Health Books

I'm very glad this book exists; it's proof this kind of thing can happen. I read this quickly, not because it's going to win a Pulitzer, but because the reading level is not difficult and the subject is so timely and juicy.

1. THE DL MAN'S FAMILY WAS COMPLICIT IN THE CHARADE!!!! So many women in the Black community think the DL is just another example of lying, no-good men. The author here suggests that her husband's mother and sisters were complicit in promoting marriage and keeping the secret just that. When people receive counterfeit money or foreign coins, they often try to pass it off on other gullible people, rather than throwing it away. This book proves that many families of DL men are more than happy to make a Black woman's life miserable if her presence will be a cover for the family. I always say, "Notice how parents don't want their straight daughters to marry gay men, but they'll tell their gay sons to 'get married and cut all this foolishness!'" This book shows Black women who knew full well their DL relative was having unprotected sex with another Black woman and they did nothing, absolutely nothing, to stop it. So much for womanist unity!

2. THE ACTIONS HERE WERE SPECULATIVE WHEN THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN. Late in the book, the author says, "I still don't have proof that my husband was on the DL." She even suggests that he wouldn't have been honest about it if she had confronted him. HOWEVER, she never did confront him. Some women are very good doing private investigation; "Divorce Court" shows tons of examples of sistuhs doing that. The author herself never sniffed around. She never asked friends if her man was on the DL. She never went to his HIV-positive ex-wife and asked her for questions.
There are several books and articles saying, "How to see if your man is on the down low." I think many of them are unscientific, salacious, and homophobic. But here, the author kinda admits that she turned a blind eye. This book will not help women ask those difficult questions. If you want to not see the pink elephant in the room, sometimes you will. So this book didn't tell me more info about DL men. It's kinda scant in a way. The explosion in which a DL man has to come clean never happens here and maybe DL men purposely play women because they know they don't really want to see the truth.

This book was very informative. It opens up your eyes to deception. Also, that we must seek God when looking for a spouse. Only He alone knows the intention and motives of people. We only know by what we see and what the person allows us to know. Pray, Pray, Pray. The scripture says, in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path. When we surrendered our lives to God, it meant every area including our personal lives. Let Him choose for you.

The romance between Steven and LaJoyce is the stuff of fairy tales. A handsome, alluring man captures the attention of a very attractive female. They are feeling each other and a whirlwind courtship leads to a beautiful, albeit hasty marriage. After the lavish honeymoon, the nightmare begins and does not end until Steven is dead. What Steven failed to share with LaJoyce is that he had AIDS. She finds out only after he enters the hospital with an unknown ailment - unknown to LaJoyce, that is. She holds on to her faith in God as she grapples with the reality of being deceived and despised by the man she loves as she unselfishly cares for him to the end.

Oftentimes God puts us through a test of faith just as He did Job. This is LaJoyce's test and she is truly tried in the fire. She remains true to God and stands firm on her faith in situations that would make a weaker person give up and walk away. I empathized with all she had to endure and admired her resolve. FAITH UNDER FIRE reads like a dramatic novel instead of the true memoir of a real person. Although LaJoyce is tried in the fire, she comes forth as pure gold.

Reviewed by Paula Henderson
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I couldn't put the book down, it was an eye opener and a true story, that can affect all of us in some way. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend this to anyone, you want be sorry!

Wow! I am blessed to have read Ms. Brookshire's memoir. There but for the grace of God, go I. It's only because I'm covered by the blood of Jesus that I didn't find myself in a similar situation. He protected me even when I didn't know I needed His protection. Thank you, Ms. B., for sharing your story. You are truly an inspiration and proof that all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.

Just Fine: Unmasking Concealed Chronic Illness And Pain If you have any doubts about purchasing this book, let me alleviate them now. The book not only explains these illnesses, but takes the reader on a journey through the eyes of those who suffer from these illnesses and how they cope on a day-to-day basis. Being a concealed chronic illness sufferer myself, I didn't realize how many people felt as I do. I'm going to buy more books for my doctors and family members. Feel free to do the same. This should be required reading for doctors, families, employers, etc. Well written and so very heartfelt.

I'm not easily impressed. This book impressed me.

I have read just about every book available on the topic of coping with chronic illness and pain. None of them come close to this one by Sveilich. She seems to know the subject quite well and presents unique resources from experts and professionals in the field.

