Medicine and Health Books

If you are a scientist you may enjoy the story of how James Pennebaker pieced together his theories as much as you enjoy the theories themselves. Once he validated the worth of writing about emotional events that you had not previously talked about, he explored many other variations of disclosure. Two big surprises I found: 1) we need to write about happy things, too, and 2) by writing about an emotion, you diminish its passion -- as in love letters.

This book is wonderful and easy reading for the just average person. It is filled with information about the inner healing we experience when we journal our most inner thoughts. Thank you for sharing this information.

Many people believe that it is easier to hold in their feelings, but nothing could be further from the truth. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, stressed that emotional factors could be a contributing cause in disease as well as a factor in recovery. In more recent times, research psychologist James Pennebaker and others have found a mountain of evidence that demonstrates that disclosing our pain when we're suffering through a major upheaval can greatly improve our physical and mental health. Conversely, holding it in can lead to recurrent health problems as serious as colds, flu, high blood pressure, ulcers, and even cancer.

So this self-help book which explains how opening up and confiding in others actually improves your physical health as well as your mental well-being. This can happen in a support group or through journaling. If you are not already in a support group, you will want to join one after you read this fascinating account of the author's life work. If groups aren't for you, then you may be inspired to start journaling.

--Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D., author of Special Children, Challenged Parents and co-editor Voices from the Spectrum.
Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child With a Disability

Pennebaker's studies of people who wrote about their deepest traumas and hurts demonstrate that expressing feelings is helpful and healing. People who participated in the studies showed improved immune function as measured by doctor visits compared to controls groups who didn't journal or who journaled about daily events and omitted their feelings.

If you've kept a journal and written about what troubles you, you know how much this unloading can improve your mood. It's nice to have someone listen to you, or to have the compassionate attention of a paid therapist who can help you see your patterns. But it's also comforting to know that science has shown that journaling can be a way for you to be your own therapist. In this book, the author shares stories of people and their writing. This is a good book to point to if anyone thinks journaling is just narcissistic scribbling.

~~Joan Mazza, psychotherapist and author of DREAM BACK YOUR LIFE; DREAMING YOUR REAL SELF; WHO'S CRAZY ANYWAY? and 3 books in The Guided Journal Series with Writer's Digest Books/Walking Stick Press.

In Opening Up Dr. Pennebaker discusses his research into the mind-body connection, and about how mental and physical health can be affected by how people express their deepest feelings about important life experiences. He describes the many studies he has taken part in and the case histories of individuals he has observed in the course of his career.

The bulk of Opening Up deals with the way in which writing (or verbalizing) the details of and emotions surrounding people's most traumatic (and occasionally most positive) life experiences can affect well-being. It is fascinating to learn how interconnected the mind and body actually are, and how effective the act of putting one's experiences into words can improve people's quality of life, or conversely how expressing the wrong kinds of feelings or expressing them inappropriately can do just the opposite. This book makes a quick yet intriguing read as Dr. Pennebaker expresses his observations in a way easy for the layperson follow and confines his notes to the end of the book so the reader is not distracted from the flow of the text.

That said, I have to add that the final chapter, "Beyond Traumas: Writing and Well-Being", seems superfluous. Diverse topics such as the use of in-class writing, note-taking, and the teaching of reading and writing to pre-school children are brought into the discussion and seem to have nothing but a tenuous connection to the rest of the book. These topics may have been better left out rather than brought up at the last minute and not really discussed at enough length to warrant their inclusion.

While the conclusion takes away from the book, I would still encourage anyone who is interested in psychology in general or the mind-body connection in particular to pick this book up.

I do have one caveat to make and it is directed to those who are under the impression that this book is a self-help book. While the subtitle, The Healing Power of Expressing Emotions, leads to potential reader to think that this book will show them how to use writing to heal themselves, this is not the case. If you are looking for a book to direct you I would recommend something like Louise deSalvo's Writing as a Way of Healing as a companion to this volume. deSalvo's book is largely based on Dr. Pennebaker's research but offers concrete advice on how someone looking to begin a writing practice could start out, providing exercises and checklists to ensure that the writing experience is beneficial to the writer.

