health Books

Sheila Rogers has released a new edition/book titled: "Natural Treatments for Tics and Tourette's: A Patient and Family Guide"

[..] for all those like myself who need this book and don't want to spend [..] for a used, previous edition.

This book was a God send. I found this book after discovering my son had a transcient motor tic. We were told to learn to live with the ticing unless we wanted to heavily medicate our son. This book opened our eyes and put us in contact with other parents facing similar issues through their website. At first I put him on a number of different supplements and I was able to get the tics to subside almost completely. Someone on the website suggested I test his strep titers because following a fever his tics increased. If it wasn't for this book we wouldn't have known to check our sons titers which came back extremely high. Come to find out he had developed strep and was never treated for it. Once we put him on anitbiotics his tics subsided quite a bit. We are in the process of testing him for metals because we think a hep B vaccination may have contributed to his current condition. There is a wealth of info in this book and even more on their website. Tics and Tourette cases have skyrocketed in current years along with autism, ADHD and seizure disorders. These disorders have increased with the increased schedule of vaccines. Our son had seizures following a hep b vaccine at birth and the more research we did the more we were convinced that the toxins in the vaccine caused him to be more suseptable to an avalanche of medical issues due to the fact that his immune system had been compromised. Now we are working on ridding his system of toxins and refuse any and all vaccinations. My newborn was not vaccinated at all and she is the healthiest baby we've ever seen. She has been to a number of physicians who have said she's the healthiest and most developmentally advanced baby they've seen in a long time. God bless the people who wrote this book.

This book is terrific. I cannot say enough good things about it. I highly recommend it!

Tics and Tourette's: Breakthrough Discoveries in Natural Treatments

As a concert-pianist, music therapist, author, and an individual living with Tourette Syndrome, I must "take my hat off" to Sheila Rogers for bringing together a cascade of knowledge by various doctors, pediatric neurologists,
authors and many other leading authorities. As there is no cure for Tourette Syndrome, parents, families and adults are desperately seeking out new innovations and ideas with the hope that somewhere a new approach/approaches will come to the forefront. This book offers exactly what so many have been looking for, thought provoking ideas without the side-effects of medication, approaches that
are natural and display underlying common sense!
Since reading the book, I have followed many of the innovative ideas and have found improvement in my own tics.
As a music therapist, which is also a natural, non side effect technique, I have incorporated the many findings in this book with my own student's!

BRAVO! SHEILA J. ROGERS!, what will you come up with next!

Author: Raymond Vacchino M.Mus.(MT) A.Mus. L.R.S.M. Licentiate (hon.)

This book is eye-opening and thought-provoking. Just consider the possibility of your child being tic-free or at least know you might have the chance of reducing the incidence of tics without medication. Get this book, and share it with others.

1. A Time to Die/Lurlene McDaniel
2. Random House Children's Book, 1992, 154 pgs.
3. Young Adult
4. A Time to Die is a fiction story based on a young lady who has cystic fibrosis.

A Time to Die is a fiction story based on a young lady who has cystic fibrosis. Everyday she goes through therapy to help her breathe. She meets a boy named Vince, who also has cystic fibrosis. Vince helps Kara through the tough times, when Kara really needs someone by her side. They are both in and out of the hospital and are struggling to try to survive.
Lurlene McDaniel really showed in great detail the affects cystic fibrosis could have on a person's life. It is a wonderful book to read, especially if you do not know much about cystic fibrosis. Kara falls for a boy, which makes the book more interesting, because she does not want him to be turned off by the cystic fibrosis she has.
A Time to Die is a book you could not live without reading. This book left me with wanting to find more about cystic fibrosis and the book made me want to read more of Lurlene McDaniel's books.

this is a great book about a girl named kara who is dying of cystic fibrosis everyday she must endure therapy to thin the mucus so she can breathe i have cf as well and am so glad someone is trying to make people more aware of cf its such a horrible disease i hope other people read it and become more aware of this disease so a cure can be found

