Women's Health Books

I really enjoyed reading this book not only because it was well-written, but because it seems to put these three disorders into perspective as they can be linked to one another. Obviously, not everyone gets trapped in the "toxic triangle" and each of the three disorders can exist on their own. However, for people who find they suffer from two or more, the book has much to offer. The author presents some psychological data along with personal stories and examples that help the reader to understand the interaction of eating, drinking and thinking too much. The begining chapters explain each of the three conditions and how they are detrimental to a person's well-being. The latter chapters deal with creating an action plan to help you "fight" your way out of the triangle and get on a path to healing. For me, it was a very insightful read (especially the chapters on Overthinking) and I highly recommend it to someone who may be suffering from any or all of these problems. It is a good starting point to think critically and understanding any or all of these three issues, but certainly does not provide the cure.

This is the absolutely best & most informative book I have EVER read!!! This book is a must!!! I'm the Queen of self-help books & this book says it all. I even suggested it to two psychologist friends of mine & they purchased it for their clients/patients. I'm telling you now....STOP...& buy this book! It will change your life.....finally.

Susan Nolen-Hoeksema has provided an informative and encouraging text book on her subject of the toxic triangle. I have learned so many things about myself and this problem and am at last hopeful of making some positive changes in my life.

Loved this book, I have not read the author's first book, but that did not present any problems. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema offers some very plausible reasons for overeating/drinking in women. Her theories make sense and while I know quite well that there is no "magic pill" for this problem, I feel the info she offers gives me some tools to understand the problem and how I can better help myself. My one criticism of the book would be that I don't recollect any suggestions that the reader supplement the book by working with a psychotherapist trained in women's disorders. For most women, this would be crucial to the healing process.

The author calls the cycle the Toxic Triangle. Many women spend all week carefully keeping themselves in check. They work hard at their jobs all day making sure that they don't say or do the wrong thing. After work, they continue to control their actions by only choosing healthy food in just the right quantities and abstaining from alcohol.

By Thursday or Friday, however, the frustration, pressure, and cravings becomes too much. These same controlled seemingly put together women decide to just have one glass of wine to unwind or just a few potato chips. This simple action starts a chain of excess which is turn fuels the desire to control which turns into a never-ending cycle.

Eating, Drinking, Overthinking brings this cycle of self abuse to light showing women what they are really doing to themselves, likely without even knowing it. The author uncovers the real reasons behind these actions and shows woman healthy ways that they can deal with both their emotions and their unreal expectations of themselves.

This book was my trusted warm companion for my menopausal journey. At times, I think it was this book that kept me centered and sane during some long nights of insomnia due to hormonal changes.

While one can not call a friend during the wee, dark hours of sleeplessness, Marian's book was always there with wisdom words and explanations that let me know that this, too, shall pass.

May I heartily commend this book to each woman to gift herself with--and to share or give to friends as they enter this transitional passage of new potential and mystery.

I found this book to be the starting flag of my new journey into life. It is the beginning of the 2nd race for me and I am leading the pack. I've never given much thought to what I should be thinking at this stage in life but now, through Marian's words of wisdom I think I know. Thanks Marian.

I read several books on menopause, and Elderwoman takes the approach that feels most affirming to me. McCain embraces this phase as a natural "ripening" of our growth on earth. She explores our maturity from many perspectives...physical, emotional, mental...and profoundly spiritual. The wise advice that we wish we would have gotten from our mothers and grandmothers is lovingly offered in this book.

Eureka!
As a lifetime acquirer of books, and increasingly less-than-overwhelmed by most of the material I read, this is a glorious exception. Marian McCain has written what should be required reading for all women approaching/already in their menopausal years............This outstanding book deals with every possible aspect of the transition into the third age of a woman's life, shedding light, wisdom and credibility into all those dark corners we barely knew existed. I commenced reading 'Elderwoman' at about 9:00pm one evening, and was startled to look up, a little while later, and find it was 2:00am, the following day. I forced myself to put the book down, wanting to savour the promise of 'having something left for later.'

Marian McCain's insights into this fascinating passage in a woman's life are almost uncanny; I had the distinct impression that she must have had a direct 'link' to my own experiences as she wrote. It is, I find, enormously comforting to have my own personal journey into Elderhood 'validated' by the writings of this very wise woman.

