Contact me for: Vascular disease specialist; doctor of osteopathic medicine

Michael R. Jaff, DO is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Chair of the MGH Institute for Heart, Vascular, and Stroke Care, Medical Director of the Vascular Center, and the Medical Director of the Vascular Diagnostic Laboratory at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dr. Jaff is an active clinical consultant in all aspects of vascular medicine, including peripheral arterial disease, venous thromboembolic disease, aneurysmal diseases and all diagnostic strategies in vascular medicine.

He is the founder and Medical Director of the Vascular Ultrasound Core Laboratory, the largest of its kind in the United State. The Vascular Ultrasound Core Laboratory has participated in trial design and independent analysis of vascular laboratory images for over 100 prospective multicenter trials.

Dr. Jaff has published extensively in the field of Vascular Medicine with over 100 peer-reviewed publications and 8 textbooks, is the Past-President of the Society for Vascular Medicine and Biology, and received the first designation as Master of the Society for Vascular Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention, and is a registered physician in vascular interpretation (RPVI).

Dr. Jaff received an honorary Doctorate of Science from A.T. Still University School of Medicine in 2008, and received the “Leaders in Vascular Education” award at the annual VIVA Physicians (Vascular Interventional Advances) meeting held in Las Vegas, Nevada in October 2010. In November 2011, Dr. Jaff became an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Expert Articles by Michael R. Jaff, DO

Heart Disease

Expert advice for managing Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) PAD is a prevalent disease but can easily go undetected and untreated. Make sure to take charge of your health as a patient and consult with your physician if you experience any symptoms, even if they...

Expert Articles Sponsored by Michael R. Jaff, DO

Aging and Longevity

	Your elderly parent fell? This could change everything There are rarely any easy answers when circumstances for seniors change quickly due to illness or injury. The best approach for adult children is to gather as much information as possible, turn to tru...
	Choose a trustworthy and qualified caregiver for your elderly parent Choosing a caregiver for your parent is an important decision, and it can be an emotional one as well. The caregiver that you choose assumes a great deal of responsibility; he or she becomes a part of...
	Empower yourself as a senior because you deserve a better lifestyle This may seem pretty serious and business-like, but when you think about it, the business of life is very serious and your future independence relies on it. You have earned your seniority position in ...
	Prevent falls as a senior by creating a safer living environment Fall prevention is protecting our seniors. This issue has become such a meaningful matter that our Senate has passed a bill making September 22, National Fall Prevention Awareness day. We don’t want...
	Discover in-home healthcare options that are safe and comfortable Today’s healthcare options range from home care and medical alert systems to assisted living and skilled nursing homes. When choosing the right care option, it’s important to consider your health ...
	Live longer and feel younger by delaying old age as late as possible Aging is inevitable, however, old age is optional and personal. It depends on your state of mind and your beliefs about aging. Becoming a vibrant youthful thinking independent 80 year old is far more ...
	Embrace the change of moving into an assisted living facility You can choose to view your move to an assisted living facility as a life sentence or as a new chapter, brimming with possibilities. The way in which you view your circumstances is your choice to make...
	Choose a qualified in-home caregiver from a reliable provider Everyone is different and has unique support needs, so the biggest piece of advice I can offer is to ask a lot of questions and get to know the individuals and companies well before committing to them...
	Keep your independence with the help of an in-home care agency Choosing a caregiver agency can be a daunting prospect, but the information presented here should provide a checklist to make the interviewing and selection easier.The main things to remember are that...
	Reduce the effects of aging using vitamin and nutrient supplements Supplementing your diet with the correct amount of vitamins and other dietary supplements is key in optimizing your health, especially at old age. Make sure you get your fill of omega-3 fats, probioti...
	Overcome your fear of death by embracing love and happiness So as you can see, most of this advice is about living with love, and in the present moment. Whether we’re living a normal life in normal time, or whether we’re in the end or last stages of life, ...
	A life coach can help you reduce stressful decisions in retirement Those of us who have coached clients know the extraordinary impact coaching can have on people’s lives. Be committed to having a fulfilling life and don’t settle for anything less. Feel empowered ...
	Planning and preparation can help with the care of aging parents While no one likes to talk about these issues, it is critical to have a legal and financial plan in place. There are many situations in which a medical crisis occurs, and while last minute planning ma...
	Age gracefully with a positive attitude, strong mind and healthy body The secret to aging gracefully is taking good care of yourself as you age. Drastic measures like plastic surgery can be avoided by taking the right steps to stay healthy, strong and lean. The sooner y...
	Expect spiritual expansion and change when experiencing hospice The above material hopefully has help you see how your spiritual life can greatly expand through the hospice experience. Let’s all take the time and energy to dive deeper into our spiritual lives an...
	Forgetful? Memory enhancement is still possible as you age Medical advances have made it possible for us to have a much longer lifespan. We all know we should eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and control our stress, but now there is another factor to c...
	Help managing Parkinson's disease symptoms and getting treatment There are still many questions that need to be answered about PD related to causes, diagnosis, symptoms and treatments. Studies and clinical trials are being conducted around the globe. It is imperati...
	Embrace hospice as a guide on the journey through terminal illness There arguably is no more compelling example of compassionate care in our healthcare system today than hospice. Hospice staff and volunteers can be angels on earth, whether they are providing care in ...
	Ensure you track and take your medications on time It is very important that you take your medications as prescribed, on time, and in the correct dosage. It is also equally important to ensure you are taking the medication you are supposed to be takin...
	What can older adults expect from assisted living communities? Assisted living communities provide a wonderful option for seniors to maintain as much independence as possible, with the security of knowing that, as their needs change, they can receive support and ...
	Understand Alzheimer’s disease and the care options available The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in our country is increasing rapidly. It is critical to understand the distinctions between normal memory loss associated with aging and very specific impairmen...
	Using modern technology can help elderly people with dementia While researchers and scientists focus on finding a cure for dementia, the person living with the disease is often left out in the cold. Technology, when delivered appropriately, can be a huge tool in...
	Age beautifully and gracefully to help stay healthy and happy Aging well is really all about being happy and healthy at each stage of life. No age is better than another and being young is no better than being old- each one has its charm. You are the creator of ...
	You may be able to stay in your house with home care assistance Home care is right choice for millions of Americans to help them stay in their homes for many years safely and comfortably. Often times this option is more cost efficient than skilled nursing homes fo...

