For many years, experts believed that addiction stemmed only from using powerful drugs that co-opted the brain, the mind, and then the person. More recently, we ve recognized that excessive behaviors such as gambling, shopping, and sex also can lead to addiction. The hallmarks of this common problem are the 3 C s : craving for the object of addiction, which can be mild to intense, loss of control over the use of object of addiction, and continued engagement with the object of addiction despite adverse consequences. Several scientific advances have shaped our understanding of addiction. For example, new brain imaging technologies have revealed that our brains respond similarly to different pleasurable experiences, whether derived from drugs or behaviors. Genetic research has uncovered that some people are predisposed to addiction, but not to a specific type of addiction. Finally, medications developed to treat one addiction have, in some cases, proven helpful for treating a different type of addiction. This report describes a number of effective treatments for addiction, including self-help strategies, psychotherapy, medications, and rehabilitation programs. It also includes targeted advice on specific types of addiction, as well as information about coping with a loved one s addiction.

Harvard Medical School Overcoming Addiction: Paths toward recovery (Harvard Medical School Special Health Reports)

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Howard J. Shaffer Ph.D. C.A.S.

Addiction & Recovery

Harvard Medical School

Harvard Medical School Low Back Pain: Healing your aching back

M.D.

Jeffrey N. Katz

Diseases & Physical Ailments

By age 60, more than half of adults have concerns about their memory. However, minor memory lapses that occur with age are not usually signs of a serious neurological disorder, such as Alzheimer s disease, but rather the result of normal changes in the structure and function of the brain. This report describes age-related changes and other causes of memory impairment and how to distinguish between them.

Harvard Medical School Improving Memory: Understanding age-related memory loss

FAAN

Kirk R. Daffner

Harvard Medical School Pain Relief Without Drugs or Surgery

Diana Post

<p>Are you plagued by joint pain? Perhaps an achy ankle or sore knee is making it difficult to enjoy a run through your favorite park or even a short walk? Or a throbbing hip or shoulder prevents you from driving that golf ball down the fairway or from simply performing everyday tasks like carrying a bag of groceries into your home? The exercises in this report can help relieve ankle, knee, hip, or shoulder pain, and help you become more active again, which in turn can help you stay independent long into your later years.</p>

Harvard Medical School The Joint Pain Relief Workout: Healing exercises for your shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles

Edward M. Phillips

Exercise & Fitness

Many people diagnosed with a thyroid condition are surprised that such a tiny gland can have such a profound impact on overall health and well-being. But the thyroid gland plays an enormous role in human health. Throughout life, this busy gland is constantly producing hormones that influence metabolism. When disease causes your thyroid gland to slack off and underproduce thyroid hormone, or overwork and produce too much of it, you ll know something isn t right. This Special Health Report will help you recognize the symptoms and find the right treatment before you experience the long-term effects of this common conditon.

Harvard Medical School Thyroid Disease: Understanding hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism

Jeffrey R. Garber

Discover what you can do to prevent falls, improve balance and mobility. Better Balance: Easy exercises to improve stability and prevent falls gives you step-by-step instructions for easy, effective workouts that will improve posture, increase muscle strength and speed, sharpen reflexes, expand flexibility, and firm your core. You'll also get tips for fall-proofing your home.

Harvard Medical School Better Balance: Easy exercises to improve stability and prevent falls

Suzanne Salamon M.D.

Brad Manor. Ph.D

<p>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. But it’s possible to dismantle negative stress cycles. This Special Health Report, Stress Enhance your well-being by reducing stress and building resilience, can help you identify your stress warning signs and learn how to better manage stressful situations.</p>

Stress Management Paperback

Weigh Less, Live Longer: Strategies for Successful Weight Loss

PH.D.

Lee M. Kaplan

Diets & Weight Loss

Jeffery R. Garber, M.D.

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