This story has to be on of the best stories in the entire One Last Wish series. It shows the hardships that teens that have Cystic Fibrosis have to endure daily. Kara Fischer, a girl with C.F., shows what she goes through every day with this disease, and how it affects her every day life. She deals with the same things we deal with and more; and it shows how determined she is to have a normal life. When she falls in love with Eric, and he finds out about her C.F., I was surprised to see what he did. This book is a heart-wrenching story that brought a tear to my eye while reading it. It is an amazing book with a great truth behind it. Showing all of the things that happen to the people suffering from the disease, in using a child for the main character, makes you relate to the character even more; whether you have the disease or not.
Lurlene McDaniel is an amazing author who does her research to make the story even greater. Knowing the facts about what is actually happening and putting it down with a plot and characters, teaches you about the disease or problem while keeping you interested. The powerful way she writes makes you stay intrigued, and makes you want to keep turning the pages to see what happens.
You want to know whether they are going to go out with someone or if they are going to get sick again. You begin to become that person and can feel what they are feeling, and can hear the voices of the other characters talking to you. You understand what is going on in their minds and what is in their hearts. Their feelings become yours; you cry when they cry, you feel the touch they feel, and you hear the words they hear. When you cry with them, you cry on both the inside and the outside as well. Your heart and eyes fill with tears and you just can't help but cry from both parts of you. You are them.

I really liked this book.I couldn't stop reading it.I realized how much I take life for granted.It is really sad to think about how much we take everything for granted.This book helped me.I really think it can help others be more appreciative.

A Time to Die has to be my favourite book in the OWL series. Kara and Vince's struggle to live is very inspiring and I admire them both for their courage and determination. Because I, along with my brother, am a victim of CF, I was glad to see someone trying to make the world more aware of this disease. I could really relate to Kara and Vince and found their thoughts and feeling about their disease to be similar to my own. This book is very well written with interesting characters and plot twists. This book brought a definite tear to my eye.

Came in a timely manner and condition was as stated. Thanks for doing a great job. Myra

Bottom Line: Buy It
This is an empowering resource for anyone new to kinesiology or touch for health, and also to those interested in delving more into the fields.
Though there are classes to become certified in Touch for Health, you do not need a medical degree or any kind of certification to make use of this book in your own health.
It explains the basics, and breaks each organ meridian down to what muscle groups are impacted, how to test for that particular muscle, what nutrition supports or hinders that muscle, clearing the neurolymphatics, as well as how to trace, strengthen or sedate that meridian, numerous other things, and it's filled with great diagrams for reference.
I would also highly recommend Energy Medicine by Donna Eden as a great companion book.
My only complaint, is the size of the book (it's rectangle in shape) and its binding (spiral bound) is not very compatible for constant referencing.

If you like to track your energy to promote your health and/or vitality, this is an excellent reference book.

If you are interested in Applied Kinnesiology, Energy Meridians, Muscle Testing, or health and healing, this is THE BOOK. This covers it all with a major wealth of information and is very deatailed and very elaborate.

Touch for Health can help anyone, from physical to emotional. A must-have resource for anyone who wants an alternative to, or compliment Western medicine. This book is for the novice to the experienced, and a great reminder of how our emotions regulate our physical health.

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About(TM): Hypertension: The Revolutionary Nutrition and Lifestyle Program to Help Fight High Blood Pressure (What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About...)
I didn't feel like I was reading a typical reference book. It kept my interest and is easy for the average individual without a medical background to understand. Referenced studies are included, which I found especially beneficial as a health professional. Great book I highly recommend to anyone struggling to lower high blood pressure.

if you have high blood pressure get this book its a 10 ! knowledge is good for your health ! stay healthy ! go to saunna sweat you toxins!! and and excercise keep away from foods that have too much sodium like chinese food , can soups , processed foods ! eat natural and excercise and live to 100 !!!