Men's Health

	Recognize symptoms of erectile dysfunction and get help Whomever you receive medical attention from should be able to assess your health concerns, symptoms, and potential treatments tailored to your specific situation. If you don’t feel comfortable with ...
	Using marijuana can be a contributing factor to erectile dysfunction There has been a scientifically proven link between marijuana use and an increased risk for erectile dysfunction due to the discovery that THC inhibits the penile muscles. This does not mean, however,...
	Using marijuana can have adverse effects on male fertility Infertility is a sensitive and complex issue among couples. The best way to combat this issue head on is to speak with a medical professional together as a couple, without placing blame or injecting g...
	Address the psychological effects of erectile dysfunction (ED) Erectile dysfunction can become a serious health concern if left untreated, impacting both your physical and emotional wellbeing. Neither issue should be neglected, as each can negatively influence th...
	Satisfy her and have better sex by reducing premature ejaculation Men can help women achieve more orgasms if they change the way they have sex. Instead of mounting her in missionary position, slow down your movements and focus on what will pleasure her the most. Als...
	Men's mental health issues are often misunderstood, get help now Men can benefit from therapy when they have the right attitude and keep an open mind about it. If you follow the leads from this article, it can help you get the help that you need and maximize your u...
	How to speak with your loved one about erectile dysfunction Although opening up to your partner might seem scary at first, you’ll soon discover that doing so (if done following the above advice) will actually bring you to a place of greater acceptance and re...
	How men can supercharge their fertility These measures should help men supercharge sperm and aid in the goal of becoming a father. If you have any questions about whether or not you have fertility issues, be sure to speak with a fertility s...

