Women's Health Books

Loved this book and gave it to all my friends. We all found it funny, wise and uplifting to see the stories of so many women woven together in such an interesting way. Personally I treasured it for the shared discussions that we had about it, we all enjoyed talking about the truths we saw in it. We can see that we are not alone in our experience and we learned from it at the same time that we laughed. Great book!

Barbara's fourth masterpiece Dish! is all about "S"- Saucy, Sexy, Sophisticated and full of Secrets to better understand the mysteries of the Universe (or at least women). I have purchased copies for many of my female clients. They loved it and have found Dish! to be a liberating self-coaching support. A must read .... for clients, moms and daughters alike...

And it's not only for women. Anyone going thru a life transition and asking themselves the tough questions will learn something important. And guys, don't you want to know what we think of you? If you are a manager, understand what's going on in the hearts and minds of your female employees.

Laurie Hillis, MA
Leadership Consultant and Executive Coach
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

As a long time fan of Barbara Moses, I had been waiting for Dish for a while but knew that this author would eventually get around to writing a book that transcends career and touches the broader context of women's lives. Spending a rainy Saturday with Barbara and the other women whose voices she shared was almost like attending one of her seminars - chatty, provocative and ultimately validating and helpful. Girl friends are great but there are few observers of the broader scene with the wisdom and perspective that Barbara brings to the debate of how do I manage my career, create a personal life and deal with all the other complications that life has thrown my way. As the most personal book that Barbara Moses has written, Dish also provides glimpses into the woman herself - and this humanizes the subjects she has chosen to write about even further. Unlike other self help and career management books - which tend to preach - Barbara writes from the trenches. She is one of us and I liked that a lot. So find 4 hours or so, curl up in your favorite chair and enjoy.

I may not be the target audience for this book (I'm an adult male, I suspect most of its readers will be adolescent females), but I thought this was a terrific anthology, and a great way to get a discussion started about "that time of month." For girls, it gives some perspective, and for boys (if you could get them to read it), it would go a long way toward demystifying the ways of women (!). I especially liked Dianne Ochiltree's "The Woman's House," and David Lubar's very funny "The Heroic Quest of Douglas McGawain" (a teenage boy goes out to buy tampons for his girlfriend!).

Of all the possible themes for a collection of short stories, this has to be one of the most unlikely...menstruation. While the topic may appear a bit unseemly, it ultimately works to create a wonderful celebration of womanhood. The book is a series of biological coming-of-age stories; it portrays
menstruation as both celebration and curse, as something welcomed and dreaded. Most of all, it shows that `periods' bond all women across time and culture.

Several stories look at menstruation in a modern vein. Losing It is a wrenching look at losing one's virginity; an antidote to the Hollywood romanticism of the "first time." The Uterus Fairy is a cross-generational look at, well, uteruses. The mother is mourning an impending hysterectomy; her daughter is worrying about a possible pregnancy. The Heroic Quest of Douglas McGawain is one of the few comic tales and the only one told from a male's point of view (this "knight's" quest involves
tampons!)

Several stories look at menstruation from different cultural or historical perspectives. Getting one's period as a noblewoman in pre-revolutionary Russia meant being eligible for marriage to a politically-correct man. Instead, The Czarevna of Muscovy longs to be one of the dancing peasants she spies in the village courtyard; her pining has drastic consequences. Ritual Purity is a fascinating look at the Othrodox Jewish tradition of mikveh (monthly cleansing bath) and a troubled teen who seeks meaning in tradition and family. Moon Time Child is a look at a slave girl's dread of her "moon time" knowing that it will mark her as a "breeder" and mean a further loss of freedom.

Several stories transcend time and place. Sleeping Beauty is a musing on fairytales and menarche. Transfusion is a dramatic story of a mentally-ill woman's blood infusing another woman's life with meaning and strength. In a second powerful story, Maroon, a young girl worships her older, `hipper' cousin only to discover that her "hero" has done the unforgivable: become pregnant out of wedlock.

Some of the stories have violent themes although not graphically portrayed. There is also some adult language and sexual situations --again, not graphic. The very theme of the collection will be off-putting for some, titillating for others. The attractive cover and breezy fly ("Whether your cycle is regular or random, you prefer chocolate or chips, you break out or remain zit-free, you period is an indelible fact of life...") makes this book appear to be light-weight reading. But those who pick it up will be rewarded with uniformly high-quality writing. A great addition to high school collections,
middle school (with caveats) and certainly a women's studies course.

