Medicine and Health Books

This book has helped me in so many ways. I agree with Tami and Nancys comments, TOTALLY!!

I actually gave my book away to a Massage Therapist. I am purchasing a second one so I can go back to it over and over again. This book has given me more information than any Dr. has even tried to do. I have been battling LE in my left leg for 33 years and just found out there is help out there.

Great source of information!!

THE AUTHORS:
Ann Ehrlich: professional medical writer with Lymphedema following breast cancer treatment.
Alma Vinje-Harrewijn: licensed physiotherapist with more than 15 years of experience and postgraduate training in MLD per Vodder, Foldi, Chikley...
Elizabeth McMahon, PhD: clinical psychologist with over 25 years helping persons with chronic medical conditions manage anxiety, depression and other emotional issues.

WHY READ THE BOOK? The self-care knowledge and techniques presented can thwart a host of illnesses in addition to Lymphedema. Also see www.lymphnet.org

EDEMA: the body's normal swelling response to an injury.

LYMPHEDEMA: abnormal swelling due to damage or improper development of the lymphatic system, which, left untreated, can become worse, dangerous or life-threatening. Primary Lymphedema is hereditary; secondary Lymphedema results from damage to lymphatic system. Treatment is the same. Onset may be immediate or delayed for years. Approximately 5 million Americans affected.

RISK FACTORS, SECONDARY LYMPHEDEMA: biopsies; burns; scars; obesity; circulatory malfunctions; fractures; joint dislocations; other injuries; paralysis; multiple sclerosis; inactivity. Cancer treatments lead in developing nations.

EARLY SYMPTOMS: infection; swelling; pitting edema; "pins & needles;" heaviness; tight skin, ring, bracelet, shoe or sleeve; shoulder/hip aching; decreased joint mobility...

STAGE1: Swollen tissues are soft, and pitting edema is present. Elevation relieves temporarily. Early treatment can improve it greatly.

STAGE2: Tissues feel firm, even hard, and pressure leaves only a slight indentation. There may be more swelling, fibrosis, infections and skin problems. Intense treatment may improve.

STAGE3: Swelling and tissue fibrosis cause the skin to harden. Folds of tissue disfigure and limit mobility. Fungal infections and open wounds develop. Intense therapy improves it or prevents worsening. Reversal is rare.

FIBROSIS: an inflammatory reaction to stagnant, protein-rich lymph, which further slows the lymph circulation, which traps more stagnant lymph and causes additional swelling. Infection risk increases.

DIAGNOSIS: 90% based on symptoms and family history. 10% require more sophisticated testing and questioning. Any heart condition will be diagnosed and treated first. Sudden swelling - could be thrombosis; slow progressive swelling of legs - could be chronic venous insufficiency; Rapidly-progressive and painful Lymphedema-type swelling - could be a fast-growing tumor. Check practitioner's credentials.

COMBINATIONS: explanation of Lymphedema interactions with obesity; lipedema; congestive heart failure; chronic venous insufficiency; dependent edema; cellulitis; diabetes; peripheral neuropathy.

SELF-PROTECTION: For the affected or at risk limb, avoid: injections, blood draws, finger pricks, IV placements, acupuncture, burns, injuries, tattoo parlors, excess weight, flying or exercising without compression garment.

TREATMENT-MLD: Manual lymph drainage moves lymph away from the affected area. Contraindicated if cellulitis, fever, infection, developing infection, uncontrolled major illnesses. More often contraindicated for the elderly due to co-occurring illnesses.

TREATMENT-COMPRESSION, FUNCTIONS: Bandages and garments maintain progress; prevent additional swelling; support natural lymph drainage; help muscles pump lymph; soften fibrotic (hardened) tissues. Remove for sleeping.

TREATMENT-PUMP: In the early 1990's Complete Decongestive Therapy (MLD+compression+self-management) was found more effective than the pump, which can increase fibrosis and displace the swelling of the limb into the trunk or genitalia. However, the (newer generation) pump can be used successfully: if therapist sees and evaluates the patient first; if MLD has already been performed on the neck, the abdomen and the uninvolved leg/arm; if there is careful monitoring for progress, fibrosis or increased swelling in surrounding tissues.

POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF NEGLECT: cellulitis, erysipelas, athlete's foot, toenail fungus, orthopedic problems, fibrosis, hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis, weeping Lymphedema, lymphangitis,
lymphangiosarcomalJ(rare)

LYMPHEDEMA THERAPIST CERTIFICATION: Lymphology Assn of North America (LANA) requires 135 hours of specialized education... Prerequisite is a professional license in physical therapy or related profession.

RESOURCES: www lymphnotes.com lists treatment facilities and support groups and other resources, and provides a network. Also contact cancer support groups.

INSURANCE: Excellent chapter on Insurance; Family and Medical Leave Act; Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.

EMOTIONS: Handling emotional challenges affects your self-management competence. Dr. McMahon's, Overcoming the Emotional Challenges of Lymphedema, is recommended. Practice relaxation; take action on problems without waiting to feel better; confine worrying to a scheduled time; talk to yourself with respect; get professionals to answer all of your questions.

SELF-MASSAGE: coordinate w/Dr. and Lymphedema therapist; does not replace MLD by trained Lymphedema therapist; technique and sequence are explained and illustrated, but you must be trained; Self-massage not recommended if...certain malignant tumors, leukemia, acute inflammation, infections, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, acute allergic reactions, erysipelas, thrombosis, precancerous skin conditions, chronic inflammation, thyroid disorders, bronchial asthma, dysautonomia, granulomas, or occlusive artery disease.

SELF-BANDAGING: Get instructions. Eight pages on technique, safety, materials and effectiveness. Contraindications: infection; open wounds; congestive heart failure; other.

EXERCISE: Illustrations. Precautions. Coordinate with Lymphedema specialist; Wear compression; Exercise increases lymph flow rate 15 times and combats depression & fatigue; Deep breathing moves lymph through abdomen; goal to enjoy 1-hour hike 3 times/week.

AQUATIC THERAPY: The buoyancy enables relaxation, pain decrease, additional motions, reduced joint stress, and cardiovascular system strengthening. Many precautions, guidelines.

NUTRITION: Good nutrition is essential to managing Lymphedema's stress on the body. Obesity is risky. Consume adequate protein. Stay well-hydrated.

HEALTH JOURNAL: calendar, visit records, current medications, healthcare team roster, medical history, Lymphedema records, compression garment records, hospitalization records. Helps with informing doctor and with insurance claims.

HAVING FUN: laughing; tennis; basketball; golf; bowling; travel; saunas & steam rooms (avoid); hiking; backpacking; trampolining; dancing; yoga. Limitations and safe participation are explained.

UNDERSTANDING THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM: 22 pages of outstanding explanation and illustration. This material can improve one's self-care via own-body respect.

SUGGESTION 1: Dual-Purpose Cancer Prevention: Pre-knowledge of the Lymphedema side-effect from cancer sagas would have made more of the recipients of biopsy, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy proactive on prevention. Numerous books teach cancer prevention, and Mary Kerney Levenstein's Everyday Cancer Risks and How to Avoid Them aptly and comprehensively does this. (Enter "Mary Kerney" or "0895295059" for a quick find on Amazon.com.) Also see Singer and Grismaijer's, Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras, wherein lymph flow restriction is deemed culpable.

SUGGESTION 2: Read, Coping With Lymphedema by Swirsky and Nannery, 1998 - also excellent but significantly different.

SUGGESTION 3: I suggest writing booknotes (mine~5000words) for understanding, reference and retention.

This is a wonderful book for anyone with lymphedema or a caregiver. The book covers all aspects of lymphedema and I especially like the chapters on how to manually drain the lymphatic nodes to help reduce the swelling of the affected limb. This is a must have book.

I've had lymphedema since 2001 as the result of breast cancer treatment and now I help run a support group for lymphedema patients. "Living Well With Lymphedema" is the best book out there for patients and is the most up-to-date book of its kind right now.

We recommend it to all the members of our lymphedema support group. Our organization has bought additional copies to distribute to libraries in our area so anyone who needs it will have free access to it.

This book is a straight forward, readable instruction book for the lymphedema patient. The medical information is
thorough and current. The authors have done an incredible job surveying the patient population for suggestions and practices that work. Plus there is information on the emotional aspects that patients have to contend with and coping recommendations.

