health Books

An absolutely wonderful book even if you aren't interested in pursuing an assistance dog it is a must read. The authors ability to share not only her family's experience but others as well is deeply touching. I found it informative, educational and heartwarming.

THE GOLDEN BRIDGE is a wonderful book about working with dogs with special needs children with a primary focus on children with developmental disorders and particularly children with autism. Patti Dobbs, along with other guest writers, have a child with autism. They generously bring you into their lives to share the pain and the joys of having a child that is "different". They all explain the isolation from other families and the beautiful effects that a dog can have in healing.
There is compelling information about the significant benefits of dogs in the lives of families with special needs and children in classrooms, as well as instructions on training or finding dogs to be a part of families or therapy sessions. Excellent!

Patty Dobbs Gross presents an inspirational story of her personal struggle and triumphs as she tries to find the best resources for her son with autism, one of which is a service dog. Patty is honest and direct as she explains her feelings of isolation, frustration, and sometimes even anger and embarrassment with friends, the school system and Danny's peer group. Later chapters in the book focus on training and incorporating service dogs into the lives of children with developmental disabilities. These chapters are contributed by experts in their fields and should act as a model for any service dog organization.

This is the definitive text on the use of assistance dogs for autism from an author who has placed more dogs for autism in the United States than anyone else. She speaks with authority and the compassion of a mother who has raised a child with autism through the assistance of a service dog. I highly recommend this book to all those with a family member who is affected by autism.

This was a great book with a great deal of useful information. My only caution is that you need a box of Kleenex when you read some sections...it is very moving. This book gives great insight into how a well trained dog can help with an Autistic child. It also gives useful information on how to train a dog to work with an autistic child but it is not a do it yourself book...professional help is needed.

While compelling for its time, around the 1980s when eating disorders were just beginning to become more prominent, it is written as if the author simply skimmed through a standard inventory of anorexia nervosa symptoms and hastily forced a story out of it. The ending was particularly rushed; my opinion of the book would probably have been better if Rosemary's recovery was elaborated on.

Also, Rosemary's beginning "fat" weight of 5'6" and 108 lbs is incredibly unrealistic. In reality, at that weight, she would have already been considered borderline anorexic; she wouldn't have had to lose another 20 pounds for people to start worrying about her. PLEASE.

Well. It was interesting when I first read it, but with my experiences with eating disorders and with more compelling books of the same topic teeming about, it seems very undeveloped. However, it is one of the first of its kind. I'll give her that.

This book is awesome. It helps me feel normal to some degree knowing that others have gone through this too. It's also inspiring.

this is one of those books that stands the test of time.even to this day I read this book.
I am 24 almost 25 yrs old and I read this book ages ago when I was 14 it helped Me thru My eating disorder.
it's also a good story as well.

my friend that never!!(i mean never) reads got in trouble for reading this book during class! she couldnt put it down and neither could i!

17 year old Rosemary is beautiful and smart, but she feels like an outsider. At school, in her family, she just doesn't seem to fit. Slim,. blonde Stacy is the most popular girl in school, and Rosemary envies her. Then she realises what she needs to do - lose weight. At 5'6 and 108 lbs, Rosemary is hardly fat, but she embarks on a diet anyway.

After a few weeks of dieting, and very little weight loss, Rosemary becomes stricter on herself. Ann Snyder portrays a realistic descent into anorexia nervosa - the illness creeps up on Rosemary. She goes through phases of bingeing and purging as her weight gradually drops down.

I enjoyed this story immensly, (despite the fairly predictable plot) up until the final few chapters when - inevitably - Rosemary ends up in hospital. She makes the decision to recover, and from that point on, the story feels rushed, and the author "glosses over" the thoughts and feelings that Rosemary has as she battles the illness.

Not everyone will be able to relate to the character of Rosemary. The story remains very focussed on her, and her thoughts and feelings, and her fears - of failure, of not being good enough, and of sex. There is no real resolution of this, and the book ends much like the film of "The Best Little Girl In The World" - the anorexic character making the decision to eat, and taking those first few difficult bites.

Overall, I liked this book. While it doesn't really give an insight into anorexia nervosa (or other eating disorders), it is an enjoyable read.