I just read the new book Don't Cramp My Style. The story "The Women's House" in it is awesome! Wow! I cried at the end. I became totally immersed in the story and felt that I was right there observing the young girl and her family. The story involves the behaviors and customs of young Native Americans girls as they reach puberty and begin their first blood. It was written through the eyes of Sparrow Song, a young Native American girl, which made it very realistic and extremely touching.

Pregnancy can be so trying, especially when hormones are invloved. To the rescue this book which covers just about everything about homormal changes during pregnancy. I found some sane, good solutions--without drugs!! Highly recommended!! I also liked and would recommend another pregnancy book called You Know You're Pregnant When. Reflections on the Longest Nine Months of My Life

Highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to know up-to-date and accurate info. I've read a lot of the pregnancy books out there, and most of them cover the same stuff in the same way. This one takes a different angle and doing so teaches you a whole lot more about what is going on and what to expect or ask.

As an epidemiologist myself, I felt reassured by recognizing that much of the literature he references for topics I already knew about (the nutrition) is very recent and from good studies. I learned a lot from this book and felt like I had better knowledge on what to ask my doctor and what to be concerned about.

Also, though it has tons of detail in it, the author writes very clearly, succinctly, and in a friendly voice, making it easy to take it all in.
His chapters are useful post-partum too, especially the breastfeeding and maintaining sexuality chapters.

There is an astonishing amount of information in this book. It's written intelligently but it's also written to be very accessible to the lay person. The layout will remind you a little of the Magic School Bus books -- there's a main text but also many interesting little sidebar boxes with "pregnancy pointers," "partner pointers," and the like. It has solid, well-documented information about the roles of nutrition, de-stressing your life, and exercise and even includes an excellent section on sexuality during and after pregnancy. Best of all is the attitude of the book -- an informed patient is a happy patient, an asset to her health care provider, and a partner in her own health care. Better, the book's view is that a pregnant woman can have control over the symptoms that a lot of us are just told are a "normal" concomitant of pregnancy (when else in our lives, except for menopause, are we told symptoms like vomiting and insomnia are normal and to just live with them??) Greene debunks myths, shares his vast knowledge of research, and shows you how to apply his ideas in an overall program that will make for a safer, healthier pregnancy (and for a healthier lifestyle after the kid comes). The book might be a little too packed with info to read cover to cover if reading isn't your thing, but it has an excellent index and can be used as a reference (although he encourages you to dive in with his entire program, which would really benefit anyone, pregnant or not).

This book is a very insightful look at "teen" pregnancies and may help destroy many ideas that people have of the "fast" "immature" teen girl pregnant because of her hormonal drive and rebelliousness.

Along with Judith Musick's "Young, Poor, and Pregnant," Luker's book is a masterpiece shattering beloved myths on all sides of the utterly phony "teen pregnancy" squabble.

If you're public health professional, a teacher, a social worker, or even a politician, dealing with teen pregnancy at any level, you don't really understand what's going on, unless you've walked the walk, or read Kristin Luker's Dubious Conceptions, Judith Musick's Young, Poor and Pregnant, or Norine Johnson et al's (Eds.) Beyond Appearance: A New Look at Adolescent Girls. If you haven't been in their (adolescent mothers') shoes, but you have the social conscience and sense of social justice to want to help these kids, these three works are, in my view, indispensible reading. If you depend on organizations like The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy for your good ideas, you have really been missing the boat. Come down to earth and discover their real world.

As someone who has dieted since age 5, battled compulsive over-eating and bulimia, exercised beyond endurance, and finally had gastric bypass surgery, I can authoritatively review this book. Sia Barbi (with contributions by twin sister Shane) has a no-holds barred, frank and refreshing approach to a subject that's been in the closet too long. Millions of people will find wisdom and guidance in this well-researched book. Don't be misled by the flawless appearance of the Barbi Twins. The last thing you'd expect from these picture-perfect women is anything unhealthy, but they have an amazing story to tell of their nightmare eating and over-exercise habits. They frankly describe their extreme dieting, self-starvation, binging, purging, laxative abuse and exercise frenzies. The book is a high-impact emotional roller coaster ride for anyone who's experienced eating issues. It gives practical advice for coming to grips with eating disorders with professional guidance and 12-step programs, feeding yourself right and exercising properly. There's much written elsewhere on anorexia, but the Barbi book centers on compulsive over-eating, to which I think more of us (certainly Americans) can relate. I HIGHLY recommend this book.

