health Books

A fun and funny spin on evolutionary biology. Sex: a serious topic at its silliest. Good reading, full of clever lines and information perfect for sharing at cocktail parties.

Joe Quirk dances away from all the problems with self-help books, embraces the good parts of science books, and blends in his own character. The result is a hilarious ride through science with lots of "give me pause" and "change my perspective" that self-help books try to deliver and science books never seem to bother with.
My favorite part was the "aquatic ape" theory.
The best line in the book, Pg 138 "...in order to orgasm, some women need to concentrate, and some men, to put off orgasm, need to think about something else. My method is to list each Yankee baseball player's batting average. The second a man thinks about what he's actually doing, it's over. So the only way a man can enjoy sex is to not think about what he's doing. Can you blame us if we extend this strategy to relationships?"

It is not often that you find a book that informs as well as amuses. This is for everything they left out of sex-ed when you were a kid.

I teach a college-level seminar for science-phobes using popular science literature. Of all the books I have ever used, on any topic, this was the hands-down favorite. The seminar was titled Sex, Gender and Love: A Biological View, and this book covered the love part -- haha. I read it alternately being annoyed at the corny (but devilishly clever) jokes and laughing out loud in spite of myself. Most of all, though, I was impressed by the research that went into each of the chapters and the way Quirk made all our human sexual foibles explicable and hilarious -- nothing better than laughing at ourselves since we're stuck with us! Thanks!

The best book on sexual evolutionary biology. Why both men and women seem to be on different planets. Hm... is there a catchier title?
Perhaps, but not a better book.

Unfortunately, despite his extensive bibliography, Joe Quirk (What the blazes kind of name is that for a scientific researcher? ) does not have a Phd. Neither is he buddies with Oprah, so I doubt this will top the besteller list.

Never mind. I've suffered through many academese imbued evolutionary snoozefests texts. This one will keep you wide awake, I promise.

What Quirk has is brilliance, and (gasp!) an ability to write. He must have had some alpha ancestors during the pleistocene era that could spin some awesome tales by the campfire.

Among The Table of Contents we find such gems as:

Chapter 9: The Jerk Gene
Chapter 12: Why Women are Coy, Men Clueless
Chapter 26: Free Love Causes War

And, for a smaple paragraph:

" Men are attracted to nubility and health. Women are attracted to nobility and wealth. Both want intelligence, kindness, and opulence.
Both want a good sense of humor. They'll need it. "


As will the reader.
An easy 5 stars.

This book is very well laid out and answers many qestions based both on past experiences and present. It also provide a excellent strategy to survive in a "real " world.Great book for the person looking for insight into a "healthy relationship"

RW

When I am dealing with a married ACOA client, I follow giving as homework the basic ACOA text the author wrote with this volume to help him/her understand how their lack of intimacy skills may have thwarted their reaching the deeper level of attachment with the spouse that they desired. It has always proven helpful to my clients as they move into a healthier spousal relationship.

I love and recommend Janet's "Adult children of Alcoholics" to my counseling clients...but I must say, I love this book too! And I love the John Bradshaw's "Healing the shame that binds you" book.Healing the Shame that Binds You: Recovery Classics Edition (Recovery Classics) ...... and the "Getting Them Sober, you CAN help" book by Toby Rice Drews (this book is a real lifesaver--- my counseling clients tell me that Toby must have had a crystal ball in their living rooms! And that they read it and read it again, and sleep with it under their pillows, it helps so much.) Getting Them Sober: You Can Help! (Getting Them Sober)

The book I have read over and over. I slip back into my old patterns very easily and this keeps me on track.

I didn't grow up in the typical alcoholic household Janet constantly portrays in her books, so I didn't have all of the ACOA myths as expected - which she stated you may not have all of them. I did see a few lines that I connected strongly with (the actual "Myths" did not ring true, but rather her detailed description fit better). For example, not knowing how to get angry or what is appropriate enough to get angry. I see this in my relationship, and it wasn't until others who cared for me would say "Why are you putting up with that crap? I would never let that fly!" Alot of things seemed to roll of my back. It's not because I'm easy going and forgiving (well maybe!), but I didn't know when it was appropriate to be angry, or how, or what good getting angry would even do! The scenario about the security guard who turned off the lights and one person was angered and the other was not really hit home. Good starter book, you may not fit every myth, but it's an informative read nevertheless. If anything I understand my own parents even better as they are ACOC too.

