health Books

I do not agree with the reviewer who said that the text was not very good. It is fun to read because of the rhyming text, and it is simple and brief enough to begin reading it to very young twins. I especially like the end that states, "Double hands, skin to skin, Double hearts, twin to twin." It is nice that it starts out at the beginning of the twins' lives and then as the book continues, it describes other events as they get older. Although the pictures are showing boy/girl twins, it is appropriate for all combinations of twins. I am going to be buying it for a friend who is having twins because we have enjoyed this book so much.

I was a little disappointed. The pictures were cute, but not very good text. The book itself must have come from the bargain bin. It had a black marker across the top and the cover was smudged.

If my 19-month old twin girls could give the review for this book themselves, it would be 5+ stars. The illustrations and story are just adorable. What really makes me melt is everytime we come upon the last page that says, "Double hands, skin to skin. Double hearts, twin to twin.", my girls hold hands just like the twins in the picture!

When our boy/girl twins were born, a cousin gave us this book for a gift, and it quickly became one of our favorites to read to them, starting when they were just a few months old. Now they're almost 2 1/2 years old and it is one of their favorites as well. The rhyme is concise and sweet, and the pictures are very endearing. It really celebrates the joy of twins despite all the little frustrations they may create along the way!

Bought this book to read to my two year old because we are expecting a set of twins. He loves the book about "his babies" It is a cute book, great for preparing a sibling for the arrival of twins.

Ms. Day and I have a few things in common. We both had our major crisis at age 32. We both had to fight for our child. I fought to keep mine alive. She fought to keep custody of hers. Both single mothers raising our child. She is correct when she says that crisis can be positive. However, over the many years, (I'm 66) I have seen women deny, deny, deny and end up, in a few cases, homeless.

I am not an intuitive, but am a sensitive. All my life I was able to 'see' things and have them turn into reality. I 'saw' some very strange events coming in my life that could not possibly, in a thousand years, occur. Yet they all did. Every one of them. Very few things surprise me now.

Trying to help people when you see their crisis coming is not always successful. Unlike Ms. Day, I do not work with rich clients, companies, etc. I have, over the years, warned my employers about events coming down the pike. Some listened, some didn't.

I have had clients over the years and still do, but I do not charge for my services. It is a pact I made with the Spirit World long ago. They will help me 100 percent if I do not collect money for their help. If I do, I chance losing my ability to see. It doesn't bother me that I am not wealthy or live the kind of lifestyle Ms. Day does. The Spirit World has kept me whole, healthy and happy all these years.

I would like to see her write a book that is current that speaks to what is happening now with regard to housing losses, job losses, gas prices, and what the future holds. She needs to take the gloves off and really lay it on the line. She doesn't sugarcoat things, but she needs to get down and dirty about people taking responsibility for their lives. Her stories are very interesting. I just wish we knew what happened to the father in San Francisco. Did his wife return and take their daughter back?

I did very much enjoy her book. I just wonder, if she was such a powerful intuitive, why she didn't save money over the years she was married to her millionaire husband. Why she didn't see the divorce and child custody battle coming.

I may have to break down and write my own book soon. Of course all proceeds from the book would go to charities. My clients, over the years, have begged me to do this. Maybe it's time.

Laura Day narrates her own journey out of a crisis ... first through the tragic loss of her mother at 14 ... and then the devastating divorce that left her life in tatters ... to its gifts of healing and intuitive ability and career as a writer and speaker. Laura Day has been there herself ... a crisis ... and the stakes have been high ... but she pulled herself out of it ... and now shares the tools that became her lifeline. Day addresses the unique response styles and how you can make them work for you in a crisis. Best of all she has set up a website for this specific book with resources and group support so you need not go through this alone. I first met Laura Day at a Circle workshop on the East Coast in 2002 and returned to her work when she published the Crisis. More than any other self-help book on the market, this is stunning in its brilliant simplicity. No New Age blame game, no woo-woo, no magical thinking. A great tool to have in a self-help tool kit that keeps you empowered with YOURSELF.

Day emphasizes the gift of a crisis because you cannot go back to the past. This is the best advice in the book. It is like an old episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation where Captain Jean-Luc Picard is given a chance to return to his youth and change destiny. Instead of having the trauma of a fight in a bar that lead to his receiving an artificial heart, Jean-Luc averts the disaster. Good? Not really because when he returns to the present he discovers that his life has been mediocre rather than stellar. In fact, he is a low-level ship mate who is not seen to have any leadership ability! The gift of his crisis was the development of impeccable judgment and calculated risk taking. Jean-Luc opts to go back and claim his sacred wound and returns again the Star Fleet legend and Captain of the Enterprise. This old storyline depicts Laura Day's wisdom on why the rock bottom of a crisis can actually be starting point of a brand new life that outshines the old.