This is a great book for people struggling to overcome bulimia. It is honest, at times funny, and offers a fairly comprehensive look at nutrition, self-care, beauty regimens, etc. The best thing about the book is that it provides lots of variety and room for personal choice. For instance, there are several examples of meal plans and exercise options rather than a set prescription that one HAS to follow to get better (which dieticians advocated to me without much success). This is reassuring to someone who might still be afraid of drastically increasing their calorie intake or changing their exercise routine. The twins seem to say that this is okay - recovery is a personal journey. This was really the first book that helped/inspired me after a 10-year downward spiral of bulimic/compulsive exercising behavior.

the book is very good at describing what foods and vitamins do what in your body, what foods are best (whole wheats, etc.) I found it to be very interesting and helpful.

I will be using this in my classes as the practical side of the book is easy enough ( for me) to understand without the help of a teacher. The theory is clearly explained and the author obviously wants to take care of you ( like a big sister ) I feel motivated by her words. The illustrations add to the charm although I would have preferred more professional drawings, it doesn't stop you from understanding precisely where the point is to work on. The photos are there to help with how to position each part of your body. I found this good value for money and I will be looking at her other books as I feel this was a good investment.

I've been teaching Qi Gong for over 10 years there are very few books written by women on Women's Qi Gong. There are even less books that I would recommend to someone who isn't already enrolled in a class. Earth Qi Gong for Women is an exception. The illustrations, photographs and instructions are thorough and easy to understand. Tina Zhang has taken her years of training in China and the U.S. and presented it in this gem of a book. She manages to effectively cover the principles and concepts of Qi Gong, its history and provides a complete workout in fewer than 150 pages. Of course I would recommend studying with Ms. Zhang, but if that is not an option please do not pass up the opportunity of reading her book.

The beautiful aspect of this book is it manages to let the reader get to know the joyful of Qi flowing into the theories - these theories tied in everything from basic understanding of qi gong history, principles to how practically practice qi gong - It gives a system and very nice-and-easy form for the readers to follow, and also includes a step by step instructions on the acupressure points massage for the eyesight improvement, a very helpful material! It is not a big book, but a simple yet powerful presentation on improving women 's general health with a very detailed and specific written in an authentic style. It makes sense that the healing aspect in qi gong practice builds on body's natural energy cultivation", and I also really like the chapter that says, "Finding the beauty in your true nature" shows the loving personalities of its author.

I am 39, and this book is excatly what I was looking for. Very informative. No matter how many books you've read on nutrition and health, you will learn something new here.

I was searching for a way to balance my life. I work hard and have two kids, but I always found that my swings and shifts of moods and body made me crazy. I suffered from PMS, bloating and moodiness. I couldn't bear another diet!
This book changed my entire life focus on eating and living. I don't follow every little detail within this book, but I do heartily endorse the lifestyle it advocates.
Drink tea, eat small meals, treat your body well. Listen to the ancient wisdom of other women. Why are many other women around the world in better physical condition that we are in North America. We must look at history for some of the solutions, instead of just popping pills for quick fixes. It has taken me a year to get to where I am - but I am soooo much healthier, happier and more balanced. This review is my way of saying Thank you to Dr. Sonia. As a woman you must read this book!

this book was easy to read--i loved the layout and presentation of information. great nutritional information and ideas. it made me think out of the typical american box and consider how people in other countries eat and no doubt are healthier because of it. as a young post-menopausal mother i would love more information on how to maintain this healthy lifestyle with a busy family and kids who are picky eaters. highly recommend the book.

The content is so innovative and helpful, and I loved the voices. Rosetree's especially packed a punch for me. To have such a powerful empath read these words made them penetrate deeply into my consciousness. If you are an empath and you love audiobooks, this book will make a deep and healing impression on you, as well.Let Today Be A Holiday 365 Ways to Co-Create with GodAura Reading Through ALL Your Senses: Celestial Perception Made Practical, Second Edition

"Jen's upset about something." my co-worker said about our receptionist. I looked up from my paperwork and replied "How can you tell that just by how she walks down the hallway? " "I don't know. I just can. Can't everyone?