Of course, the best experts are the people who actually live with chronic health disorders and they are respresented throughout this book. The profiles are amazing. I saw my story in just about all of the 55 profiles included. I also found some great coping tools to apply to my own life.

Good insights and coping tips were offered by psychologists as well as physicians. The author also discusses mind-body medicine and complementary approaches as well as traditional medicine. From Zen to Zoloft and everything in-between... this book has it all.

My only remaining question is, why isn't JUST FINE on the New York Bestseller list?

It should be.

Like others have written, JUST FINE is a gift to all those impacted by chronic, invisible illnesses and pain.

Chronic Fatigue (CFIDS) has been my challenge and teacher since my symptoms began more than 30 years ago. JUST FINE, written beautifully by a therapist surviving her own chronic illnesses, says everything I needed to know THEN when little was known and we were told it was a "psychological problem". The book reassures me - even NOW when we recently found out there are at least 5 genetic markers (see the CDC website) - that I am and have been doing MORE than "Just Fine" with the "luck of the draw" biologically & with the life circumstances that may have contributed to triggering my illness.

The photos and narratives of "people with..." function like a "support group in a book" and I KNOW that many readers may not have a group available or be able to reach one because of the limits often imposed by the illnesses themselves. I appreciate the participants' courage in speaking about often stigmatized experiences, while also knowing many of us are longing to be asked by someone who is truly willing to hear us. We continually search for language that can describe our often fluctuating experience: Carol Sveilich and her interviewees have done just that!

I have given this book to clients, friends and family. I look forward to any more writing Sveilich will do in the future, as she clearly has more to say that would be worthwhile to read - to "listen with your eyes".

Having chronic migraines, I have noticed how I can look one way, but I feel quite another way. For example, I ask myself how I can be in such horrible pain at work and no one around me even notices. Truly frustrated with this dilemma, I picked up a copy of Just Fine: Unmasking Concealed Chronic Illness and Pain by Carol Sveilich to see if I could find some answers.

The book discusses hidden health disorders in a unique way because the author not only offers insights and coping tips offered from physicians and psychologists, including traditional medicine and mind-body medicine. She also has included profiles of people living with a hidden health disorder and she lets them tell their story in their own words, along with their photographs.

What I really liked about the book was being educated about other types of concealed illnesses, and at the same time, how I saw myself in many of the stories. There were common threads of emotions from these people living double lives.

Some of the topics from the book included how to deal with canceling plans, learning how to answer people when they ask how you are, being envious of other people in good health, sacrificing personal goals, making adjustments, and how to respond to people when they question the severity of your symptoms.

I was surprised and relieved to see the author even dealt with the subject of sex with a chronic illness, which I never saw explored before in a book.

This book definitely made me feel not so alone with my double life. It was very comforting and it taught me how to look at people differently, because someone who is smiling in the office might be living with a hidden health disorder like me.

I enjoyed this book because of the suggestions for chronically ill people and also the many people in the book who wrote a personal page or 2 about their experience with chronic illness. There were alot of correlations between people who have different chronic illnesses it felt good to know that there are people out there like myself. I would suggest this book for anyone who has to deal with a chronic illness.

I'm vegetarian and have been for over 10 years. My husband on the other hand, doesn't like "healthy" food. So every time I present an argument for trying one of my dishes, he always wants to know what that particular food 'provides' him. This is my savior, when it comes to quick and easy reference to what food have what nutrients. Also contains helpful suggestions on how to shop and buy the foods as well as cook them.

I got this book 2 years ago when I was interested in finding out more about whole foods, even though what we ate was already almost entirely whole foods. I wanted to know about the benefits of each food, and find some new ones as well. This book quickly became, and still is, my most used book. I always take it with me when I travel. It's fascinating to pick it up and read about 1 or 2 specific foods at a time. The amount I've learned about the foods we're eating is tremendous, and for curious food-loving people the book is tops.

Every time I open this book, I find some new fascinating information in it. There are also great recipes and interesting anecdotes sprinkled throughout.
I'm very glad to have this one in my library.

A must have reference for those that need to know more about what they eat and how they can maximize their nutrtional needs through the understanding of "whole plant based" foods,...flavor need not be sacrificed!