An optomistic book on life survival written from the male perspective of a cancer survivor...
Dr. Mignone developed "a 3 point approach of emotional, physical and spiritual readiness." As a spirtually grounded man,his journey is an inspiration to anyone who is struggling with a life threatening illness.

When I'd rather read an autobiography than my usual fare of spy and mystery novels, it has to be something special. In this book, a self-procalimed "superdoc" (and I've experienced a bunch of them) has become willing to be vullnerable, willing to express his love for others and to receive their help and support. With humor and honesty, he lets the reader in on the inner emotional turmoil, doubts, fears, hope...the whole gamut of human emotions in a very readable style. I am familiar with a number of books written by women who express their vulnerability as they face physical crisis. I don't know of any such book written by a man, especially not by a "Superdoc." A good read for anyone who has faced or is facing their own crisis with "Ordinarly Valor."

This is an unusual man's take on living through Cancer treatment. It is
a heartfelt journey through the dark tunnel of illness to the light at the
end of it. Dr. Mignone was very candid with a humorous touch that was
easy to read and educational. It offers hope and coping skills to men and
women who have had or may experience illness in their lives.
G. Prigmore

Dr. Mignone writes from his heart and in so doing teaches the rest of us how to live our lives finding the true meaning of life.... This is a book for all peoples from cancer warriors to cancer survivors to those fortunate not to have those words applied to them. It is a book that will serve for generations as a teaching that goes beyond medical practice or the classroom and right into our earthly lives. Thank you, Dr. M, for your gracious honestly. You truly are the compassinate healer. B. McCormack, Kalkaska, MI

This helped men understand the male point of view in going through a crisis like cancer. We women talk more about our trials with health. But this went beyond that to a more universal account of a journey through a health crisis. It was both helpful and inspirational. The fact that Dr. Mignone shared his humanness first, and then the knowledge of a psychiatrist added to my interest and benefit. Thank you, Dr., for being candid. H.O. Sarasota, Fl.

Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (1/08)

What's on your plate these days? Caught up in the New Year's weight-loss-resolution craze? Substituting baked chicken for fried or opting for a healthy salad instead? Author Sandy Powers says it's just not enough! Amid that lower-cholesterol poultry and pile of innocent-looking veggies lurks a terror so offensive, you won't believe it's FDA-approved. Hormones, antibiotics, synthetic pesticides, irradiated components, genetically modified organisms, reprocessed sewage - and you kiss your mother with that mouth?

"Organic for Health" is a jarring look at what we eat everyday, even those fresh foods considered `healthy.' For those already knowledgeable in all things organic, it's a gentle reminder to stay on track. But for people like me, it's a horrifying glimpse into what my body's had to process over the years. Chronic health problems, low immunity, and even that invading cancer battling our systems make much more sense when Powers describes what all we eat in addition to our intended meals. Put down that fork and slowly step away...

Unlike health how-to books that rival the size of medical textbooks, "Organic for Health" is easily ingested in one sitting for quick application. Not only does Powers give you a well-organized down and dirty (literally) of non-organic foods, she starts you off on the right path with a mouth-watering variety of recipes as well as advice on transitioning your grocery shopping habits without breaking the bank. Further, she provides a thorough glossary for quick reference and additional sources for supplementary research.

Sandy Powers notes she is living proof that the switch to organic foods is life-altering. Faced with breast cancer and a required surgery, her situation was further compounded with risky liver problems. Now, she lives cancer-free and her liver is better than ever thanks to an organic lifestyle. With the number of health problems, costs of medical care and prescriptions growing at a staggering rate, most people can no longer avoid taking a serious look at what they eat and would benefit from Powers' example. Even healthy parents will find this book eye-opening. As a mother, I found that the most shocking information in "Organic for Health" is that children have a higher sensitivity to these food additives - measured and packaged with an adult's body in mind.

Genetically-altered additives, pesticides, antibiotics, and reprocessed sewage - and that's just breakfast! "Organic for Health" will convince even the most indifferent eater that organic foods are the way to optimal wellbeing.

