to Stay Calm When Everything Feels Uncertain
Yes, even mental health pros have to actively cope with all the chaos that’s going on in the world.
By Korin Miller
Can Heavy Drinking Actually Hurt Your Brain?
Alcohol’s effects extend well beyond your hangover the next day.
By Brittany RisherMedically reviewed by David Klemanski, PsyD, MPH
SELF Daily
Make your inbox healthier and happier with the latest SELF stories, delivered fresh daily.
Olivia Munn’s Breast Cancer Treatment Put Her Into ‘Surgical Menopause’—Here’s What That Means
Hot flashes, cold chills, thinning hair—SELF’s April cover star is detailing what happened after having her ovaries removed.
By Jenna Ryu
How to Soothe a Shingles Rash If the Pain Is Making You Miserable
These expert tips can help you stay comfortable as the infection runs its course.
By Alisa HrusticMedically reviewed by Fatima Fahs, MD
I Had Postpartum Preeclampsia Like Meghan Markle. Here’s What It Was Like
It was a hard diagnosis to wrap my head around as a first-time mom.
By Korin Miller
What You Need to Know About the Rare Pregnancy Complication 33-Year-Old Influencer ‘Nurse Hailey’ Died From
Plus, the risk factors and warning signs to keep in mind.
By Korin Miller
Here's How to Heal Your Gut After Taking Antibiotics
Your GI tract can sometimes be an unintended victim of these life-saving meds.
By Beth Krietsch
Can Tongue Scraping Really Cure Bad Breath?
Dentists break down the potential benefits of the ancient practice.
By Jill Di Donato
Spring Allergies Are Back…With a Vengeance. Here’s How to Deal
It’s not your imagination: Pollen season is creeping earlier and getting worse.
By Erica Sloan
How to Make Traveling With Ulcerative Colitis a Little Less Stressful
Here’s how one person makes it work and still has fun exploring.
By Amy NortonMedically reviewed by Brijen J. Shah, MD, AGAF
What to Expect From Alzheimer’s Treatment, According to Experts
Medication won’t turn back the clock, but it can improve your quality of life.
By Alisa HrusticMedically reviewed by Jessica Ailani, MD
Anxiety, Dry Eye, and Joint Pain: Perimenopause Symptoms That Are Too Easy to Ignore
This massive time of hormonal transition can bring a lot of unexpected changes.
By Erica Sweeney
4 Ways ADHD May Affect Your Eating Habits—and How to Get Back on Track
Experts explain the connection and offer tips to repair your relationship with food.
By Cheyenne Buckingham
How to Prevent UTIs If You’re Stuck in a Constant Cycle of Infection
Yes, you *can* wrest your freedom back from the tight clench of your urethra.
By Korin Miller and Erica Sloan
Here’s When to Be Concerned About a Headache, According to Doctors
We asked experts to share the key signs that head pain may be something more serious.
By Korin Miller
It’s Not too Late to Get the HPV Vaccine as an Adult
A decrease in cervical precancer rates shows just how effective it is.
By Emilia Benton
Estrogen Isn’t Just a Reproductive Hormone—It’s Critical for Brain Health Too
Everything from your memory to your mood can change alongside your hormones.
By Cassie Shortsleeve
11 Realistic Meditation Tips for People With ADHD
Step one: Find your bare minimum.
By Carolyn L. Todd
How to Spot Measles Symptoms in Adults as Outbreaks Spread in the US
Doctors break down the key warning signs, including the signature rash.
By Erica Sloan
I Have Ulcerative Colitis and Used to Go to the Bathroom 20 Times a Day
“I’ve pooped my pants in public.”
By Theresa TamkinsMedically reviewed by Ugo Iroku, MD, MHS
How to Stop a Runny Nose ASAP, According to Doctors
Put an end to the constant drip with these at-home remedies and OTC meds.
By Katie Bowles and Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.