Medicine and Health Books

This is a wonderful book for patients, doctors, family members, caregivers, or anyone wanting more information on what CFS/FMS really is and how to live with it and have a productive life. As a FMS patient, I strongly identified with the symptoms and feelings, and found the sample letters to my doctor, my family, my friends, extremely valid and able to put my feelings into perspective.

While it was hard for me to keep reading the "reality" that this disease has no cure -- (I face that in daily life too but it's easier to forget about it than when you're reading it every few pages!), it was important for me to realize that I'm not just "dreaming this up" -- nor am I "faking it". For years, I went undiagnosed, and had many doctor's tell me that it was "all in my head"....this book helps patients realize that these ARE real diseases that have not been given the proper "title" or validation by the CDC that they deserve.

This book was a great source of information and support for me and I highly recommended it to my doctor and to other FMS/CFS patients as well.

This book is easy to read and understand. Research in areas of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia is severely underfunded, however, Ms. Berne does a wonderful job of relating the most recent findings; many of which dispel the notion that this is about being just a little tired. I highlighted the symptoms that I had in several of the lists in this book and gave it to my physician to keep which she did. I also just hand it to friends and family when they seem skeptical. It does the trick.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book, which was honest both in the debilitating nature of the diseases and had a much better discussion of pain medication then many other books. Too often books on fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, while claiming to recognize that these are real, physical illnesses, then spend most of their time on lifestyle changes and counseling and antidepressants being the best treatment for fibromyalgia, showing that they do believe it's all in your head and if you just did "x" better, you'd feel better. This book isn't condesending and doesn't try to play psychiatrist, which I greatly appreciated. A great read, especially for the newly diagnosed.

I have finished all but the conclusion of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Other Invisible Illnesses. This is an excellent resource for sufferers of these diseases. The one and only difficulty with this book is its age; it was published in 2002. Next time I visit the bookstore I will be looking around for an updated book. However that in no way negates the usefulness of this particular work. Dr. Berne (PhD) suffers from Chronic Fatigue herself and she has done a masterful job of portraying a life so afflicted. The book begins with descriptions of both Fibromyalgia and CFS, moves on to discuss overlapping symptoms of both these illnesses and numerous others such as Gulf War Syndrome, Lupus, etc. Then she heads into the symptoms and these were a revelation to me. A lot of things I had been passing off as age or menopause could be symptoms of these illnesses. The book follows the history of diagnosis for these two diseases and paints a portrait of the typical sufferer. I asked my husband to read this chapter and he said it sounded just like me. It is some comfort to know that you are not going insane. Unfortunately the health care industry has shown little interest in researching these illnesses but here is where the age of the book is a detriment. The pharmaceutical industry has produced Lyrica recently and it shows signs of affecting the brain chemistry which may be responsible for the symptoms. As far as that brain chemistry goes it is a strong possibility there is a neurotransmitter glitch that is sending signals of pain for no reason. Environmental and other toxins could be responsible for this glitch, however, you need a predisposition to this malady which should be obvious because otherwise everyone would have it. There are toxins in everything. The latter part of the books deals with treatments (there are none) and alleviation of symptoms, including your own attitude adjustment. Berne mentions Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and I would just like to add my two cents about CBT. When I was seriously depressed the most helpful thing my psychiatrist did was introduce me to Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I have been using it ever since and I believe it is this mental discipline which allows me to be happier than I have ever been even while living with the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. All in all I recommend this book to anyone suffering from these illnesses. It really does help to know you are not alone and you are not crazy - it is not all in your mind although it is quite possibly in your brain. Good luck to all my fellow sufferers.

An excellent book, full of useful advice and support. As a Consultant Psychiatrist, I have been treating Chronic Fatigue Syndromes since 1982 and this is one of the best books on the subject, that I have ever read. I would thoroughly recommend this book to all sufferers and their relatives. The illness is extremely difficult to treat and is very frustrating for both the patient and also the therapist. However, books like this offer considerable hope and guidance.
Keep up ther good work.
Dr. Adrian Winbow, Consultant Psychiatrist

The stories in this book give hope to us all. For more than a decade I have worked with adults and children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The usual treatments involve behavior modification and drug therapy. Little time is spent in observation and evaluation such as described by Judith Bluestone in this book. The Handle Institute's methods offer hope through its methods that have no reliance on drug therapy. This is a book for patients, family members and professionals.