Please, ladies, do yourself a huge favor; if you never buy another book, BUY THIS ONE!!

Marian McCain has written a glorious book on woman's journey into her third age (or cronehood), and how I wish this book had been in existence when I began my own voyage some years ago! Life's journey is a curious and winding trail full of twists, turns and surprises, one which takes us through shaded valleys, across moonlit mesas, and at last up into the high clear air of the mountains. The journey to elderhood should be joyful and without fear, and Elderwoman is the perfect volume to take along on our travels, an atlas and a guide book chock full of wisdom, compassion, simplicity, lightness and yes, passion too. I keep a copy of this book close by, and I return to it often.

The book is well written and unlike most books I've read, incorporates a multifaceted approach to self improvement. It teaches us to love appreciate and ourselves unconditionally, celebrating our beauty both inside and out. I disagree, however, with some of the advice found in the last chapter of the book on "spiritual power". Although the tips are well-intended, I believe they strayed too far in the religious direction. According to this book, one must know that God's "a given" and the truth that "We are all connected to the omnipotent, omnipresence called the Creator." In my opinion, this book could have remained more secular in this respect.

Finally a book that celebrates the beauty of Black women in every shape, size, and shade. This book, filled with stunning photographs of beautiful Black women, offers practical advice on hair care, skin care, nutrition, exercise, and self-care. Not just a cosmetic make-over, but a total body make-over. There are recipes and tips for creating a luxurious in-home spa environment with ingredients you may already have in you home. It's like having the indispensible information in every issue of Essence, right at your finger tips.

Finally a will written and thought out book for a person thats in the dark. A informative book that gives you your own spa at home. Complete with a little spirit and fitness for the soul. It has all the advice of a big sister. Thank You For Time You Put Into This Grreat Book!

The creators of Essence magazine have put together a beautiful, informative coffee table book for black women to better their mind, body and souls. Filled with exquisite color photos and easy to understand information will keep you reading in one sitting.

A must-have for the Essence woman's bookshelf.

I love it!

The Essence Total Makeover book is wonderful. It provides all kinds of insights into black skin and hair care. The illustrations and pictures are great. I have always had questions about my skin and how to care for it. I have finally found the answers to my skin and make-up care questions. Thank you, Essence, for writing a beauty book for African American women.

EVERY WOMAN'S YOGA is a book written for Every woman...young...old...skinny...plump...rich...poor...of color...white..

As a nurse-midwife and nurse-practitioner in women's health, I have come to appreciate the beauty in each and Every Woman and also how the practice of yoga can enhance that inherent beauty. Since the completion of my training, 15 years ago, I have been waiting for a book I can offer to ALL women. I feel EVERY WOMAN'S YOGA is this book. It is a book for the woman accomplished in yoga as well as for the woman who thinks yog(urt) is something you eat for desert.

One of EVEWRY WOMAN'S YOGA's greatest features is that it takes you skillfuly step-by-step from where you currently are in your yoga practice toward greater accomplishiment. A basic posture is first introduced and then a more challenging or an easier variation is given, allowing a woman to adjust her practice daily and thus continually progress. The author also intertwines these progressive steps in flexibility with the breath...the ultimate link between the mind and the body.

Another great feature of EVERY WOMAN'S YOGA is the author's encouragement for the woman to create her own practice...gone are the days of sitting isolated in a classroom for hours at a time...from feeling you missed the ship if you didn't get in that morning practice. NOW are the days of incorportating the practice into the whole day..doing pranayam while out for a walk....the pelvic tilt while waiting for the bus...agni sara in the the lunch line. HELLO MODERN YOGINIS!!!

The most valuable asset, however, is the continual references the author makes to the deeper aspects of yoga philosophy and training. These teachings encourage the woman to explore challenges in her ongoing spiritual journey. So while on the surface, the book seems to be dedicated only to yoga postures, it is really leading a woman on a deeper path.

If you have not read this book, I whole heartedly encourage you to give yourself a treat for the holidays !!!(and the rest of your life).

This book is not only perfect for novice yoga practictioners, but is rich in details and suggestions for more experienced practitioners. The drawings of poses supports the text in learning correct body position. Suggestions for a large variety of practice routines is presented in pictures and words which is a great help when first learning the practice sequences.