I absolutely love this book! Although I have only had it a few weeks, it is already a constant resource in my kitchen. I look something up in it almost everyday, and I've never been disappointed with the entries in the book. I am pregnant, and my doctors are concerned about me getting enough of certain nutrients. This book has helped me alter my diet to get as much of those nutrients naturally as I possibly can. It's informative, user-friendly and well written. I am definitely glad I bought it, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to eat a more balanced, healthy diet.

I am now going on 14 months post colon cancer surgery with a clean bill of health! I am using this book for guidance and details on what to eat and how to keep my immunity up and prevent a recurrence. The information in this book has been a lifeline for me. I can't recommend it enough (and do so every chance I get)- it's exceptional! The details in every chapter and the way the information is presented on exactly what I need to do for the type cancer I had is amazing. I am thankful there are nurses out there who believe in alternative steps for cancer care, because this is one book I'd have been lost without.

I was stressed to the max when my dad was diagnosed with cancer. I went through so many web sites and books on cancer, I was totally confused about what to do. A friend loaned this book to me and I'm putting several of the guidelines and suggestions into a workable daily program that I can help my dad to follow. This uncomplicated, easy-to-follow cancer book has been a lifesaver for me. I've since found an alternative doctor who does the vitamin IVs and we are also seriously considering either ukrain or antineoplastons. At least, now we know there really are a lot of choices for us.

I think think this book is amazing. It is so informative, and catorized so that you can easily research the type of cancer that you want to follow up on. The research that went into this book is outstanding, and all the nutritional/vitamin information is invaluable. I have bought this book for a several people who have found out that they have cancer, and I can only hope, that they read through to the last chapter.

Very informative and balanced. Well thought out and put together. A great ready for those going through cancer from the patient and the families point a view. All of us in todays day in age know or have a loved one that is dealing and or delt with cancer and the more information we have the better off we can be.

Awesome book!!Very complete, simple to follow, and thorough...a perfect resource for anyone struggling with cancer and overwhelmed by how and where to get the right information to win this battle in a healthy,easy to follow,non-toxic, and cost-effective manner.The part about prayer and healing is very important.Trusting in a Power greater than yourself to win this battle for you is very EMPOWERING because unlike us,God has no limitations.Using these methods my breast cancer was cured w/o chemotherapy or radiation.

I don't know a whole lot about Reiki, but the wife sure does and says this is a very good book

Pamela Miles' extensive experience in Reiki makes for compelling reading. Her tone and lucid writing style make the experience enjoyable and inspiring. Particularly impressive are the abundant and convincing citations from doctors and nurses who are using Reiki in their medical practice. Reading this book changed my life because it convinced me to learn Reiki. That turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Folks tend to think REIKI is so subtle that you must just "believe" in it. Since my first degree initiation & training I've discovered that Reiki is profound and far reaching; there is no need to believe anything - just FEEL it working! This book is wonderful for those new to REIKI, answering the questions that may arise even as REIKI teaches you through your practice. Those in search of REIKI treatment or initiation should read Pamela's excellent information on the different "flavors" of REIKI before chosing a source. Very Worthwhile! Aloha, Cloudia Charters;
Author of Hawaii Novel, Guidebook, and Spiritual Journey: ALOHA Where You Like Go?: From Survival to Satisfaction by Honolulu Taxi Here is a very down to earth yet wise book by a very reputable Reiki Master: My Naked Journey: A Reiki Master's Quest to Live Authentically

One of the very best books on Reiki: what it is, how it works, how to use it

Pamela Miles, the author of "Reiki: A Comprehensive Guide" is founding president of the Institute for the Advancement of Complementary Therapies and has 35 years experience as a clinician, educator and lecturer in natural healing. She has been a student of meditation and yoga for 45 years. The author began practicing Reiki in 1986 and was initiated as a Reiki master in 1990. She has developed Reiki programs for implementation in prominent New York City hospitals, published numerous articles in peer-reviewed professional journals, and presented and taught Reiki at medical schools and conferences.

This is a thoughtful, informative, enlightening book, written in an engaging and conversational style, peppered with anecdotes, that let's its readers know that here the author is opening up her heart. It is a book that is useful to seasoned Reiki practitioners, the newly-minted Reiki practitioner and the individual for whom Reiki is a new experience as practitioner or as recipient. For anyone who is interested in bringing Reiki into their lives and are without a clue as to where and how to begin, "Reiki: A Comprehensive Guide" offers an excellent starting point.