When a disaster directly affects us--an earthquake, a hurricane, a car accident on the freeway--we respond in different ways. Writing as a widely consulted expert on adapting to change and crisis, author Laura Day explains four different reactions to crisis: denial, anxiety, rage and depression. Most of us experience one or more of these typical reactions as we respond to the sudden setbacks and unexpected difficulties of our lives.

Yet instead of these largely negative reactions, Day believes we can train ourselves to respond to a crisis with positive energy, transforming what might have seemed disastrous into a life-changing experience that fills us with hope, vision, and fresh energy. The difference is not the depth or difficulty of the experience, but rather our attitude as we encounter it.

Counselor to the star and guest on major TV shows, Day believes instead of fearing change, she believes, we should learn to expect change and be empowered by it. The worst of circumstances can be transformed if we are willing to adjust our perspective.

As Day writes on page 77, "To be effective in your life...you need to grow from your experiences, rather than being derailed by them." This is the primary thrust of Welcome to Your Crisis, as the author teaches us that even a major disaster can become a stepping-stone to personal growth.

Many of her ideas are not new, yet she explains them with a fresh voice. Readable and easy to understand, her prose keeps you moving forward, turning the pages and continuing to learn.

Decide who you want to be, Day insists, rather than letting the difficult moments of life define you and limit your future. Transform the negative thoughts, attitudes and feelings
that you encounter into warmer, more confident beliefs and values.

"Good lives are not easy," Day writes on page 219, "they require daily acts of adaptation, courage, and love." Clearly, the author supports the idea that all of us can learn to face our challenges in these ways--and by doing so we can improve our own lives and the lives of those we encounter.

Armchair Interviews says: Thought-provoking information.

I felt guided to this book by a higher power -- and boy, am I glad I listened to that voice. (Or rather, to those Voices!) For so long, I was burning my candle at both ends, to steal a line from Edna St. Vincent Millay. And nothing seemed good enough, until my own personal crisis arrived. Well, needless to say, this book was -- as you can tell from the cute little life preserver on the cover art -- a lifesaver! Many blessings to you, Laura.

Life Changing.

Crisis or not, this book will help you find a new path if you let it. Your true path. The simple tools and ideas in the book provide immediate direction. Hope. Energy. I'm a big fan of this author, I absolutely adore "The Circle" and "Crisis" takes her work to great new heights.

It is personal and practical and immeasurably powerful.

Thank you, Laura Day.

I thought this book was a helpful resource in light of my diagnosis of Crohns. This is the first book I have read on the subject, and I get the feling my case is much less serious than the case of the author, but the recipes overall sound good and I appreciated the sections on vitamins.

This is a very helpful book for persons with IBD/IBS. It is easy to read and understand and so far the recipies that I have tried are very good too. I would recommend this book as a good place to start in learning how to deal with IBS. It makes a lot of sense and has been helpful for me.

I purchased this book for my 83-year-old mother, recently diagnosed with Crohn's. While the recipes are practical and easy to use, the clear discussion of the symptoms and implications of the diesease, and the tips on how to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and how to improve nutrient absorption, etc. are very helpful. It includes a discussion about the various types of treatments with drugs, diet, and surgery with all of the pros and cons of each. Highly recommended for families of patient as well as for patient.

When my mother was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, I found this book extremely helpful. Not only does the author have ulcerative colitis herself, but she shares her knowledge as a professional. Recipes, rationale for what to eat and what not to eat; recommendations for nutritional supplements and specific vitamins are found within the pages of this informative book. This is a wonderful resource for anyone who has been diagnosed with or is caring for someone with IBD. I refer to this book almost daily!

I've had ulcerative colitis for four years, and a few months ago I set my mind to getting myself off the medication while following proper diet. In the process, I purchased each book I found that dealt with IBD or healing through nutrition and gave their arguments a try. I found that there are many good books out there, but this is not one of them. Yes, it is simple and easy to follow, but is also lacking in so many things. First, the foods that the author recommends for healing include soy and wheat, which are problematic for many patients with IBD. Most people would recommend avoiding soy during an inflammation, period. More importantly, the author does not provide a holistic approach to healing the body as she only focuses her attention on diet. Dietary changes are very important, but so are other things that one can do to reduce stress and rest the body. I'd recommend David Klien's Self-healing Colitis and Crohn's, or even Breaking the Vicious Cycle which has it's own cult-like following.