I've used the Vaso-Guard therapy and it is working for me. The book is very comprehensive and I appreciate the holistic approach outlined.

I actually starting using the Dash diet and some of the supplements, not all. In a few days my blood pressure started to go down dramatically. It's amazing how much salt there is in everything. You really have to read labels and of course a lot more fruits and veggies!

All in all, very good reading. Nothing new here, just ties together all facets of controlling your high blood pressure: vitamins, supplements, exercise, diet and stress reduction. Presents a variety of programs and explains in detail how each can potentially lower and control hypertension. A good "how to" book to keep handy and refer to often. I have started the program and after only 3 weeks, my blood pressure has dropped. I plan to "wean" myself off the high blood pressure medication I am on now and go "totally natural".

A great book for the novice of Zen. I found this book to deliver deep philosophical Zen concepts in an easy to understand format. The three main characters of the book portrayed three different types of people: one from a business background, another from a religious background and a third from a sports background which allowed me to learn how to directly apply the Ten Paradoxes. My suggestions would be to highlight the good parts and go back and read them again and again. I am now reading the next book in the series.

I thought this little easy to read book was packed with insights and advice on Zen and the Tao, but more importantly how to apply it directly to life's situations. It reminded me of "Who Moved My Cheese?" which was a great story of four characters and how they handle change. Great for business, if you want a quick read and need some inspiration.

Where's My Zen? The Ten Paradoxes This is a quick and entertaining read. You are drawn in to the relationship between the four characters and quickly identify with their journey and questions; I had many of the same questions myself. One character, Spirit, is searching for her spiritual awakening---each character is very different, yet they all seek the same thing.

I became so interested in the topic, that I did purchase The Ten Paradoxes - The Science of Where's my Zen. It is filled with the history and teachings of the Tao - I went straight to the chapter about relationships and then business. It is very deep, but extremely thought provoking and calming at the same time. "No Mind" - can I achieve that level of spirituality? I am sure (not) trying to!

This was concise, yet quite powerful. It didnt waste much time getting into the paradoxes themselves, adding simple yet effective explanations behind each lesson. Worth the money.

Where's My Zen showed me the way to successful living. It reminded me to go with the flow and reduced my stress level significantly. Thanks Master Nomi, you really improved my quality of life with your teachings. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a sequel.

For all of you that loved the book as much as I did, be sure to check out the website: wheresmyzen.com

Suza Francina, the author of Yoga and the Wisdom of Menopause, dedicates this book to the Yoga Sisterhood, of which I consider myself a member. I have been practicing yoga off and on since my early 30s and have never really lost my love for this practice.

In this wonderfully arranged book with lots of snapshots of many yoga poses (asanas), Suza has provided the midlife woman with "tools" to help her with the transitional period of midlife that we call menopause. Each chapter tackles a specific topic. For example, Chapter One covers alternatives to hormone therapy and Chapter Two delves into the endocrine system. (Hormones are the substances secreted by the endocrine glands. Hormones are also called "biochemical messengers".) Chapter Four is called The Power of Hot Flashes and Chapters Five, Six, and Seven deal with healthy bones, cancer, and heart disease, respectively.

Each chapter is filled with stories of other women's menopausal stories and how yoga helped them through this midlife transition. In this way, the author also draws upon the wisdom of other yoga practitioners and writers in the field of yoga, putting quotes as sidebars in appropriate places in each chapter. In effect, you are getting the wisdom of many authors, not just Suza's.

The book is easy to read and quite comprehensive. Each chapter has photos of poses that help women as they navigate the menopausal trail. The final chapter is a series of photos as part of Suza's Practice Guide. There is also a helpful Resources section of yoga teachers featured in the book and a Directory for finding a yoga teacher in your area. Francina also includes women's retreats that offer yoga, as well as miscellaneous websites and associations.