This is the best yoga book I own. I like the clear information on poses, and I like the way I am invited to explore things for myself. The author, Dr. Schmitt, seems like a very kind and also very smart woman.

I got the book because of her impressive credentials and a friend's recommendation. I keep it on the top of my stack of yoga books because of how I feel about myself and my practice when I read it.

Clear, generous, thorough, accessible, fun... I am so impressed with what Dr. Schmitt has done with this book. There's such a wealth of information here (especially compared to the "coffee table" type yoga books that seem to be propogating in the bookstores now), yet her book is somehow light - easy to read and apply.

Jaime Stover Schmitt's EVERY WOMAN'S YOGA is a phenomenal achievement. Dr. Schmitt tells eerything worth knowing about yoga in a personal, kind, warm and engaging way. Even more than that, she guides the reader into the self healing world of spontaneous movement where the wisdom of the body becomes the inner teacher. No other book on yoga has done anything like that. This book is unique and self empowering.

Being a 3 time breast cancer repeat offender, this book rang more true than any of the others I have read. I was beginning to feel guilty about not having a spiritual experience until I read this book. Also I was getting quite peeved about "the race" because they don't interview people with multiple occurences. They only show happy, happy, happy faces of those with 1 occurence. What are we, chopped liver?
This book has made me rethink my advice to first time offenders. It is certainly the most honest book I have read about this awful disease. I highly recommend it to any breast cancer patient or family member of patient.

Part memoir, part how-to book, "The Five Lessons I Didn't Learn from Breast Cancer" has universal appeal for all sorts of cancers, even the "non-female" kind like my non Hodgkin's lymphoma. Though there are plenty of how-to tips for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, I enjoyed this book because of Lewis' take on the "Tyranny of Positive Thinking" and the pinkapalooza cartel. I respect her choice not to call herself a "survivor," though I wonder if it's really because, as she says, Death wasn't at her door, but rather sent her a "Thinking of You Card." (For me, Death had pulled into the driveway and parked the car.) Never whiny and often downright funny, this book is a must-read for anyone who has been sucker punched by cancer.

Picked up this book after my second breast cancer diagnosis. Shelley describes her experience much as my own, the first time round. Cancer is not a gift, you get through it as best you can and you do what you need to keep it from overwhelming your life. There is much humor and a realistic career woman's world view in her experience. I wish I had had this book as a reference my first time round, instead I had thought myself callous for trying to get through it as undramatic and simply as possible. "Doing" cancer, as you "do" your life never occured to me before, but it will give me resolve this second time round. Great book. Thanks to Shelley for her honesty and for sharing.

Being a recent breast cancer "survivor" the title of this book caught my eye. It is a quick read and funny and, best of all, true. If breast cancer has touched your life in any way, you will enjoy this book.

This is a wonderful book, an intelligent and deeply personal account of one woman's experience with breast cancer. At times poignant, at times laugh-out-loud funny, Shelley Lewis does not hold back in describing her journey from diagnosis to treatment to recovery. With a sharp and cynical eye, she pokes a thousand holes in the breast-cancer-as-essential-on-the-path-to-true-enlightenment script put forward by scribes who would have you believe that breast cancer is a gratifying experience, (chicken soup for the soul, if you will), without which you will never find the true meaning of life.

Shelley also takes on the cause awareness industry that reaps the benefits of breast cancer awareness, (Pink Ribbon Barbie anyone?) and challenges the medical industry and our government to work harder to isolate the causes of breast cancer and to better treat the disease once it's found.

This book is recommended reading for friends and family of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It will give you great insight in to the best ways to be most helpful while the one you love is going through this cancer.

Most of all, for any woman who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and is overwhelmed by the choices that need to be made, bewildered too, and maybe just a little out of sync with the breast-cancer-will-change-you-make-you-a-better-person crowd, when you are quite sure you were a pretty fine person all along, this book is most certainly for you.