Tom, and his words, have always been an inspiration to me. Who wouldn't sign up for what this book offers to deliver?

I loved this book. It won't win any awards for literature, but the parable is engaging enough to keep you reading to learn how things turn out with Angus, and it's a tremendous vehicle to delivering some of Tom's best stuff in so very few pages. There's tons of good to take away from this, things we can all put into practice every day, and if it lights a fire under you, it serves as a great jumping board to learn more about centering, purpose, conflict, and more from his other two books. The Magic of Conflict: Turning a Life of Work into a Work of Art goes into great detail about how these techniques can be applied to manage conflict constructively in our lives, and Journey to Center: Lessons in Unifying Body, Mind, and Spirit uses stories to reflect on the concept of center and how it permeates our entire lives.

The solution is that simple (just breathe!), but that doesn't imply that it is easy. Letting go of all of our garbage and becoming centered is major work, something to work at every day, all day, for our entire lives. At the same time, using our breathing (which, hey, we gotta do anyway!) as a trigger or reminder to take just a few seconds - right now - to practice that crucial life's work, is all that it takes to help us move along our own path toward becoming the selves we all want to be.


(If you really want to experience something amazing, check out one of his seminars. I promise you, they are like nothing else you've ever encountered!)

This is a great story! Using a parable-like format, Tom Crum has identified "every person's" delimma...finding balance in a world that seems to be spinning out of control. We often look for solutions outside ourselves, while Tom reminds us that the real answer to our time-challenged life resides within us. Our task is to delve inward to determine what is of greatest value. The three deep breath concept is a simple, yet powerful tool that helps the mind and spirit settle down. In doing so, we are able to clear the clutter, see our best self emerge, and focus on possibilites that are aligned with our intrinsic needs and lifelong desires. Give the book (and the breaths) a chance. You'll be glad you did -- and so will the people you live and work with.

As the third of Tom's books, Three Deep Breaths is a refinement of the others. Readers who are familiar with Aikido, as well as those who are not, will appreciate the simplicity of the parable.

I have recommended it to family, friends and co-workers.

With stress levels at an epidemic high and businesses shelling out more than $300 billion a year, businessman/corporate speaker/marshal arts expert Thomas Crum offers a technique for coping with anxiety. Breathing, to be exact.

Written with very simplistic prose as a parable about a businessman who learns Crum's breathing system and thus changes his entire life, this new age tome supposedly teaches people how to achieve a "centered state" using three simple breaths. It's earnest, but naive. If only life's problems were so easily solved! Unfortunately, this book reads far too much like an infomercial to have broad appeal.

This is an outstanding book! The story helps the reader to see the benefits of adopting the Three Deep Breaths as part of their daily regimen. As for me, I have begun using the technique described in the book to improve my ability to focus during bowling events. The results have been fantastic; I have won a tournament and placed second in another by using the three breaths to reduce stress and stay focused on my goal. I bowled my first 279 during a qualifying event because of the second breath. I look forward to my first 300 and am confident that the Three Deep Breaths will be a factor in that accomplishment.

Being a 15-year organic gardening veteran and seeing more and more organic products in the grocery store had me curious -- where did it come from and is it truly organic. Is it worth it to pay more for organic than non-organic. This book is for every individual who wanted those same questions answered. As an example, garlic is often used as a companion plant (for me it was with roses) to deter aphids. So obviously garlic isn't going to have pests on it, thus, little pesticide use, thus no need to spend the money on organic garlic. The author lists many, many foods that you should or should not buy organic, provides interesting stories from organic farmers, and also goes into exactly what is organic. The part that really sold me is how organic certification has become yet another piece of bureaucratic red-tape and even the big boys are jumping on the band wagon -- at a price to the smaller, local farmers (undercutting their prices). But the USDA organic standards are stretched by agribusiness - so beware when purchasing "organic" from a large company. Not to mention the costs to the environment by agribusiness. Excellent book and highly recommended for the experienced organic grower.

This book is very helpful in figuring out when to buy organic, non-organic and/or local.