"Wonderful, wise words. It provides insight into the human side of serious illness and offers patients and families the hope and strength they need." Jimmie Holland, chairman Psychiatry, Memroial SLoan Kettering

"Filled with practical information for freinds and family, it should prove to be a great comfort..." Andrew von Eschenbach, director, the FDA


"...Provides hope and teaches us how to show compassion when it means the most." Steven Rosen, MD, director of the Lurie Cancer Center

This was the book I was searching for to help my best friend. It spoke to me because of the way the author told her personal story and gave ideas and suggestions. I felt like she was speaking to me.

She knew what I was feeling, knew I wanted to help and she gave me ways to do that. She helped me face the future right beside my friend.

when Life Becomes Precious was a godsend. It should be handed out to everyone at doctors' offices.

This truly is a fabulous resource! The information is quite straightforward and covers a wide array of areas/issues that are certain to be impacted by the news of a loved one being ill. The components of the book cover areas such as understanding your feelings, how our fears play out in the ordeal, how to have conversations regarding the illness and ramifications of the illness, how to find resourceful medical care and how to balance one's role in life given the situation.

I would highly recommend this book for people who are going through the challenge of a loved one being ill, as it applies to not only cancer patients - but all who have serious health issues.

Elise Needell Babcock's words are better than any I've read on dealing with cancer and family. Her advise is simple and extremely helpful.

My spouse had heart disease. At the same time, I was looking for a book for a friend with cancer. I found Precious and read it before giving it as a gift. I realized the suggestions applied to my family. I started using the author's ideas immediately and it helped us tremendously. I find myself quoting her often in my volunteer work at church (with patients) and with friends. One friend called and said she was having serious problem coping with her husband's diabetes. She read the book and called to tell me that after following the advice in Precious, she saw a dramatic change in the way her family communicated and supported each other. Another friend said she was in an argument with her daughter about the father's illness. The mother used the suggestions in the book to calm her daughter down. Later that evening, the daughter (in her 30s) came up to her mom and said, "Thank you. What you said and how you said it was wonderful!" This book should not even have cancer on the cover. It's practical, moving, upbeat and extremely helpful for patients and families coping with any medical challenge. J. Long, past president of a personnel agency

Dr. Norton can improve the quality of your life. In 1985, I was suffering from severe headaches that were not relieved by the Tylenol with codeine prescribed by my doctor. At a friend's suggestion, I overcame my scepticism and went to see Dr. Norton. I left that first appointment headache free. His treatment is not the twisting, bone cracking of traditional chiropractic. It is gentle pressure applied to very specific points of one's body. He has had special training in the "Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique," which provides "consistent low-force, high-speed chiropractic adjustments." Over a period of fourteen years I saw Dr. Norton an average of once a week. He became a good friend. He is a man of character-honest and trustworthy, sensitive and caring. Years after my first visit, my son and I were rear-ended on the freeway by a big Mercedes. My Volvo was totaled, and my son and I had whiplash injuries. Thanks to Dr. Norton's treatment, we have not had long-term health problems from that experience. In 1999, I moved away from the Fresno area. It is difficult to find a chiropractor of Dr. Norton's caliber. His book will inspire you to try. It is packed with anecdotes, chiropractic principals, and coaching. He earnestly wants to improve your life by improving your health.

Dr. Norton is a caring and committed practitioner who has the long-term well being of his patients at the forefront of his practice. I am a patient of his, and I can attest to this from my personal experience. This book articulates for a wider audience the guiding philosophy of his practice: to take care of structural problems (skeletal, neurological) now - before they manifest as pain. Flowing from this is the truth that absence of perceived pain does not mean there are not any underlying problems -indeed there often are. His approach makes perfect sense to me - to allow your neurological system to operate at maximum efficiency -- and I have benefited greatly from his work. So don't wait until you are in pain to take action - do so now, and you can augment your life.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I was turned on to Dr. Norton and his book, "where does it hurt?" I was certainly in a lot of pain and willing to try anything to get relief. Dr. Norton 's approach is gentle, unique and PERMANENT! I am forever grateful for my lack of pain, and the new habits I am trying to form in order to preserve my health. Prevention is certainly key, but there is hope for those of us with years of ignored injuries and bad habits leading to pain. I highly recommend this book and Dr. Norton's holistic approach to healthy living.. physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

I suffered from chronic back pain for about five years. It wasn't until I started to see Dr. Norton last March that there was hope. After a few weeks of treatments, one day I realized "I'm not in pain." I had actually forgotten about my pain, something which is rather difficult after it has been a part of my life for so long.