The book is divided into fourteen very well-organized chapters, moving from a description of what Reiki is and what it does, its history, the components of Reiki training, and formulating a Reiki practice, to the last few sections devoted to the role of Reiki in integrative medicine and the science and research methodology underpinning that role.

The author deals fairly but squarely with the unhappy reality that much of what most of us were taught about the origins of Reiki from Hawayo Takata, who brought the practice to the West, was simply untrue: a useful myth, perhaps, but without historicity or any factual basis. Miles addresses this without hesitation, but always reminds us of what really matters: the unassailable fact that Reiki works. Even in the absence of an explanation as to how it works, in the absence of a clinically demonstrable therapeutic mechanism, it does what it says it does. While honoring and clarifying the history and traditions of her own Reiki lineage, Miles is respectful of and offers recognition to the many different styles of practice which have developed since the time when Hawayo Takata first brought Reiki out of Japan.

As a practitioner and teacher of Reiki and other healing modalities (I integrate Reiki and the Bach flower remedies into my practice of traditional Ayurveda), I am profoundly grateful to Pamela Miles for all she has done for both Reiki as well as for complimentary and integrative medicine. The author, considered to be one of the senior-most Reiki Masters now practicing, has forged a strong and graceful link between Eastern and Western medicine, and I hope that we see more of her writing in the near future.

Here, at long last, we have an insightful, straightforward and intelligent book appropriate for seasoned Reiki practitioners and medical professionals as well as individuals who are simply looking for objective explanations.

Pamela Miles' "Reiki: A Comprehensive Guide" is a very fascinating read as it is very well-written and easy to read with roughly 275 pages. I came upon this book after reading Bronwen & Frans Stiene's The Reiki Sourcebook. Both books are recommended readings, in my opinion.

I found this book by Miles to be a great informative book for those of us who lacked an understanding of what Reiki is as well those who are more interested in learning more about the treatment. The author's writing style is very clear as well her tone of the book itself.

I certainly like the parts where the author discussed about what one can expect from the Reiki treatment, how to find a good Reiki Master, and how one can be trained in Reiki.

And, I sincerely recommended this insightful book.

What I wouldn't have given to have this book when I started out in stage hypnosis. There is no fluff, it's right to the point and gives you the true nuts and bolts of performing stage hypnosis. I know many people, myself included, jumped at the chance to pay a lot of money, take off work for a week, hop on a plane and travel to in my case Seattle, just to study under Geoffrey and Wendy Ronning. He absolutely didn't hold anything back and you get it all in the comfort of your own home for a ridiculously low price. My only complaint is that he didn't charge more money for the book to keep the curious away.
I really do love everything about this book, but the one subject I find to be priceless is what to do when no one gets hypnotized. I think it is the biggest fear of every beginning hypnotist. I know that it was mine. I still remember beginning to learn about stage hypnosis and literally going on a quest to discover a plan B when the show goes wrong. I E-mailed every hypnotist I could Google and only got one response. His solution was to bring some magic tricks along with you and if all else fails, turn your hypnosis show into a magic show. I didn't think a corporate client would find that very acceptable after they just flew me across the country when they could have just hired a magician instead. I remember traveling twelve hours to attend a hypnosis seminar from a noted stage hypnotist specifically to find out what to do when no one was hypnotized but still didn't get a satisfactory answer. I just couldn't believe that all these hypnotists got hired to do a show, just threw fate to the wind, and had absolutely no plan B to go with when things went wrong. And I don't care who you are. If you do anything enough times, eventually things will go wrong.
Geoffrey gives you a very detailed solution so you will never have to worry about what you are going to do if no one will volunteer, if no one gets hypnotized, or if none of the volunteers will respond to your suggestions and you have no show. Now you get a plan B that turns what could be a very awkward situation into a great show. I know first hand it's a solution that works because I have personally used this technique to save my reputation, and my dignity, and my show. As far as I am concerned, this information alone is priceless, as is everything else in the book. Run and get this book. I highly recommend it!