Cancer

	Expert advice on undergoing breast reconstruction due to breast cancer Breast reconstruction is complex. It requires time, energy, and patience. There are a wide variety of options - implant or tissue. Do your homework. Seek an experienced, board-certified reconstructive...
	Take a DNA test to avoid a breast cancer biopsy misdiagnosis If you or a loved one is going through this difficult process, talk to your physician about steps that can be taken to ensure you receive your confirmed biopsy results. With the emotional, life-changi...
	Integrate acupuncture and Western medicine to help treat cancer There are many benefits to utilizing acupuncture therapy along with traditional Western medical treatment. Further research, education and clinical trials are being conducted to continue the validatio...
	Advice on getting lymph node transfer for lymphedema patients Lymphedema is a common problem when it comes to mastectomy for breast cancer treatment. A lot of times the problem doesn’t show up right away and may take years for it to become apparent. Lymphedema...
	Recognizing moles and skin as cancerous and getting help It’s important to remember that you are not responsible for making a diagnosis! Your task is to identify any suspicious lesions and have your internist, family physician, or dermatologist check them...
	Maintain your femininity when diagnosed with breast cancer When first diagnosed, it can be an overwhelming experience; however, taking the right steps to breathe, learn and release emotion, as well as find ways to exude your personal style, will lead to a str...
	Breast cancer treatments: How to choose the best option for you Hundreds of thousands of women are diagnosed with breast cancer and begin treatment each year. While the discovery of a positive diagnosis can be difficult, choosing a treatment option doesn't have to...
	Cancer rehabilitation can help you recover and tolerate treatment The bottom line with patients undergoing cancer treatments and in need of cancer rehabilitation is to know yourself and your symptoms. Talk to your doctors, therapists, friends, etc. Develop and keep ...
	Mohs micrographic surgery can help treat skin cancer Ensuring that you are ready for surgery also involves ensuring you are prepared for aftercare. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions is important so that you are able to heal properly with...
	Advice for getting proton therapy treatment for prostate cancer Proton therapy can be an ideal treatment for prostate cancer for a patient who is looking to avoid surgery or spare surrounding healthy tissue from damage that might occur during standard radiation tr...
	Little known things that can reduce your cancer risk This may be recommending dramatic changes from normal life, but getting cancer (eventually) is very normal. If you want to reduce risk you have to move from normal to optimal. That’s the science. Ev...
	A patient’s survival guide: Prevent medical mistakes and misdiagnosis The best way to prevent medical errors from happening is to take an active role in your care and the care of your family. Following these tips and being responsible will help to keep you and your fami...
	Prevent cervical cancer with early detection and education Cervical cancer is a preventable disease and is treatable when discovered early on. Regular screening and understanding the symptoms of this disease are the best way to stay healthy. Making sure the w...
	Advice on helping a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer Being there for a loved one with cancer isn’t always easy, but being genuine, caring and thoughtful in your efforts to support them will help make the difference. While there’s no rule book to thi...
	Preventing melanoma starts with protecting your skin from UV rays Your skin is your body’s largest organ, so make skin health a priority during all months of the year. It is vital to take the lead in your skin health, educate yourself and your loved ones on sun sa...
	Find the right dermatologist to remove precancerous moles Your skin is the largest organ in the human body. It is the site of the most common type of cancer, skin cancer. Your dermatologist is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat all types of skin disord...
	Steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer Lung cancer can be extremely difficult to detect and treat, which is why it is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. While screening options are limited, it is important to follow up with your...
	What to expect and how to prepare for undergoing chemotherapy Everyone is different, their treatment for cancer is different and they react to chemotherapy differently. Your health care team wants to help you have the best possible experience. Keep them informed...
	Advice on treating and managing cervical cancer A cancer diagnosis can be devastating for anyone but now there are treatment options for cervical cancer that are very encouraging. Under the guidance and care of a gynecologic oncologist, women can c...
	You can reduce the risk of skin cancer and enjoy the great outdoors The skin is the largest organ we have so we need to remember to protect it. Most skin cancer can be prevented with proactive protection. Follow this advice for your best chances for preventing melanom...
	How to manage lymphedema when undergoing cancer treatments If you are facing treatment that could harm your lymph nodes, it is good to know that you have resources and qualified experts to help you learn about and manage lymphedema. If you think you may be at...
	Stay positive when diagnosed with cervical cancer After being diagnosed with cervical cancer, it’s essential that you take time to understand your diagnosis, talk to your doctor about treatment options, find systems of support and treat yourself ri...
	How to emotionally cope when you are diagnosed with cancer If you are diagnosed with cancer you must take the time to survey your feelings and see how the diagnosis is really impacting you. Once you understand your feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, ...
	Prepare for surgery by speaking with your anesthesiologist Remember, your anesthesiologist is most likely a board-certified physician, just as your surgeon is. There’s every reason to entrust your anesthesiologist with your total care. But it’s also smart...
	A trusted healthcare team can help manage and treat ovarian cancer Ovarian cancer treatment is very challenging. You will not have recovered from the surgical procedure when the chemotherapy has starts. After the completion of all your treatment, it may take up to 12...

