Medicine and Health Books

This text is a valuable resource for those interested in the science of flooring and tribometry. The scope of topics is comprehensive and I especially appreciated the discussion of flooring types, cleaning methods, and maintenance in Chapter Six.

Mr. DiPilla's book is delightfully clear, concise and comprehensive. It educates the reader from the scope of slips and falls issues, to common procedures for recognizing and mitigating walkway hazards, to management control methods and accident investigation/claims mitigation. The text and illustrations read in a simple, common-sense way, showing the truth of Voltaire's comment that "common sense isn't so common."

Another noteworthy feature of this book are the remarkably comprehensive, annotated references to slip resistance principles, flooring, footwear and slip-resistance measurement techniques, both within the U. S. and internationally. The annotated listings of U. S. and international standards and guidelines in themselves provide the best collection of references I've seen on this complex subject. Remarkable.

David C. Underwood, Ph. D.

One might expect that evaluating the slip resistance of a walking surface is a straightforward procedure. Surely building codes contain specifications for slip resistant walkway surfaces and indicate procedures to evaluate available surfaces. You will not find these specifications or procedures in building codes and you will be frustrated and confused as you seek guidance. Slip and fall Prevention by Steven Dipilla is the best summary of up to date industry standards and test methods needed to perform meaningful evaluations. If you need guidance this should be the reference you purchase.

This book is a comprehensive reference on slips and falls and "must have" for every safety professional reference library. Very useful hazard recognition and prevention guidelines is offered for indoor and outdoor slips and falls from floors, stairs and ramps. In addition, this is one of the best references I've seen on slip-resistance measurement guidelines and tribology standards.

Slip and Fall Prevention by Steven Di Pilla, though probably written primarily for professionals in the field of safety and risk management, can be invaluable to anyone who owns or manages physical assets.

It seems to me that Mr. Di Pilla has dealt with every possible manifestation of the subject. I was particularly impressed with his advice regarding claim mitigation. This handbook belongs on practically everyone's bookshelf.

I was able to read Ms lee's book in 2 hours. I did not read every little detail, I found all the indepth journalling to be more than I wanted to know, but it highlighted her struggles and determination to have a baby. I did not find it helpful per se. IMO it is the kind of book that is best shared with family and friends who know you personally. A great book for her to share with her son one day...

Unless you struggle IF you will never know the pain and heartache. In this book you will see what we go through. You will laugh and cry with each entry.
Another reviewer wrote, "Too much info" If more people spoke out the stigma and embaressment and shame we go threw would lessen.
Thanks Robin for being so couragious to write this book.

Lori

There aren't many people in this world that would open up their most private wishes, struggles and disappointments for others to experience through publishing. This book is a must read for anyone who has struggled or is struggling with infertility - as well as their friends and family members. I read this book in one sitting. It was so compelling to see how each attempt came out that you can't stop reading. I thank the author for sharing her journey with us. And I heartily congratulate her on having the family and son that she fought so long and hard for.

The story of Ms. Lee's journey through infertility is a 'must read' for anyone embarking on their quest for a child. Those who have not experienced this heartache would benefit from learning what it is like to yearn for a child who is seemingly so out-of-reach. It really makes you count your blessings!

This journal is very open and honest. I couldn't stop reading once I started it! The author does a wonderful job of capturing the rollercoaster ups and downs of trying to conceive a child. There are a lot of emotions, both good and bad, that go along with this process and they are all shared within this journal. Financial and social struggles are also seen along the way. This journal is a very good description of the nightmare that infertility can be.

Excellent, fast-paced, thought-provoking novel. Dr. Kerns provides an insider's look into the state of our healthcare via a very personable set of characters and a story that kept me entertained cover to cover.

This was a very interesting book, highlighting the changes in medicine today. The for profit hospital is very different than non profit and the story guides you through the changes. I think if you are in the medcial field ,this is a good read.