The author seems to have done her research! I recommend this book. It has a shopping guide at the end, which helps to see which things you should buy organic, which things don't matter as much, and why. It helps seeing that buying organic can be pricier than regular items.

I bought this book because I was trying to learn more about organics. This was very informative. It was written by a mother, so it was very helpful in my search about the benefits of organic eating for my children. It was easy to read and packed with great tips and useful information.

This is an awesome book and answered just what I wanted answered. I was wanting to buy organic not just for my health, but also for the environment. But I know organic doesn't always equal environmentally friendly. And when do I buy local? If local foods aren't organic, should I get imported organic? This book talks about the environmental as well as health interplay in a really easy to read way. Its a quick read and has a very useful shopper's guide in the back. By far the best "organic buying" guide I've seen so far. Love it!

This is a very good book to help take care of your knees. The doctor is from Emory University in Atlanta so I trust the author and the Doctor too.
If I don't take care of my knees I have a lot of pain. I really needed this book.

I bought this book for my husband. He has had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee twice. And has arthritis in both knees. He has a lot of pain and stiffness. After 2 weeks of doing the strengthening exercises in this book, he has more flexibility and less pain. He can get in and out of the tub with less difficulty. He says it is a really great book and reccomends
it to anyone with knee problems. He also says the book is very easy to understand. It explains the way a knee works in terms a non-medical person can understand. Overall a great product.

This book is okay. I can't complain because its relatively inexpensive otherwise would be 3 stars. Still, I don't find anything truly great about the book. The one nugget of information I did get from the book was that your knee actually rotates your lower leg (we all know it extends and flexes, but the book actually proves to you that your own knees rotate the lower leg as well). Due to the price, I don't mind the purchase. I wouldn't recommend this to any younger readers, I myself am 30 and don't find the 'treatments' all that relevant. I sometimes have mild knee pain that for me seems to be better treated by doing full depth squats (yes, full depth squats, performed properly are good for you and do not hurt your knees).

After reading the reviews and suffering from knee pain, I decided to buy this book. My expectations were pretty high since all of the reviews were glowing. Perhaps that's where I went wrong.

I was expecting a series of ailments and exercises to help alleviate them. Instead you get one strengthening exercise, a few stretches, one prioperception exercise and a recommendation for some endurance exercise. All of this could have fit onto a single sheet of paper.

Sure the discussion of the studies is interesting but it really doesn't help me treat my knees. By taking the step of buying the book, I already had commited to wanting better knees and the author didn't need to convince me to do exercises or stretch.

All in all, it was a quick read and at ~$10, was less than most people pay for a co-pay. I'd recommend it if you want some general information about knee health and studies but not if you are looking for rehab exercises to get better knees.

I read this book cover to cover and found it most helpful. I don't believe in surgery unless absolutely necessary. This book guides you through all the things to do to improve your own knee health without the surgery. Fantastic!

Treat Your Own Neck was a great product for the price. There were some really good tips that helped with my neckpain. Definitely worth a try if you have neck pain that just won't seem to go away.

I've suffered headaches (at temples and behind the eyes, and straining up the back of my neck), pain and stiffness of the neck and upper shoulder, and knots between my shoulder blades on either side of my spine. After trying massage (the thing that works best), pain killers and muscle relaxants, and yoga, I gave in and bought this book. I received Treat Your Own Neck only yesterday, and did the exercises after dinner. It is unbelievable how much flexibility I regained after only the first time doing them. The author predicts that first-timers will feel soreness in other areas of the body after beginning these exercises, and sure enough, I did wake up today with soreness in other parts of my back - it is akin to going to the gym for the first time in a while, and feeling the soreness from having worked out. But the flexibility remains. I've done the exercises three times now (it takes only a few minutes), and each time it makes me feel very nearly as good as the $100-a-pop hour-long massages I'd have to get in order to be able to turn my head right and left. I am sure you may be like me, finding it so hard to believe that a slim volume like this can make a difference - but it does, and what a difference it's made! It's only natural to doubt that after three days of this (as McKenzie predicts) I likely will be pain-free, but I can see that I'm well on my way, and it hasn't even been 24 hours! This is such a small investment that - at least for me - paid such huge returns. I also bought the McKenzie® Cervical Roll Neck Support and the The Original McKenzie Super Roll Lumbar Roll to ensure myself a more pain-free future. And I bought Treat Your Own Back for my husband.

