Fitness Books

The Andropause Mystery, Unraveling the Truths About the Male Menopause by Robert S. Tan M.D.

In this book, Robert Tan MD , an astute clinician and a board certified specialist in geriatric medicine, describes his professional experience, diagnosing and treating hormonal decline in aging males. Tan describes a turning point in his career when he stumbled upon a bedridden male with the typical signs and symptoms of low testosterone, namely muscle weakness, frailty, memory loss, and hair loss. Lab testing confirmed low testosterone levels. Testosterone for aging males was new in those days, so Tan had difficulty convincing the pharmacy to release the testosterone injections ( 200 mg twice a month). After three months of injections, the patient grew a beard, began walking again, and his memory and libido improved.

The experience motivated Tan to do a Medline search on the topic, and he found very little research in the area of Male Menopause, also called Andropause. This book was written to unravel the truths and dispel the myths about the Male Andropause and Testosterone replacement for the aging male.

Tan asks a few obvious questions. The medical system treats women for the hormonal decline of Menopause, so why aren't men treated for their similar hormonal decline of male Andropause? The medical system recognizes Menopause, but does not recognize Andropause.

Many physicians deny that Andropause really exists. Tan says sorry, but it does exist, and his patients are testimony to this truth. Andropause is a real syndrome, and he clearly explains that 30% of males over 65 have low testosterone levels with the associated muscle weakness, memory loss, and loss of libido. Tan also explains the reasons why the syndrome is ignored by conventional medicine. There is no curriculum in medical school or residency, and very little research in the library due to lack of funding, and lastly, unlike females who are more expressive and communicative about their night sweats and hot flashes, males tend to be stoic, and in denial of their Andropause symptoms.

Tan discusses the beneficial affects of testosterone on cognitive function, finding that many (but not all) demented nursing home males are restored to normal after testosterone treatments. He also discusses the effect of testosterone on mood, cardiac function, muscle strength, bone density, and lastly improvement in libido and erectile function. In one humorous story, Tan recounts a demented nursing home patient whose testosterone treatment had to be discontinued because of hypersexual effects. Apparently, the old fellow had approached several nurses with inappropriate requests.

Tan also discussed the incorrect belief that Testosterone treatment increases the risk of prostate cancer. Tan dispels this myth, stating that in his clinical experience, he has yet to see a case of prostate cancer induced by testosterone replacement. Nonetheless, Tan advocates routine prostate surveillance with serial PSA and DRE.

Chapter 7 discusses the nuts and bolts of testosterone replacement with diagnostic blood testing, available testosterone preparations and dosage schedules. Tan feels that testosterone replacement for males should become as routine as HRT for the female menopause.

Inconclusion, in a field with scant information, Tan's book fills a void. The book is an honest, courageous, down to earth, and occasionally humorous look at testosterone replacement for the aging male. Also recommended is The Testosterone Syndrome by Eugene Shippen MD.

Jeffrey Dach MD

What I thought I bought; a book about the aging process and the Andropause. What I got; mostly a book about testosterone replacement. This book was a let down.

The bravado of patriarchy and its reliance upon presenting males as strong, vibrant creatures able to take on the world when young, and equally powerful when old has always been a myth perpetuated as the alpha male syndrome.

However, the reality is that, like women, men undergo similar hormonal changes as a result of aging. While the outward appearance of men may remain somewhat similar, both personality and hormonal changes occur along with the physical changes in muscle power that young men discern readily in challenging the older male establishment for power and prominence.

Little discussed, or viewed as the natural aging phenomenon of men and the mellowed perspective in which he sees the world, and operates in it, typical male menopause has focused upon his desire to grativate toward younger women to extend his male prowess, or by making the wild changes of adopting fast cars, and more relaxed lifestyles in an attempt to capture his youth.

That males haven't come to grips with the similarities of aging among women ought to be a concern since so much of society is organized not around the vitality cycles of natural aging, but by the fantasies of aging men who deny their own mortality, and the consequences of aging. Taught to view women differently, men therefore find it more difficult to accept their own aging process because of the enormous differences in how men and women are cultured to be viewed by a male dominant society.