I enjoyed this book tremendously and had to ration myself so I didn't gobble it up in one sitting! As I completed it last evening, I had two distinct experiences: As a critical event began to unfold, I had an adrenaline rush as though it were happening to me! And when a disclosure comes that explains one thread of the story, I got a lump in my throat. It was one of those situations where I had to remind myself it was a fictional story yet my physical reactions were quite real. David, thank you for a lovely reading experience.

From mourning the tragedy of little Kerry Jameson, a child whose life as we know it was cut short by medical error/understaffing, to identifying with the ethical dilemma of finances versus care faced by Dr. Dan Fazen, "Standard of Care" brings to life in fiction, the real-life circumstances faced daily in todays hospitals. This book would be enough as a can't-put-it-down read that reaches to the core of human values, and reminds us that right can prevail through the compassion of a single individual, but it goes much further.

Reading this book, one can envision a country where the medical system works! "Standard of Care" should be read and re-read by anyone who hopes to make a difference in the health care of Americans. Though I longed for a sequel the moment I finished the book, Dr. Kerns has a gift to put forth the solutions that could repair our ailing health care system. I hope he pens it!

Full disclosure: I have the good fortune of knowing Dr. Kerns both personally and professionally. He is an amazing, talented and inspiring character --- and he has written a remarkable first novel.

I recently finished reading Jerome Groopman's excellent non-fiction "How Doctors Think". Groopman discusses medical errors often referencing the effects of the medical establishment. In "Standard of Care" Kerns personalizes that discussion through the conflicts of Dr. Dan Fazen. Faced with the very real-world challenge of being the physician he wants to be and the physician he is expected to be, Fazen reaches deep into himself and deep into his own past to find answers.

From the artfully crafted prologue to the powerful conclusion, this book will grip you. With characters you can care about, dialog that flows naturally, and some of the most important ethical questions of our times in the balance, you will not want to put this book down.

I thoroughly enjoyed it (twice) and highly recommend it.

The book does have some great elements: the detailed diet, acupressure points to massage to increase fertility, inspiring personal stories. However, the numerous references to the author's clinic were distracting. If you don't live in Los Angeles and aren't going to be treated by Dr. Dao, I can't imagine that this book would be a whole lot of help to you. Also, I was surprised by the somewhat discouraging tone towards older would-be mothers coupled with advice about donor eggs and adoption; I think most women over 40 know their reduced chances and need to be uplifted, not discouraged further (although, ironically, many of the success stories involve women over 35). I think, overall, Randine Lewis's "The Infertility Cure" was a much more informative read, and without the ego.

A girlfriend gave me this wonderful, informative, inspiring and calming book and I have since given it to others. Dr. Dao, even with his words, inspires confidence. I have read and reread the book, which is simple and thorough. The stories of women who have overcome their own fertility issues are inspiring. Dr. Dao sees and brings the reader into the big picture. Total health and interconnectedness. He assists in gaining a realistic perspective and then provides tools and suggestions to increase overall health and fertility.

Living in Los Angeles, I am fortunate to have become a patient of Dr. Dao. My FSH in three months has dropped by half and is now in single digits. I have incorporated the diet recommendations and qi gong exercises from the book.

This is a book for those seeking an alternative to Western Medicine and also for those seeking to support Western Medicine.

This book has been wonderful from the minute I started reading it. It is very honest and knowledgable information that makes you truly stop and re-evaluate the way you eat, think, rest, pray, sleep, etc. I am about 3/4 of the way through it, and already know that I will read it again once I finish. It has truly changed the way I look at my habits and the choices that I make. It is also well written and easy to understand.

The Tao of Fertility offers sound health advice that is beneficial for everyone, not just for people who are dealing with fertility. It is beautifully written and provides a good balance between Eastern and Western medicine.

