Archive for the ‘Other Fitness’ 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.

(more…)

“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

(more…)

“The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Core Conditioning,” by Patrick S. Hagerman, Ed.D.

Wednesday, May 31st, 2006

Pros: Safe, effective, clearly-explained exercises to strengthen your core
Cons: Many exercises do require some equipment
Rating: 5 out of 5
(more…)

“The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to the New Food Pyramids,” by Elizabeth M. Ward

Tuesday, May 30th, 2006

Pros: Detailed explanations; plenty of tips for healthy eating; much-needed guide to the new food pyramids
Cons: Seems to be some tension between explaining the pyramids and going into further detail on healthy eating
Rating: 4 out of 5
(more…)

Weight Watchers at Home Program

Tuesday, May 30th, 2006

Pros: Easy, non-restrictive, effective, fun (the points system is one big toy!)
Cons: Well, duh, it’s a diet!
Rating: 5 out of 5
(more…)

“The South Beach Diet: Good Fats Good Carbs (revised),” by Dr. Arthur Agatston, M.D.

Tuesday, May 30th, 2006

Pros: Handy little pocket guide for those following the South Beach diet
Cons: Not a stand-alone book; make sure you have The South Beach Diet as well
Rating: 5 out of 5
(more…)

Eat Out, Eat Right! by Hope Warshaw

Tuesday, May 30th, 2006

Pros: Fabulous information and advice; realistic
Cons: Rambling style that obscures and confuses content; inconsistencies
Rating: 3 out of 5
(more…)