I have a herniated cervical disk that has caused some numbness in my arm and hand. I went to physical therapy but that really aggrevated the condition. I tried this book when my numbness was getting worse. I knew the book was very short - more like a long pamphlet, but the reviews seemed great, so I said, what the heck. Well, after doing the exercises for a few months, it turns out it has really helped me. Unlike some other books, there are not a ton of exercises (which can overwelm and confuse). There are only around 8 exercises and you don't do them all, only the ones that the book tells you to do for your specific situation. I have been doing only 2 regularly. It is weird how he says to do them 7 times a day, but since it is so quick to do them and you can do them sitting down, you can do it without a major inconvenience and honestly, it has helped!

Couple of comments - my wife has neck pain but not in the spine - her pain is in a muscle to the side. The exercises didn't help her. So I would suggest people with spine issues get this book and people with muscle issues look elsewhere. Also, sometimes the author is confusing in giving complex instructions about when to do exercises (this one before that one and not if you have this pain but always if you have....). But overall you can figure it out. I found out later that the author's method is very well known among physical therapists and used by many. One of the exercises that I do is one that the physical therapist tried to get me to do but it irritated me at the time.

This book seems to be more about the short to mid term treatment of neck pain. I think the root of my problem is posture problems and while this book talks about them, it doesn't get too deep there. I may need to get another book about straightening out my posture more.

So overall I would give this book a 4.8 rating so if you have pain in the cervical spine, go ahead and pay the ten bucks and try it.

I had had chronic pain in the upper back of my neck for three years. It progressively got worse radiating out to the back of my head and down my neck and spine into my thoracic area and the muscle of my back and shoulders. I also got frequent headahces in the back of my head, neck and skull. I had tried chiropractic adjustments which provided some temporary limited relief but not for more than a day or two. I tried stretching, massage, neck collars, traction and other gadgets like a real ease head rest. They all provided some level of temporary relief but no lasting benefit.

I started doing the exercise techniques per the book's instructions. The movements seemed a little counterintuitive to me while reading them but I tried the exercises. I felt some immediate improvement like the release of stress in the back of my neck. There was some new soreness in the first days following the program, but the pain was different - more like soreness you might have in muscles following a new workout. After only five days I had at least 50% improvement in my neck. I could not believe how quickly these techniques improved my neck. I would have been 100% satisfied if that were the end of the improvement, but I continue the exercises now every day. I know my neck is not 100% back to what it was when I was twenty, but my neck feels like it is. Now I am fully pain free and have full range of motion. I am also am much more aware of my posture and disciplined about my posture to prevent relapse.

This book is quite short and simple (45 pages total). It explains the objectives, and how the method works, and then gets right to the techniques. Robin McKenzie is a medical genius. I would give him six stars if I could. I almost did not buy the book, but I was desperate and the reviews were all positive. I am so happy I bought this book.

Used Treat Your Own Back to recover from two buldging discs a couple of years ago and so I bought this for my friend with neck problems. Dr. M
has a logical, common sense approach to helping our body heal itself.
I avoided surgery and haven't had any further back problems. kt

This is the book your horse wants you to read, regardless of riding discipline. I wish every show barn had a copy of this on display.

This book made me realize the difference between natural dressage and "fake" dressage. Many riders are seduced into forcing our poor horses into the false head sets that we see awarded at horse shows and events. Thank you for trying to enlighten those of us that truly care for our equine partners and want to work with them naturally! The end result being a happy, healthy riding partner. My horse thanks you too!

This book provides detailed information about the development of the musculature of the horse and the effects of different training methodologies. Like many riders, I have often seen training methods that made me feel ill at ease, but I didn't really understand why. This book helped me understand why these methods are technically incorrect and often inhumane. This book is a great tool for those dressage enthusiasts who are concerned about the integrity and humaneness of our sport, and wish to safeguard the well-being of our equine partners!

Every trainer and rider and judge of dressage horses needs to read this book. After doing so, you will never again wonder if hyperflexion of the neck (rollkur) and absolute elevation are legitimately sound methods of riding and training. You will also be able to spot horses in the arena which have had these methods used on them. You may even become ashamed of how our sport of dressage has progressed in the past few decades.