Because men died at somewhat younger ages throughout life, the lifecyle phenomenon of men has never been approached with the legitimacy or credibility that is a part of the natural consequence of being male.

That either men or women are taught to view the aging process as one that is devalued because of its physical changes rather than prized for its contribution to stable and sustainable populations is a social problem that has yet to be taken seriously. When country singers sing that "all my rowdy friends have settled down," they are recognizing this natural tendency of men to settle into a lifestyle that accepts their aging as natural, and normal rather than continuing to idolize the rowdy lifestyle that the constant pumping out of male testosterone helps to create.

The message, of course, is that, like women, men will not live forever, do suffer the consequences of aging, and must adapt age appropriate lifestyles that respects their aging, rather than condemns it. That attitude will work for both men and women to help define the expectations of being human, and mature as individuals, in planning their lives and knowing what to expect from their bodies, and what not to expect.

I couldn't believe it! The controversy about hormones for women has begun, now men? The book and author was featured on NBC Nightly News on 7/31/02. Guess it must be an important topic to be on national news!

This book is really for the layperson. The book "Andropause Mystery" does describe evolving physical, sexual, psychological and mental challenges encountered by the aging male. It does explain hormone replacement for men and the potential problems. There is a nice chapter on the psychological impact of aging on sexuality. It is easy to read and understand, but I prefer "Aging Men's Health: A Case Based Approach" by the same author. No doubt, it is a textbook, but there is more depth and detail for the professional person.

The author rescues a beautiful golden retriever on advice from his doctor to get a dog. The dog however has the ability to alert the author to impending cardiac episodes and in doing so, gives the author the freedom to work and go about his daily life. This book touches the readers soul and lets us know that maybe there is more to the human-animal bond than we know. The book also dicusses the "Americans with Disabilities Act" as it relates to service dogs. Anybody who has loved a dog will love this book.

I could not put this book down. Mike and Dakota's story as a team was inspiring and transcended this world. Their devotion to each other was amazing. You do not have to be an animal lover to learn from this book. My hope would be that after you read this book you will see how special animals are in our lives.

I Absolutely LOVED this book! MY sister in law bought for my husband --animal lover...Anyway she bought it for him but I read it first because the cover called my attention. I like dogs but was reluctant to get one because I though of all the work there is involved with taking care of animals..besides with a little one, school, and work a dog would be more work for me....But after reading this book, I know I want a dog..The magic between Mike and Dakota is so overwhelming --that it made me think that that is what we need in our lives..Yea it will be work to potty train and take care of ..but then again things in life that are worth anything sometimes require alot of work--..God Bless you Mike and Dakota and thanks!!!!

I enjoyed the book so much. Felt like I was right there with them and every time the author had an attack could visualize how much his Angel/dog helped him through it. They had a bond that is so hard to explain unless you have had an animal and then know what it means, they are not dogs, they are your family and in this case especially he was not only family but his life support and friend. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone, have since bought additional copies to give to my animal lover friends for gifts.

I recently lost my Golden Angel too, and while I was looking for a book to help
Me cope with my pain, I found this book. I am a very busy person and don't
Have much time to read, but this book took me 2 days. It is full of feelings and even humor. No matter what the situation is, our Golden's will manage to put a smile on our face. When you start reading this book, make sure you have a box of Kleenex
Near by. This book goes into my favorite book list, and I purchased a few more as
Christmas presents.

This is an excellant guide to pilates with clear illustrations and directions that help show pilates moves.

My wife does pilates and she looks at this book also from time to time, so women can also use this.

This book is exactly what I needed. Exercises are well explained. No boring stuff around, goes straight to the point. I already feel better...

So worth the money. The cover and layout of the book are attractive, and the content does not disappoint. The language is clear and intensely helpful, and the sketches of the movements, which actually depict every essential step of each exercise, are some of the most useful I've encountered in books like this. The author really gives you everything you need to progress on your own, at your own pace, and finding new depths to each movement as you go. My body has never looked better. If your kinesthetic sense is such that you can learn well from a book, and you have an interest in Pilates, you should own this.