After reading the Churkendoose Anthology, I am embarrassed to feel overwhelmed by my own daily problems. The true stories in this collection show determined people overcoming extreme odds when they look at things differently. The people at The HANDLE Institute must look at neurological problems with a wide lens encompassing everything that might influence a person's development. I am inspired to revisit the problems I once thought intractable. When at first you don't see an answer, look wider and learn more.

Have you heard Ray Bolger sing the Churkendoose song? It is a silly children's rhyme that helps individuals feels good about who they are and how they're uniqueness can be an advantage if only they could see it that way. The song comes to life at The HANDLE Institute.

Compiled and edited by Lisa Brenner, The Churkendoose Anthology: True Stories of Triumph over Neurological Dysfunction is a collection of uplifting testimonies offering a positive message of hope to individuals afflicted with neurodevelopment problems ranging from attention disorders, learning disabilities, Tourette's Syndrom, or an acquired brain injury, to Cerebral Palsy, sleep disorders, Vestibular Dysfunction, Down's Syndrome, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. True success stories of the HANDLE (Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency) approach in helping young people and their parents. Enhanced with an informative commentary by Judith Bluestone, The Churkendoose Anthology is highly recommended as an engaging and encouraging read, especially for anyone having to cope with a neurological dysfunction.

The Churkendoose Anthology is a touching compilation of true stories of individuals and families who have triumphed over behavioral dysfunction without the use of drugs. It is an inspiration to all who know someone or suffer themselves. Professional therapists, MDs, especially including pediatricians will benefit from reading and learning about this unique way of healing a multitude of behavioral issues.

Going through life as parent of a "special" child, one navigates a maze of physicians, experts, specialists, and amateur diagnosticians. Desperate for help, such parents try a range of treatments and tactics, sometimes destroying their families and their sanity in the process. Ms. Bluestone and HANDLE do not have a "magic bullet," but the simple and authentic wisdom in the HANDLE approach teaches us all that there really ARE honest and practical strategies to help individuals who don't fit any of the models in the medical literature. My son has benefitted greatly from the HANDLE precepts, and this book tells true stories of others whose lives have been forever changed. Ms. Bluestone's own story is an inspiration, and she brings to her work the unique empathy of one who has "been there" and found her way out. HANDLE respects individuality and eschews labels; the accounts of these HANDLE clients are compelling and dramatic. Perhaps the most important thing this book provides is hope, which is often in painfully short supply for "marginalized" people. I congratulate all these writers for recounting their journeys, and I think thousands of people can benefit from stepping into the Churkendoose shoes for a few hours. I recommend this book to those with open minds, tired spirits, and vital hearts.

This is defintely an overall positive book on a very negative topic. The author here explains a lot of different ways that you can get the serotinin back to normal without having to deal with drug therapy.

The one problem about this book is that at times it is hard to get thru. The author throws in a lot of information that I'm sure a lot of us wont understand. I wish it was just a little more simplified. FOr example, in one chapter, he explains how a vitamen b6 can be more effective then an antidepresent in treating severe depression. However, he doesnt list the dosage or the amount of vitamen b6 that might be required to take. (that can be a bit of a problem for some).

Yet, this book is amazingly written, anaylized, and hopeful. Its good to know that someone really researched all of these facts and figures. He had a much different outlook on the whole deal as he broke down several vital stastics that the mass media and drug conpanies would never want to admit.

Despite its uplifting appeal, This is more of a book for a professional therapist rather then a client. I'd suggest for the client to read some important parts of this book to the therapist. A lot of this information is complicated and since Syd doesn't list the dosages and the "How exacltys" to get rolling on the correct bandwagon. Almost all of these methods are hard to persue solely.

But again this is a good book and I hope it gets more recongition then it has gotten in drugged america.