Now that I have been reading Dr. Norton's book, I have the additional information needed to complete the healing process and restore "whole body health."

My favorite thing about the book: it's interactive which makes me feel like I'm in control, not the pain.

Even if you don't live near Central California, you can still benefit from Dr. Norton's expertise by reading this book. I would definitely recommend it to anyone, even if they don't think they're suffering.

Kudos to Dr. Norton and his team!

After reading the first chapter, it became so clear as to how to improve my health. The language is easy to comprehend and the stories shared were so relevent to my own experiences. I wear a medic alert bracelet because I am allergic to seven types of meds. All but one of the meds are painkillers. Dr. Norton's book has the answers I've been seeking in finding my way to improved health and pain relief. I recommend it to anyone who seeks wellness without having to rely on medication.

This book offers the very information people really need at the most difficult time in their life. Talking to other people about someone dying is usually a frustrating experience - they just don't understand. This writer does, and addresses issues only someone who has been through it understands. It's a great resource and a real lifeline for the living to the dying.

As an oncology chaplain at UCLA Medical Center, I am always looking for practical, helpful, and meaningful resources that I can use to help patients, their caregivers, and other health care professionals deal with the overwhelming challenges that serious illness can present. "Where Souls Meet" is one of the best resources I have read on this subject. It serves as a deeply moving and personal guide that will lead the reader through the journey that all of us, in one way or another, will someday travel.

AT A TIME WHEN PEOPLE CAN FEEL THERE IS NO HOPE, COMES A BEAUTIFUL RAY OF SUNSHINE. DILLON'S INSITE AND DIRECTION IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. AS A HOSPICE VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR, THIS BOOK HAS PUT NEW INSPIRATION INTO MY JOB. I HAVE A MUCH BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND INSITE INTO HOW TO HELP OUR VOLUNTEERS, OUR PATIENT'S AND FAMILIES DEAL WITH THE MOST DIFFICULT TIME OF THEIR LIFE. HAVING LOST CLOSE FAMILY AND FRIENDS PERSONALLY, WHERE SOLES MEET HAS HELPED ME RESOLVE PERSONAL ISSUES AND HAS GIVEN ME A PEACE IN MY HEART I HAVE NOT HAD BEFORE. I PLAN TO INCORPORATE THIS BOOK INTO OUR TRAINING CLASSES AND HAVE COPIES AVAILABLE FOR OUR PATIENTS. I HAD THE GREAT HONOR OF MEETING DILLON EARLIER THIS MONTH, AND I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE WHO HAS A CHANCE TO HEAR HIM IN CONCERT OR AT A SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT TO DO SO WITHOUT HESITATION.

This is a most excellant handbook that provides guidance and direction for family and caregivers of terminally ill people. It is the best and most thorough study that I have found on this subject. It clearly defines how to relate to a person who has been diagnosed with such an illness on the spiritual, emotional, and cognitive levels. It should be made a requirement for every hospice and healthcare worker who relates to terminally ill patients on a regular basis. Families with a terminally ill member will find the book most helpful. It will answer many of their questions and allow them to have a better informed understanding of the patient's emotional needs. It should be made available to all families who are caring for a terminally ill person. Besides focusing on our relational and vberbal behavior when relating to the terminally ill, it gives very practical suggestions. For example, appendice C gives suggestions on what to look for when hiring helpers for patient care. Appendice D has ideas and examples of how to make lists and charts for everyday monitoring.

Many times caregivers think only in terms of what they can offer the terminally ill patient. One chapter gives important lessons that the caregivers can learn from the terminally ill patient.

As a Certified Hospice Nurse and Hospice Administrator I have access to many tools to help both staff and loved ones through the grief journey. Where Souls Meet is both compelling and insightful. From introduction to appendix this book provides each reader with guidance and support through the most difficult time most of us will experience - the loss of a loved one. As we anticipate death, like life, we are faced with many challenges and obstacles. This book offers both inspiration and suggestions to help ease the fear. Dillon writes and shares with a level of emotion and realism that will help both caregivers and professionals alike. Share this book with a friend!

