Saturday, December 5, 2009

Understanding Breast Cancer Genetics or Understanding Migraine and Other Headaches

Understanding Breast Cancer Genetics

Author: Barbara T Zimmerman

This book examines a fearsome disease that strikes one in eight women in the United States. A diagnosis of breast cancer is the medical pronouncement that a woman is most likely to fear. It kills more than 40,000 Americans annually. Why are some women more vulnerable than others? The interplay between genetics and environment is suspected. In this book Barbara T. Zimmerman, a scientist whose background is in cellular and molecular biology, helps general readers understand the genetic bases of both sporadic and inherited breast cancers. In clear, concise language she guides the reader through the complexities, discussing in detail the genes that are known to increase susceptibility and the ways they are passed on. She describes how both forms of the disease arise and how the location of the tumors can affect the body. She discusses genetic mutations and their roles in the development of tumors and tells how these potentially cancer-inducing genes were discovered. The issues of risk, prevention, screening, diagnosis, therapy, and genetic testing and counseling are covered too. Dr. Zimmerman concludes with a comprehensive analysis of current research and with an emphasis on how a woman's understanding of inherited breast cancer can help doctors seeking to design better methods for prevention and therapy.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: Devanshi Patel, MS (Evanston Northwestern Healthcare)
Description: This title is a succinct 117-page book that provides readers with a brief summary of issues pertinent to understanding breast cancer. The book is made up of six chapters that offer a vast amount of information on epidemiology, etiology, genetics, prevention, treatment, and research related to breast cancer. It also includes an appendix that lists organizations involved with breast cancer, a glossary, and an index. There is also a section on notes where Dr. Zimmerman highlights key points that she was not able to make within the context of the book.
Purpose: Although it is important to keep in mind that breast cancer is a multifactorial disease that involves complex interactions between both genes and the environment, the current climate of genetic research has made it possible to achieve great strides in the elucidation of genetic factors related to breast cancer. These discoveries have put forth a plethora of information that warrants consolidation. With her book entitled, Understanding Breast Cancer Genetics, author Barbara T. Zimmerman, PhD attempts to do just this.
Audience: This book would be a valuable and quick read for any health care professional who is new to the field of clinical oncology.
Features: While I think this book has many strengths, one of which is the amalgamation of a breadth of information, I do have a couple of suggestions that I would like to offer. First, although the book does go into great detail about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, and references Li-Fraumeni syndrome and ataxia telangiectasia, mention of the other hereditary syndromes that are associated with an increase risk of breast cancer should have also been included. Also, the title of the book should exclude the word genetics. This may be able to capture a wider audience and be more reflective of the content of the book. Even though Dr. Zimmerman dedicates two full chapters to genetics and highlights genetics throughout the book where it is relevant, this book contains a lot of non-genetic information that is quite worthwhile. It would be a shame if someone were to dismiss it based on the assumption that it is solely dedicated to the genetics of breast cancer.
Assessment: I think many authors that attempt this nature of summarization may have difficulty in enticing most readers to peruse their book from cover to cover. However, I think Dr. Zimmerman accomplishes this. She makes this book an easy read by not only offering complex information in simple terms but also by including historical information that keeps the reader captivated.

Rating

2 Stars from Doody




Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1Who Gets Breast Cancer?3
2What Is Breast Cancer?9
3The Roles of Genes Versus Inheritance26
4The Roles of BRCA1, BRCA2, and Other Cancer Genes42
5Issues in Prevention and Control of Breast Cancer52
6Breast Cancer Research79
Appendix91
Notes97
Glossary99
Index111