I've been practicing and teaching Pilates for years, and although I continue to be challenged by the original mat exercises, there are times that my students crave different exercises. I, too, have been increasingly curious about the Reformer on the Mat exercises, and though I've seen bits and pieces in other workouts, I haven't seen one that offers them in a cohesive system. This one does, showing not only the sequence the exercises should be performed in but also the different levels for each exercise (although most of them are quite challenging).

I do still have to shake my head and laugh at the need to market the system for men- anyone who has ever tried the Pilates pushups, Side Bends or Leg Pull Ups should already know that classical Pilates demands- and builds- upper body strength. However, in the text where Lyons notes that some of these exercises are exclusively for men- or individuals with significant upper body strength- I mostly agree. I happily cede the very tricky Headstand variations to male practitioners and instructors, although I will note that they are very similar to a number of movements from the Ashtanga Primary Series.

This is an excellent resource for male or female practitioners and instructors, and if it finally gets people to realize that Pilates is a real workout and not just a souped up abs and stretch routine, so much the better.

I am a great fan of no equipment/body weight exercises. It is amazing what level of fitness can be achieved by following the exercises as outlined in D. Lyon's book and i fully endorse the other positive reviews on this book. The book is very user friendly with precise descriptions of the exercises and specific recommendations for men with tight hamstrings, hips, etc. It's very easy to build up your program step by step over time and you will see results very quickly (at least I did in terms of core strength, slimmer waistline and more muscle tone).

I use this book along with David Swenson's great Practice manual on Ashtanga Yoga and between the exercises of these 2 books and occasional runs in the park I will stay busy for the rest of my life. The great thing is that I don't need to spend a dime on gym memberships, equipment, etc.

The book is well written with an amazing amount of information in it. It has a lot of do it yourself help pages that are easy to understand. This is a must book to buy.

This book has a ton of great insights about disease prevention. Doctors rarely, if ever, provide information on prevention because prevention is not profitable for either hospitals or big pharma. If everybody took a little more time to understand how their bodies work, we'd have a lot less disease in our society. Prevention is the key to good health and you truly are what you eat. We can't expect to fill our bodies with garbage and expect good results.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to live a vital, disease-free life. Read the book and buy a copy for someone you love. Don't rely on doctors to keep you healthy. You can only rely on yourself.

I also highly recommend The Coconut Miracle. If you do nothing else, please introduce coconut oil into your diet and you will see amazing results.

Although I am still reading the book I find it to be very informative and very well written. It is easy to read and to understand. I feel at the end of this book I will be able to accomplish the goals that it sets out in the text.

I have been fasting/detoxing for many years. It is a passion of mine, and I don't have many interests in my life that I consider passions. Fasting/detoxing, some have claimed, is a gift you give yourself. I truly agree with this proclaimation.

Of all the material I have read about detoxing...this is the most insightful, through, and overall, best source.

This book is not full of religious quotes like a lot of detox/fasting books, although Fife does mention that many religions believe in fasting for clarity and health. This is a more scientific approach.

There are a lot of pictures, the columns are set up in a fast-paced reading style, and the stories and inspiring.

I've read countless books on health and cleansing and this still stands up as one of the best I've read. It has more information than any other detox book I've read, and gave me invaluable new sources of cleansing and healing the body, which led me to new routes of research on the internet and finding some very excellent health web sites and products. *Spoiler* The rebounder works wonders for your health- along with so many other things Fife explained about. I highly recommend this book. I'm studying to be a Naturopathic Doctor, and did many years of research before choosing this route. This is a book I still pick up a couple of years later. I enjoy how much of the spectrum he covers. Health savvy or not, Fife walks you through changing your life, and educates you on many things every health-conscience person needs to know. Great Book !!

Dr. Fitzgerald's "Detox Solution" is a practical and effective resource for healthy living in our industrialized environment. More than just a good reference manual, this book explains the supporting background information in clear, easy to follow language, providing a sense of confidence and understanding along with specific prescriptions. Dr. Fitzgerald recognizes that good health begins in our environment, and she provides simple ways to avoid bringing toxins into our personal space. This book is a "must read" for urban living.