Very informative book. Easy to use. You will reconsider the old saying "You are what you eat". This book belongs on every cookbook shelf in America. To better Health! Enjoy!
Michael Fantin

Being a mother of 3, I found this book full of easy tips to ensure my family eats safe, nutritious food. It changed my view of food and how I shop for my family. The recipes were also helpful and delicious. My picky kids ate every last bite! I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to start or improve their organic lifestyle.

This book was full of more than just easy delicious recipes; there are plenty of tidbits about the advantages of organic foods. I was shocked by some of the facts given on convetional foods. I'm now more motivated than ever to eat organic and these recipes make it simple and fun.

Americans are being poisoned every day with food that has been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA allows terrifying quantities of poisons and contaminants to remain inside the meat and produce that currently fills supermarket shelves. It is a legal practice, and Americans continue to believe the food supply is safe.

Sandy Powers' amazing recount of her battle with breast cancer is one that every American should take to heart. After the initial diagnosis, Powers was unable to have surgery to remove the tumor because the levels of enzymes in her liver were dangerously high, and surgery could cause total liver failure and death. Various tests could not explain the reason behind her illness. She went ahead with the risky surgery, but continued treatment could not be pursued due to the high levels of enzymes. Eventually, Powers decided to try an experiment on herself to heal her liver. She simply undertook an organic diet. It is probably no surprise that the change in diet restored her liver enzymes to healthy levels and positively affected her cholesterol, enabling her body to more effectively battle the cancer.

Powers' experience is the inspiration behind Organic for Health. As if her own story isn't convincing enough, she spends several chapters explaining how the food supply is processed and the dangerous (and disgusting) amounts of contaminants suppliers are allowed to ignore. She begins with "Hormones, Antibiotics, and E. coli," briefly covers the seafood industry, then provides some startling statistics on fertilizer and pesticides, including the "Dirty Dozen" most dangerous fruits and vegetables. The next few chapters follow a more positive note, listing specific foods that are rich in antioxidants, immune boosters, and phytonutrients (when purchased organically).

Possibly the most helpful chapter is one entitled "Useful Information," in which Powers provides the reader with tips for storing produce to ensure it gets used, given that organically grown food is often costly. The bulk of the book is made up of delicious recipes. The key to these recipes is that Powers has been able to find most of the ingredients in their organic forms, and most likely, the reader will be able to do the same. For those that may be intimidated by the whole process, the recipes are very simple, usually with only a few ingredients. This is truly back to basics cooking, proving we've strayed away from the wisdom of our ancestors with our current lifestyles.

The book closes with tips for growing fruits and vegetables, meditation, and a glossary of terms. There is a list of additional resources, but none of the organizations have websites listed--just addresses and phone numbers. Websites would have been helpful, because most people prefer email over snail mail these days. Regardless, Organic for Health provides an important introduction to the benefits of organic food.

Sandy Powers has created the type of book that will change lives. She approaches the subject matter from a basic, introductory standpoint. This allows any reader to ease into the idea of major dietary changes, progressing at a comfortable pace. If there was any doubt the US government allows profit to prevail over general well-being, Organic for Health will eliminate that doubt.

The product will help me and my friends through our review for pt boards.. it's a great supplementary!

Very useful book to prepare for state boards. Well organized and covers many areas of orthopoedic PT.

I bought this book in preparation for my board exam and absolutely LOVE it. It briefly covers nearly everything you want to know about ortho PT.

I utilized this book to prepare for the physical therapy OCS exam and what a source. It was a great text to guide your thinking and elaborates on various areas (ie Pharmocology, Ragiology, wound healing...). I could not have studied without it.

Excellent review for ortho..You can essentially use this as an effective index to direct you to weak areas that demand research and further exploration. Really a must have. Very considerate, efficient, not pompous, and direct.

I do love the Our Bodies, Ourselves series, but if it were organized in a way to more easily access common information, it would help. Otherwise, they discuss issues that other guides ignore or take for granted.

I enjoyed this book immensely. It offered a pretty balanced view on the advantages and disadvantages of medical interventions in child birth. I am almost 5 months pregnant and have been leaning toward getting an epidural, but the information in this book convinced me both that I _can_ do it without one, and that if I end up with one anyway, it is not the end of the world.