I believe that purchasing this fabulous well-put-together kit, was so worth it! I never have played drums, nor did I think that I had the talent to do so!I have been interested in the effects of music, and healing,for some time now,and when I saw this kit mentioned in a recent woman's world magazine article, I decided to give it a try,and purchase it! Wow! it certainly exceeded my expectations! The #1 CD is SO well done...so thorough, AND relaxing! Some nights, I just LISTEN to the CD to RELAX, without even picking up my drum!The #2 CD is fun, lively,and informative,as it gives both info.on world-drumming styles, plus great music to play along to! The CD's alone, are teriffic,but of course, the kit also includes a very well written and easy-to-follow guide book,PLUS, a set of cards that you can use with or without the CD's for your playing enjoyment. The final item, the drum is quite nice, sounds great, and can be easily transported to wherever you wish to take it....so convenient! I am VERY IMPRESSED with this kit, and for the price, it IS a great little investment. Kuddos to Christine Stevens! The neatest thing though, is I became a drummer!I play along with the music, and sound quite decent, for a novice! PLUS, knowing this had a direct{positive} effect on my health, and well being, makes me want to keep playing all the more! Who knows? Maybe drumming will be the new "Red Wine" for health! Instead of a nightly glass of Rose', one can grab their drum, and play away !!!!

I have used this drum kit several times since I purchased it. It is very helpful to have the CD's for instruction to be able to play along with the music. i however do not feel the cards that accompanied were useful to me. I have also purchased native american drumming music and have been able to play along with those CD's using my drum and with help from the instructional CD's in this kit.

This is wonderful!
I purchased this so I could learn to play a frame drum for healing and spiritual edification. This kit is helping me to accomplish this.
The drum is beautiful, light weight, and easy to play. The book, CD, and cards are a great combination of tools from which to learn.
This program is laid out so that it is easy to understand. I have NO previous experience or training, yet I feel comfortable and successful as I learn with this kit.
The drum kit far exceeded my expectations. It was developed by someone who truely understands the drum and how to teach others to play it.

This is the perfect hand drum and learning manual to start with. I wish I found this years ago. The remo drum is the perfect size for traveling or just taking with you to the park or a drum circle. And the cards are amazing and easy to under stand. The guide book is also full of very good information. Ive recomended this to a few friends of mine already.

I would highly recommend this kit if you have any interest in drumming at all. It is easy to learn and very relaxing. My grandchildren also love it and what a good way to have fun and teach them rhythm and stress management at the same time.

Dr. Taylor cured herself of cancer after traditional medicine had written her off.

She goes over a lot of information about Amazon herbs, how and when to use them. Take your time and study the book. It is information dense.

Because of this book I purchased the herb Cat's Claw when I got sick. I do think it helped me clear the illness. It is almost tasteless and taken with a small amount of water it is easy to use.

It can be hard with so many overlapping symptoms to pick the right herb so move slowly and carefully before deciding what course you want to pursue.

This is an excellent reference book for rainforest herbs. In some respects it is technical but understandable and interesting. You can access information by malady or by the herb itself. Portions are very activist in nature giving suggestions as to individual action toward preserving the natural bounty of medicines yet discovered or near extinction. Highly recomended.

what a great book! Leslie Taylor has written a very valuable resource to anyone interested in plants and herbs. whether you are an expert or just curious to know what herbs can do, this is a must have!! i am looking forward to the next book---AWESOME!!!

Most people know of the Amazon rainforest only because of ecological concerns. This is unfortunate since the rainforest is far more than just a figurehead for Green Peace. In THE HEALING POWER OF RAINFOREST HERBS, Leslie Taylor provides a starting point for those who know little of rainforests in general but wish to learn of the medicinal properties of its indigenous plants. My own interest I suspect is typical. I take a variety of nutritional supplements and over the years I realized I needed a reliable source to explain the use of some of the more arcane herbs commercially available. Taylor's book proved a boon. Taylor organizes her text in a commonsense way. She provides an alphabetical list of rainforest herbs that ranges from Abuta to Yerba Mate. She later adds a great deal of information about each herb that is not readily available anywhere else, even on the internet (I've looked). What I found particularly useful is her listing of each herb's traditional usage and chemical compositions. Yet, HPRH is far more than a shaman's field guide to rainforest herbs. Taylor uses the Amazon rainforest as both a literal and symbolic metaphor for the human need to find a working balance between using the environment to survive and abusing it to make a buck.