As a psychologist wanting my clients to be educated on the biochemistry of depression and possible solutions, I have found this to be the best of all the alternatives I have read. It discusses all the treatments rather than focusing on one alone, as many books do. It is well written, easy to understand, and treats the reader as if he or she is intelligent enough to grasp a good deal of information. I think this book would help everyone in therapy, and would also help therapists in their attempts to help.

If you're looking to treat depression without using drugs, this is the book to get. The book is packed with almost every type of therapy known to cure depression. If there's any academic research on the subject, Baumel mentions the study and also tells us whether it's an uncontrolled or controlled study (something I appreciate as an academic). He usually explains how the study was conducted in enough detail that it can be replicated at home. This means that he included supplement dosages and length of time needed to see results. He also mentions how to purchase St. John's Wort and light therapy devices, which could save hundreds of dollars.

The way to use this book is to read the therapy, see if it matches your symptoms, decide whether you're willing to make the commitment (e.g., am I willing to take B6 for the next 6 months?), and then to try it. I had to try several different therapies until I found ones that worked for me. If one didn't work for me, I would read another section of this book and choose a new therapy to try. One problem with the book is that it covered some therapies in limited detail, and sometimes I needed to look up additional information in other sources.

Before getting this book, I tried looking up information online, but there was too much noise rather than real information to get any use out of what I was reading. This book cut through the noise and gave a concise summary of therapies that I could use to help myself.

In summary, the book is well-researched and an excellent resource. Using this book plus some free online information, I cured my moderate chronic depression in three months without drugs. Thank you, Syd Baumel, for writing this book!

Forget about "touchy feely" talk about herbal remedies. If you're a skeptic, this book will change your mind about St. John's Wort and what BRAND you buy. Covers a staggering number of therapies in great detail: some you probably know like electric shock therapy, Prozac and cognitive therapy. Other lesser known therapies include Omega-3, 5-HTP, SAM-e, and Tyrosine. The author did his homework. Citing numerous clinical trials, studies, and on-line news groups, I found this reading a bit overwhelming or too dry at times, but only because of the author's thorough investigation. All in all, it was well worth it. Makes your doctors sit up and take notes when you talk about how YOU want to treat your depression. (that alone is worth it). An excellent reference that grows with you as your treatment for depression evolves.

The best book available for anyone desiring to treat depression naturally.

This book will easily open your mind to metaphysics, quantum physics, and the VALIDITY of alternative healing therapies (and practitioners to seek after if you're chronically ill and hopeless like I was). I don't know how to convince you, but if you are sick and looking for miracles there are people mentioned in this book who can actually cure most ailments by unimaginable means. I have contacted these healers myself and am being healed as I write. This book leads you to a wonderful shortcut to the medical treatments of the future that probably won't be accepted by society for, I am told, about 50 to 100 years from now. If you're diseased or chronically ill - or know someone who is - take a chance on your own serendipitous fate of coming across this book.

I found this book insightful and inspirational. Randy's writing style was right on the mark. This is a very personal story and journey.

So many books written about alternative therapies today are heavy-handed and decidedly one-sided against modern medicine.

Randy takes a lighter tact. He tells the story of how he and his wife were slowly "pushed" into alternative methods due to allopathic medicines' inability to find the upstream cause of his wife's condition and the continuing pattern of "handoffs" from one allopathic practitioner to another.

I find them both courageous. It's hard to put your life in someone's hands when that someone isn't a doctor. We're taught from young that doctors are the final frontier when something ails the body.

But Randy and his wife weren't looking for PhDs and wall plaques, they were looking for answers to a condition that took much of his wife's vitality and nearly killed her on several occasions.

One of the best books I've read - I couldn't put it down.