Dayle Haddon does a real service to women of all ages in this book. With her heartfelt courage she shares how-to secrets of living the best years of your life over and over again. In ancient societies there was a place for the Wise Woman, also known as the archetype of The Crone, but as matricide evolved the older female was degraded to the level of untouchable. Haddon, a famous fashion model, actress, and performer is a testament to the lie that each birthday after age 25 is a decay. Rather, time is irrelevant, and living our best possible lives is an essential birthright. Filled with tips, tactics, and teachniques galore for all parts of self, this is one beauty book a woman needs to read. With all the attention and focus on barely legal teen actresses ... it's about time for Ageless Living!

After meeting Dayle Haddon while she was in Dallas I dove right into this book. It covers 5 main principles. While all five may not be what you need at this time, they will become relevant at some point in your life and journey. It is an excellent book for picking up a piece of information for your day or night. I feel this is a book which you will find helpful, and it is one you will want to tell others to buy. Your mom, sister, friend, co-worker, etc. will get something from this book. Enjoy and begin to rethink your way of staying connected to your self and to others. Do it for a Book Club! We did and it provoked wonderful conversations!

I met Dayle on her book tour in Dallas and quickly picked up her book after seeing such a vivacious and truly beautiful person, eager to read her advice. I was impressed with her ability to convey a great deal of knowledge and resources in the book, provide excellent advice, but most importantly her tone is that of "You are beautiful, you are important, and you are worth taking care of". So often we may feel guilty, shallow, or selfish when putting our own needs, spirituality, and self-care at the top of the "to do" list, but she encourages readers to do just that, describing how when you are at your best, then you are able to give your best to others. An easy read - great by the bedside for a quick dose of positive energy before you settle in for your beauty sleep or enter the day with a fresh, beautiful perspective.

I received this book as a gift. At first, I felt a tiny bit hurt thinking the giver was presenting me with a subtle hint that my appearance could be improved. This could not be farther from the truth. My friend was sharing a most inspiring, yet at the same time most practical, gift: A gift from one woman to her readers full of down-to-earth, everyday wisdom. Dayle Haddon tells of the struggles in her own life. Because of this, I was able to relate to a ?fashion model?. Dayle plowed through adversity and come out on top, which had nothing to do with her blessing of a great face and body. It was her beautiful spirit that led her on, and can help everyone improve their body, mind and spirit. Thanks Dayle.
Connecticut Woman

After Dayle Haddon so kindly dropped by our book club after a Book Signing she had in Dallas, our group decided to read 'The 5 Principles' that month. When I purchased it, I thought it wouldn't apply to me (I'm 29) & might be something I'd pass along to my mom, but I was wrong! It not only hands out great information about health & beauty, but focuses on even more important issues in life - such as spirituality, wisdom & staying connected (my favority principle). And how very impressed I am with Dayle Haddon because she practices what she preaches! She mentioned joining our Book Club via phone the next month (to stay connected!), and she did! Everyone, no matter their age, will learn very valuable things from this book... I highly recommend it! :)

A very comprehensive guide. Exceeded my expectations and gave me deeper understanding of my eating issues. A must for anyone on the road of recovery.

This is a wonderful book about not just eating disorders but the pressures society puts on women (and men) to look a certain way and how no one can ever really attain that social "perfection". I had an eating disorder for several years and this book has helped me overcome many of my own demons. It is not a "quick fix" by any means but it makes you really take a look at why you have certain unhealthy behaviors when it comes to food & what you yourself can do to get to the root of the problem. I highly recommend this book for women, as we seem to have the most societal pressures to be thin. It will make you look at yourself & eating in a new light. Thank you Mary Anne Cohen.

Thank's Mary Anne. Your book "French Toast..." is a very interesting book and a manual about emotional life. I would read your e-mail (or speak with you, from your e-mail). Thank's. I have understand very much about me, now. I want your rewiew about "my review" in this web page. I'm spanish woman. I'm living near Madrid.(sima_gabe@hotmail.com)

Thank's Mary Anne. Your book "French Toast..." is a very interesting book and a manual about emotional life. I would read your e-mail (or speak with you, from your e-mail). Thank's. I have understand very much about me, now. I want your rewiew about "my review" in this web page. I'm spanish woman. I'm living near Madrid. (sima_gabe@hotmail.com)

I have done extensive reading of books in the field of eating disorders and I have never read one as good as this one. Ms. Cohen's writing style is clarity itself. She helps you to tailor make a solution for your own particular eating problem. She does not preach a single, magic solution that will automatically work for everyone. "Each person's eating disorder is as unique as a fingerprint," she says at one point. She is compassionate and recounts marvellous stories from her extensive experience in the field of eating disorders to help readers gain insights into their own individual problem. She helps you become friends with food rather than treating food as the enemy. I give the highest recommendation to this book.