By far the most up to date literature available about women's health and childbirth. So many popular texts are out of date and propel inaccurate information. However OBOS uses the latest research to create a useful narrative for women. An example is that latest research indicating the risks/benefits of SSRI's during pregnancy; many old texts inaccurately tell women to discontinue medications while now research illuminates the physiological damage untreated depression can have on the fetus. Great reference book --

Many women view the book Our Bodies, Ourselves as an essential women's health resource and also as a radically transformative influence in their lives. I hope Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth will become to pregnant women what the original book has been to women's health and empowerment.

The book is divided into five major sections: The Journey to Parenthood; Your Pregnancy; Giving Birth; Becoming a Mother; and Knowledge is Power. Subsections include an extensive chapter on prenatal testing and other important areas such as childbearing loss, coping with pain, and breastfeeding. A chapter titled "Relationships, Sex, and Emotional Support" was a particularly good one. The book has numerous contributing authors from a variety of backgrounds and organizations. Sprinkled throughout the book are italicized snippets of anonymous birth stories, often paired statements--i.e. an "I loved being pregnant!" segment and an "I hated being pregnant" segment. Then, inset into each chapter in box format, there are more complete stories or profiles that include women's names and photos. Overall, the book has very few pictures and only one series of photos of a woman actually giving birth (and she is in the semi-sitting position).

Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth is one of the only basic pregnancy books I've ever read that acknowledges the reality of violence against women during pregnancy and offers resources for seeking help if you are living with a violent mate. This book is also willing to address some unpopular or largely ignored subjects such as depression during pregnancy, HIV, STDS, and sexual abuse.

In the opening section of Chapter One the authors describe the "Climate of Confidence, Climate of Doubt" which becomes a thread running throughout the rest of the book. I love this way of articulating the messages swirling around pregnant women in our society.

The overriding attitude felt through this book is one that is the hallmark of Our Bodies, Ourselves in general--that ultimately, situations involving women's bodies are about each woman and what she wants and needs. The support offered is for HER regardless of the popularity of her choices with either the medical model or with childbirth activists---the woman wins out over anyone else's agenda. This is a truly woman-centered approach.

I had a minor critique of the persistent use of the term "breast-feeding" with a hyphen, which is not correct. In addition, the book's suggestions regarding overall newborn care routines in hospitals were surprisingly conventional and conservative.

Many of the most popular pregnancy books are rooted in medical model, conventional wisdom, and a climate of fear and doubt. This book is rooted in an empowerment oriented, woman centered midwifery model in a climate of confidence and competence. This book is a basic introduction to pregnancy and birth and is primarily directed towards the newly pregnant first time mother. I hope it finds a comfortable home on bookstore shelves next to (or in place of!) books about "what to expect" during pregnancy.
------
An extended version of this review originally appeared in CfM News. Visit the Citizens for Midwifery blog at cfmidwifery.blogspot.com.

Of all the books on pregnancy I've read, this one has been the most reassuring. As another reviewer mentioned, it's written in the same styles Our Bodies, Ourselves, which remains excellent through its many editions. It's not an especially thick book, and I would have loved to have seen more pictures, and personal excerpts, but everything important was covered, and the writing style was wonderful.

This book addresses itself to older women, teen mothers, single mothers, those with female partners, those living with diseases like HIV and diabetes; in short, all of the groups who got snubbed by most of the other books. It doesn't tell you how much weight the fetus should gain in each month, but that information's easy to find elsewhere. It does focus on making informed decisions about prenatal care, pain management, and maternal/fetal health, without talking down to the reader. Issues where there is normally controversy were handled gently; breastfeeding is encouraged, but formula feeding mothers aren't judged.

It's worth noting that the book does address some topics that may be upsetting, such as choosing to abort a fetus because of genetic testing, and stillbirth. These issues are very relevant, and handled calmly, but some chapters may be best skipped by the hormonal. I was glad to see that problems like depression took precedence over heartburn, and that a huge resources section was provided at the back of the book.

Highly recommended, and will be on my gift list for friends as they have their children. I don't want to give my copy up.

One of the side effects of prostate cancer treatment is a high incidence of impotence.