Sept. 2007 I decided it was time to make a dream come true...learn hypnotism. I literally spent 4 - 6 hours a night researching on the net, watching You Tube, checking out what the field had to offer.
If I had just found this book first it would certainly have saved me so much time...and time is money...that means the book would have been FREE. I had purchased well over $800. of books, cds, and dvds, when I found this book.
If you were only going to purchase one book to learn about stage hypnotism then this is it. This is written more like a text book, actual education. I read until I reached the last page, cancelling all plans for that day. The book was written so that a person could actually decide if that is the direction they want to go or not.
My only complaint is that it left me wanting to move to Ronning's town so that I could study full time with him.

Geoffrey Ronning's book is an excellent resource on the art of stage hypnosis. If you are looking for a step by step guide on how to be a stage hypnotist, and just as important, on the business of being a stage hypnotist, this book is for you. Moreover, if you like me are unlikely to perform a stage hypnosis act, but instead want an in depth understanding of stage hypnosis, this too is the book for you. While the book could use an index to increase its usefulness as a reference book, that does not greatly detract from the value of this volume.

There is a bonus segment at the end of the book that readers should not skip. It is about (and mostly by) stage hypnotist Chris Frolic. It is recounts how Frolic went from novice to successful stage hypnotist utilizing Mr. Ronning's techniques and assistance. I found this portion of the book helped me understand how a stage hypnosis business could be started and nurtured into a thriving business by use of the techniques taught in Mr. Ronning's fine book.

Ronning Guide to Modern Stage Hypnosis is one of the most complete modern texts on the subject available anywhere in the world today. Every time I have dealt personally or professionally with Geoffrey Ronning and the Stage Hypnosis Center, he and his staff are always top professionals. What makes Ronning and his advice unique to anybody wanting to perform stage hypnosis is that nobody--and I mean NOBODY--is so consistantly promoting and teaching stage hypnosis while simultaneously performing stage hypnosis shows for a living as does Geoffrey Ronning. He has dominated this niche successfully for a long time because he has love and passion for the hypnosis business that you won't find anywhere else.

If you want to be a stage hypnotist, you want to learn everything you can from a working stage hypnotist and hypnosis teacher. Geoffrey Ronning fits both bills and he's the best at it. Trust his advice and hire him for more. He will not let you down. It all starts when you own your own copy of the Ronning Guide to Modern Stage Hypnosis today! Warmly, The King of Sway, Stage Hypnotist Simone

Geoffrey Ronning has written the book all others will be compared to. The field of Stage Hypnosis has not seen a book quite this good ever before. One part detailed instruction manual, one part exercise work book, and one part collection of secret tips and inside tricks learned from a lifetime of practice as a full-time performing Stage Hypnotist, this book is the modern classic on the art of Comedy Stage Hypnosis.

There are only a handful of good books on Stage Hypnosis. While Ormond McGill's books, such as The Art of Stage Hypnotism and The New Encyclopedia of Stage Hypnotism are classics to be admired, they aren't particularly useful for the individual who wants to quickly learn Stage Hypnosis and begin performing shows. Jonathan Chase's Deeper and Deeper is a very good book, but it is nowhere near as thorough or complete as this new work by Ronning.

Well written, comprehensive and filled with immediately actionable tools and exercises, Stage Hypnosis by Geoffrey Ronning would be the # 1 recommended book I would suggest to the individual wanting to learn Stage Hypnosis and get started performing shows quickly.

It's been said that you can't learn to ride a bike by reading a book. And that is certainly true. But you can learn a great deal about Stage Hypnosis from this excellent book. I would say it's much more than a book, it is a Training Manual. If you will diligently study and apply what Ronning teaches in this book, you will have enough knowledge to begin performing Stage Hypnosis shows. Then get out there and perform a few shows to earn enough money to take Ronning's live training. The live training will give you confidence you cannot get from a book.

Highly recommended.

It will make you stronger, but it gets a bit boring. I've used this for over 40 years.

An exercise program you can do in under 13 minutes, with no equipment at all and decades of research to back it up. Luckily I found my old yellow copy I picked up for .50 somewhere. If you can find a copy (try goodwill stores - it was a very popular book in the 60s. Over 4,000,000 were sold) grab it. To republish this is a no brainer - look at the reviews - who knows why it hasn't happened

For all those wishing they could find a new copy of the book, 2 DVD's of this programme have just launched in UK, called Total Fitness for Men / Women. Can't comment yet on actual results (New Year resolutions coming up though!), but it looks a very sensible, effective, and motivating approach that should shatter anyone's excuse (including mine) of 'I haven't got time'.