Dr. Heuschmann definitely has it out for those who choose to ignore the traditional methods. And with reason. With vivid color illustrations of the horse's anatomy and straightforward commentary, he takes time in this book to carefully point out the crucial points of a riding horse's anatomy and how they are affected by both correct and incorrect training techniques. The photographs clearly demonstrate the differences in movement, tension and balance between horses ridden in a traditional manner and those who are not.

As a dressage trainer who has been educated in Germany, it is my sincere hope that with the publishing of this book and support by its readers, it is an indication that we are ready to abolish training techniques that are harmful to our horses.

Tug of War is a must read for all horse owners, especially show, dressage & western riders. This book has opened my eyes about bio-mechanics of horses and why they respond and behave the way they do. The picture on the front of the book looks extreme but just have a look at what is happening in Adult Riding Clubs, Pony Clubs etc, examples of over flexing and extreme bends are there. This book is for people with a driving force within that want change for themselves their horses and within the industry, well written and in basic terms so that you don't need a degree to understand.

This book was a blessing to me when I found out my son was diagnosed with Autism. It helped out so much with basic information and were to actually get help. The book also answered questions I did not even think about asking.
I recommend this book to anyone who has an Autistic child/friend/love one to better help in undertanding what Autism is and how you can help.

This publication is well written using simple language which has made it easy to understand.

The publication has a variety of strategies which can be implemented to help reduce the stress that is often associated with working with people who have autism.

Good read for anyone who is interested in autism

The Dummies folks have once again put together a great general resource. It provides a good baseline for understanding autism. Another book I found very helpful--and more specific as to curing this disorder--is He's Not Autistic But...: How We Pulled Our Son From the Mouth of the Abyss.

They should give you this book when you get your diagnosis. Seriously! It was the first book I bought on Autism. It's a great place to dive in to Autism. It covers everything from Meds, IEPs, Schooling, Adult programs, everything you NEED to know on the subject. I would recommend it to anyone!

In my opinion this is a very useful book for parents, but not as complete and exhaustive as a teacher (as myself) would need. That's why I'm giving it 4 stars and not 5. Easy to read, and complete as far as parents are concerned.

I'm the mother of an 8-year old daughter diagnosed with OCD. This book opened up new doors for us in treating this disorder. It has been perfect for her, and she actually wants to sit down with me to read it. I believe that giving her obsessions/rituals an actual name and introducing her to a child who struggles with similar issues is a major step in our road to living triumphantly over OCD. I strongly recommend What to Do When your Child has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to go along with it--I ordered both and, along with my Bible, they have a home right next to my bed and already have worn pages!

We got this book the weekend my kids were going to their grandparents. I read it on the way to their house and it captivated their attention, both of them (ages 3 & 5). They listened to every single word intently and quietly. They loved the story of the boy and riding his bike up and down the worry hill. It is quite long though and my voice got a litte sore reading aloud for so long. At the end of the book, my son asked, "mommy who's book is that?" and I said "It's yours". He asked if he could write in it. The pages are black and white pictures like a coloring book. I told him he could color the pictures but not to color over the words so that I would be able to keep reading it to them. Unfortunately at Nana & Papa's house there was an accident involving water and the book so only half the book made it back. The cover was torn off and everything. I was so mad! I will probably re-order the book just because he enjoyed it so much.

We were told by a Doctor, who hadn't even met my son, that he thought my son may have OCD. He was referred to the Child Mental Health offices in our local town and there was a 14 month waiting list! I decided to see what I could do as a Parent and I bought this book. I left it on the table and my son picked it up and read it - his initial reaction was "do you think I have OCD", I replied by telling him that I was interested in the subject as I didn't want to label his condition. Since reading the book he has come along leaps and bounds and his teachers said there has been a remarkable improvement in his confidence and his anxiety has gone!

The book was OK but not great.

It was overly simplistic and not too meaninful for a teenager or parent. It really only skimmed one aspect of OCD, compulsion, and did not address at all the cause of the compulsion, obsessions.

May be more meaningful to younger children...

As a clinician specializing in the treatment of OCD, I highly recommend this book as a resource to clinicians and families with a child with OCD. I've used in in my practice and found it to be a wonderful resource. Clinicians can buy several copies and loan them out to their clients or recommend that their clients get this book.