Actually, no. Only one in twenty of us are empaths - those of us who "identify with and understand another's situation, feelings, and motives" (American Heritage dictionary). If you are someone with those gifts, this audiobook is well worth the time invested in listening to it.

Rose Rosetree, teacher, author and yes, empath has written and recorded a very unique guide for those of us with these wonderful skills in "Empowered by Empathy". Not only does she explain the various forms of empathic knowing (emotional oneness, intellectual shapeshifting, etc.) but she goes on to offer a variety of techniques specifically designed to assist in working with these gifts rather than being hindered by them.

My co-worker, mentioned above, is exquisitely attuned to what others are feeling. Yet, she's had to all but turn that ability off in order to stay afloat emotionally. Because of her centered and calm demeanor, others are drawn to her and she often finds herself drowning in their "stuff". If you've been there, as I have, you know it's not a fun place to be. Rose teaches skills that will show you how to turn down the empathy dial so you can still be present for others but take care of yourself at the same time. She also gives you real life examples to clarify her points and shares her answers to questions the reader might have (based on her years of working with empaths).

The six cd set runs a bit over seven hours and is great to listen to in the car. Rosetree's voice carries her clear and positive intent as a teacher of this wonderful work. I listened on my way to work and felt uplifted by the twinkly energy in her voice. I read the book a couple years ago but listening to it allowed me to catch things I missed by reading and also jogged my mind about techniques that were relevant to my own inner work. One of the things I like most about all of Rose's books is her ability to speak to different levels of the audience without losing anyone by being too technical nor boring anyone by being too basic.

A wonderful adjunct to the printed book, "Empowered by Empathy" audiobook is a good way to learn how to fine tune your empathic skills and have a little fun with it.

Rose Rosetree draws upon her many years of experience and expertise with empath empowerment in Empowered by Empathy: Twenty-Five Ways To Fly In Spirit an informative introduction to awakening personal empathy through the application of Rosetree's expert techniques and intuitive spiritual development. This six-disc CD audiobook edition of Empowered by Empathy has a total running time of 7 hours, 13 minutes and deftly carries the listener through easy, step-by-step techniques to taking hold of and control life; turning on the gifts for recognition of the true experience of "otherness"; turning off the gifts to block picking up the pains of others; and obtaining a practical understanding of empathy as a true and enduring blessing, regardless of how much suffering has resulted in having lived as an untrained, uncontrolled empath in the past. Empowered by Empathy is very strongly recommended, especially for those who were born with physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, or metaphysical empathy.

I have read many books on overeating and body acceptance over the years, but this is the best! After just reviewing a few pages, I was hooked. She was talking to me...about me.. and I felt a connection like never before. This book put me in touch with feelings I haven't felt in years and have been avoiding by using food to quiet all the noise.....and my hungers are VERY LOUD. Thank you...thank you..for your insight. This book nurtured me!

I have read many books on overeating and body acceptance over the years, but this is the best! After just reviewing a few pages, I was hooked. She was talking to me...about me.. and I felt a connection like never before. This book put me in touch with feelings I haven't felt in years and have been avoiding by using food to quiet all the noise.....and my hungers are VERY LOUD. Thank you...thank you..for your insight. This book nurtured me!

When I bought the book I thought it would talk about healthy food & healthy eating habits.The book was more than that since it relates eating with self-confedence & dealing with problems,which solved the question I have always been asking myself :"why am eating if I'm not hungery?".

Pensado para las costumbres y peculiaridades de los latinos, pero ademas un libro que piensa en detalles muy necesarios que a veces a los padres no se les ocurre (especialmente a los primerizos como a mi esposo y a mi)muy bueno, facil de leer y consultar, respondio a muchas de mis tantas preguntas.

Es un excelente libro que ha dado respuesta a muchas de mis inquietudes y cada ves que necesito saber de algo corro y busco en el indice y preciso que encuentro la razon a mis dolores lo he disfrutado mcuho.

Gracias

My wife is an avid reader and a loving mother, this was the perfect gift for such a person, demistifies and educates, this is a wonderful gift, we actually bought 2 of them as gifts for pregnant friends.
GUIA PERFECTA PARA LA MUJER EMBARAZADA, NO DUDES EN COMPRARLO, NOSOTROS COMPRAMOS 2 EXTRAS PARA REGALAR. FELICIDADES!