RebeccasReads

When We Get Back Up: A Generation will Change

From the Introduction of “When We Get Back Up: A Generation Will Change,” author Sandra D tells the reader, “After emerging from a period of darkness where even a dream vacation became a personal nightmare, I patiently wrote this book based on actual events.  I give personal accounts of real life experiences.  In so doing, I use my real name while changing the names of all others.  While reading, you may laugh, sigh or shake your head in disbelief as some of the challenges I faced were very unusual.  You may even nod your head in agreement, having faced similar challenges.”

Each one of the 29 Chapters in the book begins with a positive inspirational quote such as “I am grateful for the lessons I have learned within my family.” (p.80) and “I allow love to find me.” (p. 252)

Sandra D does not hold anything back when telling the story of her life.  All of the details are there and one can vividly picture the events taking place around her.  She does an incredible job of relaying her experiences to her readers.  Her hurt and pain can be felt permeating throughout the pages of the book.  However, also coming from Sandra D’s writing, is the sense of inspiration, the feeling of hope, and the promise of healing.

I commend Sandra D for telling her story and think that “When We Get Back Up-:A Generation Will Change” would be an excellent resource for those suffering, or having suffered, from abuse.  It is also an eye-opening book for those who haven’t been through such trauma, to get a glimpse inside others’ struggles and develop a sense of empathy for those scarred by situations in their past.  As Sandra D states, writing this book was therapeutic for her.  I believe that the contents within will also help many others who are, or have been, in similar situations.


When We Get Back Up: A Generation will Change
Sandra D
MeetSandraD (2011)
ISBN 9780615436128
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (3/12)

Essential Stretches (you’ll actually use)

Whenever I go to the gym, I usually do not pay much attention to stretches before starting my workout. And forget about a post-work out stretch – I have never done it. My only “stretching” usually involves hanging from the cross bar, twisting my body, and swinging my arms around. I have always been lazy to stretch before and after a weightlifting gym session, but do stretch my leg muscles a bit before running and cardio workout. Overall, the importance of stretching, unfortunately, has never been indented in my mind

Noticing that those people, who accentuate stretching, always quote many benefits that come along with it, with the main one being prevention of injuries. And many people, who do stretch, have learned it the hard way and picked up stretching following a recovery from an injury.

After flipping through this book for the first time, I got interested in trying out some of the stretches. Finally, overcoming my laziness, I started to follow some of the suggested routines. The book makes it extremely easy to find a certain stretch and learn how to do it. The wonderful, full-color illustrations consisting of anatomical images and photographs are extremely helpful. The small, convenient size makes it easy to take the book along. The succinct and clear writing gets the job done very well!

Covering stretches for every part of the body, even including a jaw stretch (I had no idea I could stretch my jaw before looking at this book), "Essential Stretches" is a useful and practical guide to learning the easiest and most effective stretches, which have many of benefits for both, training and non-training individuals. I highly recommend this book for anyone wishing to get their hands on an effective and efficient collection of stretching exercises.

Essential Stretches (you’ll actually use)
John Gifford
Motionwise, LLC (2009)
ISBN 9780979589034
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (09/11)

Joyful Cooking in the Pursuit of Good Health: Restore and Heal Through Nutritional Balancing

In the first chapter of “Joyful Cooking,” Joy Feldman tells the reader that something that we have heard often before: “For a healthy body as well as a clear mind, it is very important to start with high quality ingredients and whole foods.  Separating our physical health from the health of the environment, from which we eat our food, is not possible.  Because we garner our nutrients from the health of the earth, the health of the animals and plants we eat, our vitality and wellness is closely interrelated.  If the soil, plants and animals are not cared for and nourished properly, then the quality of what we consume will be diminished. Consequently, the status of our health will be diminished.”  (p.23)  So, essentially, in a nutshell Feldman’s book is about making proper choices in the foods that we allow to enter our bodies.  Educating ourselves is the key.

What follows are Feldman’s recommendations of foods that should have a key place in our diets and also foods that we should limit.  One piece of information that I found surprising was her recommendation to “limit nightshade vegetables” which she lists as tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes.  Apparently they can cause “inflammatory side effects.”  I was not aware of this before.  Another food that she does not recommend is pork because “it may contain parasites, cysts or eggs” which can cause health problems.  I found this to be interesting and actually quite disgusting.