I am a medical physician. I have purchased and perused scores of well-written books put out by experienced practitioners for other health professionals. Many of them have proved quite useful. None however has given me the sense of what it is like to be the bewildered patient who has just seen a dozen primary care and specialist physicians for a steadily worsening condition, and now does not know where to turn. This book does. I work in an Emergency Department. I see a number of people there, frequently at odd hours, who arrive searching for answers we are hard-pressed to give them there. I think they come to us because they simply don't know where else to turn. Unlike the nicely worked-out treatment guidelines we learn in medical school, there is no clear protocol for those who "fail" our allopathic therapies. And, this is at a time when so many need so much more than what we are presently trained to offer. Diagnosis Unknown explores the actual experience of what it is like to be young, previously healthy, suddenly ill and steadily declining, and with not even a medical diagnosis (let alone medical therapy) in sight. Imagine having already seen every available medical specialist relevant to your condition, and steadily getting worse. Where would you then turn? Massage? Radionics? Acupuncture? Electrodermal screening? This book takes the reader through all of these, and quite a bit more. It is such a handy experiential guide that I have been recommending it to patients and colleagues alike.

This book gives an incredible insight into both conventional and alternative medicine. Although the subject is very serivous the author turns it into a humourous mystery novel.

I have recommended this book to over 20 people and without exception they report back that they couldn't put it down. Most people say they read it in one sitting or in 2 to 3 days.

When I started to read this book I had no idea I would be awake at 2:00am unable to put it down. It is written with the sense of suspense that a who-done-it has. I am a health care professional and although I have a great deal of respect for "modern" medicine, I have all too often witnessed patients made worse by our interventions. I so enjoyed the self disclosure that the author brings to his writing. The reader can readily identify with the search and sympathize with Linda in her desperate illness. The book has given me a great reading list and opened my eyes to methods of diagnosis and treatment that I would never have known about. I also appreciate the direct voice that the author uses - very clear - not on a soap box - simply sharing their adventure. It would be easy, considering their experience, to use this book to vent their collective spleens at the medical community. The battles between the AMA, et al. and alternative medicine were reported factualy without added fuel, allowing for the reader to absorb the information and make up his or her own mind. I recommend this book very highly for anyone who desires to take charge of their health and would like to share how a delightful and charming couple managed to take charge of theirs.

My practice is in neurosurgery, but dive medicine is taking up more and more of my time. This is an excellent review of all the pertinent physiology, pathology, and treatments for diving related illness. It builds very nicely on the prior editions. A great resource for dive medical officers, as well as serious divers wanting to build their knowledge base.

There is no doubt that this is a comprehensive and clear introduction into diving medicine. It certainly dealt very well with all of the questions that I had regarding both the Pathophysiology of Diving Medicine and also some of the practical considerations arising from these. Additionally I am sure that this book would be suitable for those without formal Medical training who wish to further their knowledge in this field. My only reservation is that the layout of the book appears very dated. The black-and-white pictures and diagrams could be made so much more engaging and more clear if they were brightened up a little. This is a criticism which could be aimed at many books outside of the main general Undergraduate texts, however just because a situation is widely tolerated it does not mean a publisher shouldn't try a bit harder to make a better product, especially when the content is absolutely first class as it undoubtedly is in this case.

After perusing the textbooks of diving medicine, this continues to be a gold standard in the literature. Readers should note it does not compete with the 2003 Bennett and Elliott's Physiology and Medicine of Diving. B&E is more a physiology of normal persons while diving and is geared to being as factually driven as possible. Bove focuses on medical issues and the physiology that makes it happen, with substantial discussion on diagnosis and treatment of diving illnesses and of ill people [Diabetics, Asthmatics etc.] who wish to dive. There is an amount of cross over between both text, but Bove's expert opinion approach fills the many gaps of facts in B&E. You MUST own both texts to cover the field in toto.

Tip: You can read Bove very quickly by reading the last paragraph or sentence in each section, it summarizes the whole block of text very succinctly.

I previously reviewed the 3rd Edition, just received the 4th, and after a cover to cover dissection must applaud its extensively updated chapters notably cardiology, decompression science, treatments and diagnoses, updated appendix on Diabetes mellitus and diving. More focus is made on hydrostatic pressure spikes in the reduction of bubble formation, data that although present in the 3rd Edition, did not get as much emphasis. The timeliness of the updates is in tune with the zeitgeist for bubble decompression models used in technical diving gaining momentum since Year 2000 [VPM and RGBM.]

