If you follow the news about heart disease closely, it's easy to be overwhelmed or confused about what puts you at risk and how you can protect yourself. This report helps you identify the risk factors you can control, which range from medical conditions such as high blood pressure to lifestyle choices such as an unhealthy diet or lack of exercise. You'll learn about the steps you can take to eliminate or at least manage these risks. A Special Bonus Section on cardiac rehabilitation explains what to expect from these heart-healing programs, which can reduce deaths by up to 25% during the years following a heart attack or heart procedure. This report also describes the latest improvements in diagnosis and treatment -- including medications and surgical procedures -- so that you are aware of your options and can talk with your doctor about them.

Prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publications in consultation with Thomas H. Lee, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Harvey B. Simon, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. 61 pages. (2009)

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What can improve your mood, help relieve insomnia, and lower your risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and colon cancer? The answer is regular exercise. It may seem too good to be true, but it's not. Hundreds of studies conducted over the past 50 years demonstrate that exercise helps you feel better and live longer. This report answers many important questions about physical activity, from how your body changes through exercise to what diseases it helps prevent. It will also help guide you through starting and maintaining an exercise program that suits your abilities and lifestyle. Throughout, you'll find advice on being a savvy consumer when it comes to fitness products, as well as useful tools and tips designed to help make exercise work for you.

Prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publications in consultation with L. Howard Hartley, M.D., Staff Cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School; and I-Min Lee, M.B., B.S., Sc.D., Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Associate Epidemiologist, Brigham and Women's Hospital. 45 pages. (2010)

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Many people shy away from preparing a health care power of attorney or living will, perhaps because it's difficult to ponder death, or they aren't sure what their end-of-life wishes are, or don't know how to go about doing it. But taking some time to think about what kinds of medical treatment you would or wouldn't want if you were unable to speak for yourself is can be a blessing for your loved ones.

Living wills and health care proxies -- documents known as advance care directives -- give you a voice in decisions about your medical care. Yet only a quarter or less of Americans have filled out advance directives. Without these documents, choices may be left up to a doctor or someone appointed by a judge -- a person who may not know your values, beliefs, or preferences (your health care philosophy). Not only is it possible that the care you receive isn't in keeping with your wishes, but this also may be a great burden on a loved one, who is forced to make difficult decisions without knowing what you would want.

So take the time to learn about and complete the necessary forms -- the sooner the better. This report walks you through the process, explains the medical terms and procedures you'll need to know, helps you determine what kind of end-of-life care you would want, and even provides the forms you'll need.

Prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publications in consultation with Anne Fabiny, MD, Chief of Geriatrics at the Cambridge Health Alliance, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Charles Sabatino, JD, Director, American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging. 37 pages. (2009)

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Eat real food. That's the essence of today's nutrition message. Our knowledge of nutrition has come full circle: from a time when most people grew and prepared their own food to an era when processed, factory-made foods were celebrated (think Tang and TV dinners). Now, the nutrition pendulum has swung decisively back toward eating food that is as close as possible to the way nature made it. Based on a solid foundation of current nutrition science, Harvard's Special Health Report Healthy Eating: A Guide to the New Nutrition describes how to eat for optimum health.

Prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publications with nutrition editor Teresa Fung, Sc.D., R.D., L.D.N., Nutrition Department, Harvard School of Public Health. 48 pages. (2011)

An alarming one in three American adults has high blood pressure. Known medically as hypertension, many people don't even know they have it, because high blood pressure has no symptoms or warning signs. But when elevated blood pressure is accompanied by abnormal cholesterol and blood sugar levels, the damage to your arteries, kidneys, and heart accelerates exponentially. Fortunately, high blood pressure is easy to detect and treat. Sometimes people can keep blood pressure in a healthy range simply by making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, increasing activity, and eating more healthfully. This report details those changes, including a Special Section that features numerous ways to cut excess salt from your diet -- a policy strongly recommended by new federal guidelines. This report also includes tips on how to use a home blood pressure monitor, as well as advice on choosing a drug treatment strategy based your age and any other existing medical issues you may have.

Prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publications in consultation with Randall M. Zusman, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Director, Division of Hypertension, Massachusetts General Hospital. 48 pages. (2011)

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When you wake up in the morning, are you refreshed and ready to go, or groggy and grumpy? For many people, the second scenario is all too common. Insomnia -- trouble falling or staying asleep -- is the most common complaint, but other chronic disorders, including sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or narcolepsy, can also contribute to a shut-eye shortfall. One in five Americans sleep less than six hours a night -- a trend that can have serious personal and public health consequences. Insufficient sleep can make you too tired to work efficiently, to exercise, or to eat healthfully. Over time, sleep deprivation increases the risk for a number of chronic health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. This report describes the latest in sleep research, including information about the numerous health conditions and medications that can interfere with normal sleep, as well as prescription and over-the-counter medications used to treat sleep disorders. Information about the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea, an under-recognized yet life-threatening sleep disorder, is also included. Most importantly, you'll learn what you can do to get the sleep you need for optimal health, safety, and well-being.

Prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publications in consultation with Lawrence Epstein, M.D., Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital; and Medical Director, Sleep Health Centers, Brighton, MA. 48 pages. (2010)

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The Joint Pain Relief Workout includes four complete, illustrated workouts targeting your ankles, hips, knees, and shoulders. You'll find detailed instructions for each exercise, as well as information on how to adapt each exercise to make it either harder or easier, so you can tailor it to your ability. In addition, the report includes mini-workouts to address wrist and elbow problems, a planning worksheet to help you get started and stay motivated, and answers to common exercise questions.

Prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publications in consultation with Edward M. Phillips, M.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, and Director and Founder, Institute of Lifestyle Medicine, as well as Master Trainers and Fitness Consultants Josie Gardiner and Joy Prouty. 45 Pages. (2012)

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Your knees and hips are your largest joints. They support your body's weight and must work in close coordination to provide the mobility most people take for granted, until injury, arthritis, or other problems interfere. This Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School will walk you through the most common knee and hip ailments, discuss the symptoms you're likely to experience with each, and describe how your doctor might diagnose your condition. You'll discover:

This report also includes a Special Bonus Section: Knee and hip replacement which can help you determine if a joint replacement is right for you. It outlines the procedures, describes the different types of implants, and details the various surgical options available to you.

Prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publications in consultation with, Scott David Martin M.D., assistant professor of orthopedic surgery, Harvard Medical School and Attending Orthopedic Surgeon, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass. 49 pages. (2011)

It's no wonder so many Americans are overweight or obese. We have easy access to all sorts of tempting food day and night but fewer opportunities to build physical activity into our daily routines, not to mention soaring stress levels -- all of which contribute to our growing girth.

Many people blame themselves or feel ashamed about their weight. Don't despair, because it is possible to lose weight and keep it off over time. This report offers a range of solutions that have worked for many people and can be tailored to your specific needs. Take this challenge seriously, though, because overweight and obesity can lead to serious medical problems.

Successful weight loss depends largely on becoming more aware of your behaviors and starting to change them. Rather than willpower, this process demands skill power, which is good news because you can learn new skills. The special section of this report, "10 habits to help you lose weight," details these skills. Other chapters explore the health hazards of excess weight, as well as the latest information about diets, exercise plans, structured programs, medications, and surgery to foster weight loss. This report also includes a week's worth of healthy, calorie-controlled menus (including a handful of recipes) to get you started.

Prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publications in consultation with Miquel Alonso-Alonso, M.D., Instructor in Neurology, Harvard Medical School Division of Cognitive Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; and Kathy McManus, M.S., R.D., L.D.N., Director of Nutrition, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School. 49 pages. (2011)

Back pain is one of the most common, non-life-threatening, painful conditions, affecting four in five Americans at some point in their lives. And many have to be wary of return bouts. But low back pain treatment has undergone a sea change since the 1990s. Experts now appreciate the central role of exercise in treating back problems and maintaining a healthy back. They also better understand which conditions surgery will help and which patients are good surgical candidates.

This report describes the different types of back problems and the tailored treatments that are more likely to help specific conditions. A special section is dedicated to the self-care steps you can take to mend your back, and features information on different types of exercise and complementary therapies such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage, as well as healthy back habits and tips on choosing a mattress.

This report was prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publications in consultation with Jeffrey N. Katz, M.D., M.S., Professor of Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School. 48 pages. (2010)

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Do your neck and shoulders feel stiff when you awaken in the morning? Do the muscles seize painfully with no warning? Does neck and shoulder pain limit your physical activity and become your constant companion?