Look this: Is My Child OK or Allergy Cuisine

Understanding Migraine and Other Headaches

Author: Stewart J Tepper

Migraine is an inherited condition that many families can trace back for generations. It has enormous economic and social consequences, both to individual sufferers, and to the society as a whole. Understanding Migraine and Other Headaches provides up-to-date information on the causes and diagnoses, as well as current preventive measures, effective treatments, and surgical procedures. This overview includes discussion of every major type of headache, including the debilitating, nausea-inducing forms of migraine, episodic tension-type headaches (the most common form), chronic daily headaches, and more obscure headaches such as trigeminal neuralgia and cluster headaches. This book undertakes a comprehensive look at medications for acute "as needed" treatment of headaches and for preventing the onset of an attack. It offers guidelines for assessing headache pain, the level and type of medication needed, possible side effects, and drug effectiveness.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: Marcia Ribeiro, MD (Mid-Atlantic Headache Institute)
Description: This book presents a comprehensive summary of migraines and other headache types covering topics such as pathophysiology, classification, possible therapies, necessary work up steps, and differential diagnosis.
Purpose: The book serves as a guideline for readers covering topics ranging from historical pearls, the social and economic impacts of the condition, possible treatments, acute and preventive options, and its side effects. It covers some of what the future holds in pathophysiology advances and thus indirectly in future treatment options. The author meets his objectives clearly and concisely, making the book a worthwhile reading experience.
Audience: The book is an useful tool for students, residents and practitioners in family practice and internal medicine. It has some interesting points even for neurologists but his mission was not to present the very complex and detailed aspects of this entity such as if the intended audience was neurologists. Dr. Tepper is highly respected among us in the headache community, having written numerous articles, participating in multiple symposiums, involved in multiple research projects, and has been a board member in different societies.
Features: The book addresses a variety of topics that are a "must know" for any clinician interested in learning about headaches, ranging from classification to making an accurate diagnosis, considering hormonal influences and excluding secondary causes, directing the clinician to find a sensible and appropriate approach in a case-by-case scenario for acute and/or preventive treatment. In chapter 7 "Non-medication prevention" was extremely important and not addressed enough. Almost unique to this small text are the chapters dedicated to trigeminal autonomic cephalgias and new areas of research, topics covered incompletely by other small texts if at all.
Assessment: I like the book; it is well written and concise. I think it will be useful to clinicians and could also be a resource for patients. But one has to choose different literature sources depending on the patient being evaluated to avoid overwhelming the patient. This book is quite similar to Conquering Headache coauthored by Dr. Tepper with Alan Rapport and Fred Sheftell (B. C. Decker, 2003), but in that book, the intent was to reach the general public more than clinicians. In Diagnosing and Managing Headaches, 4th edition (Professional Communications, 2004), Dr. Diamond also comprehensively covers migraine headaches, but I find the text to be less user-friendly and too compact, whereas in Dr. Tepper's book the text and tables are easy to follow and the reading has a better flow. In Migraine, Dr. Silberstein tried to do a clinician's manual with the most important topics. I found it helpful for a quick browse, but again Dr. Tepper's book is more comprehensive.

Library Journal

Tepper (director, New England Ctr. for Headache for New England Research Inst.; coeditor, The Spectrum of Migranie and Conquering Headache) condenses an enormous amount of information in a short and reasonably priced volume. He begins by differentiating between the various types of headaches and suggests criteria to determine whether a headache is truly a migraine. He then goes on to explain the stages of migraine, what causes the pain, and methods of aborting headaches. The appendix supplies web sites, contact information for foundations and clinics, and a short bibliography. Nonmedical readers will appreciate the book's simplicity, clarity, and conversational tone, although its readability levels are somewhat difficult. Physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners will welcome the book's breadth, specificity, and thoroughness. Highly recommended for consumer health libraries, hospital libraries, and academic libraries serving medical students and staff.-Cleo Pappas, La Grange Memorial Hosp. Lib., IL Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Rating

3 Stars from Doody




Friday, December 4, 2009

NIA Guide for Black Women or Todays Herbal Health for Women

NIA Guide for Black Women: Choosing Health and Wellness

Author: Sheryl Huggins

The third in a series from the creators of NiaOnline.com-the web's premier community for black women-The Nia Guide for Black Women: Choosing Health and Wellness is an invaluable guide to maintaining a vibrant, healthy you, both inside and out. The book offers the perspectives of many famous and everyday women whose lives are represented through their personal stories of struggle and success. It also includes an in-depth resource guide to all types of health-related websites. It addresses such topics as: Developing Good Habits to Last a Lifetime, The Biggest Threat to Black Women's Health, Walking Your Way to Wellness and Weight Loss, Simple Fixes for Fabulous Skin.