The quality of the book's hardbound production has diminished, as the rugged linen-type cover binding, extant in the past WB Saunders Editions, has been replaced by a glossy paper overlay on cardboard, reflecting a new philosophy of the books publishers, Elsevier, and of WB Saunders to a fading trademark. The print itself seems sharp, and appears more like a laser printer output on 'economy' mode. The cover binding is hastily pasted in my edition, compared to the meticulous tight binding, and near flawless lines of the 3rd Edition. There are over a 100 new pages in this edition. Bookmaking, a dying art!

The editing is superb, near typo free, to this reviewer at this time, compare against typos present in 2003 B&E and the 2000 NOAA Diving Manual. Inconsequential, but reflects the rigor by which Dr. Bove put into crafting this textbook.

My favorite diving medicine textbook. If you like the no-nonsense format of the NOAA Diving Manual, Bove too, shoots from the hip. Bove is best in the hands of medical professionals, as brevity in some discussion presumes a background in medical care. Focusing on medical professionals may limit its audience, but astute readers anywhere may appreciate its directness, as a distillation, its strong spirit. Diving Medicine is a MUST for any physician treating civilian divers, and its format makes for quick reference for primary care gives who occassionally encounter divers with medical issues.

I read this book cover to cover before taking Medical Boards in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine. I enjoyed the experience greatly, and passed the Boards. It is well-organized and easy to read if you have at least a diving background. I am a pulmonary and critical care specialist (and diver) and found it very straight-forward. I recommend reading this book in conjunction with the US Navy Diving Manual which is available through .... in print (but I prefer the CD ROM published by the Navy and others). We keep these references at our hyperbaric unit at UCLA where we have already done 4 Table VI treatments this week.

Originally I thought this guy looked crazy and was too Spiritual and weird for me to learn from.

Then I listened and found out he is a medical genius and probably will revolutionize medicine in the next 100 years. His methods for being healthy are the best out there right now. This program covers everything and should be given to everyone who is alive.

I am 24 and super healthy and people ask me why I do all this health stuff? I am not sick but it interests me.

It blows my mind that people don't care to learn about their health. IF YOU HAVE A BODY AND LIVE, THEN YOU SHOULD BE CONCERNED WITH THE BEST METHODS OF TAKING CARE OF IT.

I've read a lot of health books and learned a lot of stuff on nutrition and the body, this is by far the best MEDICAL approach to health that covers all areas.

This guy is a genius.

"Your mind can elicit a healing response when even conventional medicine has proven ineffective." ~Dr. Andrew Weil

For months I've been listening to this CD set, trying to integrate the principles of Dr. Weil's teachings into my life. By increasing whole grains (I now eat a mixture of pumpkin seeds, roasted corn and roasted soy), discovering new natural remedies and exploring the ideas of how the body is always seeking to regain balance, I have learned a great deal about integrative medicine. Instead of just trying to solve problems as they occur, Dr. Weil seeks to encourage a preventative lifestyle that includes healthy choices and healing herbs.

Can we interact with allergens without having allergies?
Does our body truly want to be healthy and what are the obstacles to healing?
Should you avoid fructose?
Is eating pasta better than bread?
What is disconnection syndrome?
How can you become more self-reliant in regards to your health?
Which is more healthy - olive oil or chocolate?
How does your skin react to emotions?

By reigning in the forces of nature, there is a huge potential for healing. Cooking can become a healing meditation, buying yourself flowers promotes healing and remembering to spend time in nature can encourage positive emotional states.

Dr. Weil is very intuitive and is not held down by any single system of belief. He fully explores all possibilities and takes remedies from a wide variety of alternative medicine traditions.

I've learned so much by listening to these CDs. Simple ideas like adding blueberries to pancakes or eating more fiber with meals can increase your health.

In a world of confusing health advice, fad diets and doctors who seem opposed to using natural remedies, Dr. Weil bring clarity to the topic of integrative medicine. I am only left contemplating why most doctors would so freely give me medications with horrendous lists of side effects and fear beautiful plants, herbal remedies and comforting solutions to life's ever changing complexity.

Dr. Weil makes complete sense! I hope doctors everywhere will start reading his work and listening to his CD sets. Also look for Dr. Andrew Weil's Mindbody Tool Kit with breath work, meditation, guided imagery and sound therapy.

