Medicine and Health Books

Puja Thomson writes with depth and authority about one of the most terrifying experiences a woman can face. She draws from her own bout with cancer and her history as a healthcare provider, to create an indispensible guide to understanding all aspects of this disease including traditional and non-traditional treatments, insights into patient's rights, and information on what to expect and what to demand from others involved in the healing process. Had "After Shock: From Cancer Diagnosis to Healing" been written several years ago, two of my own family members might be alive today to be praising this book as I am.

What makes this book so incredibly unique is that it is not only a wealth of vital information, which would be valuable on its own. Puja Thomson looks beyond the medical into the personal chasm created when a diagnosis of cancer occurs. Sometimes the hole in our wellbeing is pre-existing, and so cancer healing needs to happen at the soul level as well as the cellular level. Readers experienced in holistic living practices will find as much to anchor them in this process as those who are only just learning about the mind-body connection to health and wellness. Thomson empowers readers to create their own wellness program by incorporating relaxation and meditation techniques, creating a meaningful atmosphere, finding certain imagery to stimulate healing and powerful moods, and, perhaps most importantly, by cultivating a deep soul connection to health, mindfulness, and spirituality.

I have completed reading this easy to follow instructional manual and I think it is great. It is more than just a book. The text is a how to survive the medical maze everyone faces when confronted by a serious illness. J. Falk, RN, MS, CLTCO

"Puja's book was a great help to a friend of mine who was diagnosed at age 21 with inoperable lung cancer. Her words are wise, and full of wisdom from personal experience with the material covered. Clear, logical reasoning, respect, dignity and compassion run throughout the book.
Puja offers a advice and instructions on how to handle visits and treatments, including questions that should be asked, and information that should be known. Her insight is vast, and her wonderful suggestions can quickly relieve any panic and confusion that occur following such a traumatic diagnosis.
Puja also provides alternative choices to the accepted allopathic offerings, and these too are clearly and concisely discussed.
My mother had passed away 23 years ago, and I wish we had had this resource at that time. No matter what the outcome, Puja's book and the wisdom shared in it will make whatever the timing and path chosen much easier, more productive, and worth living.-Raymundo Rodriguez-Jackson, New Paltz, NY."

After Shock offers profound and important information, guidance, and support at a critical time filled with uncertainty and fear. Puja Thompson has soothed our souls, and has helped us navigate our way towards healing. This is a "must read" for anyone facing cancer, or for their loved ones.

I am a Licensed Massage Therapist and I read Puja's book so that I could become a better resource for my clients who are dealing with cancer, either of their own illness or that of a family member or friend. What I found was a wonderful resource for Cancer patients as well as anyone else who may be struggling with an illness. While the personal accounts in the book center around Cancer specifically, the advice within it's pages is practical for anyone who needs to know how to organize themselves regarding their own issue - from how to get the personal and professional support you want and need to how to organize your bills and other paperwork. By simply having the book in my office, it opens a door for my clients to talk about themselves and often to begin the healing process. Congratulations to Puja for creating this valuable resource, with love and light.

This book is a must for people who want to educate themselves about cancer beyond the conventional "treat the symptoms" technique that conventional medicine employs. It addresses methods of detection that will not cause the cancer to spread. It addresses treatment that does not destroy the immune system. But most of all, it goes to the heart of the disease--why you have cancer--and explains treatment for the possible CAUSES of the disease in each person. For those who are in agreement or wish to explore some of the treatments described in this book, the trick is finding a center that will treat using these methods, and in being able to afford this type of treatment which is rarely, if ever, covered by standard medical insurance. These centers do not advertise and generally keep a low profile for obvious reasons.

Sorry, meant to mark four stars.

I like that it has so much information all in one place, however much of the information in this book can be found on the internet (although with A LOT more work). This book gave me a much appreciated focus to my cancer research.

There are breakthoughs that the book does not cover (for example fungal infection) and it was written when the understanding of prions (the cause of mad cow disease for example)and their role in health risk was only beginning.

Would like to see a more updated version, almost 10 years old, a more recent version could only be better.

With a working diagnosis of advanced ovarian cancer, this book gave me HOPE and DIRECTION. Statistics say: One in two men and one in three women will face cancer. IF POSSIBLE, be prepared in advance to know what course you would take. BUT, if you or a loved one are diagnosed with cancer, have courage! There are MANY choices BESIDES surgery, radiation and chemo. Better choices! This enormous book will educate you.

Don't miss the AMAS test on pages 702-705: an accurate blood test that can detect ANY cancer up to 19 months BEFORE conventional medical tests for cancer can find it! This test gave me GREAT PEACE of MIND as it ruled OUT cancer for me before my surgery to remove a grapefruit-sized endometrioma (NON-malignant). Praise the LORD!