Nia means "purpose" in Swahili, and choosing better health will open the door to a happier, longer, and more purposeful life.



Go to: Strategic and Organizational Change or Passion for Fruit

Today's Herbal Health for Women: The Modern Woman's Natural Health Guide

Author: Louise Tenney

Today's Herbal Health for Women gives exciting information that is long overdue—information specific to today's woman. From new research on various toxins to how to keep each body system naturally healthy to completely new health concerns Louise Tenney



Thursday, December 3, 2009

7 Steps to Normal Bladder Control or Perfect Endings

7 Steps to Normal Bladder Control: Simple, Practical Tips and Techniques for Staying Dry

Author: Elizabeth Vierck

7 Steps to Normal Bladder Control shatters the myth that incontinence is a normal part of getting older. It is not normal, and in 60 to 70 percent of all cases, incontinence can be either cured completely or greatly improved with the methods and techniques outlined in this book.

Endorsed by leading urologists who specialize in the treatment of incontinence, 7 Steps to Normal Bladder Control is comprehensive, straightforward, simple to understand, and easy to use. It is the only available book that addresses men's as well as women's issues. Its easy-to-follow, step-by-step program outline includes a fill-in-the-blanks diary for tracing incontinence patterns and measuring progress. By making freedom from incontinence a realistic goal, it helps readers reclaim their lives.



Interesting book: Science Sold Out or Personal Beauty

Perfect Endings: A Conscious Approach to Dying & Death

Author: Robert Sachs

Perfect Endings shows how the death experience is an expansion into a wider dimension of our core being. It is written as a series of stories that allow us to be privy to the dying process of individuals with whom the author worked in his capacity as a professional hospice counselor. Each case illustrates a particular aspect of this transformative process, and Sachs presents different approaches to mastering the task of letting go of life while providing valuable guidance to caregivers, family members, and those who are facing death themselves.

Media Reviews

The book is not at all linear or explanatory and in that lies its strength. It's the best book I've read for getting a feel of what it's actually like to attend a dying person. It works because it conveys the complexity, the many layeredness, the jumble of events and people that tent to coalesce around a deathbed. In this way it would be useful in preparing anyone who has not attended a death to do so.

What People Are Saying

Stephen Levine
Perfect Endings is a book about making peace while we still can. It offers a perfect beginning for the rest of our newly lived life.


Lobsang Rapgay
Robert shows us how dying is not only a part of living, but also how it is possible for us to prepare for our own death and--as caregivers to others dying--how we can help them with this polar process.


Catherine D. Edgar
Perfect Endings invites us to the real world of dying people and the significant individuals caring for them. He helps us know there is a greater Power orchestrating life and death, and that our part is to listen, learn, and support with nonjudgemental love.|Catherine D. Edgar, M.A., Hospice Counselor




Table of Contents:

Perfect Ending
A Conscious Approach to Dying and Death

Foreword
Preface
Introduction
1  My Father 
2  Pain as the Path
3  Living in Radiance
4  "Not The Same Person Anymore"
5  Time and Timing: A Case of Auspicious Coincidence
6  Practical Matters
7  Moments of Imminence
References
Resources 

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

How to Stay Healthy and Fit on the Road or Turning Point

How to Stay Healthy and Fit on the Road

Author: Joanne V Lichten

Does your business and/or recreational travel make you feel fat and fatigued? Learn powerful tips from experienced travelers about:

• How to eat healthy in every restaurant

• Dr Jo's Eat Out & Lose Weight Plan

• How to fit fitness into your busy day

• Where to find fitness rooms near most major airports

• Dr Jo's Hotel Room Workout

• How to fall asleep fast with Dr Jo's D.R.E.A.M. Formula

• How to treat common traveler's ailments including jet lag

• Dr Jo's Prescription for Keeping Your Energy Up All Day Long

• How to make travel (and the return home) less stressful

• Tips on packing light

• Recommendations for staying safe on the road

• How to stay connected with friends and family

• Commonly needed websites and phone numbers for travelers

"...a rich source of common-sense solutions and resources for frequent travelers. Tips on packing smartly, reducing stress, coping with medical ailments, and keeping in touch with the family make this book a useful problem-solving tool."- National Geographic Traveler