Steven Jonas, M.D. is a nationally recognized health-care expert. He teaches preventive medicine, and has written several books on staying healthy. He's teamed up with another health writer, Maria Kassberg Regan, to produce Help Your Man Get Healthy: An Essential Guide For Every Caring Woman. Dr. Jonas and Regan say that "studies have shown conclusively that both heart disease and cancer--the top two killers in the nation--can be prevented by avoiding negative health habits and engaging in certain positive ones." They then describe the common negative habits, such as smoking, and helpful positive habits, such as reducing stress. They've included a chart which shows the number of years life can be shortened by each negative habit compared with the number of years gained by following a few positive habits. Obviously people are responsible for their own health habits, so why did Regan and Dr. Jonas write a guide for women to help improve their husband's health? Women already have enough responsibilities! They offer several reasons, including the fact that men simply don't know as much about good health practices as women do. For example, most women's magazines print lots of health-related articles; few men's magazines are health-oriented. Regan and Dr. Jonas do not advocate making women responsible for their man's health--their goal is to give women the tools they need to encourage good habits in all those they care about. They provide several quick and simple quizzes to help readers zero in on various kinds of difficulties. They then provide extensive information on motivation-- yes, men are motivated in much different ways than women are. They also provide tips on communicating effectively with men. For example, men prefer hard information to empathy. Dr. Jonas and Regan maintain that "for many, healthy habits mark the difference between a life that's long and vigorous and one that's curtailed by chronic disease or shortened by death." Readers will find that Help Your Man Get Healthy will provide the guidelines and assistance they need to help those they love develop healthy habits and improve the quality of their lives.

Sandra Smith, Reviewer

The topic, I'm sure, is on the minds of many married couples. Kassberg and Jonas define a collaborative approach to toughening up the oafish husband - softened by marriage and the attendant collapse of physical self-discipline - that's as effective as it is commonsensical. Real-life examples are particularly instructive, and the benefits of the approach become evident within days, not weeks, as the reader "gets on the same team" as the target partner in the battle against sloth, weakness and ill-health. Easy-to-read, well-researched, and original, this book is the right answer to the age-old question, "What the hell happened to the guy I married - and what can I do about it?" Buy this one today.

As a man, I read "Help Your Man" with not just a little bit of skepticism (we don't need any help!) but was I ever surprised! "Help Your Man" provides clear and understandable synopses of relevant and common health related matters which can be prevented or improved by simple changes of behavior. It is all coupled with simple, common sense (but not obvious) suggestions on how to help your man (or yourself!) change those unhealthy behaviors. Besides all that, it reads quite nicely!

It's like a one-stop-shop for such information. I will be sure to keep it handy!

I have just completed Kassberg's book and was so impressed by the comprehensive, helpful advice she offers.She has written an essential guide for all couples who are concerned about their health and well being. The book is filled with creative tips and thoughtful advice. I recommend it to couples of all ages who want enhance the quality of their relationship and their health.

This book provides tons of valuable information and then gives hundreds of realistic suggestions that have already had a great impact on the health of my spouse and our relationship. Whether you want to help your man drink less (alcohol), smoke less tobacco, eat less saturated fat, or just get a little more exercise, this book will give you so many great (and often subtle) suggestions that he won't even realize he's getting healthier! I highly recommend it.

the pictures , the instruction GREAT GREAT GREAT thank you Lisa you are one in a million

This is an easy to read, clear approach to yoga for beginners. I love the photos! I have begun a 20 min.morning routine after a fifteen year hiatus from yoga. I recently had a child and am grateful to get back to yoga. Thank you Lisa!

to learn, review, expand and refresh my knowledge of yoga postures and their benefits for health and well being. Looking forward to getting Lisa's new yoga books on pregnancy and children. I love this book, and know I'll love the new ones.