I Liked this book. I am trying to learn about our bodies & how I can try to improve mine. It is a useful & interesting book.

I like this book because it tells me exactly what to do every day with all the proper supporting information. I initially bought Sculpting her body perfect and while I found the information in it was great, first I had a hard time coming out with my own routine and second it was too big to carry around with me when traveling (you know to refer to it when I forget things or when in a new gym etc...). 28-Day is small and has the routine laid out for you, you don't even have to think or schedule or look up anything you just go to the right page/day and follow it. Because you don't have to spend time planning, the workouts take about 40 minutes and you are done. In other words, if the book was flash cards, it would have been perfect :)

Of course the quality of information in it is also great. there is no mumbo jumbo, just plain facts and explanations about the basics of our bodies mechanisms etc... nothing most of us are not familiar with, but it is all summarized in a straight forward and clear fashion.

Because I am a vegan now, I don't follow the diet plan but I get the gist of it. Because I was an omnivore I can, to a certain extent, imagine that following the diet routine will be extremely hard especially if you had to do anything else during the day beside the 40 minute workout. However, from watching female body builders on TV and listening to what they say they eat, it seems that a high protein diet is the most efficient way to achieve the muscle definition we are looking for. I can say from experience though, if you are someone who likes to eat bread or food is a big part of your life you may want to tweak the diet plan a little bit to ensure you can stick to it. I realize the author is not a nutritionist or a psychologist to understand that some of us cannot simply stick to such a regime. However I have a feeling this book was written for women who do not have weight problems and probably already eat few calories. It will also work perfectly if all you do in your day is eat and work out and think about this part of your life. I guess what I am trying to say, don't worry too much about the diet portion of the plan if you are seriously looking into muscle toning and conditioning. Just keep your calorie intake low and eat whole foods and lots of vegetables. I think the book is still worth it and you will see results regardless. Don't look for miracles.

Then you have the cardio portion, well you can follow his instructions but again, it will take time to remember all those details unless you are carrying the book with you or just simply have a great memory (because you have nothing else occupying your mind :P)... yes his suggestion is what everyone is advocating right now, but realistically speaking it is too much work, that if you stick to it, will yield great results, but since most of us don't want to be frustrated and since any cardio is better than nothing, you can just rotate the cardio machines every time and do 30-45 minutes burning an average of 270-350 calories per session.

I think what would have made this book perfect is to pick one of his perfectly shaped models and tell us how often and how much cardio and weight training she does every day. how many lbs she lifts, what her diet consists of etc... I am not trying to pick on him, but I really don't know anyone in real life who looks that great and I think somebody should tell us the real cost of looking like they do... :)

Finally the one thing I don't like about the author's books is that his models have their hair down in all the pictures. It is so unnatural to see a woman in a gym with her hair down. Because of their hair, it makes you wonder sometimes if they are stiff because that is how they really should be holding the pose or because they are trying to keep their hair out of the way, because I know how loose hair behaves. Maybe it is only me, but I find this little flaw distracting. I mean the book is not for men, but, o well I digress...

A great source of motivation and easy to follow to workouts...It's like hiring a trainer without the expense.

This book is full of excellent information and the program is all mapped out for you, easy to follow. Having pictures along with "home" and gym exercises is perfect. I have done the exercises and followed the diet for a week, only changing the kind of fish sometimes and have lost three pounds already. I am 59 and had a quadruple by-pass 9 months ago and couldn't do the rehab work because of bad knees but this workout is easy to follow and I can do it!! I love it! I feel better already.

I'm two weeks in and I've lost an amazing amount of weight. I have been dieting and excercising for a while now and was plateaued for several MONTHS. After I stared this plan I've lost over five pounds. It's literally melting off. Since all of the food is healthy it's easy to feed my family the same things I'm eating...they're happy about all the meat and I'm happy that we're all slimming down. I'll be in Hawaii in three weeks and I'll probably be in the best shape of my life. (Even before having my child.) I hightly recommend this book - and have been. Several of my co-workers will be picking up their own copy.

One last think, I emailed the author (Brad) with a question, and he was very responsive. I couldn't ask for a better situation.

Good luck to you! - It's working / worked for me.

The Andropause Mystery, Unraveling the Truths About the Male Menopause by Robert S. Tan M.D.