There is so much to learn about health and Dr. Andrew Weil is truly an enlightened teacher who can give you many of the keys to your own healing process. Fascinating stories about spontaneous healing are also included in this CD set.

~The Rebecca Review

This guy is going to help bring about a much needed revolution in medicine. He is probably the single most knowledgable person I've ever listened to and his heart is in the right place. The CD's are well worth twice what they cost.

These discs basically sum up what is in Dr. Weil's books. The advice and knowledge is fantastic for anyone looking to start eating and living healthier. I would suggest it, and have, to everyone.

This audio CD is very good, it tells about good and bad macro and micronutrients. How to change your diet plan and eat healthy, I like this audio CD, is very informative and useful for those who wants to lead a healthy life.

Every hospital experience can be very frightening, from a simple blood test to a major surgery. As a fellow health care/anesthesia provider, my fear when having surgery can be as great as anyone who does not have the training and experience of working with it everyday. This is a great source of info for anyone. The jacket cover may seem to appeal just to women, but believe me, men are just as terrified but can be the most timid about asking the right questions before any health care is initiated. Dr. Sherer writes with practical tips that would benefit anyone. The anecdotal stories that he illustrates are real and can happen if you or your caretaker do not have the right questions and information. My hope is that not only will everyone find this book a "must have", but that Dr. Sherer follows with a sequel...I'd be the first one to send in my anecdotes of the many things I have seen in my career. Information can save your life!

This book is easy to read and loaded with practical advice I only wish I'd known in advance. Simple steps show you how to be your best advocate. Enjoyable reading.

Anyone who will go to the hospital for any reason will benefit from this book The same is true for family and friends. The parts about options for anesthesia and when your child needs anesthesia are particularly valuable. In easy to understand language, Dr. Sherer examines the pitfalls of today's healthcare maze. Don't end up a tragic story in the newspaper --- buy this book and read it! It just may save your life.

No one wants to spend time in the hospital. But if you have to (and most of us do at some point), your stay will be safer and more bearable if you are armed with the wit and wisdom of this good doctor. The book is organized so that you can easily find and read information on subjects of interest without having to read the whole book (although it is well written enough that you will probably find yourself browsing back from or ahead of whatever you started to read, and are likely to find that you've read the whole thing pretty soon anyway). The information is clearly and succinctly presented, and the book's coverage is comprehensive. An excellent book , and, one hopes, not the last Dr. Sherer will write.

Dr. David Sherer's book is an insider's view on hospital hierarchy and procedures, a veritable "guide to the perplexed" for patients.

Dr. Sherer seeks to defuse the fears and forebodings prior to hospitalization - that threatening web of unfamiliar people, frightening equipment, and assault on privacy that is not only necessary but inevitable.

What may seem obvious to a doctor may be enlightening to a frightened patient or family member. Offering technical information, behavioral observance, and anecdote, the information is accessible and is replete with condensed case histories. Dr. Sherer has done a good job of anticipating what questions may arise, and of offering answers.Also helpful, he cites resources for further information, from the web or from publications and organizations.

This reader learned about the importance of carrying basic medical information in one's wallet (I have a rare blood type, for example) and the wisdom of keeping a living will. The concept of "Patient Advocate" was enlightening, as was the revelation that, as a patient, one can speak up if discomfort seems unnecessary - hospital protocol need not be entirely rigid.

Dr. Sherer, in this book, is offering good advice for increasing the safety and comfort level of any hospital stay. Significantly, he doesn't attempt to impress the reader with long-winded verbiage, but relays essentials in plain language.

There's a kindly looking, grandfatherly doctor on the cover of this book and inside he confides to you 167 up-to-the-minute medical discoveries, treatments and cures that can save your life. Who wouldn't want to read this book?

Have you ever wanted to corner a doctor at a party and pick their brain about your newest symptom or self-diagnosis, but social graces prevented you? Well this informative book is the closest you can get to that banter.

