Archive for the ‘Wellness’ Category

“Beating Asthma,” Stephen Apaliski, MD

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

Pros: Clear guidelines to help you figure out how to help yourself
Cons: One or two details I was uncertain of or wanted more info on
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review book provided courtesy of the publisher
Visit the companion website

 

Dr. Stephen Apaliski’s Beating Asthma: Seven Simple Principles is designed to help you take control of your asthma problems (or, as Apaliski likes to say, take “ownership” of them). He firmly believes that unless you build a strong collaborative relationship with your doctor—preferably a specialist—and do everything you can to control this chronic disease, you’re likely to end up at its mercy rather than in control of it. Part of the problem is that when you have asthma, your lung function can be dropping before you even notice it. By the time you experience wheezing, coughing, and tightness of breath, you’re well beyond the point where you could (potentially) have easily staved off the acute problems. Since asthma can be deadly, this is a real problem. Proper maintenance care can result in far fewer ER visits, not to mention lower overall health care costs and better quality of life.

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“Virus of the Mind” by Richard Brodie

Friday, September 11th, 2009

Pros: Well-defined terms, clear explanations
Cons: Chapter on disinfection could have used a little more detail
Rating: 4 out of 5

 

There is a theory that memes (”units of information in a mind whose existence influences events such that more copies of itself get created in other minds”) , like viruses, exist to replicate themselves and so must infect as many people as possible. This idea draws from ideas in the fields of psychology, biology, and anthropology, and Richard Brodie’s book is based on the work of several scientists including Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, and Douglas Hofstadter. He explores not only what memes are (from the perspective of various fields) but why they are so effective at replicating and infecting us. Brodie also examines  how these viruses can be created, and how, knowing about these and how they’re created, we can disinfect ourselves and lead the lives we’ve always wanted to lead.

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“Stretching Illustrated” (CIG) Templeton & Templeton

Monday, April 7th, 2008

Pros: Good stretches; detailed warnings; ‘courses’ for specific injuries or sports
Cons: Drawings instead of photos; most stretches are simply yoga stretches renamed
Rating: 4 out of 5

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“The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die,” John Izzo Ph.D.

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008

Pros: Insightful; tries to provide a practical guide to living well
Cons: There is no simple way to apply this to your life
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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“The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Psychology, Third Edition,” Joni E. Johnston, Psy.D.

Wednesday, September 13th, 2006

Pros: In-depth treatment; practical application; personality and anecdotes to keep things lively
Cons: Maybe not as light a read as some expect from CIG books
Rating: 5 out of 5

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“The Book of Questions,” Gregory Stock, PhD

Tuesday, June 27th, 2006

Pros: Interesting set of questions; wonderful ideas and ideals
Cons: I want a bigger book with more questions!
Rating: 5 out of 5
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“Writing from the Inside Out: Transforming Your Psychological Blocks to Release the Writer Within,” Dennis Palumbo

Monday, June 26th, 2006

Pros: Great suggestions for dealing with the ups and downs of the writing life
Cons: Some prejudicial attitudes that get in the way
Rating: 3 out of 5
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“Write Mind: 299 Things Writers Should Never Say to Themselves (and What They Should Say Instead),” Eric Maisel

Sunday, June 25th, 2006

Pros: Surprisingly versatile book
Cons: If you don’t believe in cognitive therapy it won’t appeal to you
Rating: 5 out of 5
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“Writing in Flow: Keys to Enhanced Creativity,” Susan K. Perry

Thursday, June 22nd, 2006

Pros: Fascinating info; wide variety of suggestions; neat stuff!
Cons: Could have used a firmer directing hand
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
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“The Creative Dreamer, Revised,” Veronica Tonay, Ph.D.

Monday, June 19th, 2006

Pros: Very insightful and well-researched work into creativity, dreaming, and psychology; flexible and adaptable
Cons: Not everyone will appreciate the very Jungian, symbolic approach
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
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