I picked this book up and vowed I would skim through it on vacation. I could not put it down the whole flight to the vacation (it was a 11 hour flight:)) This is an amazing read. I skipped the stories of other women's struggles because I was just trying to conceive and didn't want to worry myself into thinking MORE about other fertility problems that could arise in addition to the ones I already had.

The book lead me to a total lifestyle change:
I have eliminated bad stresses in my life.
I have my husband and I on a very Dr. Dao diet.
In addition I have become his patient (lucky for me I live in the Los Angeles area).

I recently received blood tests results that show my hormones are at a normal level for the first time in my life since 1993 without the aid of western medication!!!!

I really attribute this change to Dr. Dao and HIGHLY recommend this book to my friends and all!

My son has an undiagnosed developmental delay - similar to cerebral palsy. He is 20 months old and I am so glad that I found this book while he was young (although I wish I had been stretching him since infanthood). We have excellent therapists, but this book is a great reminder of how important home therapy is - and it serves as a reminder to me of the exercises the therapists do. Easy to read and the pictures are a good guide.

This book is filled with helpful, easy to understand info for parents of kids with CP. My daughter is 3 and I wish I had it when she was an infant. I haven't finished reading it, but have learned alot. Her physical therapist even uses one of the walking suggestions (using a hula hoop) and says it's a great idea.

Great book! Very helpful for parents of children with CP. Book was received quickly and was in very good condition.

This book is a great help for many types of motor delays other than cerebral palsy. Highly recommended by the mother of a special needs toddler who is not walking or standing.

I work with students with severe and profound multiple disabilities (3-22 years)and I have found this book helpful when explaining things to my staff and parents. It really is written so anyone can understand and the chapter breakdown lets you go right to the skill without having to read the whole thing. My OT and PT also checked it out and loved the "Tummy Time" section. I would also reccomend "Children with Disabilities" by Batshaw. This is a must in a professional (or personal) resource library.

Make sure you get this book, its the most updated and is very user friendly!

Helped me a lot in my neonatal resuscitation licensure. The CD was a good source by itself.

even though i bought it used, the condition of the book is wonderfully new. i was also glad to have received the book on time( indicated during purchase). i would gladly deal with the seller again.
faru, chicago

I'm a computer person moreso than a booky.......
So using the DVD that comes with the book was VERY helpful.. It has the exact information the book offers and MORE!

The new NPR 5th edition is an excellent resource for anyone needing to prepare for certification for NPR (i.e. ob/neonatal nurses, OB's, pediatricians, perinatologists, etc)

It is easy to read, has repitition that allows reinforcement of principles learned throughout the text. Quizzes appear throughout to assist in retention and integration of information.

The DVD-ROM included in the book is improved over the last one. For the visual learner, this is most helpful. The DVD-ROM includes, computer generated images, scenarios, and the book quizzes as well. An excellent adjunct to the book, that can be used as a stand-alone review.

There are a few discrepancies between the book and the DVD-ROM, but overall the set together is worth the price.

There is also the availability to take the NPR written examination on-line and then locate an instructor to complete the practical sessions. This is helpful for any busy practitioner when needing to schedule this exam, since the written component has close to 100 questions.

I read this book because someone gave it to my mother while she was undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. It changed my life. It is really not limited to breast cancer, it teaches women's health in general. There are lists of everyday foods in the back of the book as well as receipes that have really helped my physical symptoms. I would recommend it to ALL women.

This book gave me information which would improve my breast care, and not only that by doing the exercises daily it would and has improved my energy. I recommend this book to ALL women.

This book gives the reader a sense that they can be in charge of their body and how disease effects them. It gives some commons sense and not so common sense ideas of how to take care of yourself when dealing with cancer. I would recommend it as an alternative therapy resource and guide to making positive changes.

