Going by the Book(s) for Health and Fitness
“WIN THE BATTLE AGAINST BACK PAIN: AN INTEGRATED MIND-BODY APPROACH”
Dr. Michael S. Sinel, William W. Deardorff and Dr. Theodore B. Goldstein
DTP Health $13.95
Given that there are so many strategies for resolving back pain--from surgery to chiropractic to meditation--it makes a lot of sense for three different medical specialists to team up on a book. The trio, a psychiatrist (Sinel), a psychologist (Deardorff) and an orthopedic surgeon (Goldstein), help patients assess their conditions and determine which therapy might be best for them. The book includes discussions on stress, pain medications, physical therapy and how to select a surgeon. The authors, all from Los Angeles, dispel many of the myths surrounding back pain.
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“THE AMERICAN MEDICAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION GUIDE TO SEXUALITY”
Dell Publishing $4.99
This is the fifth in a line of single-subject health books from the American Medical Women’s Assn. and is similar to the other books in the series in its desire to address women’s health issues that have been ignored. There are two overriding messages in the book. One is that sexual fulfillment does not occur spontaneously but must be developed. The other is that never before has sexual activity put women at greater health risks. The book advises women on how to achieve sexual satisfaction and how to do so safely.
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“WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE HAS ALZHEIMER’S”
Earl A. Grollman and Dr. Kenneth S. Kosik
Beacon Press $22
Many patients with Alzheimer’s are cared for at home, creating a tremendous challenge for families. This book aims to help families by increasing the understanding of the disease and by giving practical advice. Sensitive areas are discussed, such as how to handle the patient’s strange behavior and how to counsel children. The design of the text is unusual in that it is often sparse and poem-like, but it is ideal for the family member who needs words of advice or inspiration.
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“A CANCER SURVIVOR’S ALMANAC”
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (edited by Barbara Hoffman)
Chronimed Publishing $18.95
With increasing rates of survival, more people than ever are living with cancer in their pasts. That history can, unfortunately, lead to discrimination, financial problems and other health considerations. This book features the advice of 13 experts on how to deal with the remnants of cancer. The advice centers on continued medical considerations, insurance issues and employment problems.
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“FITNESS FOR DUMMIES”
Suzanne Schlosberg and Liz Neporent
IDG Books $19.99
Another in the now-long line of books for “Dummies,” this fitness guide is a fun and useful book for people who want to get in shape but don’t have a clue about where and how to start. Since this is a guide for the novice, the chapter on “Ten Fitness Rip-Offs” is a wise addition.