This book is probably the best book on health that I have ever read. I have travelled all over the world over the past several years and this book stays with me everywhere I go. I haven't ever used this book as a detox program per se; I choose instead to use it as a reference book in daily life. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a true book of wisdom on purifying your life.

Patricia Fitzgerald's The Detox Solution warned us about the dangers of trans fats long before the issue was getting much attention. Now trans fats info is being added to our food labels and restaurants are switching to trans fats-free oils. Open up these pages to learn many other health secrets for achieving a well body, greater longevity, avoiding disease and supporting a vibrant spirit. A must-read for those who wish to remain at or achieve the highest levels of well-being!

Thanks to Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald for writing her book The Detox Solution. It's full of the answers to the questions I've had about changing my lifestyle for optimum health. I'm so glad this book has found it's way into my life. It's an amazing resource. I've already begun to use some of the suggestions on a daily basis and am already noticing a difference.

This book is a must read for all who are interested in the integration of body/mind/spirit. Dr. Fitzgerald leads the reader through a comprehensive and in depth journey of health and healing that encompasses all three elements into an easy to follow and understand program of fundamental wellness.

This book answered many questions for me and helped me to understand that I can achieve optimum health with ease, grace and a gentle progression of healthy lifestyle and dietary changes that I can live with and incorporate into my life.

I now understand the importance of keeping my body tuned and free of toxins, and how to do that. It empowered me take dominion over the harmonious interaction of my body/mind/spirit for a greater sense of wellbeing and joy.

I'm training for the Breast Cancer 3Day walk -- 60 miles in three days -- and stumbled across this book during an internet search for blister prevention and cures. I got a copy right away. I have never before participated in any endurance sports and needed as much good advice as I could find and believe me, this book delivered. Certainly, there are parts of it that don't apply to my current activities, however the quality of the information, the helpful references to products and where to access them, and clear instructions in foot care have saved me countless blisters so far. I love the focus on prevention. The section on duct tape was particularly intriguing and helpful for me. I'm telling all my fellow distance walkers about this book!

This advice is sure to get all athletes off on the right foot. Learn how to care for any foot problem and prepare your feet for that upcoming race.

Have you ever hiked or ran and ruined your feet? Have you ever felt discouraged about your feet, didn't know what to do about it or, most importantly, what to do the Next Time?
Then Fixing Your Feet will be the answer to your prayers. No one else addresses the myriad problems that can arise when your feet are stressed to the max. John Vonhof leaves no stone unturned, pun intended, in this most thorough book about foot problems such as blisters, corns, structural problems. He deals with prevention as well as treatment. It's not just His viewpoint. He has interviewed countless athletes, hikers and endurance runners and quotes from their experiences and solutions.
He offers concrete advice with specific product recommendations and yet perhaps the best advice of all, stated over and over again, is not to take your feet for granted. They are the most important part of any trek or race you plan.
Even if you have never had any foot problems, if you are planning a hike or race, read this book and be prepared. You'll still be walking or running while others have to drop out.

This should be the ultrarunner's bible- or any runner's bible! It is a great book with some of the best advice out there. It is an easy read and a good book to have on hand for quick reference.

I only review & critique books I actually have read, how else can you make an educated and realistic critique?

As a 19-year Ultraq vRunner I certainly had a reason to buy anmdn read this book, especially since I run now exclusively on trails.

Unless peple are into long-distance running,few people have any idea on how to fix your feet, especially prevent injutries before theu happen.

I know the author and other people who contributed to this booki and can verify their expertise in the field of running and fixing feet.
The book is very detailed, covers almost every imaginable aspect of ultra running. It covers most potential problems that can arise from teh sport and it's preventions and solutions if trouble occurs.

No ultra runner should be without this book as it could save you from lots of potential misery.

All I can say is that I am disappointed with this book.

We're expecting our third child and I picked up this book because I liked the title. I figured almost two years worth of information in one book would be nice since we already kind of know about preganacy and the baby's first year. I wouldn't have to read too much with my busy schedule and maybe get one or two good tips I didn't get before. Was I wrong!