Im a 33 year old young woman, who was diagnosed with advance local breast cancer 5 months ago today (24 May 2001, date of diagnosis). I was fortunate enough to have a close friend in the US who know of this book, due to working with one of the doctors who are published.

This book has become my Bible and has literaly saved my life. Im sitting here tonight in the wee hours of the night to let you know that today I have no turmors and am living cancer free. Five months ago I have 4 tumors all at approx 4cm each, today they are all gone, by the grace of God and his direction led me to this book which in turn gave me the information, the wisdom and guaidence to get through this tragic disease that so many people, possibly thousands world wide die from.

God Bless the all those who contributed to the truth about cancer. I thank you.

"Enza"

This massive (1116 pages) book is published by the editor of the magazine 'Alternative Medicine.' The first section consists of richly detailed accounts of the successful cancer treatment plans of 23 respected alternative physicians from Robert C Atkins to Charles B Simone. Part 2 is a fundamental explanation of the nature, causes, politics and prevention of cancer. I have never read a better 225 pages on the subject. When you come closer to understanding the conditions that precede cancer you are empowered to change those conditions and assume control over your own body. The final section presents alternative therapies one by one from nutrition, botanicals, and metabolic factors to physical and energy support therapies ranging from ozone and thermal (infrared heat) to acupunture and magnetic. In all, a finely-written explanation of a life-and-death topic meant for those who have cancer, their friends and families who refuse to give up and, who knows?, maybe even your doctor! This is a book I run to every time an acquaintance is diagnosed. I learn about the specifics of their condition and the hope that exists beyond the conventional.

The book is in good condition..
I relly like it.
Thank you

Amazing reference book, especially nice with the workbook. It is well-referenced, laid-out, and very complete. Wonderfully valuable for those working with essential oils.

The book is very detailed and specific. There is actual research behind it.

This book is one of a kind! Its an absolut must have for health professionals that wishes to use aromatherapy as well for the aromatherapy/aromatology student!!
It is well referenced and contains everything you want to know, plus much much more. This is much science based as well as traditional aromatherapy. It contains really interesting case studies, the chemistry of essential oils, plant families, comprehensive essential oil directory and much much more. This book has it all! Really once you have this book, its the only one you need for all your aromatherapy library. A purchase you won't regret!

Although I haven't finished this book, what I have read so far is easy to understand and thorough. I purchased it in order to study for standardized exams after completing my certification as an Aromatherapist, and the book is not only detailed and informative, but interesting and engaging to read.

I took Biology and Chemistry in college and although I am not a health professional it is very interesting to have learned the general approach our physiology follows when faced with stress and emotions. The first 65 pages of the book describe the physiology of the brain and then some very interesting hypothesis is concluded. One among which is an elaborate description of test animals that revealed a link between stress and inflammatory diseases, arthritis being one of them. You should read this book because I'm not going to tell you how it concludes. What would be the point?

What I loved about the book is that it's written to adults and it's written very well. The author really knows how to put things in order. When dealing with such a complicated system as the human nervous system this is a good idea and certainly made the reading smooth and fast.

Some very interesting history is woven into the fabric of this book, making it less like a textbook and more like a non-fiction novel. I haven't changed my minds about personality types and the author does point out to interesting relationships between people. She talks about type characteristics like traits, the ones we use to describe people. I do believe that majority of what psychologists observe as Intuitive people is now directly related to human stress response.

This is a delightful and fascinating book. While it is meticulously researched and technical in spots, it is extremely readable. Sometimes even amusing, and even touching. I heard Dr. Steinberg interviewed on "Speaking of Faith" on NPR, and this is what motivated me to purchase her book. I am glad I did.

This is a beautifully well-written book. Mind body-books can be arrogant or too ethereal.
Dr Sternberg succeeded to write a thoroughly researched and referenced book that is also a fun book to read. This book is really helpful to understand how your mind functions. It is worth reading and re-reading.

This well written & interesting book became my bible in learning how stress can influence and/or cause an autoimmune attack. Understanding the connection between mind and body, and learning to cope with stress, is paramount to a complete recovery, so well explained by Dr. Sternberg.

Most of us believe that emotions have an impact on health--emotional stress often leads to illness and bad environments definitely changes our moods and our health. But...just how do immune defenses work, does the brain really send messages to our body to protect it from the impact of stress or lead us to get sick? How do we get the balance of healthy performance and stress right? This extraordinarily well-written book describes the mechanisms relying heavily on current research and does so with exquisite references to history and descriptions of real situations. Sternberg writes so well that many of the emotions she discusses are evoked for the reader. It challenges mainstream linking without promoting simple-minded extreme new age therapies. It shows how a balanced life can be the healthiest lifestyle. This delightful journey through the body is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how stress and immune responses really work.