This book is informative. It is helpful. But the big questions for a patient are: What are my odds? and How long will it take to get potence back after treatment?

This book is not particularly helpful with these big questions.

On the other hand, this book does cover just about all of the rest of the subject you could imagine. It covers the physical causes and all of the potential treatments and effectiveness of each treatment. It puts a ptient in an excellent position for an informed choice.

Never before has such comprehensive and state-of-the-art medical information been so inviting and enjoyable. This superbly-written guide appeals to all, from the afflicted to the curious. It has become an integral part of my treatment algorithm. Finally--Chicken Soup for the pole!

This is a comprehensive easy to understand book for anybody. I believe Mr. J. Stephen Jones is indeed a leading urologist in our world. I recommend his book without hesitation in general...

This is the most current and complete book available on the topic of maintaining or regaining sexual health, taking a balanced approach to a serious subject. It uses appropriate and tasteful humor to disarm nervousness and embarassment most men and their partners experience when dealing with sexual issues.

If you have questions about impotence, this book has the answers!

Dr. Jones has taken a subject that in the best of circumstances is difficult to discuss, and made it practical and approachable. He dispels the myths about impotence in a humorous and tactful manner while providing hope and options for treatment. He combines useful information with humor in a style that is very appealing.

Anyone who wants/needs information about impotence should start with this book!

This text has a good balance of information and brevity. It is highly usable, and perfect for any massage office or facility to educate the staff. I wish this text had been used in my massage school.

This is the perfect book for Massage Therapists, it covers everything the therapist needs to know and how to treat client complaints through the gentle art of massage therapy.

I was disappointed to receive what I feel is a rather expensive book and find that in flipping through the pages, that some of them were upside-down. I expect perfection when buying a new item!

Excellent reference material...easy to find Pathology. As a praactitioner I do not work on medical cases at this time but find this manual a must...it is informative.

This is a great book for learning pathology. I'm a massage therapist and this helped me to learn certain conditions such as fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis for school exams and for the national boards. If you really want to know the kind of questions asked on the National Certification Examination get the following on amazon: "The Ulimate Study Guide for the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Key Review Questions and Answers" (Volume 1), (Volume 2), and (Volume 3). Each volume covers each section of the National Certification Examination so thoroughly and the questions really help you know which areas you are weak or strong in.

I have the first edition of Dr. Lorraine Wilson's pathophys. text and have just bought the fifth edition. It is an excellent resource for any nurse who wants to maintain a current knowledge base in pathophysiology. It is a great resource. It is obvious that the main editor, Dr. Wilson, takes great pride in the accuracy of the submissions and strives to produce a high quality text book. I understand that Dr. Wilson is completing the 6th edition but no word as to when it will be released.

My only complaint about this book is they often reference other diseases or complications and I am continually having to cross reference whenever I am reading. Overall, I feel like I can get a reasonable, generally understanding very quickly and this is a book I will save as a reference.

It's a nice book at a discount used.
Delivered in good time.
What more can I say.

I have been a fan of Sylvia Price's Pathophysiology text since I first studied for the CCRN exam in 1982. I have bought periodic updated versions since that time and recommend it to all my preceptees and CCRN study group members. The clarity of her authors' explanations makes understanding the pathophysiology of conditions commonly seen in ICU very easy. I do not have enough words to express how highly I recommend this book to any nurse beginning a critical care career.

I'm not going to be too verbose here, but I've used this text for three years now, and it's an excellent reference for basic pathophysiology. I've used it at both the undergraduate and medical school level, and I've been very pleased with both the organization and the content. It's not a replacement for Robbins Pathology, but it's an excellent supplement, and somewhat easier to read/use.

As a 3 day a week exerciser, I found this book to be of great help! In particular, it helped me to correct some bad exercising habits/techniques that I had developed. I've noticed a marked reduction in lower back pain as a result of incorporating the workout tips into my regular routine. The book also helped to dispell some common exercise myths. I would recommend this book to anyone -- from the weekend workout warrior to the professional athlete -- who is interested in reaping all the healthy benefits of exercising. There's something in this book for everyone whatever your fitness level!