God said choose life or death!
God gave us herbs. Use them.
Man gave us pills, avoid them.
Pills kill and herbs cure.
Make your choice.
Pills made my life hard and I almost
submitted to a useless operation.
Desperately, I looked for another choice.
Herbs gave me the answer.
No operation needed, life is good again!!!

If you've ever felt in need of healing and didn't know where to go for help this book is for you. It is filled with golden nuggets that will cause you to feel like new. It offers practical solutions for even the deepest hurts. This is a book that you can refer back to time and time again not just for yourself but others as well.

If you have not read Dr. Gayle's book I suggest buying it immediately.

I first began reading Healing the Traumatized Soul thinking I can use what I learn to help others but soon discovered healing was flowing over abrasions in my own heart. The Holy Spirit has used Dr. Gayle Rogers' pain and her skill to weave together her story and those of many others to form a blanket of healing under which "He restores my soul". I call this an anointed book!

This book will reveal your innermost feelings making you look seriously at what freedom really means. I've read both the book and the study guide and it is designed for professional counselors as well as hurting people. The way Dr. Gayle talks about "being whole" makes you want to examine every area of your life to make sure you haven't overlooked anything that should be "fixed." Open doors in your life can cause trouble.

I recommend this book to the person with no formal education, to the university post graduate to have on your library shelf (after reading it of course).

This book is certainly a healer of the soul. Dr. Gayle has used therapeutic techniques as well as the Word of God to reach the heart of the people. I'm excited to see something of this magnitude in print that will literally change the lives of people who have experienced abuse at the hands of predators.

Keep preaching the Word Dr. Gayle.

This is a great book for anyone seeking healing of past hurts, low esteem, and sexual abuse. I found the participants own stories helped me to face various situations I had experienced. The prayers were really helpful when I was counseling with other individuals. It is really a "helps" book for those seeking healing for those who have been traumatized and haven't been able to get free. I recommend this book for counselors - secular and professional - as well! It gives a different outlook from a "layman's " prospective, not just professional.

Being on bed rest, I've been needing all the help I can get keeping my mind clear of stress and in a good place. These CDs REALLY help. This is one of my favorite ones that I've gotten.

I started to listen to this CD in the last month of my pregnancy. (every night) I alternated between this CD and Blissful Birth by Glenn Harrold. During labor I was just relaxing. Yes, that is correct...relaxing...my epidural was going strong and I was leveled at 5 cm. with no progress for 4 hours. I decided to pop in this CD. Within 5 minutes, my contractions were going wild, the nurse came flying in to check my charts. I asked her if I should stop listening, and she said, "No. Keep listening!" Within 15 minutes I progressed to 10 cm. and within 15 more minutes, my baby was born. I really think this CD caused my mind to kick start everything! It is AMAZING what the mind can do!

I bought this CD set along with several others to help prepare me for the birth of my daugher in August. I have really enjoyed listening to this product, and was happy that they came in 2 CDs, one for pregnancy and one just for the birth. I used the 1st CD throughout my 2nd and 3rd trimesters, and just started the 2nd CD. I really like the guided imagery and background music. I listen to it daily and have to admit I have fallen asleep to the sound of her voice sometimes. I definitely feel these CDs help with all that chatter in my mind and allow me to relax and let go of my worries for a while; great CD!

I bought this CD too late to use the pregnancy CD effectively, so I just used the Labor and Delivery CD for the last three weeks of my pregnancy. It became my twice a day ritual that I truly looked forward to and even my husband loved falling asleep to it at night. Bellruth has a really relaxing voice and the messages of the CD are affirming and non judgmental. When it came time for my labor, I used this CD at home when my contractions started getting more serious. We brought this CD and a few other musical CDs to the hospital and initially I listened to the music, then when I started going into transition, all I wanted to hear in the background was Bellruth's CD. It must have played over and over at least 10 times. This was really important in helping me to relax my muscles and keep breathing during contractions, my nurses, midwives and doula were all very impressed. I had the delivery that I had really hoped for, all natural with lots of help and support. This CD was a big part of that. I can't recommend it strongly enough.