Here are a few quotes from Francina's book that will hopefully encourage you to read the book and/or join a yoga class, if you have not already done so:

"Menopause is a metamorphosis, a complete change at the cellular level." (p. xvii)

"Yoga is a `unification' of physiological, psychological and spiritual therapies. It is a healing science that addresses all the concerns of women going through menopause." (p. xviii)

"Yoga postures, besides providing a superior form of weight-bearing exercise that stimulates bones to retain calcium, also help to stimulate and distribute the flow of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints between bones." (p. 105)

"Yoga can help reduce the risk of breast cancer by stimulating lymph flow, strengthening the endocrine and immune systems, and helping you be more in touch with your body." (p. 127)

"The feminine path to self-realization unfolds when a woman reclaims her own authority over her body and her life. She learns to honor her own needs and rhythms, and to trust her body's innate wisdom." (p. 179)

This book is an excellent resource for all women. It is informative, uplifting, and powerful. Yoga and the Wisdom of Menopause is published by Health Communications, Inc. in Florida and costs $12.95 (soft cover), a bargain for so much information. The publisher's website is www.hcibooks.com.

I was thoroughly impressed with Suza Francina's other book, "The New Yoga For Healthy Aging", so I thought I would check out "Yoga and the Wisdom of Menopause" as well. Once again, I was not disappointed. As a woman who is at midlife, I am concerned about the upcoming 'change of life' and have been reading many books on the subject. Some have been helpful and inspiring - others have been downright depressing. After reading Francina's book, I feel that my yoga practice is giving me options to deal with this new stage of life in a manner that is gentle, life affirming and positive.

"Yoga And The Wisdom of Menopause" is not just a book of poses for your symptoms - it is a friendly guide to this exciting and confusing experience filled with suggested routines and information about a wide range of issues including bone health, heart issues, pelvic problems, cancer and more. Francina is never preachy - instead, she adopts a very kind and spiritual tone, which is comforting. Even when talking about such controversial subjects such as HRT, she states facts without histrionics - this allows the reader to make their own conclusions about what is 'right' for them. Sprinkled throughout the book, other women share their stories about menopause, which gives the reader something to relate to. These anecdotes gave the book a very personal feeling - I found myself nodding in agreement with many of theit experiences.

Although this book is geared towards those of us in the change of life, I think that any woman would find it useful. Francina has an Iyengar background and is strongly influenced by Geeta Iyengar - all female pracitioners of Iyengar style yoga will really benefit from adding this book to their yoga library.

With this book, Suze Francina - Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher, applies Yoga and its therapeutic use to the challenging stage of menopause in a women's life. Her vast experience with Iyengar Yoga and her personal experience of the stage gives her real-life experience about how Yoga can be useful for calming the mind and the body during menopause.

As with any problem or symptom, it is useful to know what all parts of the body are affected first. The book addresses each of the symptoms that are a result of the phase - hormonal changes, hot flashes, pelvic health, stress, etc. You will find sequences of postures that are suitable to address the symptom. Suza encourages the use of props which is critical for people starting Yoga at these ages.

A key aspect of this book as in her earlier book is the inspirational stories of women who have faced the challenges by practicing yoga. The stories are alone enough to motivate you to look at Yoga as a cure to the problem. It is true that Yoga is extremely effective in calming the mind and this itself is a key aspect in its therapeutic effects on various ailments. What this book stands out is to help one choose a challenging aspect such as hot flashes and go straight to the chapter and see how Yoga could help. As a yoga teacher myself, I find the guidance extremely useful in letting women know how Yoga can help.

Suza's experience in dealing with the issue goes to a higher level than merely a prescriptive approach. 'Menopause is indeed a wake-up call to take care of ourselves' she writes. She rightly brings spirituality into the cure. A lot of physical and mental ailments can be faced effectively by feeling spiritual; the strength you find in being spiritual is stronger over the long run than many medicines. 'Yoga has helped me embrace my menopause, heal, grow, let go and move on. I want the same for you'.