With this book, living well with lymphedema is what it's all about and definitely an attainable goal for most patients. What a positive message!

Highly recommended.

With this book as a recent purchase I would have to say its one of the best. I diagnosed with LE in the right leg 6 months ago have been trying to find all kinds of info on it to help me understand it more. Also it has helped my family understand what I and the rest of us have to endure. It still makes me mad that we live in a time where Doctors are either not willing to diagnose our conditios correctly or they have no clue about the condition.

There is so much valuable, pragmatic and helpful information in this book! The woefully underestimated value of listening, the best way to handle a patient complaint, creating a "patient -friendly" environment. It's all here...presented in an engaging, well organized and insightful manner. Satisfying patients goes far beyond taking surveys. I recommend this book to all my clients!

Susan Keane Baker has so much knowledge in this important area of health care and she shares with us her many insights and suggestions in an interesting, easy-to-read manner. This is definitely a book for all health care professionals and executives to keep on a nearby shelf as a ready reference over the years. Susan covers so many topics that are essential for patient retention, such as anticipating patient needs and preferences and making sure that patient complaints are dealt with in a timely and caring manner. As a longtime consultant in patient communication myself, I can testify that my colleague Susan has done a superb job with this book. Its all there - which makes this 5 stars for sure. It's easy to see why this book is a top seller!

This book offers practical information and advice on dealing with individuals in a healthcare setting. It is an excellent tool for the direct healthcare provider, as well as for those working behind the scenes. Reading this book reminded me of why I entered the healthcare profession in the first place - to make a difference. I think this book will also have great appeal to the patient who wants to be more knowledgeable about his/her healthcare and what to look for in a physician/patient relationship. Healthcare providers who pay attention to service excellence are destined for future success, and the information in this book will help you attain it!

I bought this book after Press Ganey recommended it in their October 1999 client advisory newsletter. It's full of practical ideas that anyone working in a health care setting can use. Excellent!

Just could not put it down. Gets to the issues that plague our healthcare system and helps physicians and other provider recognize the "best pratices" available to them to retain patients. Patients should enjoy this book as well to confirm their rationale for demanding medical and service excellence. It's a must read for all quality improvement directors, risk managers and administrators alike.

Great addition to my office. Explains some tests we use infrequently-good to explain to patients.

This product is in amazing shape, thank you for being so eager to send it out so quick. It came just in time and I love the book. Thank you Jamie

I started using Fischbach in Nursing School and was re-acquainted with it when I joined the Air Force. I have never found anything at all close to the quality of the content. I had a copy at the hospital until someone else recognized the quality of it for themselves. So I immediatly went out and bought another. I'm afraid I need another one at work. I don't mind everyone liking them. I just don't care to be the sole supplier to the world. I guess I will have to chain it to the inside of my locker.
Thanks
Major H (retired)

This elaborated lab manual is very useful for reviewing all the procedures currently employed in clinical laboratories. It covered all the important aspects of investigative medicine like: microbiology, biochemistry, immunology, pathology, haematology and histology.
"Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Testing" provides diagnostic guidance; as well as conclusive interpretation to every aspect of clinical lab investigations.
It is a manual, which both trainees and experienced practitioners should pay attention to.

As a first-time buyer from Amazon.com, I was very impressed and happy with the service. Manual of Laboratory/Diagnostic Test was in good shape, excellent condition. I receive this book within 7 days. I will continue to do business with Amazon.com

Vailia Dennis brings back tender memories of what life is truly about. Having worked in facilities where I was the one caring for Alzheimer's victims and trying to help their families understand the changes happening to their loved one, Marshall's Journey came as a special reminder of loving someone afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

Marshall spent his life living and loving those around him... mother, sister, nieces and nephews. When he could no longer live the life he loved, his sister made the heart wrenching decision to return that love the only way she knew - by entering his world to care for him. To suffer the tragic loss of her brother to an overwhelming disease that robs you of the life you love brought her to research all there was to know about Alzheimer's. Through learned knowledge and a love so deep for Marshall, Vailia was able to help Marshall maintain his dignity while struggling with the loss of everything and everyone he knew.