This book is not thin, total 317 pages. And yet, it reads so easy and fast (even considering my first language is not English). As I was reading this book, I was amazed how much information this book is packed with! This book covers not only the generic facts on how your baby grows, but also suggests what you can do as parent(s). It also has many wonderful photos.

Dr. Greene covers physical stuff such as nutrition, but also covers how you act and think may affect your baby. He also covers in detail how the baby develops - very informative and I had to read several passages to my husband. His respect and love for the life also can be felt throughout the book which also increased my own respect, awe, wonder, and love for our third baby.

I love to read and I've skimmed through many books on pregnancy, but this one is the best one and I am reading this thoroughly. This is like an all the best books on pregnancy and first year combined in one!

Although I read this book late in my pregnancy, I would recommend it to any expecting parents! I thought that his insight was more direct (and aligned to my own personal philosophies) than most expectant 'mom' books. Dr. Greene's other book, Raising Baby Green (my personal favorite), encouraged me to pick up this one, and I feel as though many moms and dads have a lot to learn from his experience as both father and pediatrician. Every question from should I eat organic to which diapers to use are covered- don't miss out on this book (it would also make a great shower or congratulations gift!)

My wife and I recently were blessed with the birth of our first child. Being new parents we often have felt overwhelmed and extremely inexperienced. Dr. Greene's book has proven informative and comforting in those moments when we needed a little helpful advice. "From First Kicks to First Steps" is easy and fun to read, and is a great resource for anyone with a little one at home or on the way.

Dr. Greene has put together a remarkable guideline that takes expecting couple from pregnancy through toddlerhood. Much like his award-winning children's health website, DrGreene.com, he does this in an engaging style with well-researched information.

Expectant mothers (and fathers) should look no further. This book is destined to be the "must-have" book for parents-to-be.

Daniel Z. Sands, MD, MPH
Assistant Clinical Professor, Harvard Medical School

This is a wonderful book for any woman pregnant for the first time - with firsthand experiences I can relate to, and scientific data that I might not otherwise seek out. I'm really enjoying reading about each month as I approach it.

Sandra Steingraber is a scientist and writer whose early cancer has led her to explore the possible environmental causes of cancer and teratogens in our chemically laced environment. In this book, she talks about her own pregnancy and what happens to the developing life within in a very thorough, and beautiful, way.

This book starts out as very scientific and a bit dull, but picks up and keeps you reading. I admire the author for doing so much detailed research and yet being very happy and optimistic towards her own childbearing. An inspirational and eye-opening book that I would recommend to all my friends, especially young women.

This book is FASCINATING. If you pick it up you won't put it down. Everyone should read this book, but especially those considering having children. (I do not recommend this book to pregnant women, it could be very upsetting)

The book is beautifully written, personal, scientific, and life changing. I particularly appreciate the author's perspective that the onis to protect children from toxic chemicals that cause birth defects should be societal, not personal. It is insane that we have accepted that due to mercury pollution as a result of coal burning women and children should have to stop eating nutritious fish.

I loved this story, both as a scientific narrative and a touching personal story. I'm thinking about pregnancy, and this book awakened me to many of the dangers of toxins in the environment I hadn't even contemplated before. I'm so glad that Steingraber told the full story of fish in the diets of pregnant women, for example: that a food with such healthy fats and potential for fetal brain development has instead been rendered toxic by not just mercury pollution, but POPs like DDT as well. And anyone who wants to breastfeed should be aware of how toxins are magnified not just over the course of fetal development, but within the content of mother's milk as well. Steingraber seeks to educate us not to make us take action indiviually, but collectively: healthy food and a healthy environment should be the right of every pregnant woman, mother, father and child. It should be ours for the taking, because we adults deserve the right to have children, and those children deserve the healthiest world possible, starting in the microcosm of the womb. As an adopted child, a pregnant woman, a nursing mother and a biologist, Steingraber tells every woman's story of conception and birth to inspire all humans with a vision of taking action to create a healthier world. It's a lovely telling that everyone - not just mothers-to-be - should read.

I don't know of any other book that covers the approaches to healing in such an insightful way. I had numerous ahh haa moments. Susan's writings on specific plants also really give one the sense that they are living energies deserving of respect.