Heart Attacks and Strokes

	Know what to do if you or someone you know is having a heart attack When someone has a heart attack, the goal is to prevent or limit damage to the heart muscle. Know the signs of a heart attack, and seek medical help the moment you think you might be having one. Fast ...
	What to do if you think you are having a stroke The bottom line is clear: Know the symptoms of stroke and act quickly if you or someone you love experiences the signs and symptoms. Prompt medical attention can prevent a life of disability, or even ...
	What you do during a heart attack could save your life When it comes to heart attacks, it pays to be prepared. Having a fast-acting aspirin on hand, and knowing your medical information and the name of your doctor may just save your life. Call 911 right a...

Heart Disease

	A heart healthy diet is your first step to prevent heart disease Follow this advice for a healthier heart and healthier you. Instead of viewing these guidelines as a new diet, instead try to make changes that become incorporated into your healthy eating lifestyle. ...
	Reduce your sodium intake to help lower your blood pressure Reducing your sodium intake doesn’t have to be difficult, but it will require some small changes in how you buy, prepare and think about food choices. Try implementing these simple steps to see your...
	Stay healthy and out of the hospital when living with heart failure Heart failure is a chronic medical condition and has become a major burden on our healthcare system resulting in multiple hospitalizations annually. Heart failure is also generally a progressive disea...
	Achieve balance emotionally to ensure the best heart health Our emotional health is intimately tied into our physical health. Every thought and every emotion leads to the instantaneous cascade of neurotransmitters and hormones that either orchestrates a benefi...
	Expert advice on diagnosing and treating atrial fibrillation Atrial fibrillation can hijack a person’s life. The heart beats irregularly and can affect everyday living, making even small chores, such as carrying a basket of laundry up the stairs, difficult. N...
	Expert advice for managing Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) PAD is a prevalent disease but can easily go undetected and untreated. Make sure to take charge of your health as a patient and consult with your physician if you experience any symptoms, even if they...
	Simple lifestyle changes that will boost your heart health Achieving an optimal lifestyle is a key part of improving heart health. With such pleasurable and easy changes as adding chocolate to your diet, getting enough sleep, and laughing, following this pres...
	Ensure you are ready for sexual activity after having a heart attack Engaging in sexual activity following a heart attack is safe and even healthy when precautionary measures are taken. Work with your doctor to better understand your health status and physical capabili...
	Prevent heart disease with simple lifestyle changes Small changes can reduce your risk of heart disease stroke and cancer. Keep a positive attitude, engage a buddy and start today to make healthy choices. You’ll love the way you look and feel. Rememb...

Respiratory Diseases

	Recognize the symptoms of COPD and get the help you need The frequent coughing of a smoker is well known, whether it’s experienced by people who smoke, or overheard by those who don’t. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know if this cough is only relate...
	Know the differences between COPD and asthma to get the help you need Asthma is a disease of the lungs marked by hyper sensitivity and chronic inflammation that responds well to treatment. COPD is often caused by prolonged exposure to lung irritants and permanent lung d...
	Breathing techniques for people with chronic lung diseases like COPD Having a chronic lung disease makes it harder to breathe. And when it’s hard to breathe, you may tend to decrease physical activity and become deconditioned, leading to more breathlessness, inactivi...
	Advice for treating and managing COPD symptoms during the winter Severe COPD exacerbations require treatment in the hospital for a few days, while others can be safely treated at home. In some severe cases, people with COPD exacerbations may need to be on a ventila...
	How to treat and reduce mold allergies in your home Mold allergies have many of the same symptoms of other allergies, so it can often be difficult to diagnose. If you suspect your allergies may be more significant than seasonal allergies and allergy me...