Vailia chose not only to love but also to respect who her brother was. Choosing to walk with him along this, his final journey, is a choice few can make. So many are unaware of the extent of damage this disease does to the brain, we only see what someone appears like on the outside. Alzheimer's is destructive enough without our feeble attempts to bring someone back to the here and now. BRAVO Vailia for choosing to honor Marshall.

I recommend this easy to read book to anyone who has to walk this same journey. Honor that individual with the depth of love shown only through understanding the effects of Alzheimer's. Marshall's Journey should be given to patients and family members at the same point in time they are diagnosed. Don't wait `til the fear overrides our love.

The author of this book has given a blessing to the world in the form of a journal of creative, compassionate and eminently practical ideas for dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer's. She shows exactly how to do it. How to lessen the fear that every Alzheimer's victim has as a natural course of this condition. How to enter the world of the person who has Alzheimer's and make that world safe for the person. What we don't realize, says the author, is that the Alzheimer's
victim is no longer in the real world and although it is too difficult and frightening for them to join us in the real world, it is not difficult for us to join them in the fragmented world that they inhabit. Although we don't have a cure for Alzheimer's, at long last, with this book, we now have a care for it.

May we all be as blessed as Marshall to have someone as compassionate as Vailia Dennis to care for us if the need ever arises. Her amazingly creative methods of caring for her brother throughout his final years are both helpful and inspiring. I have given this book multiple times to friends in her situation, caring for an Alzheimers victim. Through this book, I am convinced, she is helping many, many people.

This is a must read for anyone who has a loved one with any stage of Alzheimers. The author's understanding of the disease and how to cope, as a caregiver, is wonderfully portrayed in this touching story of love and caring.

Never have I been so touched by a book about the decline of a loved one. Coming from a family riddled with Alzheimer's, I found love, hope, dedication and understanding within this easy-to-read book. I am convinced that Vailia Dennis has discovered a new path for dealing with those in our lives who have been afflicted with this devastating disease.

THIS BOOK AND THE WOMAN WHO WROTE IT ARE AMAZING!!! SYLVIA HAS PUT FORTH SOOOO MUCH OF HERSELF IN THIS BOOK. IT IS FUN, EDUCATIONAL AND CARING. IT IS VERY EASY FOR A LAY PERSON TO GLEAN THE INFORMATION FROM IT. IT IS PERFECT FOR EVERYONE NO MATTER IF YOU HAVE HAD ANY MEDICAL/ HOMEOPATHY BACKGROUND OR NOT. SYLVIA HAS ALSO WRITTEN ANOTHER TITLE ; MATERIA POETICA: MALADY IN VERSE AND HAS ANOTHER COMMING VERY SHORTLY! I DO NOT OWN THE 2ND BOOK AS OF YET, BUT HAVE READ IT COVER TO COVER IN HER OFFICE! I WOULD RECCOMEND THIS TO ANY ONE WHO LOVES ANYTHING!!!
P.S. SHE IS ALSO A GREAT DOCTOR!! MY 4 KIDS LOVE HER!!!

THIS BOOK AND THE WOMAN WHO WROTE IT ARE AMAZING!!! SYLVIA HAS PUT FORTH SOOOO MUCH OF HERSELF IN THIS BOOK. IT IS FUN, EDUCATIONAL AND CARING. IT IS VERY EASY FOR A LAY PERSON TO GLEAN THE INFORMATION FROM IT. IT IS PERFECT FOR EVERYONE NO MATTER IF YOU HAVE HAD ANY MEDICAL/ HOMEOPATHY BACKGROUND OR NOT. SYLVIA HAS ALSO WRITTEN ANOTHER TITLE (OF COURSE I CAN'T THINK OF IT RIGHT NOW!) AND HAS ANOTHER COMMING VERY SHORTLY! I DO NOT OWN THE 2ND BOOK AS OF YET, BUT HAVE READ IT COVER TO COVER IN HER OFFICE! I WOULD RECCOMEND THIS TO ANY ONE WHO LOVES ANYTHING!!!
P.S. SHE IS ALSO A GREAT DOCTOR!! MY 4 KIDS LOVE HER!!!