Breakthrough Heath is a medical reference book that you can refer to many times. It's written in a simple direct approach and broken down into alphabetized chapters on illnesses from alcoholism to wrinkles. Within each chapter, Dr. Rosenfeld writes about "the latest news" in current studies on subjects in the area of medication, treatments and the "bottom line," which incorporates his personal suggestions.

Some other subject's covered are: breast cancer, cold and flu, depression, diabetes, reflux disease, lupus, menopause, Parkinson's disease, sinusitis and stroke. If every time you read or re-read this book you discover one new thing to try or one more question to raise with your personal physician, it will certainly be worth the price.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The information was interesting and written in easy to understand text.

Talk about cramming a ton of information into an accessible, bite-sized format! The latest incarnation of Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld's Breakthrough Health is just plain easy to read. His straightforward style relies on layman's language but comes packed with enough depth and detail to hold the attention of his fellow physicians.

He addresses dozens of the issues that affect the quality of daily life in America such as obesity, Botox, bad breath, and unsightly skin rashes but intermixes this lighter fare with important and up-to-date advice on stopping most of our big-ticket killers such as breast, colon and prostate cancer, HIV and heart disease. Without being condescending, he offers it all in language any high school student could understand.

Two subjects I would have liked to have seen him include, are the modern CT screening test for coronary calcium, a now-proven technology to prevent heart attacks and the latest on lung cancer, the king of all malignancies. Exciting early detection in both areas has been in the news for some time and his popular readership could use the scoops. Next edition perhaps?

Of course any book that tries to keep up with the latest in medical advancement has some outdated elements before it leaves the printing press. But like buying a new computer, the effort is still worth it. The good news is that any home library equipped with different editions of Dr. Rosenfeld's many books will allow the layperson to research a particular medical issue by following how our understanding in the area has evolved over the past decade. Armed with this, plus a quick Internet search for the very latest, the patient can effectively become their own best advocate.
- John Corso, MD author of: Stupid Reasons People Die , An ingenious plot for defusing deadly disease.

Great update on the information we need to know. It was very helpful in my current endeavor to find answers! Highly recommend to anyone looking for quick clear answers!

Once again Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D. brings the reader up to date with the most recent advances in health. He provides current research including not only traditional methods of treating medical problems but also all the current research using less conventional techniques. Areas covered include allergies and asthma, alzheimer's, arthritis, cancer, depression, diabetes, ear infections, heartburn, heart disease, high blood pressure, overactive bladder, tendonitis, uterine fibroids, and many others. For each item he gives a brief synopsis of it, follows with a section titled "Here's What's New", and concludes with a section called "The Bottom Line". A great reference for catching up with current research from a highly respected source, Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld's 2005 Breakthrough Health: Up-to-the-Minute Medical News You Need to Know is highly recommended.

This book is extremely comprehensive and user friendly. The book, though used, is in perfect condition. I have several books on natural healing and none compare to this text. Thanks for the timely delivery and one-of-a-kind text.

this book has a lot of information, Just need to really spend your time to read, Otherwise it is useless. Overall, it is a very widely and well written book.

An excellent book on Natural Healing.

It is precise yet easy to understand (very user friendly).
The remedies range form nutrition, herbal remedies, homeopathy, tissue salts and external/physical therapies.

This is truely a wonderful book, and is well worth the price. Anyone interested in natural healing, should own this book.

I've had this book for MONTHS and I still discover chapters I haven't seen before! *LOL* I swear, this little baby has so much information packed into it I would find it exceptionally hard to NOT something great about it. And it IS great, you can find just about anything in here and the recommendations are GOOD.

The book has hundreds of pages, and the pages are printed very thin. Normally this would be a two or three volume boook set if were printed with the usual type of paper. It is well worth the money - no doubts about that! But do make sure your bookshelf is strong, too. Because this book is *heavy!* :)

I am a Clinical Nutritionist and have just about every great book written.. Recently I purchased this fantastic book and feel as though I can sell all of my other books on Health and Nutrition. This is the most thorough and jam packed book ever written. Filled with fun pictures and loads of incredibly helpful information for both the Clinician and the average person wanting to learn more about Health, Healing and more.
A true life long investment!

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.