Digestive Health

	Prevent stomach aches and abdominal pain in your child Frightening and perplexing as it may be, most types of abdominal pain are not serious and resolve quickly, however parents should be mindful of duration and accompanying symptoms....
	Use kegels to prevent and treat urinary incontinence Your pelvic floor will sag and be responsible for many symptoms. First, be aware that these muscles exist. The pelvic floor and the pelvic floor muscles are invisible, so it is easy to forget about th...
	Kegels can help frequent urination and healthy bowel movements Some habits can be good. Developing a habit to workout your PC muscles, that will effect everything that you do, will stand you in nothing but good stead. It usually takes 6-8 weeks to embed a thought...
	Learn how to manage Crohn’s disease both physically and emotionally Managing and getting treatment for Crohn’s disease can often be difficult, but luckily there is treatment and medication available that can help you feel well. A healthy lifestyle, both physically a...
	Get help if you suffer from chronic indigestion, GERD, or acid reflux Feeling, looking and being your very best isn’t that difficult, but it does require a little time, energy and money. If your car’s carburetor or fuel-injection system isn’t functioning normally,...
	Maintain a healthy liver with diet and exercise to prevent disease Liver disease can be potentially life threatening, but many cases are preventable. Making regular appointments with your doctor, following healthy habits like diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and bei...
	Know what to do if you are diagnosed with celiac disease Celiac disease is a journey and your doctor will be a very important resource in educating you about your condition, helping you to make the necessary lifestyle changes and monitoring your response to...
	Bloated, heartburn, or bitter taste after eating? It might be GERD Sometimes we think that if we wait long enough, whatever symptoms we are having will just disappear. However, there is no reason to suffer needlessly if you have acid reflux that refuses to go away. C...
	New treatments for Crohn's disease can help you manage the symptoms There are many autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases—including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, type-1 diabetes, autism and psoriasis—whose symptoms researchers think c...
	How fitness can help you maintain your overall digestive health Whether you want to improve digestion, or speed up your metabolism, yoga is an excellent way to do it! Yoga poses like Chair, Childs Pose, and Cat/Cow will ensure that your body runs like clockwork!...
	Treat and manage symptoms of GERD to help keep you healthy For anyone diagnosed with GERD, or for individuals who experience periodic heartburn, it’s important to understand that GERD is a permanent condition whose symptoms will typically progress over time...
	Important tools for identifying and monitoring GERD
	Preventing heartburn is easy to do with simple lifestyle changes Heartburn is felt when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. At least 15 million Americans experience heartburn every day, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.It’s better ...
	Take control of acid reflux with good dietary and lifestyle habits There are a whole host of things you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to acid reflux. However the most important aspect to remember is that acid reflux is an individualized condition. Meaning w...
	What to do and when to seek help when you get kidney stones Kidney stones can have multiple causes and can present with flank pain, blood in the urine, nausea/vomiting, fever and kidney obstruction. Timely visits to a urologist or Emergency Department can quic...