Included in the book are over 100 recipes.  Since Feldman had spoken so highly of carrots throughout the book, the first one that I tried was the recipe for “Cinnamon Carrots.”  It was quite simple consisting of only carrots, butter, and cinnamon.  My children absolutely loved them.  I had never thought to prepare carrots that way before.

The second recipe I tried was “Mama Joy’s Green Eggs- No Ham” which had spinach, milk, eggs, sea salt, turkey bacon, and butter.  I made this for breakfast one morning for myself as I had all of the ingredients on hand.  I found it to be quite a tasty start to my day.

The third recipe I tried was the “Decadent Baked Apple Surprise.”  I did add some raisins to this one and found it simple and delicious.

Although there are some recommendations in the book that I won’t be incorporating into my diet as they seem a little extreme to me, I will be trying to make some small changes.  I think that Feldman presents a lot of good information in an easy to read and understand format.  I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to change their nutritional habits for the better.

Joyful Cooking in the Pursuit of Good Health: Restore and Heal Through Nutritional Balancing
Joy Feldman
Joy Feldman (2011)
ISBN 9780614433073
Reviewed by am Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (09/11)

Comfortably Unaware - Global depletion and food responsibility... What you choose to eat

If there were ever a book that would convince one to adopt a vegan lifestyle, then “Comfortably Unaware” would definitely be it.  Dr. Richard Oppenlander’s book explores the connection between global depletion and our food choices.  His presentation of the research surrounding this topic is quite convincing and eye-opening.

In the Introduction, Oppenlander tells us that “Comfortably Unaware reveals facts and provides fresh perspectives by exploring how food choices affect our land, water, air, pollution, biodiversity, true sustainability, and our personal health.” (p.xiv)  He then goes on to explore each of these topics in detail.  The facts presented are truly shocking.

The resources used to provide small amounts of animal product are staggering.  For instance, he states that while it takes 10-20 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of vegetables, it takes over 5,000 gallons of water to produce that same weight of meat. (p.12)  That is an incredibly huge difference.

Not only land animals are included in this either, the book also addresses seafood.  “… For every one pound of shrimp sold and consumed, more than twenty pounds of other sea creatures are caught and killed in the process.  Innocent victims include fish that has no commercial value, juvenile fish, turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals, such as the dolphin.” (p.51)

If you find these facts to be quite disturbing then you definitely need to read Dr. Richard Oppenlander’s “Comfortably Unaware” as what I shared in this review is just the tip of the iceberg.    Oppenlander’s book is well-researched and organized.  His presentation is certainly not sugar coated and the book is a very hard hitting work.  I know that I for one will definitely be putting more thought into my food choices as a result of reading this book.  I am no longer comfortably unaware.

Comfortably Unaware - Global depletion and food responsibility... What you choose to eat
Dr. Richard A. Oppenlander
Langdon Street Press (2011)
ISBN 9781936183944
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (08/11)

A Doctor's Journey: A Collection of Memoirs

Dr. Mendelsohn, a neurologist practicing in New York, is a creative soul. Studying musical arts during his college days, it is obvious how much importance music plays in his life. Switching from music career aspirations to medicine, Dr. Mendelsohn has kept using his creative side while practicing neurology. Reading this collection of ten short stories inspired by author’s own experiences makes it clear how lively and humanistic, Dr. Mendelsohn’s approach is to patients. His patients are not just clients, but people with personalities, which the author takes seriously and is attentive to. In today’s continuous flow of 10-15 minute doctor appointments, which seem to be so artificial and non-personal, it is refreshing to see how physicians are still doing their job with much passion and human side.

Even though the book is described as a collection of memoirs and listed as fiction (strange, it should be either one or the other, not both), it is obvious that book is mostly non-fictional with changed names and slight detail changes. If it were simply a fictional work, this book would not provoke such strong emotional feelings. Some stories are quite sad, while others are humorous. This variety correlates well with the daily experiences of the doctor, at one point – faced with death and inability to help, while at another – the joy of a miraculous recovery, moments of joy, and strong relationships with patients.

Most stories are told from the physician’s point of view, while others – from the patient’s. I suppose, the stories told from patient’s point of view is what makes this work more fictional. It is quite refreshing for the storyteller to change, keeping the reader more interested. The stories range from tragic accidents to miraculous recoveries, from “Casanova” colleague to influence of music on well-being. The last chapter, which is also the longest, discusses the effects of music on the human brain. As a musician, the physician strongly believes in music therapy, and plenty of evidence is presented to support the notion.