Larina Kase, PsyD, http://www.TheSuccessfulTherapist.com

Mary and her husband have ,thankfully, not suffered in vain. LDN which came to my notice through this book has significantly improved my health which had been detiorating for several years. I am so grateful to Dr. Bihari for bringing LDN to people like me who suffer from auto immune disorders. This treatment which is safe and inexpensive has been an answer to my prayers.The symptoms which I had already developed still come and go but much less frequently than before. Most importantly , no new symptoms have developed since I started taking LDN. I am able to more fully enjoy life with my husband and our 5 children without being in pain and exhausted all the time. I only wish that G.Ps in Britain would do their homework and prescribe this drug more readily. I have personally encountered a lot of ignorance and arrogance among some GPs who know little about the treatment and are unwilling to learn. Thankfully in the Republic of Ireland it is more widely known and available. It can be prescribed safely to women who are trying to conceive and at 4.5 mg can be taken safely during pregnancy.If you suffer from any auto immune disorder or suspect that you do, I would urge you to read this book and try LDN. If your GP won't prescribe it , don't give up. I obtained my treatment through a private prescription and it is well worth the £28 per month.Anyone who has been helped by LDN should publicise the treatment as widely as possible. I really feel that we have duty to help others who might benefit.
THANK YOU MARY - KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !

I am the author of Up the Creek with a Paddle and would like to thank all of the readers here for the beautiful reviews. I took Up the Creek off the market in November 2008 because Publish America increased the price to $24.95 and I don't want people to have to pay that much for the story. I used the opportunity to update the book and the new edition will be out in January 2009. I am happy to report that Noel continues to thrive.
Wishing you all a very healthy and happy 2009
Mary Bradley
www.marybradleybooks.com

Sometimes clear and definite personal experiences "anecdotes" are better proof than cloudy "gold standard" research. Though formal medical research is still in early stages, a neurologist who refuses to use "unproven" LDN for MS amd Crohn's disease is needlessly letting his patients suffer and decline. This book is in agreement with many other "anecdotal" sources that this is a more effective treatment than the expensive (profitable) and painful drug treatments the doctors demand. I (author of HONEST NUTRITON) have a niece and two close friends with MS and several with Crohn's. They should get this safe and effective treatment. Thank you, Mary Bradley, for writing a very clear, readable, and convincing book.

After 10 years of traditional therapy I decided after a lot of research to try LDN. The book was easy and enjoyable to read. Shared with my support group. This treatment has some remarkable success but little support
since trials are rarely done. It would be fantastic to have an inexpensive drug recognized for its positive benefit on chronic debilitating illnesses. We need the $$$$ signs to go out of the drug companies mentality and push to investigate and be positive on helping so many who struggle daily. Maybe more success stories need to be published.

I was diagnosed with MS in July 05 at 29. In Jan of 06 I ended up paralyzed from the waist down due to an severe exacerbation. I was not on any of the C.R.A.B. drugs at the time, but was using holistic remedies that I had read about. After getting out of the hospital I went on Copaxone. While it seemed to help, I was not thrilled about taking a shot everyday nor the $3000 a month cost of the medication. I was relentless when it came to looking for other therapies. I stumbled on this book by just searching for literature on MS here on Amazon. The book looked unassuming, but the title was too intriquing to pass up. I bought the book and read the entire thing the day I received it. WOW! I was so excited! I was having difficulty finding a Dr. to prescribe LDN as most seem to follow the standard protocol to avoid lawsuits or because of pressure from drug companies. I emailed Mary and she emailed me back and within a week I found my current doctor and have not looked back. I have been on LDN since mid April and am so thankful! My muscle spasms have decreased so much I don't have to take any other meds for them. My bladder dysfunction still persists, but is so much improved that I only take half the dosage of those pills now. And, it is SOO nice only taking a pill at night before bed than giving yourself injections everyday. Finally, the cost!! I spend $30 a month for my LDN. My costs have been cut 100 fold. If you have MS or any autoimmune disease I would encourage you to read this book. Everyone (NMSS in particular) keeps touting that an oral medication is just around the corner....IT'S ALREADY HERE AND AVAILABLE!!!!