In Materia Poetica, Sylvia expresses the feeling and the essence of homeopathic remedies in delightful poetry. It is a wonderful learning tool for students, and knowledgable homeoapths will appreciate it too.

Not only is Materia Poetica : Homeopathy In Verse by Sylvia Seroussi,MD a wonderful collection of poetry, but it serves as a great reference for choosing that "right" remedy. By portraying the essence of the remedies in verse, Dr. Chatroux has captured the symptoms, quirks, and personality types for which the various remedies are meant to treat. A great addition to ones homeopathic library, as well as great fun to read.

I wish I would have had this book when my children were younger and I was frantically searching for a friendly guide to homeopathy. Most of the books were awfully complicated and required answering so many questions about symptoms that, by the time I'd figured out the right remedy, the fever was gone, the earache finished or the headache had disappeared. This book demystifies homeopathy, and brushes it with beauty, whimsy and deep wisdom at the same time. First, it's a beautiful book, with lovely black and white botanical drawings. And the concept is original; the author simplifies and clarifies homeopathy by describing properties of the 101 remedies in poetry. And she makes it fun, too. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for alternatives to conventional medicine, especially parents of young children. Actually, it's a great book for anyone who loves poetry, plants, beautiful books, the healing arts...the list goes on and on. Part of the uniqueness of the book is because Sylvia Chatroux is a unique doctor, an MD as well as a homeopathic doctor. She's also the kind of doctor everyone wants to have; she believes in the body's ability to heal and she is deeply committed to helping people heal themselves. That spirit comes through in this wonderful book.

Meet the Veggies is educational and fun. What a great to learn about vitamins. It is a book that can be read again and again by and to children. Kudos to Charlotte Raybon with her first book.

Meet the Veggies is a wonderful children's book. Parents along with their children will have a great time reading this book.

Little ones will find it hard not to eat healthly after viewing these cute little colorful illustrations of the veggies.

The lively and colorful characters of Miss Mae's kitchen will keep you entertained as they share a few details about themselves. They'll have you smiling and your mouth watering. This is a story people of all ages can enjoy. You'll also love the colorful illustrations. Great debut! I'm looking forward to Ms. Raybon's next book.

Miss Mae's Kitchen is very entertaining. Children will find it hard to put this book down and will enjoy reading it again and again.

Carolyn touches upon the most sacred part of medicine, the mystery of miraculous cures. The book takes the reader through a personal journey of the healer. You begin reading and in a few hours find yourself at the last page of the book, feeling rejuvenated, filled with the energy of powerful transformation that Dr Ross experienced. This book is an eye opener for many, and a reminder for the rest of us. I would highly recommend this book if you are patient with a chronic condition, healer, or simply interested in miracles.

As I read the book, I could not believe that I was not reading a book about me! I will investigate healers in my area, and look forward to challenging and learning more about my dreams and sensations/fears during yogi sessions. I believe, and I know I have the energy that needs to be balanced and rechanelled.

Thank you for providing this inspiration and opportunity to play a role in self-healing with relying strictly in physicians.....

It was upbuilding and refreshing to travel with Dr. Ross through her own journey in discovering what is at the root of miracles while experiencing healing at the same time. Dr. Ross is honest in her appraisal of such healing modalities as meditation, prayer, Reiki, yoga and more. Some of these she has tried in dealing with her own health challenges and others she evaluates through following patients.

Throughout the book, Dr. Ross provides resources for any information she has shared. These include books, websites, programs and practitioners.

Highly recommended.

I read this book with great interest and total fascination. It's a must read for all of us who are questioning of many standard medcal practices today.

When I first picked up the book, "Miracles in Healing" I was a little wary as I assumed it would be a book of secular miracle healing like cover yourself up with mud and lay there for a while and all your illnesses will go away.

Although it is a book explaining the art of healing, Dr. Ross methodically takes us with her on her journey of healing when she is suddenly diagnosed with an illness that causes her to give up her medical practice. The book reveals to us similar or familiar journeys by others facing their worst fears. It explains to us not to succumb to those fears, but rely on faith which "Miracles in Healing" by Carolyn Coker Ross, M.D., M.P.H. does just that in a very articulateness and thought out text giving way to spiritual and physical healing.