If you know that Yoga can help many ailments and are getting to or into menopause, you will certainly benefit from this effort coming out with a good amount of knowledge about what happens and how Yoga can help.

I am totally new to yoga and I found this book to be helpful and confusing at the same time. The first person accounts were interesting although it seems that most, if not all, of the women had been involved with yoga for years so I couldn't relate to that part of their story. I could relate to their menopausal experiences, though.

I think I will be able to do the yoga poses just from looking at the pictures and reading the explanations. I think I will be able to do many of the poses even though I have arthritis in my knees. I am glad about that because I tried to do yoga by following a yoga instructor on a video and I could not do many of the poses because of pain in my knees.

Most of the above is positive, but I do have a problem with the book. The author made charts listing the best poses for different symptoms of menopause, but did not put the page number of the poses that she listed in the charts. She had poses pictured throughout the book and then a comprehensive set of pictures of all the poses at the end. The book could have been smaller and less confusing if she had just pictured the poses once and put page numbers on the charts showing where the poses could be found.

I was glad the book did not go into a lot of the spiritual side of yoga but wondered why she did not go into more detail about the proper way to breathe during the poses. She talked about how important proper breathing is but I did not see a good explanation of what she means by that. ( I have not read every word of the book, so may have missed that, but it wasn't in the same place as where she talked about the importance of breathing, which would be the appropriate place.)

As the Walking Editor for Prevention Magazine, I was priveledged to invite Suza Francina to teach yoga at our annual Walkers Rally several times. A welcoming and understanding teacher, Suza had classes attended twice a day by many of my participants, most over the age of 50, many 60 and 70 year olds. Her easy going style and attention to the way older bodies "work" (or don't) opened the door for many men and women to this wonderful body science.

This book, as well as The New Yoga for People Over 50 are invaluable guides for folks who are experiencing the effects of aging that can slowly erode range of motion and the pleasure and freedom of uninhibited movement. Thank you Suza!

Maggie Spilner
Author
Walk Your Way Through Menopause
Prevention's Complete Book of Walking
Prevention's Encyclopedia of Walking for Health

Like many people who are new to living with a Yorkie, I purchased lots of Yorkshire Terrier guides. Lord knows, there are a ton of them out there, so its very confusing to choose the right one. I considered myself very lucky when I came upon this book. I had questions that I could not find an answer for anywhere. If only I had purchased this book in the beginning, I could have saved a lot of money and frustration, as it helped me with every question I had, supplying me with valuable advice found in no other book. It is the only book that I still reach for time and again, and it never lets me down. Mrs. Lamire does not tiptoe around, being oh so careful to say just the right thing to appease to people. She has the guts to tell it like it is. I really appreciate her expert advice and candor, as it saved me from making terrible mistakes. Thank you so much for putting Yorkies first, above all else, when you embarked upon this excellent guide.

This is a superlative content of personal experience, incredible data and delightful observations! The concepts and practical knowledge is exceptional. This is a mandatory volume for anyone wanting the best care and ultimate ensuing health and happiness for their canine companion, regardless of size or breed! The principals and examples are invaluable and written in a pleasurable manner. Very much recommended!

I would have given this book 5 stars were it not for all the "doom and gloom" sidebars about the numerous horrible things that happened to various Yorkies--usually at the hand of their owners. I am researching this breed in the hopes of buying a puppy and I found this book very intimidating and discouraging at times due to all these gloomy references. Having talked to many Yorkie owners/breeders, I don't get the impression that these dogs are as fragile and picky as portrayed in this book. Negatives aside, this book seems to outline very clearly the most important details and caveats that really set the Yorkies apart from other breeds. For that, I am thankful.

Like other folks who have been "yorked", I buy every thing I can get my hands on about yorkies. I think this is the best of them. It is the most practical and inclusive. I like the cautionary aspect of this book; too many gloss over the fact that these are tiny dogs and with that goes some degree of delicacy. This is the one book I give friends who get yorkies. I highly recommend it.

