February 28, 2015 What you might have missed in February Here is a recap of the February news from Harvard Health Publications. Featured Blog Posts Panel suggests that dietary guidelines stop warning about cholesterol in food Mindfulness meditation helps fight insomnia, improves sleep Get your copy of 2015 Annual Report on Prostate Diseases Most men eventually develop some type of prostate problem, and when they do there are usually no easy solutions. More than a primer on prostate conditions, the 2015 Annual Report on Prostate Diseasesincludes roundtable discussions with experts at the forefront of prostate research, interviews with men about their treatment decisions, and the latest thinking on complementary therapies. This report will provide you with the information you need to understand the current controversies, avoid common pitfalls, and work with your doctor to make informed choices about your prostate health. HEALTHbeat Issues Conquering your salt habit Salt is essential for survival. But too much salt can set off a cascade of physiological changes that can raise blood pressure. Here are five tips for cutting back on salt — without compromising the flavor of the foods you enjoy. Read more » Create a plan to relieve your back pain If you suffer from back pain, it may be comforting to know that there are a wide range of options for finding relief. These range from doing nothing at all, to surgery. But the abundance of choices also presents a challenge. How do you know which therapy is right for you? Before you decide on a course of treatment, keep these four things in mind.Read more » Bed rest for back pain? A little bit will do you. Bed rest can give you a break when standing or sitting causes severe pain. But too much rest can make back pain worse. Here is how to do bed rest "right." Read more » A therapeutic approach to treating rheumatoid arthritis  For many people with rheumatoid arthritis, medication can help relieve symptoms and even limit joint damage. But nondrug approaches, such as physical and occupational therapy, are also essential to help reduce pain, improve range of motion, increase strength, and protect joints. Read more » Working with a geriatric-care manager When you're exploring a foreign country, a guide who knows the terrain well can help immensely. That's just as true when entering the foreign territory of caregiving. Here, a geriatric-care manager can provide invaluable assistance for individuals and families facing challenging care decisions. Read more » Must-have high-tech tools for caregivers Today's technology offers caregivers options that can help you keep track of your loved one's safety and well-being. Read more » 5 natural ways to overcome erectile dysfunction Whether you suffer from erectile dysfunction or are hoping to sidestep this condition, try these tips for better health and a better sex life. Read more » Get your copy of Coping with Anxiety and Stress Disorders Everyone worries or gets scared sometimes. But if you feel extremely worried or afraid much of the time, or if you repeatedly feel panicky, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses, affecting roughly 40 million American adults each year. This report discusses the latest and most effective treatment approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapies, psychotherapy, and medications. A special section delves into alternative treatments for anxiety, such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness meditation, and biofeedback. Having a dog can help your heart — literally A growing body of evidence suggests that having a dog may help improve heart health.Read more » Mindfulness and your dog One of the greatest psychological benefits of interacting with a dog is the opportunity it provides to be more mindful — to purposely focus your attention on the present moment.Read more » 6 ways you can prepare to “age well” You're probably already doing a lot to ensure that you stay in good health and are able to enjoy your later years. But it also makes sense to have some contingency plans for the bumps in the road that might occur. Read more » Can you get a good night's sleep from a pill? Walk into any drugstore, and you'll find a bewildering variety of over-the-counter sleep products. And people are buying them. One small survey of people ages 60 and over found that more than a quarter had taken nonprescription sleeping aids in the preceding year - and that one in 12 did so daily. Read more » 3 simple ways to more restful sleep Even people without insomnia can have trouble getting a good night's rest. Many things can interfere with restorative sleep — crazy work schedules, anxiety, trouble putting down the smartphone, even what you eat and drink. Three simple steps can help you sleep better.Read more » News from Harvard Health 4 ways to maintain your brain Aerobic exercise, the Mediterranean diet, social connectedness, and undertaking challenges reduce the risk of losing your memory or thinking skills. Read more » Ringing in the ears? It might be tinnitus Many people develop ringing in the ears, called tinnitus. There is no definitive cure for tinnitus, but some therapies can help people to tolerate it better. A well-fitted hearing aid can help. Read more » Myths about cholesterol-lowering statins Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs have been linked to various side effects. But some widely held beliefs about how the drugs affect your memory, muscles, and general health aren't accurate. Read more » Get the most out of a visit to the doctor To get the most out of a doctor's visit, write down questions in advance, speak up about concerns during an appointment, and get a recap of information before leaving the doctor's office. Read more » Featured in this issue 2015 Annual Report on Prostate Diseases Featured content: • Monitoring prostate health • Prostate cancer • An international perspective • Prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) • Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) •  ... and more! Click here to read more » Coping with Anxiety and Stress Disorders Featured content: • What are anxiety disorders? • What causes anxiety? • Types of anxiety disorders • Anxiety and age • Diagnosing anxiety •  ... and more! Click here to read more »