She explains having faith and believing in God, along with conventional treatment, can miraculously bring about unyielding miracles to one's body and soul in the mental and physical sense. I particularly enjoyed the stories of people that were interviewed and how they coped with, and eventually prescribed themselves their art of healing, which eventually became their miracles. The book contains in each chapter, a listing of resources for you to refer to and read; plus there is space
after each listing for you to detail or jot down any particular notes, which makes it very convenient to the reader.

It is a very uplifting read and should appeal to anyone who feels defeated, but still looking for a ray of hope. Thank you, Dr. Ross, for sharing portions of your life and the life of thers with readers who may have had family members, or have themselves been on the receiving end of sudden illnesses and
struggling to cope. I recommend you read "Miracles in Healing" and you will appreciate one woman's determination to stand up and not fall down.

Reviewed by Kalaani

A couple of us got this for our first clinic rotations in RT school, our clinic instructors and floor RTs we worked with all had them by the end of our semester at one hospital. It's the best out there. The "Oakes" pocket guides where required for clinics at the time, the PDQ has since replaced it. The spiral gets hooked on scrub seams, I prefer the sturdiness to the sticky Oakes binder pages.

This book is well organized and easy to use during clinical rotations. A handy reference for all material - even important things you don't use everyday as a respiratory therapist or respiratory student.

Wee arrranged and clear to understand - this book has finally answered all my questions, in a language which I can understand, and at last I now understand my specialist. I would recommend this book to anyone with any form of respiratory illness or wishes to understand the deeper workings of the lungs

I absolutely LOVE this book. This thing is pocket size, and yet still FULL of information. I recommend this book to any student, or respiratory therapist! It will be a great help!

It is fast and easy to recheck data and small enough to cary.

What a terrific read for a cold snowy day. I couldnt put it down-the author draws us right in from the start with details of the Crag Rats' rescue/recoveries and how medical emergencies in the wilderness are handled.

I got this book from the library and it was so good that I just had to buy it for my son (who is a climber) and my grandson who is in pre-med.

Life-threatening situations don't always result from poor planning or risky behavior; sometimes a single misstep on a muddy trail can result in a fall that leaves a hiker stranded on a rocky ledge, close to death. Whether injured or lost, people's lives depend on the courage and commitment of search and rescue organizations like the Crag Rats, a volunteer SAR group living near Mt. Hood, Oregon. Dr. Van Tilburg's book is an account of rescues the group has made. Gripping, fascinating, and always well-written, the book has only one flaw: it comes to an end far too soon. I'd love to read more about the Crag Rats and wilderness medicine. Five stars.

Van Tilburg's account of rescues on Mt. Hood will hook you early and keep you up late. His account of the heroism and humanism of the Crag Rats is unforgettable. You got to thank men and women like him for the courageous work they do. Kudos to Van Tilburg for bringing us their -- and his -- stories.

There is a human side to rescue in the backcountry, and Dr. Van Tilberg tells that story very well. From the effect of our SAR missions on our loved ones, to dealing with the emotions that flood a rescuer, particularly when you get "off the mountain" or "out of the woods". He also throws some very good information about wilderness medical techniques, without being overly technical or distracting. I read it straight through, and now it sits on my wilderness medical bookshelf, right next to "Doctor on Everest". I will be recommending it to my next Wilderness First Aid class in January.

"Healthcare providers are cutting back personnel, thus getting vital medical record information from multiple sources is more difficult than ever. I wish more of my patients used your material."

"My Health Record" is a GREAT idea! I know it will help a lot of people."

My Health Record will enable the non-specialist general reader to reduce risk and minimize the impact of medical conditions by providing health care workers, doctors, and medical professionals with a personal health history, avoid repeating unnecessary, unsuccessful, or duplicated immunizations and tests, prevent prescription based complications, and document changes in healthy insurance and primary health care providers. My Health Record is invaluable for anyone seeking an active role in their own health and well-being, and could very well be life protecting when dealing with medical emergencies.

"Very often patients are unaware or don't remember vital aspects of their own medical illnesses. I plan on using "My Health Record" for my own family's medical records."

"It is just the right size to carry along, whether traveling or just going to the doctor's office. Our audience often depends on others for assistance, and need a complete health record to which caregivers can refer. My Health Record does just that!"