THIS BOOK IS THE ONLY BOOK I HAVE EVER READ THAT CAPTURES THE TRUE CHARACTER OF THE YORKIE. BESIDES BEING PACKED WITH PRACTICAL INFORMATION, IT REALLY GETS INTO THE MIND SET OF THIS MARVELOUS LITTLE DOG. I HAVE OFTEN WONDERED IF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE SEEN WHAT I HAVE SEEN WITH THESE LITTLE WONDERS, NOW I KNOW THAT THEY HAVE.
THE LITTLE STORIES ENCLOSED ARE EXPERIENCES WE, AS OWNERS OF A YORKIE, HAVE ALL GONE THROUGH AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER. THEY MAY MAKE YOU CRY, BUT THEY REMIND YOU OF ONE OF YOUR "BABIES".
AFTER WRITING THIS REVIEW I AM IMMEDIATELY GOING ON TO ORDER THREE MORE COPIES FOR THREE OF MY FRIENDS. IN MY OPINION I COULDN'T GIVE THEM A BETTER GIFT.

This book has been pretty helpful, my girlfriend and I enjoyed going through it and reading certain sections.
It's true, most of the subject matter isn't a walk on the beach, but it's good information to know and understand. Besides explaining the previously unmentionable, it also offers good suggestions as to what to say and do if you're in a situation covered in the book.
The language is plain english and slightly humorous (without damaging the credibility of the information)
The only reason it's not 5 stars is because the book skipped one or two particular things we, as a couple, were looking for.

As someone who is active in the Endometriosis community, one of the most common problems women come across is explaining Endometriosis to their husbands or boyfriend. Since Endometriosis can cause painful sex, infertility, and other possible relationship problems, the disease can cause problems for both men and women. This book offered one of the best explanations of Endometriosis to men that I have ever seen. It does not go into too much detail, but it goes in enough detail that it allows men to really understand the full nature of this awful disease.

I found 'Your Guy's Guide to Gynocology' witty, informative and a big help in understanding the fairer sex. This should be required reading for every bloke interested in improving his relationships with women. Bekkar and Wahn deserve a medal.

Dr. Wahn, one of the authors of "Your Guys Guide to Gynecology",is my personal Gynecologist and for that reason I bought the book. Thinking that I knew everything in the book, I read it anyway. I found it not only to be informative, and humorous for men, but I also learned things that I didn't know.I think that this book should be a required reading for High School Seniors, both male and female.

The amazing fact about this book is that I learned a lot about a subject I thought I already knew a lot.It is fun to read and the more you read the more fun you will have in using or living your gained knowledge.I am more sensible towards my girlfriends feelings which gives me a better feeling,too.This book is definitively a recommendation for both sexes,because there are always two involved in a relationship. Thank you for teaching me!

We are constantly reading this book not for the recpies but for the knowledge and history of different foods that we comonly use. We are lucky enough to be able to enjoy Zingerman's Deli anytime we want and they are top quality just like in the book.

Finally I understand why sea salt is so good; and how to choose olive oil. And I now know a few good brands to look for on my gourmet items. This has really helped me shop for excellent ingredients. And the recipes, esp the roasted beet salad, are delicious and simple, relying on the very best ingredients for flavor instead of complicated instructions.

For anyone who knows the name Zingerman's, chances are they know the name is synonomous with amazing food of the highest quality. For anyone interested in food, particularly imported, specialty and artisanal foods, check out this book and their website. You won't be disappointed.

I really enjoyed this book. As a lover of food, I was elated to discover this book. He includes history and just an over all knowledge of fine foods and how you can tell when you get your hands on them! The commercialization of fine foods (like balsamic vinegar) often times loses the art. I appreciate the art of creating fine foods and am grateful to now have a little extra "Zing" and knowledge when I'm shopping for them.