Drug Addiction

	Is your teen abusing drugs? Raising a child today is challenging. At times, it seems a desired goal for a parent is surviving adolescence with as few emotional scars as possible. Teenagers as a rule, are not open about sharing i...
	Advice for teenagers to stay sober and never get addicted to drugs The above tips of what to do and not to do are just a scratch on the surface to a complex issue regarding teen substance use and abuse. There are other factors that come in to the equation such as gen...
	Help approaching your teen about drug use Parents are presented a difficult task when addressing drug or alcohol use with their children. This is an awkward topic and most parents would rather avoid acknowledging the possibility their child m...
	Eat these healthy foods to help your brain heal from drug abuse To achieve optimal neural functioning and a positive mental state, the brain must correct dysfunctional wiring and replace depleted gray matter. This means paying attention to what you eat and designi...
	How to make the most of addiction treatment Addiction treatment is your opportunity to change your life for the better while learning new ways of coping with life’s setback and stresses. Treatment will provide you support during this difficul...
	How to use addiction medicine to help you quit Always remember that becoming sober is a long process. Don’t be afraid of the rocky road ahead of you. It’s definitely worth taking this road. For your family, career, friends… and life. As Mar...
	Expert advice on getting through addiction as a family Addiction is a disease that impacts the entire family. With patience, support and involvement in family therapy, recovery is possible for the individual and the family. In the end, family bonding and ...
	Be successful in an outpatient treatment program for drug addiction Addiction treatment programs should be individualized and tailored to give clients choices, resources, and support to take responsibility for addressing their medical and psychosocial needs.You can ge...
	Students: Stop using smart drugs (Adderall) to get by in college The life of a student is stressful and labor intensive. It is tempting to look for an aid that would make life simpler and give you an advantage for studying or a taking a test. Smart drugs are market...
	Loved ones require your help during cocaine addiction treatment Once an addict decides to enter into treatment, the journey is just starting. Recovery from cocaine is going to take some effort and adjustments. The treatment facility is a wonderful place to start w...
	Hypnosis can eliminate unwanted and enhance desired behaviors
	Quit your heroin addiction and get sober with the right treatment Heroin abuse/addiction can take a devastating toll on individuals and others around them. The impact can be enormous. Recovery can be challenging, but not impossible. The road will be filled with obst...
	How to overcome your prescription painkiller addiction Whatever path you take to recovery from painkiller addiction, the most critical factors are your honest self-admission that it has become a serious problem in your life, the willingness to do WIT (Wha...
	Quit xanax and learn natural ways to beat anxiety Xanax addiction can be overcome. In order to safely separate yourself from this medication, please seek expert, medical support. Taper off the drug under the guidance of a physician. Be prepared for w...
	Choose the best substance addiction treatment for you or loved one
	Overcome your drug addiction and get clean with an inpatient treatment center When you make the decision to pursue inpatient treatment, you and your family are facing a crisis and the events in your life, whether mental health or substance abuse related, have reached a critical...
	Seek professional help at the first sign of cocaine addiction Latest figures from the NIDA shows that nearly five million Americans are abusing cocaine or crack cocaine. It affects people from all walks of life, across all age groups, usually from the age of twe...
	Stop using steroids and get back on track with a healthy and realistic workout The temptation to use steroids is present for a lot athletes. Although nationwide, steroid use has leveled off since reaching it’s peak in 2005, it still surfaces in newspaper headlines. There are i...
	Hypnotherapy can help you beat your addiction There are many benefits to finding a compatible hypnotherapist. There are many devoted practitioners in most cities that are highly qualified. The experience is transformational and the results are pr...
	Save your loved one from addiction by staging an intervention Interventions save lives. If you are concerned about a family member or loved one who is not open to seeking help, then you should contact a professional intervention service. Do not wait for rock bot...
	Be considerate when you approach a spouse on an addiction problem Most addicts have unfinished business. Once some of the issues are resolved through counseling, one can live a productive life. A lot of addicts are dual-diagnosed and need to be on medication. It is ...
	Sending your child to substance abuse treatment requires your full emotional support Perhaps this article can help parents and caregivers feel a little more comfortable when selecting a substance abuse treatment service for your child or teenager, or young adult. Caring for your loved...
	Are the pills in your medicine cabinet a gateway drug to heroin? Vicodin, Percocet, oxycontin, and heroin are all in a continuum of opiate-like substances, and one of the milder versions of the drug may lead to progressively heavier use. If you have concerns about ...
	Help choosing a substance abuse and mood disorder treatment center Millions of people today struggle with mood disorders and addiction. Although outpatient therapy can prove very valuable, a higher level of care is sometimes required.Choosing a program that is right ...
	Treat withdrawal and addiction to Vicodin and Oxycontin painkillers An addiction to Vicodin and other common opiate painkillers can be a difficult things to cope with. But ensuring that you seek the help from your team of medical professionals, including psychiatrists...
	Advice on how to recover from a drug or alcohol addiction relapse Addiction to drugs and alcohol is widespread throughout our country. Fortunately, whether an individual is addicted to tequila, methamphetamines, or heroin—recovery is possible. Those who have previ...
	Quit smoking marijuana to help strengthen your emotional state Focusing on the issues that cause depression, anxiety, and emotional distress is considerably more productive and can have longer lasting effects than simply using marijuana. While it may be more pain...
	How to talk to a loved one that is a drug addict about treatment While this article discusses general principles related to talking to an addict, it does not constitute medical advice. You should always consult a medical professional and an addiction specialist pri...
	Are you ready to get treatment for drug addiction? Deciding that you’re ready to quit drugs and seek treatment may not be a realization that happens overnight. It may happen gradually and be difficult to accept, but if you’re considering getting h...
	How to help your child when they get out of drug treatment When your child comes back home from rehab, make sure they know that you love them and are there to support them. Establish boundaries and open communication, but don’t get wrapped up in guilt and b...
	Stay sober and avoid relapsing after you get out of drug rehab Coming home after drug rehab can be a wake up call, both for you and your loved ones. You may need to make new friends and cut out old ones, find new hobbies, and embark on a healthy lifestyle. It may...
	Marijuana is a drug and is addictive; how to quit using it Although marijuana has been legalized in a couple of states, by and large, it remains an illegal substance in most of our country. Therefore, we support anyone who decides to discontinue all use of th...