In this book, Robert Tan MD , an astute clinician and a board certified specialist in geriatric medicine, describes his professional experience, diagnosing and treating hormonal decline in aging males. Tan describes a turning point in his career when he stumbled upon a bedridden male with the typical signs and symptoms of low testosterone, namely muscle weakness, frailty, memory loss, and hair loss. Lab testing confirmed low testosterone levels. Testosterone for aging males was new in those days, so Tan had difficulty convincing the pharmacy to release the testosterone injections ( 200 mg twice a month). After three months of injections, the patient grew a beard, began walking again, and his memory and libido improved.

The experience motivated Tan to do a Medline search on the topic, and he found very little research in the area of Male Menopause, also called Andropause. This book was written to unravel the truths and dispel the myths about the Male Andropause and Testosterone replacement for the aging male.

Tan asks a few obvious questions. The medical system treats women for the hormonal decline of Menopause, so why aren't men treated for their similar hormonal decline of male Andropause? The medical system recognizes Menopause, but does not recognize Andropause.

Many physicians deny that Andropause really exists. Tan says sorry, but it does exist, and his patients are testimony to this truth. Andropause is a real syndrome, and he clearly explains that 30% of males over 65 have low testosterone levels with the associated muscle weakness, memory loss, and loss of libido. Tan also explains the reasons why the syndrome is ignored by conventional medicine. There is no curriculum in medical school or residency, and very little research in the library due to lack of funding, and lastly, unlike females who are more expressive and communicative about their night sweats and hot flashes, males tend to be stoic, and in denial of their Andropause symptoms.

Tan discusses the beneficial affects of testosterone on cognitive function, finding that many (but not all) demented nursing home males are restored to normal after testosterone treatments. He also discusses the effect of testosterone on mood, cardiac function, muscle strength, bone density, and lastly improvement in libido and erectile function. In one humorous story, Tan recounts a demented nursing home patient whose testosterone treatment had to be discontinued because of hypersexual effects. Apparently, the old fellow had approached several nurses with inappropriate requests.

Tan also discussed the incorrect belief that Testosterone treatment increases the risk of prostate cancer. Tan dispels this myth, stating that in his clinical experience, he has yet to see a case of prostate cancer induced by testosterone replacement. Nonetheless, Tan advocates routine prostate surveillance with serial PSA and DRE.

Chapter 7 discusses the nuts and bolts of testosterone replacement with diagnostic blood testing, available testosterone preparations and dosage schedules. Tan feels that testosterone replacement for males should become as routine as HRT for the female menopause.

Inconclusion, in a field with scant information, Tan's book fills a void. The book is an honest, courageous, down to earth, and occasionally humorous look at testosterone replacement for the aging male. Also recommended is The Testosterone Syndrome by Eugene Shippen MD.

Jeffrey Dach MD

What I thought I bought; a book about the aging process and the Andropause. What I got; mostly a book about testosterone replacement. This book was a let down.

I couldn't believe it! The controversy about hormones for women has begun, now men? The book and author was featured on NBC Nightly News on 7/31/02. Guess it must be an important topic to be on national news!

The bravado of patriarchy and its reliance upon presenting males as strong, vibrant creatures able to take on the world when young, and equally powerful when old has always been a myth perpetuated as the alpha male syndrome.

However, the reality is that, like women, men undergo similar hormonal changes as a result of aging. While the outward appearance of men may remain somewhat similar, both personality and hormonal changes occur along with the physical changes in muscle power that young men discern readily in challenging the older male establishment for power and prominence.

Little discussed, or viewed as the natural aging phenomenon of men and the mellowed perspective in which he sees the world, and operates in it, typical male menopause has focused upon his desire to grativate toward younger women to extend his male prowess, or by making the wild changes of adopting fast cars, and more relaxed lifestyles in an attempt to capture his youth.

That males haven't come to grips with the similarities of aging among women ought to be a concern since so much of society is organized not around the vitality cycles of natural aging, but by the fantasies of aging men who deny their own mortality, and the consequences of aging. Taught to view women differently, men therefore find it more difficult to accept their own aging process because of the enormous differences in how men and women are cultured to be viewed by a male dominant society.

Because men died at somewhat younger ages throughout life, the lifecyle phenomenon of men has never been approached with the legitimacy or credibility that is a part of the natural consequence of being male.