When it comes to food and cooking, this is one of my top 3 favorite and most used books. Though this has recipes, that is not where its value lies. This book is a guide to understanding and appreciating quality in your food. Some of the foods covered are olive oils, vinegars (balsamic and others), cheese, bread, pasta, chocolate, etc. Each section tells you what makes for quality and recommends brands to try. If you love good food, this is a MUST HAVE!

I didn't think that this book would be as useful as it is. After reading this book I found many things I wanted to do, and have done, to be prepared. While I hope to never have to use the information from the book, I feel more prepared in case the need arises. A must have for those wanting to be prepared.

Few escape a hospital stay at some time during their life, and all should read Jan Buck's "24/7 or Dead" before they need it.

In a very personal account, Jan shares her 8 month ordeal with a hospitalized critically ill husband. The lessons she learned are invaluable. In this easy-to-read book she gives recommendations in layman's terms, check lists and tools we can all use when we are faced with helping a hospitalized loved one.

Jan's book is not critical of the medical profession, but she shows you how to be your loved one's advocate while working with the doctors and nurses. Don't let medical mistakes claim the life of someone you love, be there for them 24/7.

As an RN I appreciate and second all the advice given in this book! It's easy to read, a fast read, and I'd encourage anyone to read it BEFORE they have a loved one in the hospital. The recommendations Jari Buck provides are applicable to all patients, whether in Intensive Care or the Emergency Room, during an extended stay or same-day procedure.

There are some minor medical details that are not accurate, or misspelled, but they do not affect the great tips and advice given in this book.

Who wants to even think about having to care for a loved one in the hospital let alone write about the worry, pain and fear. Its no question our lives can be disrupted in an instant. I'm glad I read Jari's book before I faced my mother's hospital experience. This book is a real eye opener. A must read. So much so I purchased copies for several friends and family members.

Don't wait until you need to know how to deal with hospital personnel, policies and paperwork. Read it now. Don't wait until you need to know how to deal with your own frustration, questions and fatigue. Read it now. If not for your sake then for someone else's so you can help them in their 24/7 'hour' of need.

It's compelling, real and straight forward. Are you prepared?

24/7 or Dead
By: Jari Holland Buck
Jan Holland Buck has written this book to recount lessons she learned over a period of eight and one-half months during her husband's hospitalization.

Jan's husband, Bill, was suddenly stricken with severe pancreatits. This rapidly progressed to multiple organ failure, severe infection, and seizures.

As a result of observing and involving herself in her husband's care, Jan has concluded, "Without the full-time presence of a family member for every patient in a hospital, I believe there is a very good chance mistakes will be made. Some of those mistakes could cost your loved one his or her life."

Jan details their story of hospital stays in four hospitals, six months of which were in intensive care. She has provided the reader with fourteen recommendations for implementation, important checklists to help with the implementation. She has included an Appendix with important fact sheets, tools, and sample legal forms, medical statements, billing information, and additional resources.

I am fortunate to have read the book at a time when I am not faced with a family health crisis. My wife is a registered nurse and worked for years in the Emergency Department. I have two sons who worked as EMTs for a period of time. I have been hospitalized on several occasions. Jan's book has opened my eyes to the importance of patient advocacy. As a result of reading 24/7, I plan to be more vocal in asking my primary doctor questions regarding known medical conditions, review my legal forms, power of attorney, medical power of attorney, and to leave written documents regarding important papers for my caregiver and family. In these papers I will note and have readily available a copy of Jan Holland's book.

This book is a book that should be read by every family caregiver and patient advocate. It is an important and timely resource for those comforting and counseling family members. The instructions and suggestions will give you insight into what you are facing and help you to have peace of mind in knowing you are a part of the healthcare team responsible for your loved one.

I highly recommend that 24/7 or dead be read by every adult family member before a family medical crisis forces that dreaded 9ll call for an ambulance.