This CD is quite good. It's the only thing I have calming enough to listen to to put me to sleep--my doula (birth coach) said that's a great thing, actually, b/c that means it will relax me druing labor. When I'm not super tired the words for the childbirth part are very inspiring. That's really the only CD of the 2 disc set I listened to since I'm due any day now. I listen to it just about every day. But author/narrator says even if the first time you listen to it is during labor that would be helpful, and I agree!

My husband was told to lose weight after knee surgery, and I was told in December that I was borderline Type 2 diabetic. We bought this book (I also recommend 'The Wisdom of Menopause'), and Dr. Strand's knowledge of my situation and his solution makes total sense. Since January, my husband has lost 55 pounds, and I've lost 35 pounds. It seemed effortless, and both of us have no intention, desire or craving to go back to our old ways. I have purchased over 10 of these books from Amazon for friends. So many of them have seen similar results from the book and the usana.com nutritional supplements. [...]

This a wonderful book for anyone who wants a healthier lifestyle and for anyone who wants to lose weight permanently! It is an easy read and everything is explained in simple terms.

This is a well researched approach to losing weight in a more permanent fashion. It gives hope to all those people who have been dieting forever and not getting lasting results. Excellent read.

The whole idea behind this book is wonderful and helpful. I will re-read it and use it as a reference book because this is a subject I really need help with. The only thing that was surprising, and it is an important observation, is that there were so many grammatical and spelling errors. This always gives me a negative response to a book, especially since the author is a doctor. Then I have the tendency to doubt his or her credentials. Maybe we are entering an age when grammar and spelling are not as important as they used to be.

I read a borrowed copy of Releasing Fat: Developing Healthy lifestyles that Have the Side-Effect of Permanent Weight Loss. It wasn't until after I ordered a copy for myself AND and copy of Healthy for Life... that I read the blurbs about them on Dr. Strand's website. You can't tell on the Amazon site that the books are virtually identical. The only difference is that Releasing Fat includes Usana products (meal replacements, snack bars, and vitamins and minerals) in its meal plans. Healthy for Life just has low-glycemic foods in its meal plans. If you want only one copy, you just need to get one or the other, not both. HOWEVER, I wasn't bothered by having two copies of what amounted to the same book because I've learned so much about insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, killer (abdominal) fat, carb cravings, cellular nutrition, and the benefits of a low-glycemic diet that I wanted to recommend it to all my friends and relatives.
There are a lot of low-gycemic diet books out there now, but this is the only one I've seen that goes into such detail about the specific negative health effects that result from the way most Americans eat and how a change to a low-glycemic diet will counteract those health problems.

This book had so much great information I could not believe it. It is easy to find virtually any subject matter that is related. While, during and after reading this book I went through my house and eliminated many bad things that I never knew could be harmful to my family. I has really helped us change our lives in a very positive way. If you have anyone you love in your home including yourself read this book and get educated for your own safety! I leave it on the kitchen counter and refer to it often. Some times I even shock a friend or two that visits with some of the information in there and they have gone on to change the way they live as well after having some very important facts given to them. Awesome and worthy of a read and the cost. This ones a keeper :)

This book covers a wide range of topics, from building/remodeling materials to cleaners and personal products. Mine is already earmarked, underlined and highlighted, and I've purchased more as gifts for family and friends. Debra Lynn Dadd is an expert and her work is also very readable; succinct and not dry.

This book is a great read for someone who wants to learn about environmental issues in the home without the fear factor. It's factual and articulate, without being overwhelming or emotional in a way that makes you doubt the information.

This book had a lot of info in it. Worth the read.