Over this past year, I have had several set backs starting a fitness routine resulting in injuries. As a working professional and mother of two, it's challenging to carve time out for fitness. I am looking for optimal results with limited time. Peak Perfmance Fitness is a great resource for developing a solid fitness foundation. Jennifer Rhodes has a gift for providing practical, simple explanations for how to prevent injury and develop an effective fitness plan. The diagrams and step-by-step instructions are a real value add!

I love this book! Maintaining proper alignment, and therefore helping to prevent injuries, and chronic pain, is so much more important than mere aesthetics. Anyone who has suffered an injury that affects one's mobility can attest to this. This book will show you how to keep your body healthy and well-aligned, for long-term health. She writes in an exceptionally clear fashion as well, and the way she explains how your body is supposed to move is brilliant easy to understand. Fantastic. I hope she writes another book, she's very dynamic.

As a female approaching 60, I have attempted many fitness programs only to be interrupted by an injury. I was intrigued by Jennifer Rhodes' book, Peak Performane Fitness, because she emphasizes fitness without injury or strain. After reading through Jennifer's book, I now understand why my attempts to improve my health through exercise have failed. I have developed a beginners program using the guidelines in her book. My focus is on improving my overall posture, along with cardiovascular exercise. In partiular, I highly recommend the foam roll referred to in Chapter 4 for spinal alignment. Jennifer has the knowledge and experience to provide good tools for exercise without injury and the suggested exercises with illustrations make it simple for one to follow. I am now looking forward to an ACTIVE retirement.

I am a 32 year old guy. I've been playing soccer, tennis, and golf almost all of my life. Over the past three years though, I've been plagued by recurring injuries to my knees and shoulders. I assumed my body was simply weakening with age, and couldn't take the blows like it used to. Luckily, I found Peak Performance Fitness before I put myself out to pasture! This easy to read book explained how my pain was actually due to years of "microtrauma"- continual irritations caused by poor alignment of my body causing me to torque and stress my muscles and joints in ways they just weren't meant to take. Clear illustrations gave me an understanding of how my body can and should work in harmony, with small changes in my lifestyle and exercise regimen. The book stepped me through the crafting of a workout, custom made to strengthen and realign my trouble spots. Within a few weeks, I could already feel my power and confidence improving. Ms Rhodes's book is an essential read for anyone who wants to keep their body working efficiently and looking and feeling great.

A great book that encapsulates the philosophical basis behind psychiatry and indeed medicine in general. A must read for all med students!

This book is unlike any other. It represents the accumulated wisdom and understanding of two sensitive and intelligent psychiatrists who were in the position of teaching often skeptical Johns Hopkins medical students. These students are among the smartest and able individuals in the country - most of them were not going into psychiatry and had a variable amount of interest and respect for it. The authors were therefore in the position of presenting their chosen field to a challenging audience.
This book represents their masterful response. Four separate perspectives are presented, Disease, Dimension, Behavior and Narrative.
The combination of creativity and intellectual integrity make it a delightful and worthwhile experience for anyone in psychiatry. The persuasive power of it's ideas make it an essential book for anyone who teaches intelligent medical students or even residents and psychologists in training.

Paul Mc Hugh continues his practice of writing prose that delights and informs .The Perspectives of Psychiatry should be read by every trainee psychiatrist and anyone else with an interest in what are called the Behavioral Sciences .I found it hard to put down .I particularly liked the respect accorded to the phenomonology of psychiatric disorder - something of which 99% of contemporary pscyhiatrists know little and no doubt care less : being preoccupied with risk assessment never helps. The chapter on Schizophrenia is exemplary.The work gets my vote .
James H Willis FRCP

I am currently reading this book for my fourth time in six years. As my clinical experience has broadened, I find the teachings more and more salient. With each reading, I am more impressed by the insight and straightforward genius of this work. This classic by Drs. McHugh and Slavney is a must read for any psychiatrist or mental health professional -- a refreshing and thoughtful reprieve from the "unfounded chatter" of the psychiatric literature.

These perspectives have helped me to learn more about my patients and improve their overall treatment. The theories are laid out in a clear, understandable manor, so the non-psychiatrist may learn. P.S. Dr.McHugh is a gem!