There is a real gap here for someone to re-issue the book still, not just for the exercises but to give for example updated info on eating guidelines etc. using the same sensible, uncomplicated approach as for exercising.

I've been following the 5BX exercise plan since 1986, a long time ago. It is virtually free of cost, no frills & very effective. It incorporates practically all the theories in existence regarding increasing pulse rate, balancing aerobics with isometrics, warming up first etc. etc. And who cannot spare 11 minutes a day?
(I'm 45 & have been told that I look 35!)

A well written and easy to use guide for physical fitness. At first glance, the plan towards fitness outlined seemed unchallanging. After using the plan for just a few days, I find the fitness plans more challanging than aerobic kick boxing. Content concentrates of muscle toning and flexability, but is well rounded. Charts for progression are great for maintaining motivation. A great addition to exercise routine for active people, and a great way to start out if you are out of shape. All in under 15 min. a day without any equipment!

I am a fitness freak and a fitness and dance instructor. I am always looking for a new way to challenge my body and take it to new extremes. This book really gave me an understanding of what I need to do to take my body and its strength to the next level. It is comprehensive and easy to understand. I reccommend this book to all my friends and anyone who is looking for a good fitness trainer but don't have the money for a live one, whether you are just starting out or you are stuck in a rut. He has developed workouts that fit your body type too, which makes it even more of an ideal workout because you can zone in on slimmming your trouble spots.

I have found this book to be the best on the market when you want quality information concerning nutrition and exercise. I have highlighted so many pages to reference back to. David goes into detail on so much plus there are color pictures. I also purchased his book The Ultimate New York Body Plan but found this one more practical and attainable in reaching my goals. After reading this I can see why he is known as a fitness guru, and this book has sound advice that can be beneficial to attaining a better body!

This is a good program for people who want to get in and stay in shape without spending half of their life at the gym. You do need to spend some time building your own program sheets using the info in the book. I also bought his "Ultimate New York Body Plan" (it reflects on my obsessive streak that I'd buy both!)and I think that program would be difficult to implement for most ordinary mortals. Buy this one!

There are plenty of basic and advanced versions of exercises divided by body part. The book has many pictures that clearly illustrate the exercises. There are plenty of body weight exercises, as well as with weights. I found this book to be very helpful in creating an exercise program!

There's a reason why Heidi Klum and other supermodels seek David out for his training skills. He not only focuses on the physical and nutritional elements to fitness, but also the mind and motivation. It's like having your own personal trainer right in your home and for much less money!

This is my favorite hormone book.
I have read many Hormonal books, and Dr. Shippen has tons of good information for us older men.
Fun, easy to read and full of usefull information to get the best out of your hormones.
Great book

Excellent hormone replacement book for both men and women. Easy to read and relate to. Real eye opener.

The Testosterone Syndrome, Reversing the Male Menopause by Eugene Shippen, M.D. is a book about testosterone replacement for aging males. Dr. Shippen is a popular lecturer on the medical meeting circuit where he covers testosterone replacement. Not only is he an expert on testosterone medical research, he also draws on his experience of many years using testosterone in clinical practice.

It is well known that institutional medicine has been staunchly opposed to the idea of testosterone for aging males. In spite of this opposition, national sales of testosterone has been increasing yearly, suggesting that consumer demand is now the driving force. For the medical consumer, since this information isn't available from your doctor or in the media, Shippen's book is the first step to learn about signs and symptoms of low testosterone, and whether testosterone supplementation is right for you. Although some areas of the book contain language suitable for health care professionals, the book is actually written for the lay reader.

According to Shippen, age related decline in testosterone levels cause muscle weakness, memory loss, erectile dysfunction, and the onset of a host of degenerative diseases. However, merely replenishing testosterone is not the whole solution. The missing piece of the puzzle is the male estrogen level which can go up with testosterone treatment because of the aromatase conversion of testosterone to estradiol. Shippen found that this aromatase conversion of testosterone to estradiol. was aggravated if testosterone blood levels fluctuated between high and low extremes. Shippen advocates the gradual release of testosterone with subcutaneous pellets to avoid this problem. I found it puzzling that Shippen did not mention aromatase inhibitor medication which is the current solution. Also, many other experts suggest daily topical testosterone creams, since this provides more stable delivery.