Dr. Nan Lu, extensively trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), founded and developed The Breast Cancer Prevention Project. He is also a founding director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation, Inc., and is involved in SHARE, a self-help organization for women with breast and ovarian cancer. He is also a Qigong master and martial arts champion.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Woman's Guide to Healing from Breast Cancer, Dr. Lu describes how ancient TCM techniques can help prevent, treat, and aid recovery from breast cancer. He emphasizes throughout the book that "TCM is dedicated to helping the individual treat the source and not the symptoms of his or her problem."
Dr. Lu presents lots of general information about TCM, natural laws, and Qi, repeating that "everything has a connection and everything has an effect on every other thing." He then applies those principles specifically to breast cancer. He says that "headaches, stomachaches, PMS, or menstrual irregularities. . .are not normal conditions for a healthy body." He regards them as symptoms that should be heeded, to prevent future difficulties.
TCM can be used in many simple ways. For example, doing a monthly breast exam is a source of stress for many women, because it focuses their thoughts on having breast cancer. Dr. Lu recommends "telling yourself instead, that wherever you touch, you are sending in healing energy to protect that location so that you will never have breast cancer." He includes many other ways to conserve, increase, and use the natural healing energy each human possesses.
The healing information is presented in a way that allows each woman to customize the techniques to fit her own needs. All the techniques are compatible with modern medicine and may be used in conjunction with other treatments.
Dr. Lu says that "many of the self-healing techniques I've talked about can help keep your organs working in harmony." Bodies that are in harmony and balanced do not suffer from physical problems, including cancer.
The Woman's Guide to Healing from Breast Cancer is a valuable reference for everyone, regardless of age, sex, or current physical condition.

I had breast cancer on the same breast twice, in 1983 and again in 3/2001. I want to find the root cause as I do not want it to happen again. I find the book easy to read and understand. I will start the Wu Ming Meridian Therapy which seems easy to do. I will also start to take the healing food and herb listed in the book. Thank you Dr. Lu for helping me to heal. If I had a book like this in 1983, I probably would not have breast cancer again in March 2001. I have been recommending this book to other breast cancer survivers at my support group.

After having to climb through so many books looking for the information I required to understand the issues and response to terrorism I came across Understanding Terrorism by Maniscalco & Christen. What a relief to find a comprehensive, cohesive and no nonsense book.

These authors have done a remarkable job with synthesizing complex data and rendering it into a discussional and informational manner easily comprehended by all emergency planners and responders. The constant reinforcement of "system" play and interoperability as well as a function rather than an agency approach lent great assistance to my team being able to immediately apply the knowledge to the crafting of our contingency response templates.

Great job by the composers, fantastic text for you or your organization!

This book is fantastic. It articulates the issues in a discussional format and make sense of the many confusing topics of terrorism planning and response.

I like the fact that the authors have taken the time to include a very robust reference appendix section. It has proven to be unquestionably my go to book on this subject matter.

In addition to the front matter which is invaluable, I now have to only grab one book to reference the myriad of references, case in point is the streamlined access to federal response plan, MSDS sheets, radiological references etc.

If you are an operator, supervisor, manager, planner or instructor this text is for you!

A lot of books on terrorism response have been written by 'experts'; fine folks who understand the theory, but in reality lack the practical experience. This book is NOT one those.

The authors are well organized, show their writing experience, as well as their provider and leadership experience.

The book is a comfortable read, not a scholarly tome that is an alternative to Xanax. Illustrations are good.

If you have a need to plan for medical response to terrorism, this book is an excellent resource to aid in your preparations.

The authors of Understanding Terrorism have done a great job with presenting complex and difficult material in a manner that is easy for all responders to understand.

This book covers all the bases and met all of my expectations. It has become a permanent fixture in my response bag should I need a ready reference. Frankly, this is perhaps the best book on the subject for emergency responders that I have seen to date. A great value for the price!

I was skeptical at first about another book on terrorism. After being disappointed by several other terrorism response books allegedly written for emergency planners and responders, I was very satisfied with Understanding Terrorism and Managing The Consequences.

This book is a breath of fresh air that restores my confidence that responders who have the experience and background of planning for & operating at terrorist events are sharing their expertise & knowledge.