Alcoholism

	How to stop your drinking problem There may be one journey to sobriety, but many roads for individuals faced with a drinking problem to take. The first leg of the journey is understanding what impact your drinking has had on your life...
	Parenting advice to help your teen stay sober Keeping your teen sober takes the right steps in response to the discovery of your teen’s first use of alcohol. Discovering your teen has drank is a critical time in parenting. It sets the tone to p...
	Holistic treatment can help you beat drug and alcohol addiction The holistic treatment approach involves treating the whole person - body, mind and spirit - to get to the underlying issues that are causing the addiction. Each person heals differently. Take the tim...
	Help strengthen your chances of staying sober through recovery The above advice contains a few tools that have helped others strengthen their recovery. Use them and expand upon them to meet your specific recovery needs. By applying these tools you will have suppo...
	Help a loved one through alcohol treatment for a chance at recovery Substance dependence is an insidious and cunning disease; it affects families on many levels. If your family member is seeking help to overcome an addiction and begin recovery, remember that it is a l...
	Provide support to a spouse entering an alcohol treatment program Ultimately, your spouse is going to make the final call as to whether they want to address their alcoholism. It is a challenging road for a non-using spouse. However, it is one of the most rewarding a...
	Stay sober and beat your addiction with a few simple lifestyle changes Staying sober in early recovery is hard to do. It may feel overwhelming, particularly if you are trying to do it by yourself. If you follow some common sense, it will be much easier. There is no need ...
	Stay sober even after having a drug or alcohol relapse A relapse is not the end of the road for those seeking recovery from substance abuse problems. In fact, since relapse is a common occurrence, it should be thought of as an opportunity to learn what ha...
	How to stay sober during the holidays If you have problems staying sober or are early on in the path to recovery, stay away from triggers during the holidays and help yourself to overcome the desire to drink or take drugs by following thi...
	How to quit alcohol on your own and stay sober While you can take independent steps to achieving sobriety, recovery is usually most successful when you accept help from others. Professional treatment can guide you and support you through recovery....
	Learn how to be around alcohol without relapsing In an ideal world, recovering alcoholics would be able to avoid alcohol in all forms after treatment. The reality is, you may find yourself in a situation where alcohol is present, whether or not you ...
	After a relapse get back to recovery and staying sober Relapse happens, but it’s not a sign of failure. You can overcome relapse by examining the situation and committing to your sobriety. Recovery takes time, and there will be unexpected challenges alo...
	How medicine and therapy can help alcohol cravings and withdrawal Treatment for alcoholism has evolved throughout the years—especially with the advent of the several FDA-approved medications designed to detox, decrease cravings, and improve compliance. Dozens of m...