I absolutely love this book! Susuns way of teaching is so matter of fact and not so technical that we can understand, and gives you this urge to just try.
Gabby

Great book, good author.
Just what I was looking for

Anyone interested in herbalism in any way needs to read this book. Susun is most definately a grandmother of herbalism to the next generations that follow the herbal ways.
Susun is delightful in her writing and is also very public about everything she writes about. Truly teaching us about the herbs themselves and how to apply them.

I got a bit confused on her way of describing dandelion in her french accent writing about the plant, but now that I have been exposed to a french teacher, I am more comfortable with understanding this section of the book and should re read it.

But that is Susun's playful style and how the plants are in relation to her.

If you practice herbalism in any degree, this is a must have book.

Wise Woman Herbal: Healing Wise looks at health and healing from a completely different perspective than any other resource I've ever consulted. Instead of looking at illness as something needing medication (as in western scientific medicine) or as the result of some sort of bodily imbalance (as in traditional eastern medicine), this book looks at illness as an opportunity.

At first, I have to admit that this concept sounded really strange to me. What sort of opportunity is suffering from Chronic Fatigue or having to deal with the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis? However, as I continued through the thorough and easy to understand explanations of the wise woman tradition, I began to understand more about the principles behind optimum nourishment.

Basically, this concept requires that we learn to take care of, accept, learn from and love ourselves at every point in our life process. To do so, brings about change and further opportunities to nourish our being. Thus, if we have an illness in the traditional sense, then we need to take the opportunity to learn about ourselves and fully nurture our being before we can ever hope to release the seemingly negatives aspects of the situation.

Wise Woman Herbal: Healing Wise has me intrigued with the wise woman tradition. I find the concept of a spiral healing pattern (as opposed to the linear pattern of western medicine and the circular pattern of traditional eastern medicine) fascinating. I also like that this book gave me a distinctly different way to think about my health. I am extremely eager to learn more about this tradition.

The book was well-written and interesting for the most part, but I think its conclusions misrepresent the contribution of Herceptin to the battle against breast cancer. Post-marketing studies have shown that Herceptin is not the wonder drug it was hoped to be. The book downplays the cardiac side-effects which are both more common and more serious than Bazell lets on. Nothing has changed in the battle against cancer. Despite the entry of this new weapon into the arsenal of oncologists, the quest to defeat cancer is still (to mix my metaphors) more like sticking boards in the sand to hold back the tide than building a sea wall.

I read this book in just a few days. It prompted me to give myself a breast exam and low and behold I found a lump.
Turns out I had developed a cancerous tumor but caught it in the early stages. This book changed my life in sooo many ways

I am a newly diagnosed young woman with breast cancer that over express her2/neu. I am considering taking Herceptin for an early stage cancer. I would not have this possible choice were it not for the wonderfuly minds and efforts of the people that created Herceptin. My thanks to Dr. Slamon and Dr. Ullrich! And really mostly, my thanks to the brave women who faced this horrible disease and enrolled in the trials. This book reads like a novel. I couldn't put it down and read it in 1 sitting. It's a thriller! If I had 1 small complaint it would be that it only very lightly touches on the possible side effect of heart damage especially when used in conjunction with Adriamycin, which weighs heavily on my mind. This is a great read for breast cancer patients and anyone who wants to read a great book.

This book gave new light and explored old beliefs about breast cancer. I have never been so impressed by the intellect of such a powerful author as Robert Bazell. Every part of the Her-2 intereasted me and each page left me completely speechless. I would recommend this book everyone willing to explore the idea of an outstandingly facinating book.

I had to read this book for my Biotechnology class and although I am close to failing it I found Her-2 to be pretty exciting book.
Her-2 by Bazell and King is about breast cancer, however, it reveals many other interesting things about the drug industry and how progress is made in the medical research field. There are different stories and view points and the authors have succesfully managed to combine all this into a book that both teaches and thrills us. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn more about breast cancer and about the insights of creating and bringing to the market a revolutionary drug - from selection of the trial patients to the President's office.