Understanding Terrorism provides you the VITAL information you need to perform your duties as a responder as well as provides security directors & safety managers expanded knowledge on what is expected for their functional areas in times of terrorist events.

The information is provided in a cohesive manner that aids the users with easy comprehension and utility of the material. It also compiles all the needed references under one cover to make your job easier.

The approach the authors have adopted with this book is a big bonus. Frankly I am tired of books that adopt a "shotgun" approach or use theoretical [terminology] to convey the message of safe and effective response strategies; they fail to address the implementation and operational application issues effectively. THAT IS NOT THE CASE WITH UNDERSTANDING TERRORISM. This book helped me each step of the way as well as provides me with the benefit of being a "one book" planning and response reference.

Public or private sector emergency managers, responders or security officials, if you are responsible for the emergency response, Understanding Terrorism is the one book you should own, read and use.

All breast cancer patients should read this while going through treatment. The stories provide hope during a difficult time in a woman's life.

Once again, Barbara Delinsky's updated version of her original UPLIFT book provides survivors and their loved ones with courage, hope and humor about a dreadful disease that strikes one in eight. As a survivor and contributor to her latest effort, I am in awe of the women who shared their experiences with such insight and candor. Thank you, Barbara, for championing this cause. Stay well, my friend.

This book is a "must read" for anyone who has a family history of breast cancer, is currently undergoing treatment for it, is a survivor, or is close to anyone who has breast cancer or has survived it.

Breast cancer, while predominantly a "female disease" does strike men (it also strikes transgendered individuals, especially those on female hormone regimens).

The need for a book with a title like "uplift" becomes apparent when we stop and think about the place of the female breast in modern culture. Mass media and many aspects of our culture fixate on breasts in such a way that many women feel defined by their breasts. Consequently, breast loss can have a profoundly diminishing effect on a woman's self image.

In some locations, the emphasis on breasts has become extreme. I live in Kansas City, which is second only to Hollywood for the number of breast augmentations done per year (both in actual numbers and per capita). In the late 1990s (while in KS), I had a girlfriend who was so striking that my buddies referred to her as "that goddess."

But she didn't see her incredible beauty. She agonized over the fact she was small-breasted (an A cup). Not only was she beautiful, she was intelligent, articulate, and entertaining. If you had a list of the 1,000 most desirable characteristics a woman could have, you could check off one after the other in her case.

Despite her looks, brains, and personality, she was immensely insecure. She even chewed her nails down to the quick. The problem, in my opinion, was she succumbed to false comparisons that left her feeling she was somehow deficient because she wasn't carrying around huge levels of silicone, saline, or adipose tissue on her chest.

One time, she asked, "What do you see in me?" I was so stunned by the question, and so incapable of knowing even where to begin, that I couldn't reply quickly. She took this as confirmation that she wasn't "woman enough" and said so. That's about on par with saying Lance Armstrong isn't "biker enough." Yet, this idea dominated her self-image. She typifies what many women go through, even without breast cancer. Imagine the feelings after losing a breast or two.

How could this woman, with so much going for her, become emotionally impoverished over what is basically a minor cosmetic attribute? Especially when, only a few generations ago, women in America bound their breasts in an effort to hide them? That's a good question. It's one to think about.

In the meantime, think about how devastating it must be for most women to lose a breast or both breasts. That is one of the many issues facing women with breast cancer. Men with breast cancer don't face that particular issue, but they share all of the other breast cancer issues with their female counterparts (including, for most men, the loss of hair).

Of course hearing "You have cancer" is devastating to anyone. While cure rates today for most cancers are high (if the cancer is caught early), we still think of it as "the deadly disease." Most of us want to survive, so we avail ourselves of modern medicine in an attempt--one that is usually successful--to beat the cancer. But the process is grueling, painful, scary, exhausting, and risky. With breast cancer, there are additional emotional pressures--especially for women.