That either men or women are taught to view the aging process as one that is devalued because of its physical changes rather than prized for its contribution to stable and sustainable populations is a social problem that has yet to be taken seriously. When country singers sing that "all my rowdy friends have settled down," they are recognizing this natural tendency of men to settle into a lifestyle that accepts their aging as natural, and normal rather than continuing to idolize the rowdy lifestyle that the constant pumping out of male testosterone helps to create.

The message, of course, is that, like women, men will not live forever, do suffer the consequences of aging, and must adapt age appropriate lifestyles that respects their aging, rather than condemns it. That attitude will work for both men and women to help define the expectations of being human, and mature as individuals, in planning their lives and knowing what to expect from their bodies, and what not to expect.

This book is really for the layperson. The book "Andropause Mystery" does describe evolving physical, sexual, psychological and mental challenges encountered by the aging male. It does explain hormone replacement for men and the potential problems. There is a nice chapter on the psychological impact of aging on sexuality. It is easy to read and understand, but I prefer "Aging Men's Health: A Case Based Approach" by the same author. No doubt, it is a textbook, but there is more depth and detail for the professional person.

The author rescues a beautiful golden retriever on advice from his doctor to get a dog. The dog however has the ability to alert the author to impending cardiac episodes and in doing so, gives the author the freedom to work and go about his daily life. This book touches the readers soul and lets us know that maybe there is more to the human-animal bond than we know. The book also dicusses the "Americans with Disabilities Act" as it relates to service dogs. Anybody who has loved a dog will love this book.

I could not put this book down. Mike and Dakota's story as a team was inspiring and transcended this world. Their devotion to each other was amazing. You do not have to be an animal lover to learn from this book. My hope would be that after you read this book you will see how special animals are in our lives.

I Absolutely LOVED this book! MY sister in law bought for my husband --animal lover...Anyway she bought it for him but I read it first because the cover called my attention. I like dogs but was reluctant to get one because I though of all the work there is involved with taking care of animals..besides with a little one, school, and work a dog would be more work for me....But after reading this book, I know I want a dog..The magic between Mike and Dakota is so overwhelming --that it made me think that that is what we need in our lives..Yea it will be work to potty train and take care of ..but then again things in life that are worth anything sometimes require alot of work--..God Bless you Mike and Dakota and thanks!!!!

I enjoyed the book so much. Felt like I was right there with them and every time the author had an attack could visualize how much his Angel/dog helped him through it. They had a bond that is so hard to explain unless you have had an animal and then know what it means, they are not dogs, they are your family and in this case especially he was not only family but his life support and friend. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone, have since bought additional copies to give to my animal lover friends for gifts.

I recently lost my Golden Angel too, and while I was looking for a book to help
Me cope with my pain, I found this book. I am a very busy person and don't
Have much time to read, but this book took me 2 days. It is full of feelings and even humor. No matter what the situation is, our Golden's will manage to put a smile on our face. When you start reading this book, make sure you have a box of Kleenex
Near by. This book goes into my favorite book list, and I purchased a few more as
Christmas presents.

I can't even explain how perfect this book is! It's a must have... there's everything in this book that you would need to know. It beats every birth book out there.

This book is absolutely amazing. I am pregnant with my first child. My doula service recommended this book. It is modern, easy to read, realistic, will give you some laughs & is extremely informative. I am grateful for this modern book that empowers women to feel good about the ability to give birth.

This book is excellent! It has all the information that you need for the birth of your baby. I'm preparing for my 3rd child, and I wish I could have read this book during my other 2 pregnancies. This book is very useful, espically if you are not planning on taking a child birth class. After reading this book I feel much more prepared than I did before (even after birthing 2 other kids!) Very well written, an easy read, no medical jargon, plus its not boring! It also doesn't have the graphic pictures in it, unlike majority of birthing books. I recommend this book to any soon-to-be-mother!

I'm a childbirth educator, really like the tone of this book. Ordered a copy to send to my stepdaughter who's expecting her first.

I am interested in trying natural childbirth, but what to know about all of my options. In looking at books on getting through childbirth naturally most of the books seemed very anti-doctor and anti-drugs. I just wanted to know all of my options without having to consider the hospital the enemy. I have found that this book is open minded and not preachy. The focus is on techniques to get through labor without drugs, but then there are sections on the drug options and the possible effects. It has great diagrams and information about everything that will be happening inside and outside of your body during birth. I'm so glad that I read it. My pregnancy books had short sections on the actual birth, but I feel much more informed reading an entire book about what might happen and why.