I began looking into yoga because my back and legs hurt constantly after standing up at work all day. Most of the books on the subject out there seemed to be either too difficult or else plagued by a condescending writing style. This was the exception. It looked approachable--not too many exercises that just looked flat-out impossible. So I bought it and took it home. That was about three weeks ago.

My back doesn't hurt anymore. My legs don't hurt anymore. If they feel a little achy after work, I just go home, do a little bit of yoga, and voila! instant relief. In addition to the post-work relaxation, I've taken to doing a longer yoga workout every other day for general fitness. I started by just working my way through the beginning stretches, and have been adding advanced poses as I felt comfortable with them. I feel great, and as a side effect, I am gaining some muscle tone, and my figure looks better. I haven't lost any pounds per se, but my clothes fit much better. How great is that? I've finally found an exercise that feels good and is also good for me. I think I'll be sticking with this.

Trivell's book is very useful. She provides two sections of stretches--beginning and advanced--and then gives us ideas for how to combine them into workouts for those days when we don't have time to go through all the exercises. There are sections detailing which poses are good for different areas of the body, so you can focus on your weak points. There are 10 and 20 minute routines; there is a morning "wake-up" routine and an evening "destressing" routine. Everything about this book is approachable and down-to-earth. I love it. If you're a beginner to yoga, this is the bomb! Then, once this is old hat to you, you can maybe check out one of the other books, the ones that looked intimidating not that long ago.

I had never done yoga before ordering this book, and it has been a great help to me. The poses are described and deomonstrated in a clear and straightforward manner with quality photographs to use as a guide. I enjoyed the book so much that I have enrolled in a yoga class. It's benefitial to have an instructor to correct you and instruct you in person, but this book has been a great companion to my instruction. I only have class once a week and this book keeps me motivated and practicing between classes. Definitely a good starting point for a total beginner.

Reading this woman's book was like drinking from a cool stream on a hot day. Everything in our media instructs us to loathe ouselves. Not intentionally, of course. (Ya, right.) Permission is one of the most powerful things we can give each other and it's all thru our own living. Caplin does a wonderfully fun and honest job at sharing her own story, poking fun at our own paranoia and challenging our paradigms all at the same time. Thank God someone is finally speaking up and calling a spade a spade. We are all beautiful in our own right, DAMMIT! This CURVOLUTION should be TELEVISED!

I was looking through the options for yet another 'get fit quick' book and stumbled across I'm Beautiful Dammit!
What a refreshing change it was to read about not trying to change everything about what makes us US but to take a moment to reflect on the beauty that's inside us all. The fact that this is well written was icing on the cake.
I'm now waging my own Curvolution!

I just want to say thank you to Rachel for opening up and exposing herself, sharing her struggle with body acceptance and inspiring me with her suggestions and stories of success. I am not alone as I know many women struggle with the illusion of a "perfect" body which first of all is nearly impossible to obtain yet alone sustain. This book is a breath of fresh air and a powerful tool for any person that is looking for inspiration and some truth into the epidemic we are living in. Rachel, Thank you! I can't wait for your next book!

with so many unrealistic images it is empowering to finally find someone with a realistic voice telling us all to appreciate the beauty that we each already have...

All I can say about Rachel Caplin and her excellent book is HALLELUJAH and a hearty thank you! Being a woman who has had ongoing weight and body image issues since 3rd grade, this book is a godsend. Rachel's style is charming, honest and captivating and her message of body acceptance is SO necessary in a society where I can scarcely think of a gathering of women where weight and body issue does not come up, usually in the context of shame and self-loathing. This book is the perfect antidote to a culture obsessed with unnatural expectations of women.

After reading this I "got it." The upshot--yes, take care of yourself, eat healthy and get regular, moderate exercise, but do NOT feel any less beautiful if you cannot wear a size 0, or if you had a slice of pizza today or if you didn't run 10 miles a day this week. We have all heard this before but it is time we all started to walk the walk: beauty not only comes from within, it also comes in all sizes and shapes! That is not preachy, it is fact.

This book made me want to just go out there and shine. Rather than tear one another down, we women must unite and recognize that there are many faces of beauty--not just the one very slim (pun intended) definition forced down our throats by the media. And we should all give ourselves a break from the constant self-criticism as well!! This book is a positive, uplifting leap in the right direction--GO RACHEL!! Heartily recommended!