Overall, Dr. Mendelsohn is an entertaining storyteller. It is a pleasure to read his intriguing accounts. "A Doctor's Journey: A Collection of Memoirs" is a recommended read for anyone who enjoys health care related writings arising from under a pen of a creative physician.

A Doctor's Journey: A Collection of Memoirs
Frederic Mendelsohn, M.D.
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432769390
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (7/11)

Prevent a Second Heart Attack: 8 Foods, 8 Weeks to Reverse Heart Disease

This book is an accessible and informative resource for every American concerning their most crucial investment towards personal health and overall wellbeing – their diet. Even though the main focus of the book, clearly conveyed through its title, is to prevent cardiac complications like a heart attack, the information and advice within is useful for everyone aiming towards a healthy lifestyle. As a registered dietician, Dr. Brill uses a wealth of scientific evidence to present an easy-to-comprehend and easy-to-follow dietary advice, primarily based on Mediterranean diet, which includes plenty of vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, and a glass of red wine, just to name a few. Dr. Brill provides a plethora of information on HDL and LDL, “good” and “bad” cholesterol, discusses the importance of seafood and “good” carbohydrates like oatmeal and whole grains. Another interesting addition to the table is dark chocolate, which consumed in moderation has a number benefits. As a strong believer of healthy nutrition being a key to health, I praise this book for the amount of weight it places on food consumption. Most Americans eat junk, which lacks most of the key beneficial nutrients. Such poor nutrition is the key to the explosion of obesity, cardiac disease, and diabetes, which are causes of many more problems. The importance of nutrition began to be publicly addressed not too long ago and is slowly picking up more strength (just look at Michelle Obama’s campaign and school cafeteria healthier food programs). This book is an excellent source of down-to-earth information with clear steps to follow. Of course, as everything else, this book should not be taken as the ultimate resource, but as an additional tool in the healthy lifestyle toolbox.

Another useful feature is inclusion of 50 recipes for healthy and tasty dishes, recommended by the author. Some of which I found quite nice and easy to make (I have not tried cooking them, but they do not look too intensive, looking forward to the first attempt).

Judging from the positive feedback by other dieticians and medical personnel, not being one myself, I trust that evidence-based information is not too biased and is trustworthy. "Prevent a Second Heart Attack: 8 Foods, 8 Weeks to Reverse Heart Disease" is definitely a worthy read, hopefully influencing the way the reader will eat and take at least some responsibility for his/her own health. Exercise and eat healthily, do not be lazy and just blame genetics, but take the matter into your own hands!

Prevent a Second Heart Attack: 8 Foods, 8 Weeks to Reverse Heart Disease
Janet Bond Brill and Annabelle S. Volgman
Three Rivers Press (2011)
ISBN 9780307465252
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (7/11)

The Women’s Migraine Toolkit: Managing Your Headaches from Puberty to Menopause

If you or someone you love suffers from migraine headaches, I highly recommend this book. My daughter suffers from migraines, and different aspects of this condition have sometimes left me baffled.  I didn’t fully appreciate what she was experiencing.  Treatments recommended by her doctors didn’t make a lot of sense to me, and that was disturbing. "The Women’s Migraine Toolki"t gave me new insights, leaving me much better informed and at ease.
          
The book is organized and indexed very well, so it’s easy to refer back to sections you want to reference or read again. Not only does it explain how and why migraines occur, but it also gives clear guidelines for managing them during all phases of a woman’s life – including childhood, adolescence, pregnancy, nursing, and menopause.  In particular, the book covers the hormonal changes associated with those stages, and how they influence migraines.

This handy reference also offers solid information about natural, non-drug alternatives to management of migraines, and how nutrition can play a role as well. The typical drugs prescribed for migraines by doctors are covered too. Through well-written, easy-to-follow information and explanations, "The Women’s Migraine Toolkit" makes it easy to understand various prevention and rescue therapies.

The authors did an outstanding job of presenting good, useful information for those who want answers. Dr. Marcus and Dr. Bain have not only compiled a good resource (with even more resources listed in a resource guide at the back of the book), they have made it highly readable and useful for non-experts who want and need to know more about migraines. Being better informed about this often-debilitating condition is comforting for this mother!