Uplift takes us through every stage of the breast cancer victim's long ordeal, and it even follows up with survivors five years after. The book is essentially a well-organized collection of thoughts of people who made the journey, along with some thoughts contributed by those who traveled with them. Delinsky's commentary helps the reader keep those thoughts in perspective, and she does an excellent job of prefacing the material in each section.

I don't know how much material Delinsky actually sifted through. But the result of her labors is a mix that is variously uplifting, instructional, and insightful. There's nothing sappy or boring in any of it.

For example, how do you feel after reading this excerpt from a woman who talks about hiding her bald head from her husband of thirty five years. She'd let him see her only in a wig or turban (towel wrapped around her head after a shower). The pressure apparently got to her one day, after she let him in the bathroom:

"...but suddenly I decided to just take the stupid towel off my head, and I immediately started to cry. Mike held me, smiled right into my lashless eyes, and said, 'So what?' And I thought the best I'd ever heard was 'I love you.'"

Uplift brings real power to people who are fighting breast cancer, whether on the front lines or in a supporting role. Those who've read Uplift can stride into this ferocious battle, this fight to the death, with greater calm and a deeper well of reserve to draw from. Those who are in supporting roles will not have to clumsily grope their way through, but can instead understand how to be a powerful ally to the person they don't want to lose.

Most books have one or two strong chapters that stand above the rest. I can't say that about Uplift. It's all strong. It's all good. It's all worth reading again.

Unfortunately, I won't have the opportunity to re-read my copy any time soon, because it is going to a breast cancer survivor and then on to make its rounds. Yes, the borrowers will eventually buy a copy for their own bookshelves, but my copy will be gone for quite some time.

It looks like I'll have to pony up for a second or third copy, so I have one on hand. But that's not all bad, either: all of the author's proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research.

This book is organized well. Each topic has its own chapter so women going through one procedure don't have to hear stories about other procedures. (Sometimes, less or more.) The various entries provide advise, support and realism that only real breast cancer patients and survivors can. It was like having my own personal support group between the covers of this book at any time I needed it! A great tool for women going through treatment. It also provides insight to friends and family that want to know how they can help their loved ones. Lots of good practical ideas!

As a breast cancer survivor myself, my observation is biased. The book is actually a handbook for women going thru treatment, and beyond. I only wish this book had been available 15 years ago when I was going thru treatment. But its here now, and I certainly would recommend it for anyone going thru treatment, or as a gift for a friend or family member to give to a loved one going thru this very emotional disease. 5 stars isn't a good enough rating....but it's the best one you have.

Dr. Holick's work needs to celebrated for revealing an extremely important aspect of the human condition, i.e. we are not exposing ourselves to enough UVB to produce sufficient amounts of Vitamin D. As mentioned previously, this work does not need go into more scientific depth. It is not a work in biochemistry. It is a work which challenges people's thinking and the expectations of a pharmaceutical industry. It is criminal that a professor that has stated his objective scientific opinion would be removed from his position by a biased department chair. Is anyone saying to go out and cook ourselves in UVA all day every day? Are the people defending the pharmaceutical protocol prepared to explain what early versions of sunblock actually did to help INCREASE rates of sun cancer? You can look at this from either perspective, secular or non-secular. We evolved in the sun or this is a system the Lord created. We don't need more talking heads telling us not to do what the DATA supports that we should do. Bravo, Dr. Holick, for your lifetime of work, starting from UW to BU.

Holick's book, and his articles helped me find out why, after staying indoors for ten years, due to depression, MY WHOLE SKELEFeeling Good: The New Mood Therapy Revised and UpdatedTON AND ALL MY MUSCLES ACHED. I went to a MD and found out I had NO vitamin D3 in my body, and over 100 tiny fractures. I'm on D3 therapy (50,000 I.U.s a week). I just purchased a UVB lamp. I feel so good, now. I'll be basking in the sun all year long. Thank you Dr. Holick, and keep fighting the good, and right fight. By the way, the writing is clear, tight, plain, and nicely organized. Dr. Holick, you changed my health and life.