During a more recent lecture I attended, Shippen spoke about giving a series of small mini-injections of testosterone, rather than the pellets. So I would caution the reader to keep in mind that the book was written 10 years ago, and a future new edition would be welcome, including information on aromatase inhibitors and other new developments. In spite of this, there is much excellent information in the book. While drugs change with the passage of time, human physiology does not.

A key chapter deals with low testosterone, erectile dysfunction and sexual dysfunction. Here Shippen shares his insights about the importance of exercise (Kegel exercises), to strengthen the pelvic muscles, in addition to testosterone for the return of sexual function.

Other chapters deal with beneficial effects of testosterone on the circulation, the heart, and mental functioning. Another chapter deals with testosterone and the prostate. One myth is that testosterone causes prostate cancer, and Shippen finds no evidence of this in the medical literature or in his clinical practice.

In conclusion, Shippen's book is recommended for any male over the age of 50 who is interested in testosterone supplementation to maintain youthful vigor, and as a preventive health measure.

Jeffrey Dach MD

For the past year and a half I have suffered from delbilitating major depression. I am 49 and I was being treated with antidepressants with no success whatsoever. I have taken maximum doses of just about everything in the pharmacy and it would have little or no effect on my mood. This wasnt mild depression, it was the most horrible experience I have ever encountered. I couldn't work, eat, sleep, I literally wanted to kill myself and very nearly did. I was seeing more than one physician, had batteries of tests and still no relief. After the most recent episode my regular doctor (an angel) gave me an injection only saying that it was her "potion" and wanted me to call her the next day if I noticed any significant improvement. I had no idea it was testosterone. I had previously had a blood test and it was extremely low (290 as I recall). I think that's lower than normal for a 70 to 80 year old man. In any case, I imagined I was feeling better even before I got home. By the next morning I felt more upbeat, happy, cheerful and motivated than I had in years. I was stunned and just prayed that the black hole wouldnt come back. I called her and she had me come in that day. She explained to me what the injection had been and that it was still not being widely accepted for the antidepressant effects that it is capable of producing.

She is teaching me to inject myself and yes, I will need to be monitored for proper levels and so forth but I am here to tell you, none of that matters. With depression that severe you dont care what it takes, you just want it gone. I understand that it is relatively common among men to suffer from that kind of depression and be unresponsive to antidepressants. If that description fits you, dont walk, run to your doctor and inquire about it. I hate to think of anyone suffering the way I have for so long when the answer may be a painless injection away. I was running out of options with the ADs and was just about convinced that if that was the best I could expect for the rest of my life, it wasnt worth it. I truly believe this therapy has saved my life. Learn about it. This book is a great place to start. Good luck to you all.

Although the current printing is from 2007, this book was first printed in 1998, the year Viagra came out. Although it covers all the vitamins, minerals and over-the-counter supplements, from gingko biloba through yohimbe to zinc, it does not mention Viagra! It does cover the use of testosterone replacement in detail, but the information is too old to be trusted. Beware!

This is an excellent, straight-forward, sensitive book that deals with a topic that is difficult. It is written so that it can be easily understood and is incredibly helpful to victims as well as therapists who treat them. The author validates the victim's world and encourages the victim to get help and talks about the many males who have survived and are healing.

As a spouse of a survivor, I read this book which also offered advice to partners and spouses. This book gave way too many examples and other info for the first 4 chapters. Most of us already have an idea of what sexual abuse against boys can entail, there were just way too many stories of survivors that were disturbing and difficult to read. It did however give important insight and ways to get help and help yourself but it came along with a lot of unneeded information. If you have the time and patience it is a good tool towards recovery.

If you or a loved one have been the victim of childhood sexual abuse then this book is an excellent resourcee. It deals primarily with Male Survivors and provides great insight into how coping mechanisms have become a way of life. It allows survivors to carefully examine their feelings and relationship choices in a positive and affirming manner, and begin to make changes to a healty lifestyle. If you have decided to read this book, well done!!! You have taken the first steps to reclaiming your life!

A thoughtful book re sexual abuse of people who are trying to get past the victim ideology. The writer has had much experience in treating these people and his suggestions are helpful.

I gave this wonderful book to my husband who is in recovery from childhood sexual abuse by his father. He cried and read , cried and read from start to finish. The book is empowering, healing and filled with truth that heals. I recommend it as an essential read for those in recovery and for those who love them. Kate