"As the frequent flyer 'guru', I am supposed to already know everything in this book. I have to admit - I don't. Dr Jo really does know what she is writing about and I am a better traveler for that." - Randy Petersen, editor, Inside Flyer Magazine

"Dr. Jo combines her own experience along with research and other travelers' experiences on how to remain healthy while far from home." - Business Traveler Magazine

". ...this pocket-size guide [is] a traveler's favorite companion."- Bon Appetit

"...filled with little-known facts designed to make you more productive on business trips andto help you squeeze more enjoyment out of your vacations." - Charles Leocha, author Travel Rights

"...provides practical tips that she learned from research, her own experience and hundreds of travelers." -International Travel News

"A pocket-sized paperback compendium of information, suggestions, and recommendations for a safe, healthy experience while traveling."- MidWest Review

"Has business travel had an adverse affect on your waistline or mood? Then How to Stay Healthy & Fit on the Road is a must-read." - San Antonio Express News

"How to Stay Healthy & Fit on the Road is a handy guide to take along when traveling, whether it be by car, plane, or train."- Women With Wheels

"...paperback compendium of information, suggestions, and recommendations for a safe, healthy experience while traveling. "- Reviewer's Bookwatch

"...healthy travel primer. Although you've heard some of Lichten's suggestions before...many are new and innovative, and the oldies are good reminders."

Chicago Tribune

"Dr. Jo shines throughout this book as a friendly and highly knowledgeable counselor...Every business traveler can profit from reading this book..."

Travelwriter Marketlette



Read also Bittersweet World of Chocolate or Hostess

Turning Point: A History of Early A.A.'s Spiritual Roots and Successes

Author: Dick B

"Turning Point" is a comprehensive history of early A.A.'s spiritual roots and successes. It is the culmination of six years of research, traveling, and interviews. Dick B.'s latest title shows specifically what the Twelve Step pioneers borrowed from: 1) the Bible, 2)The Rev. Sam Shoemaker's teachings, 3)The Oxford Group, 4)Anne Smith's journal, and 5)meditation periodicals and books, such as "The Upper Room."

From the Author

When I had spent some seven years researching, traveling, interviewing, reading, and writing on the source of A.A.'s spiritual ideas, I realized I needed one "magnum opus" which could be used for a long time as a comprehensive reference work. I first delivered an eleven hour seminar at Bill Wilson's birthplace in Vermont, detailing the facts. And the next year, I refined the materials and put them in this one work. I added much material that I had gathered from Bill's manuscripts at Stepping Stones. And the result was and is a book which provides the details about A.A.'s six major sources (Bible, Quiet Time, teachings of Sam Shoemaker, Oxford Group life-changing practices, Anne Smith's Journal, and the literature of early A.A.). It also brings the other research up to date and gives you the early A.A. spiritual picture in broad view and also in detailed documentation. I believe every Twelve Step person, everyone in the religious community, everyone in the recovery community, and all those interested in alcoholism should know of, and hopefully own a copy of this book. It has been well reviewed and received wherever it has gone.



Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Better Sex through Chemistry or Advanced Chakra Healing

Better Sex through Chemistry: A Guide to the New Prosexual Drugs and Nutrients

Author: John Morgenthaler

Comprehensive guide to improving your sex life with drugs and nutrients.



Interesting textbook: The Chronicles of Narnia or Are You My Mother

Advanced Chakra Healing: Heart Disease: The Four Pathways Approach

Author: Cyndi Dal

Advanced Chakra Healing: Heart Disease presents an entirely new approach to healing heart disease, treating it as an opportunity to love the ailing heart and allow the heart to love. Using her revolutionary Four Pathways energy mapping method, which was first presented in Advanced Chakra Healing, best-selling author Cyndi Dale explains how to determine the underlying cause of your cardiac illness and guides you through techniques for intuitively activating the chakras to restore your health.

Advanced Chakra Healing: Heart Disease includes: A comprehensive quiz to help you understand your own innate powers of intuition, A quick-reference insert with techniques for chakra evaluation, including healing tools and approaches specific to each pathway, Extensive pathway reading lists.