Eating Disorders

	How to stop binge eating and live a healthier life All in all, trust yourself and listen to your body. All of the above is just an elaboration of that one basic piece of advice....
	Support your loved one to help them overcome an overeating problem The best thing you can do when a friend or family member has an overeating problem is to just be there for them no matter what. Be a ready and willing listener and a constant support. Be the cheerlead...
	Treat compulsive eating by taking the power away from food I encourage you to take a minute and ask yourself, “Does food feel more powerful than me?” If the answer is yes, even sometimes, and you really want to find a way to improve your relationship with...
	Expert advice to help you address anorexia and bulimia Getting help for a feeding or eating disorder can be scary. It requires you to be vulnerable and to ask for help. You will have to face and discuss aspects of your life that may not make you proud. Re...
	Navigating insurance coverage for the treatment of eating disorders Many people are unsure about what to do when an insurance denial occurs. When your insurance company denies access to health benefits, it only intensifies an already distressing situation. It is imper...
	Midnight snacking out of control? It's called night eating syndrome Night Eating Syndrome is a real problem for many people. If this resonates with you please seek assistance with a licensed professional. Even if you don’t fit the description exactly but you believe...
	Overcome compulsive, binge, and over-eating with this advice Binge eating, like most compulsive behaviors, is merely a distraction from feeling your emotions. You learned this way of feeling a shot of pleasure at an early age and have practiced many times since...
	Athletes are more susceptible to eating disorders: Get help now Eating disorders are life threatening; in fact, they have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. At the very least, they can hamper an athlete’s performance and make the athlete mor...
	Advice for avoiding midnight snacking Late night eating doesn’t have to be a lifetime struggle. The more we understand about the reasons it might be happening, the better chance we have of changing the pattern. Eating regular and balanc...
	How to end emotional eating once and for all Basically, turning to food when you’re upset is less an eating problem and more an emotional one. If you never learned effective emotional management skills as a child, it’s time to learn them now...
	Lose weight by breaking free of emotional eating When you make the decision to never diet again, you let yourself out of the food prison. By focusing back on nutrient dense food choices, you are essentially embracing a ‘Live-It’, a lifestyle shi...
	How athletes can beat anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders Athleticism is seemingly so positive—especially in our country where obesity is such a growing concern. However, there is a dark side to the world of athletics. Eating disorders are more prevalent t...
	Food and sugar addiction: Why you can’t stop eating Over time, appetite dysregulation and disrupted eating patterns lead to an addictive process wherein the brain becomes chemically dependent on certain foods. Like addictions to alcohol and other drugs...
	Control your appetite and binge eating using supplements Diets don’t work, but appetite control does.Appetite is not an issue of willpower or psychological weakness. It’s an issue of biochemistry. When your biochemistry is adjusted, your appetite can be...

Kids with Eating Disorders

	Coping with a teenage daughter suffering from an eating disorder On the surface it may look like a teenager is controlling eating habits in a desire to be thin, but in reality dangerous behaviors are a response to deeper emotional pain, depression, anxiety and othe...
	Help your child struggling with an eating disorder such as anorexia If your child is battling an eating disorder, the best thing that you can do is keep on loving and supporting them. If you ever feel that you need help with your child, don’t ever hesitate to get tr...
	Supporting your child with an eating disorder is vital to recovery Education and understanding are keys that will help you prevent, and if necessary, effectively deal with disordered eating or an eating disorder. Your attitudes about health and wellness will impact y...
	Advice for parents to help their child overcome an eating disorder Eating disorders are challenging and scary. Parents don’t cause their child’s eating disorder, and they aren’t to blame. It is equally important not to blame the child for his or her eating diso...
	Advice for parents to help their child who binge eats Failure to address binge eating can lead to binge-eating disorder, a life-threatening illness. Taking action by seeking professional help and talking to your child can lead to a full recovery, so if y...
	I think my child might have an eating disorder. What should I do? Eating disorders are serious illnesses that can be life threatening if not treated. Remember to act quickly and seek support for your child and yourself, so you can begin your path toward recovery....
	What parents should do if they think their child has anorexia Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder and should be taken seriously. If you suspect that your child has anorexia or is developing unhealthy eating habits, talk to your ch...
	Helping your child with an eating disorder move towards recovery Recovering from an eating disorder is a road full of big challenges and little triumphs. It is a lengthy process without quick fixes or miracle cures. Have patience and compassion, and don’t come up...
	Helping children who may be struggling with an eating disorder Any child can find themselves dealing with the challenges of body image or eating disorder issues. It is vital for parents to understand what they are dealing with, so they can feel comfortable and co...