This book was a real eye opener for me during my first read--EYE OPENER!. I went through every chapter with a fine tooth comb and to tell you the truth I was shocked. Shocked because I have been assuming, up to this point, that the products I was using, in my household, in my hair, on my skin (the stuff I grew up on, the stuff Grandma always used--oh ya during WWII maybe...) were safe. Now I know this is USUALLY NOT the case. I learned later on that most of the crap I was used to using belonged right in the trash can. That is where everything eventually ended up. The next day I decided to start from scratch. I have used this book as a continuous reference, a Bible if you will. I have also purchased a cosmetic dictionary to help me understand all of the chemical yahoo they put in body products as well. The best thing I learned to do is read labels--READ THE LABELS! Now I know that I am doing the best for myself and my family. If the FDA cannot protect me--by George I am doing something to protect myself and those around me! This book changed my life and gave me an excellent education about how toxic our homes and body products REALLY are. Now...I rather dislike the companies who make toxic cleaning products, makeup, body produts and food. My hope is that someday this world will stop supporting the bad stuff and move on to the good.

I actually was only going to read this book to prepare myself for the radio interview with this author (May 29, 2008 on In Short Order at [...]). Instead, I found myself glued to the pages of valuable information from a patient's view. By reading this book, those who know or take care of a person with a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) will be better able to understand what the victim is going through - a better handle on things makes for a better friend/family member or care provider. Those who treat TBIs would benefit from this book more than most - what you can't see on tests can be learned here and therefore validate the diagnosis more quickly so that treatment can begin at an earlier stage. For those with a TBI, Lyme disease, or any disabling affliction, this book is your pair of ruby slippers.

Bruno equates a TBI to The Wizard of Oz classic. Although I have Lyme disease (which in many cases can be likened to a TBI), and can relate and benefit from this book, I never saw it put so simply - and well written. Just as Dorothy is whisked to another place, it is the same with most injuries and illnesses. We leave the life we know for a place we have never been before (and few want to make it a vacation spot). Come take the first step on the yellow brick road - where the journey to recovery begins.

Glinda (as we remember as the good witch) starts us on the path. Contacting organizations and support groups is an important step. Who doesn't need support, information, and to hear from others on virtually the same path? There are many things to do to prepare us for the first steps to recovery, but often we forget where we need to begin. Order is the way to end chaos. Support is the way to end aloneness. And information is the way to the next steps that must be taken if recovery is the goal. And don't forget, some who have grown accustomed to your disability-state may not want you to recover - learn why in "If I Only Had A Brain Injury."

There are the ruby slippers and the wicked witch. The information in this section is most helpful because it starts us focusing more closely on ourselves. Here we can begin to turn the injury or disease into a new beginning. When we beat ourselves up or refuse to accept what we cannot change, we slow or halt our journey. Forgiveness and identifying change are good things.

Okay, we're on our way. We may not be skipping yet, but we can add pep to our steps when we look at what can remove some of the stumbling blocks that have been preventing us forward movement on our road to recovery. Bruno learned that buying quality electronics (a computer monitor) cut down on her headaches and dizziness; which allowed her to work; which enabled her to earn a paycheck; which helped her to feel she was still in Kansas.

There are more ideas that are presented in this work - classical music, relationships with animals, and cultivating new friendships, to name a few. These will open new doors in the land of Oz and you may even discover new things about yourself that you never knew existed.

In "If I Only Had A Brain Injury," Bruno has given us a map of the Emerald City, introduced us to the Munchkins, and provided a beacon for anyone who is associated with injuries and disease. It is a one-of-a-kind book.

This a must read for all, with hopes that you find an owl in your life, too.


Sue Vogan
[...]

I got this book yesterday afternoon and I have been gobbling it up! Right from the start I identified with the writing. I, too, had a feeling that my evening at the outdoor amphitheater that July 26th night in 2005 could change my life. I didn't know how and so I ignored my irrational feelings. I went to the ballet and although we were sitting inside I must have picked up the tick as we walked across the lawn to the amphitheater. 10 days later, almost to the hour, I was very, very sick. The Lyme crossed the blood brain barrier and I have had neurological and emotional problems. My stupid neurologist says I am "in the normal range" even when I have vertigo and was falling back on my head walking down the street, have huge memory gaps, sometimes make no sense, etc. I told him it wasn't normal for me, but ended up getting nowhere and leaving his office in tears.
My boyfriend of 12 years (with whom I attended the ballet that night) became very frustrated and angry. I am no longer the same woman he signed up for. We separated in the Fall of 2007. He felt I was not "trying hard enough" to get better.
My family thinks I am mentally ill. In fact over the last 9 months I have been misdiagnosed with either depression or Bipolar II disorder and mis-medicated, which DID make me pretty crazy. I am now convinced I ought not to be on any medications but treat myself holistically. I have been medication free for one month and that has made a huge difference for me.
So, I am so thankful for the book! I am finding out that I need to listen to myself and not depend on doctors to be able to fix me or even diagnose me correctly. I have been changing my diet and using it as my medicine. I have been making sure to get outside and walk or recently I can bicycle again! Soak in some sun. Surround myself with positive people--no angry boyfriend--as much as possible. I am painting again.
I think I was already headed in this direction -- after 11 months of putting my hope and trust in, then floundering in, medical offices, hitting my head against (figurative) wall after wall. Laura Bruno's book gives me such strength and hope for this journey.