Very informative book. I highly recomment this to all whoe suffer from back and neck pain. It simply explains what pain is coming from where and what the alternative could be for help. A very good book....

The appointment with the surgeon about the pending back surgery of my husband let us confused, as the information blended together. By reading Dr. Filler's book, we were able to inform ourselves, and understand the procedure which had been recommended. It was a great help, and obviously written by a professional. Thank you, Dr. Filler!

This is a pretty comprehensive guide for understanding the workings of the human back. The author takes you through an anatomy lesson where you learn about the different sections of the human spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacrum. The structure of the individual vertebrae and the differences among the vertebrae in the various sections are described. Then he goes into the actual spinal cord and nerves and how they are affected by problems in the vertebrae. Various back pains are discussed including 'referred pain' which is where you feel pain in one of the body's extremities that is actually caused by nerve trauma in the spinal cord or one of the nerves that branches out from the spinal cord to that extremity. All facets of spinal health are presented in easily understandable terms.

The second half of the book proceeds by discussing the various surgical methods that can be utilized to treat spine related problems. Historical procedures are included along with current medical trends for treating spinal problems so that you can see how back surgery has progressed over time. Even future directions and experimental techniques are discussed to give you a feel for what is up-and-coming in the field of spinal surgery. Risks are discussed as well so that you can make an informed choice to have a particular operation and understand the related consequences.

There are even chapters that discuss types of pain, pain medications and their associated complications, non-surgical methods for treating back pain and their effectiveness and potential consequences, genetic spinal disorders, recovery from spinal surgery, and even cost and health insurance matters. In fact, the health insurance chapter has valuable information describing the differences among the various type of insurance available such as HMO's, PPO's, and PSO's and explains the difference between 'contracted' and 'uncontracted' providers so that you'll know what to ask when seeking surgical help and how to control your costs.

All-in-all the book was worth the price for the information you will gain. However, I found that there was little discussion about 'degenerative' spinal problems in specific though I could imagine some of the techniques described might be useful for these situations such as transpedicular kyphoplasty. I would have liked to see the book spend some dedicated time discussing this particular type of spinal condition with, perhaps, some information about technologies that are on the horizon. Perhaps a few references to internet sites where one could find information on specific disorders would be nice as well.

I am a physician who specializes in interventional spine procedures. I suggest this book to my more educated patients. Very good,well written overview of spine anatomy,physiology,and repair. Another reviewer suggested that there is not enough info in this book on disk replacement technology and kyphoplasty. My response is that understanding everything in this book will put you ahead of 99% of laypeople. This is not meant to be a textbook on cutting edge medical procedures.

I especially enjoyed the section on understanding health insurance. I have found the "Dummies" and "Idiots" books useless in helping patients understand back problems. Five stars.

After a few years of worsening spinal stenosis I recently had to have a multiple laminectomy. There have been some post-operational complications or further problems, and I am trying to sort things out. I may have to decide to have further surgery or not.

Dr. Filler's book has been very helpful to me in understanding my situation regarding my spinal problems and my possible options for addressing them. The book presents basic, practical information in a comprehensive, well organized, and detailed manner. The writing is clear and straight forward. Dr. Filler clearly has a lot of knowledge and experience, and he shares it in a way that is very useful for patients.

Overall a good book, although sometimes it is overly basic and at others lacks detail it does have a particularly good first aid section. It is well laid out, clear, and easy to read. Well worth the investment to have on hand as a reference. Definitely a good buy for the first time dog owner!

I found this book to be very useful for the layperson. It's written in simple terms and the author has done a good job explaining the "basics" of dog health, including nutrition. It's hard to find a non-bias reference book on canine nutrition that's not endorsing a specific feeding "style".
Coming from an animal care background, I can easily recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about caring for their furry friend.

I reserached a while into various bokos on dog nurtriotn and health. the options I found were limitintg: one can purchase books for alrge sums on money giving me all kinds on information about rare diseases and symptoms or the opposite, very light and uncritical. this book is in the middle. It highlights the most important facts for both nutrition and health and whilst it does not go into too much detail, I feel that I would not be able to cope with that anyway and would need to refer to a veterinarian anyway. And this is from a "human" doctor, turned dog owner, where I would feel the same about a book on human health, too many details are too confusing and worrying for the reader.