This Neck and Shoulder Pain report from Harvard Health Publications covers the most common causes of neck and shoulder pain, outlines today's treatment options, and provides many simple steps you can take to ease and manage your aches and pains. Inside this report you'll learn:

• When to seek medical attention
• How to treat strains and sprains
• Medication options for treating neck and shoulder pain
• Stretching and strengthening exercises that can bring relief
• New and emerging surgical options

Prepared in collaboration with the editors at Harvard Health Publications and Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Associate Physician, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. 44 pages. (2011)

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The physical transformations your body undergoes as you age have a major influence on your sexuality. Declining hormone levels and changes in neurological and circulatory functioning may lead to sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction or vaginal pain. Such physical changes often mean that the intensity of youthful sex may give way to more subdued responses during middle and later life. But the emotional byproducts of maturity -- increased confidence, better communication skills, and lessened inhibitions -- can help create a richer, more nuanced, and ultimately satisfying sexual experience. By understanding the crucial physical and emotional elements that underlie satisfying sex, you can better navigate problems if they arise. The advice in this report applies broadly to people of all sexual orientations. It will take you through the stages of sexual response and explain how aging affects each. You'll also learn how chronic illnesses, common medications, and emotional issues can influence your sexual capabilities. Finally, you'll find a detailed discussion of various medical treatments, counseling, and self-help techniques to address the most common types of sexual problems.

Prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publications in consultation with Jan Leslie Shifren, M.D., Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Suki Hanfling, MSW, LICSW, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Founder and Director of The Institute for Sexuality and Intimacy in Belmont, Mass. 48 pages. (2010)

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When you hear the term "strength training," perhaps you envision someone with bulging biceps and rippling abdominal muscles. But strength training can benefit people of all ages and athletic abilities -- whether you are 40 or 85, well toned or unable to rise from a wheelchair without assistance.

Studies attest that strength training, as well as aerobic exercise, can help you manage and sometimes prevent conditions as varied as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis. It can also protect vitality, make everyday tasks more manageable, and help you maintain a healthy weight.

So how can you get started on strength training? This report answers your strength training questions and helps you develop a program that's right for you. It includes more than 25 illustrated strength training exercises with step-by-step instructions, as well as information on choosing weights and strength training equipment, avoiding injury, and stretching. You'll also find information on power training, a new approach that can help you ward off frailty in your later years.

Prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publications in consultation with Jonathan Bean, M.D., M.S., M.P.H., Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, and Medical Director, Spaulding Cambridge Outpatient Center, and Walter Frontera, M.D., Ph.D., Dean, Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Professor of Physiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, and Lecturer, Harvard Medical School. 2010.

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Whether it comes in the form of a pile of unpaid bills, a contentious argument with your spouse, a worrisome health problem, or a traffic jam, stress is a part of everyday life. While some stress is inevitable, when your body repeatedly encounters a set of physiological changes dubbed the stress response, trouble can brew. Stress may contribute to or exacerbate various health problems, including these: high blood pressure, suppression of the immune system, headaches, insomnia, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome.

But it's possible to dismantle negative stress cycles. This report can help you identify your stress warning signs and learn how to better manage stressful situations. In these pages, you'll find a variety of tools you can use to accomplish that task. In addition, you'll find a handy four-page portable section that walks you through a variety of quick, easy stress relief techniques.

Your job is to decide which tools fit you best and to start using them. Your efforts can reward you richly with better health, greater peace of mind, and a smoother, more joyful course through life.

Prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publications in consultation with Herbert Benson, M.D., Director Emeritus, Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Mind/Body Medical Institute Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Aggie Casey, M.S., R.N., Director, Cardiac Wellness Programs, Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Associate in Medicine, Harvard Medical School. 47 pages. (2011)

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The advent of safe, easy-to-use pills to treat erectile dysfunction (formerly known as male impotence) heralded a trend that's been dubbed a second sexual revolution, the first being the advent of birth control pills. Both medications fostered major changes in sexual behavior and the ways in which people think and talk about sexuality. But oral medications to treat erectile dysfunction are just part of the story. Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and stopping smoking, can also help. Medications aren't effective for everyone. Luckily, several non-drug treatments are available as well. This report offers a comprehensive review of the many causes of erectile dysfunction and the most effective male impotence treatment options. It also includes information on sex therapy and involving your partner in treatment, as well as a special section on "Creating a better sex life."

Prepared by the editors of the Harvard Health Publications in consultation with Michael Philip O'Leary, M.D., Senior Surgeon at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. 38 pages. (2009)

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Why do people on cholesterol-lowering drugs still have heart attacks? What role does cholesterol really play? How can you lower your risk of heart disease and stroke? What to Do About High Cholesterol answers these questions and explains why lowering your LDLs (the bad cholesterol) is even more important than previously thought. The report includes a step-by-step method to determine your risk level for heart disease and specific guidelines on how to lower your risk.

Prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publications in consultation with Mason Freeman, M.D., associate professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School and Chief of the Lipids Metabolism Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. 48 pages. (2009)

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