If I Only Had a Brain Injury is a beautifully conveyed book that is not only practical, simplistic, and full of easy to apply tips and tremendously helpful, thorough resources, but is also an artistic expression of genuine experience and compassion that takes one on a journey through Oz. Utilizing Dorothy and her friends' experiences to illustrate our own unfolding life processes creates a tangible and easily understood analogy, and coupled with Laura's own personal experiences, truly hits home and creates a relateability that transcends all boundaries. This is not only helpful for those with TBI and medical challenges as listed, but truly is a guideline and means of support for any and all challenges in life that can be simply applied. Finding myself challenged in overly mental focusing and truly not having the desire to do so either, I found Laura's book wonderfully supportive to this. It was easy, quick, and very clear, with nothing to have to read between the lines or mentally figure out. One can open the book to any page and find something valuable easily without it feeling out of context. This works well for people like myself who either don't have time to read, don't have much desire to read, or little focus to do so. You can pick up and leave off at any point and never feel lost and get exactly what you need at every turn. Laura is a beautiful example and expression for us all and one can only look forward to more wonderful books to come from her.

Injury took some mental abilities away.
Through that loss, author Laura Bruno,
finds an alternative path to health and
trusting herself. She demystifies many
medical mysteries all the while reassuring
those in similar situations not to suffer alone the
embarrassment and self consciousness of a
brain that is learning to function again -
perhaps differently. If I Only Had a Brain
Injury is a compendium of spiritual and
emotional support. It includes 52 healing
hints while leading its readers to become
wizards of their own healing. It offers
support to the caregiver and acknowledges
how events changes all involved.
Ultimately Laura Bruno wants everyone
to find their own deeper meaning of
injury - an opportunity to connect the
mind and heart - to live deeply, meaningfully,
and creatively through one's
essence.

If I Only Had a Brain Injury is a delightful, powerful and highly informative book. Beautifully written, Laura Bruno draws upon her experiences with her own Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) from a car accident. Her descriptions are vivid, deeply and personal. The book is very supportive and is an excellent resource for those dealing with Traumatic Brain Injuries and their caregivers. The book is also vitally important for those dealing with challenging and mysterious health issues like Chronic Fatigue, Lyme Disease and Migraines.

Bruno tells her own story while expertly weaving her insights within the context of the Wizard of Oz. I loved the humor, playfulness and utter seriousness in the book in the chapter titles and content. In the chapter, Somewhere Over the Rainbow Bruno states that her aim is, "...to inspire you and to guide you to resources that will empower you to take control over your own health and wellbeing."

Gradually after Bruno's own accident she began to realize that she had entered into a new land, and needed to learn anew. She recounts these realizations in the chapter, We're not in Kansas Anymore. Bruno says, " Like Dorothy, I knew I could not return the way I arrived. Like Dorothy, I eventually found my way "back home," but I took the Technicolor journey with me. I wrote this book to help others to do so, to."

And, like Dorothy following the yellow brick road to find her way back home to Kansas, the book emphasizes actions you can take in your recovery from the symptoms of these various illnesses that are so mysterious to the medical community. Bruno says in the chapter titled "Glinda," that "This chapter suggests ways to find the Glinda's along your journey...Even in the Wizard of Oz, Glinda prefers to help Dorothy help herself." She includes an excellent listing of resources to contact. For instance, she notes that you might want to contact a Behavioral optometrist that specializes in connections in mind, body and vision because "...a majority of people with neurological issues suffer from visual impairment. If you have any of the flowing symptoms, you may benefit from visual therapy or prism lenses: Concentration problems; Double vision; Headaches; Difficulty reading; Balance disorders; Clumsiness; Eyestrain; Intolerance of flickering lights; Intolerance to varied backgrounds; Panic Attacks; Easily becoming overwhelmed; Vertigo.