This book, is an very informative read. I love it. It gives in depth details on how to care for your dog. If i were you I would order it !!

first the bad: the nutrition aspect of this book a *really* lacking. while the author initially states that meat should be the base of any dogs meal, absolutely NONE of the recipes she includes have more than 30% meat (give or take). there is no mention of how to discern a good dry or canned food (if you want that try Dr. Pitcairn's books), and while I can understand her hesitation about raw diets, she completely fails to point out that common sense and basic hygeine can take care of a lot of those problems. in short, the nutrition sections were useless.

the good: the health and first aid sections are top rate and those make this book a must have for ANY dog owner. Luckily the bulk of the book covers these issues (the nutrition section is very small), and that makes this book a worth while purchase. one of the most useful things is a list of things that is included is a list of what to have in a pet first aid kit.

overall I'm only giving the book 3/5 stars because I feel that a book titled "health and nutrition" should thoroughly cover nutrition and this book just doesn't cut it. I highly recommend buying it used (which I did) and keeping it around just for the "health" information.

This is a must read for anyone interested in non-conventional medicine.

A couple of illnesses in the family triggered my fourth re-read of this wonderful book.

I agree with all the positive reviewers here.

Dr. Fulford had wonderful insight into the medical field, questionable medical practices, life, living, and the afterlife.

One thing I didn't see mentioned in the reviews is the exercise section of the book. It has 8 unique exercises that are for overall health, nothing to do with athletic ability or conditioning.

This book is a keeper for sure, and one that you will re-read, too.

This is an excellent book reviewing the amazing Doctors way of using his Ostopathic training. It is a profound reason to consider Alternative Medicine over the oft accepted Allopathic way. A most enjoyable read.

A friend of mine who is a massage therapist and is exploring cranio-sacral work gave me this book. I have had pains in my lower back and neck for several years now; i've also been through some painful events 20 years ago, and again 10 years ago with the loss of my respective parents. My current life is very busy with famile (children), work and projects and emotionally difficult at times with a strained relationship with my husband. Overall though I'm a positive and upbeat individual believing in the spiritual and soulful nature of humans, beyond just mind and body. I've been more and more interested over the years in the relationship between body, mind and spirit since the death of my mom which has been a very difficult and painful event for me at a time that I was just starting in life (I wasn't 20 yet).
I am considering seeking treatment with a DO for my back and neck pains, and reading this book has emphasized the importance for leading a balance life and not just 'patching' some areas with perhaps a visit to the chiropractor's office that will mostly focus on the spine or taking muscle relaxant medicine or simple pain medicine. This is a great book, with a lot of food for thoughts and practical exercises for anyone to do. I am thankful to my friend for giving me this very valuable book and wish that I would have received it while Dr Fulford was still alive so that I could have thanked him for giving this testimony to us.

The reviews explain this short book very well. I really enjoyed the first few chapters. His transition into more philosophical healing ideas in the later chapters didn't do as much for me, but if your a fan of Weil or even Chopra you'll appreciate them.

Dr. Fulton really makes the reader consider Osteopathy as a medical alternative.

Great handy little reference book. I work in an ED and the quick reference is nice to turn to

Lots of great references - everything from heart rhythms to drugs. I work in the ER and like having the handy reference in my pocket!

It is very useful for nurses as it is small and light in keeping in the pocket. it contain almost all what the nurse need to review in their duty time.it is very helpful as a quick refernce in busy time.

This book is a MUST for all ER nurses, it is so helpful and a great quick reference.

This pocket guide is a must for RNs in the Emergency Room. The drip tables alone make it worth the money.

My discovery of Edward Bach's Flower Therapy came on me suddenly. In the midst of writing a novel, my lead character decided to enhance her floral shoppe inventory with self-sewn natural plants and seeds. Within twenty-four hours of beginning my search for herbal practices, I ran into Bach's 38 key plants employed for prevention and cure of a multitude of ailments. This book is a beautiful reference and has been an endless reference for me while developing plant and human characters. I'd absolutely recommend it to anyone who wishes to discover how your personality quirks might be tamed by God's wildflowers.

I am a Reiki person, A massage person, An Herb person, A Gardner, So Bach just seem to be the next natural course of events. This is a good Starter book. It talks about each indiviuial flower. The basics. The foundation. This will be a reference book for the future. I am intending on buying other books about Bach.

This book truly is an "encyclopedia."
Everything you could want or need about the Bach Flower Therapy system.

This is an excellent companion for anyone who uses bach flower therapy. It is very informative providing in depth information on each flower, history, photos, the negative as well as positive side aspects the particular flower is used for and what I find particularly helpful are the focus ideas at the end of each chapter for refocusing your thoughts. Extensive questionairre, index, glossary.