Dr. Michael Holick is considered a pioneer in the field of vitamin D.
I consider the recent advances in vitamin D research one of the major breakthroughs in the entire medical field. Vitamin D is ultimately converted to a hormone that affects the entire body. If you think that vitamin D is only for the bones and you only need 400-600 IU a day as your multivitamin bottle and the US government tell you, then you are still living in the 1950s. Vitamin D has receptors in the bones (increases bone density), muscles (enhances muscle strength and power), lymphocytes (without adequate vitamin D they go wild and attack different organs and tissues, causing autoimmune disorders),
blood vessels (relaxes the arterial walls and lowers blood pressure by ~ 2-4 mmHg), heart muscles (prevents thickening of the heart ventricles), myelin (prevents multiple sclerosis), prostate, breasts, colon, pancreas ... (preventing cancers of these organs)...... brain cells (prevents degeneration of brain cells), skin, hair follicles (nourishes the hair and skin) ... etc. When your vitamin D level is inadequate, the body loads your bones with water (instead of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus(, the result is stretching of your periostium (lining of your bones) which results in excruciating pains in the shins, wrists, ribs, and the breast bones. These nagging pains and aches do not go away with anything except with vitamin D.
When your muscles lack vitamin D, you get very weak and very tired. Your quadriceps muscles become so weak that they cannot carry you without supporting yourself with your hands when rising from a sitting position, you have difficulty climbing stairs, difficulty reaching objects over your head. Elderly people will have constant pains and aches, they have to use walkers, and they lose their balance and fall, since their quadriceps cannot give them a sense of balance.
To add insult to injury, vitamin D level is outdated in almost every lab in the USA, most doctors do not check the level, some check the wrong type of vitamin D (there are 2 types). The new knowledge has not even made it into the curriculum of medical schools, and most medical students are not even aware of it. The US government still preaches the old daily requirement of vitamin D.
The daily requirement of vitamin was recently updated to 1000 IU a day, which is still inadequate.
Dr. Holick's book will teach you how to understand vitamin D for your overall health, how much of vitamin D you need, and how a safe exposure to the sun-without overdoing it- will ultimately give you vitamin D to liver healthier (and even longer).
Dr. Holick's recent review suggests that women who are vitamin D deficient have a 253% increased risk for developing colon and rectal cancer, and women who ingested 1500 mg/d calcium and 1100 IU/d vitamin D for 4 yr reduced risk for developing cancer by >60%.
I have been applying the new vitamin D research studies to clinical patient care in my office since 1999.


Shirwan Mirza, MD

Lightweight introduction to UV and vitamin D. No slight intended to Dr Holick who has been and is a key researcher on vitamin D and is presenting important health information to the public. But this book is like a friendly conversation between a well-informed doctor who is giving essential information to a lay audience, but he assumes they don't want much detail. If you have read a few web-pages about vitamin D, you may already know everything here - vitamin D RDA is too low, many people are deficient, deficiency is associated with a number of illnesses, sunlight exposure will give you what you need but don't get sunburned, supplements can also help but are inferior to sunlight because you need to determine appropriate dosage. The book has repeated information, padding (sentences along the lines of 'countless poets and songwriters attest to the enjoyment of sunshine'), while some things that could have been described in depth - like vitamin D toxicity from supplements (or potentially from diet I guess) - get short shrift. If you don't know much about vitamin D and want a high-level introduction, it's fine. If you wanted more detail or science, skip it.

This is an easy to read book that has scientific research that convinced me that we all need vitamin D to prevent many of the health problems that are prevelant today. The author writes that vitamin D is best absorbed from natural sunlight and shows how this balances with the problem of too much sun which causes skin cancer. There is alot of skin cancer information in this book also. I highly recommend this book!