If I Only Had a Brain Injury is like a breath of fresh air as it offers hope where typically there is none. As Bruno notes, so many head injuries and their effects are not detected, diagnosed or treated. Many people are told that they do not show any medical evidence of a medical injury even though they are experiencing severe difficulties in daily functioning since the time of their accident or since the onset of their illness. And, even when a brain injury and trauma is recognized, there have been very limited resources to assist in continued rehabilitation.

My level of awareness about the nature of head injuries and its effects has risen dramatically from reading this book. This includes helping me to understand some of my own experiences from knocking my head with numerous falls off of horses, minor car accidents and some of my own hard to diagnose symptoms. I now keep this book by my bedside for personal quick reference and I also have a copy available in my office for those clients who have had head injuries.

If I only Had a Brain Injury is an excellent resource that I very highly recommend for anyone who has experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury as well as their family members, caregivers, medical professional and therapists. For anyone whose life has been touched in some manner with a Traumatic Brain Injury or by any illness that has been a medical mystery, this book will be of great value.

I own the book, I've read the book, I'M IN THE BOOK!

I echo the sentiments of I believe all of us who were honored to share our story with everyone, and, if this helps just ONE person achieve the inspiration to help themselves defeat this 'enemy' called weight control, then what we endured was worth the journey.

Thank you, Dr. Rankin, for allowing me help not only myself, but those fortunate to purchase this great book.

Dr. Rankin captured real life in these stories. Readers can relate to these stories. Some of them are beyond what I am going thru and but after reading them I realized if they could lose their weight, so could I.
The book is an easy reading book, and you won't want to put it down once you start reading it.
A wonderful book of what TOPS (Take Off Pounds Senisbly) is all about. Thank you Dr. Rankin.
Diane H. Urbaniak

I found this book to be exactly what it suggests.....INSPIRING. I liked the stories of what finally motivated these men and women to start to lose weight and how they succeeded in making it work for them. I am in Weight Watchers now, and like it very much, and I find that this books goes along very well with what I am learning in my WW meetings. It's the kind of book I'll pick up over and over to reread and keep me motivated. Anne Fletcher's books are in my "motivation basket," too, but I'm happy to find this one, and wish there were more like it.

On too many occasions, books that are dedicated to helping people lose weight are too full of the basic "I ate less and started exercising more" stories. How boring (even though it's true). I want to hear about people that will INSPIRE me to keep going when all I want to do is quit. We all love to hear about how someone triumphs over adversity to reach their goal. Weight loss is no different. If it were truly that easy to lose weight then there would be a lot less overweight people in the U.S. And I doubt most overweight people would agree that the reason that they overeat is so that they can be treated poorly by society or to set themselves up for having a weight related disease such as heart disease or diabetes. Losing weight is a complex issue. It takes more than just eating less and exercising more. The stories that Dr. Rankin has insightfully included in his book deal with people who have low self-esteem, were abused as children or were just raised in families with skewed eating habits. It takes a very courageous person to get through the underlying issues and make their health a priority. Dr. Rankin sensitively approaches the many challenges that overweight people face. After reading this book, you will not only have more empathy for yourself if you are overweight but also for any other overweight person.

In this book the author summarizes the stories of people who struggled with their weight i would say mainly people who are over 300lbs. I have a lot of respect for the people who decided to share their stories in this book. At the same time i was hoping to read more about people who were not over 300lb but still struggled with eating healthy and exercising. Sorry to say but I found the stories very depressing and for some reason i wasn't able to finish the book and i put it away. It is very touching but it was not the type of motivation that i was looking to read. What's amazing is that these people were overweight but managed to fall in love and get married...how insecure could they have been? It proves to me that appearance is not everything because someone had noticed them and overlooked their weight problem and at some point they felt comfortable enough to feel attracted to someone...which for me is very difficult to even think about dating anyone when i am overweight.