It may be a bit more than a person needs if you are just curious or have not begun using bach flowers.

I found this a difficult read. There was never anything to really get excited about and no new amazing insights. It simply repeated the accepted wisdom on Bach flowers. Her description of each flower remedy was a long discussion of the negative state given in the Bach Flower brochure. It's her opinion that it is the separation from the higher self and not listening to your inner voice that causes this negative state.

For instance, when it comes to Chestnut Bud she focuses on the fact that they make repetitive mistakes. Chestnut Bud people have laser like focus, and can obsess on a tiny area of the universe. This makes them brilliant, but they miss many things outside of their field of interest, hence the mistakes. They are like the classic "absent minded professor". They have extreme talent in one area, but very little common sense. Many people with Asperger's will benefit from this remedy.

If you ask a Chestnut Bud if he makes repetitive mistakes, he will answer with an emphatic "No!" because if he makes a mistake in his area of focus, he learns from it, and does not make the same mistake twice. Where he makes repeated mistakes is outside his area of focus, which he doesn't see, and often doesn't care about. But if you ask him "Can you focus intensely on something you're interested in, finding answers that no one else can think of?" He will answer, "Absolutely!" So yes, he makes repeated mistakes, but that's not how you need to approach him. Instead focus on his intelligence and problem solving capabilities, and show him how to balance it.

She is very picky about how many drops to use, what kind of alcohol, and how to drink the water. They are flower remedies. They're an energy medicine. Finding the right remedy is much more important than how many drops to use.

When it comes to selecting the correct remedy she treats it like a homeopathic consultation, with a long interview process, and questionnaires that once again focus on the simplistic negative states given in the brochure. She off handedly dismisses any type of energy testing, saying that people new to Bach Flowers use this approach. I have used Bach Flower remedies for years, and I find energy testing to be quite important. Just because somebody has Asperger's does not mean they need Chestnut Bud. Contrary to popular belief, a flower remedy can be wrong, and can stress a person.

Frequently energy testing will point to a remedy that I dismissed, and when I look at it more closely I think, "Oh, I hadn't thought of it that way." Energy testing has actually taught me more about the remedies because I've learned what types of people can benefit from certain remedies outside of the simple issues in the brochure. It's fun to meet a client for the first time, with basically no knowledge of their personality, and be able to describe their most pressing issue. They say "Wow, how did you know that?" It also increases their faith in your ability to help them.

The focus on the negative aspects also felt over emphasized. Natural leaders will often test for Vine, which does not mean they are tyrants. It means they are natural leaders and it strengthens those qualities.

If you are interested in the Bach Flowers, I recommend Advanced Bach Flower Therapy: A Scientific Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment. I also really like Practical Uses and Applications of the Bach Flower Emotional Remedies.

The first edition of "Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy" was recommended to us some ten years ago and we decided to update to the 5th Edition. This volume contains nearly 50% more information on the advances in detection, treatment and prognoses of the various types of cancer. Not being a physician, I have found that the references are easily read and understandable. It provides insight on prevention and treatment.

Great strides are being made and this book gives inspiration and hope that our doctors will continue to attack cancer in all forms.

I recommend this reference book to all who want an authoritative source to understand the types and stages of most common cancers.


Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy; Revised 5th Edition: How Cancer Is Diagnosed, Treated, and Managed Day to Day (Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy)

Higly recommend. Great to have around so when you have questions this book will answer them, as we often have questions when a doctor is not around to answer them. Sometimes we may may not want to ask a question well this book lets you find your answers in the privacy of you home. I had 2 previos versions and I preordered this one as the others were very useful and this one has been also.

While working in a very large private hospital in Omaha, I worked in Radiation Oncology. Finding myself alone, without a nurse to teach me how to teach my patients, a friend suggested this book. I purchased it, devoured it and put the information to use, teaching my patients about treatment protocols, systems involved in their treatment process, in terms that they could understand. I recommended this book to many of them, they always returned to thank me for suggesting the book. CC

It is a wealth of information - that every person diagnosed with any type of cancer can benefit from. Having had 2 bouts with breast cancer, I have bought many books. This one is the best resource book I have found. I have loaned it out many times and everyone is thankful for the information.

It is written in an easy style, such that an average person can understand the language. It presents many questions for the patient & family to ask doctors, along with the many options available.

I highly recommend this for anyone who needs any type of information about cancer and it's treatments.

This book is a one stop guide to so many things involving therapies that it is hard to know where to start. Cancer nurses feel this is the best consumer book out there. Information is in plain English, simple terms, with lots of illustrations. Tons of referrals to agencies that may be helpful.