The Women’s Migraine Toolkit: Managing Your Headaches from Puberty to Menopause
Dawn A. Marcus, M.D. and Philip A. Bain, M.D.
DiaMedica Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780982321928
Reviewed by Rita Grasshoff for Rebecca’s Reads (1/11)

From Crisis to Recovery: Strategic Planning For Response, Resilience, and Recovery

Some of you may be wondering why you would even consider reading “From Crisis to Recovery: Strategic Planning For Response, Resilience, and Recovery” since many of you may not live in known disaster prone areas. Of course our knowledge of these areas is relative to our technology, case in point the town of Stanley, which sits right smack on the newly discovered seismic fault line in Idaho.

My personal view on “From Crisis to Recovery” is that it’s a fantastic “just in case” book. This is especially helpful since you know we have that whole world ending in 2012 Mayan prophecy thing hanging over our heads. However, in case of any emergency, I’d like to have an easy to understand formula to follow rather than just “winging” it. Plus, since I’m a notoriously late sleeper, a plan of action would be great. Otherwise by the time I actually awake from my beauty sleep all the grocery stores, gas stations and ATMs will be completely emptied and the town will be vacant. I can see it now. Just me and that lone tumbleweed blowing across my front yard….

On a more serious note though “From Crisis to Recovery” by George W. Doherty, MS, LPC is a fantastic book. It’s chock-full of useful information and it explains this information in an easy to follow, easy to understand language. Some of the topics discussed include understanding what a crisis is, understanding what stress is, explaining how stress affects us as individuals, coping, strategic planning and the list goes on. “From Crisis to Recovery” offers the reader an insightful way in which to understand and deal with a crisis, or an emergency, on many different levels.

“From Crisis to Recovery” is definitely a great book for health practitioners, emergency workers and the general public alike. If we, the general public, could educate ourselves to better understand how to react during a crisis, any crisis, I feel that the response and recovery processes could then run smoother. And to quote a friend of mine: “Proper planning prevents poor performance and promotes productive practices.”

In summary a five-star book and a “must read” for anyone who prefers to be ready when crises happen.

From Crisis to Recovery: Strategic Planning For Response, Resilience, and Recovery
George W. Doherty, MS, LPC
Loving Healing Press, Inc. (2010)
ISBN 9781615990153
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (1/11)

The Medical Bill Survival Guide

In the Introduction to “The Medical Bill Survival Guide,” Nicholas Newsad M.H.S.A. informs the reader that, “This book has wide appeal for those who need help with medical bills.  To date I have not yet found a book that concisely describes the most effective strategies for managing medical costs and speaking to billers and collectors.  I have assembled a straight-forward approach for doing exactly that.  The most common problems that people struggle with in this respect are relatively simple to me because I’ve worked for several years at the corporate level and on the front lines of a national healthcare management company and have a master’s degree in hospital administration.” (p. viii) Although it would be impossible to address every kind of problem, Newsad has set his sights on focusing on those issues that are most common.

Newsad’s guide is very organized and the information is presented in an easy-to-understand manner.  He illustrates his points with graphs and also by showing examples of the various forms used.   The table of contents is very detailed making it simple to look up your specific issue if you just want a quick reference guide.  However, at a compact 101 pages I think that anyone dealing with medical billing issues would find it beneficial to read the book in its entirety.  Newsad presents a lot of great information and I believe that by applying some of his strategies many people’s lives will be made a lot easier.  Knowledge is power and “The Medical Bill Survival Guide” will give you the knowledge to help yourself, or a family member.

Newsad’s guide is very organized and the information is presented in an easy-to-understand manner.  He illustrates his points with graphs and also by showing examples of the various forms used.   The table of contents is very detailed making it simple to look up your specific issue if you just want a quick reference guide.  However, at a compact 101 pages I think that anyone dealing with medical billing issues would find it beneficial to read the book in its entirety.  Newsad presents a lot of great information and I believe that by applying some of his strategies many people’s lives will be made a lot easier.  Knowledge is power and “The Medical Bill Survival Guide” will give you the knowledge to help yourself, or a family member.

The Medical Bill Survival Guide
Nicholas Newsad
Nicholas Newsad (2010)
ISBN 9780615352831
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (12/10)