A Better Approach to Achieving Your Ideal Weight

Title: Attract Your Ideal Weight
Subtitle: 8 Secrets of People Who Lose Weight and Keep It Off 

Includes Daily Intentions Journal
Author:   Zaheen Nanji
Author's Web site link: http://attractyouridealweight.com/virtualbook/booktourzaheen.htmlG
Genre: Nonfiction: diet and health book
ISBN 978-1624520037Graphics: http://attractyouridealweight.com/images/AYIW-cover-with-bronze-award.jpg

Available on Amazon

This Is NOT Your Usual Diet Book Review

Did you know that globally, there are more than 1 billion overweight adults?

Author Zaheen Nanji knows she can help individuals overcome this challenge. She is no stranger to the ups and downs of dieting herself. She herself was able to overcome her battle with food, once being 40 pounds overweight.


Zaheen interviewed dozens of people who'd lost weight and kept it off. She found that individuals who were able to lose weight and keep it off more then one year had behavioral strategies that helped them keep the weight off. She found that there were 8 secrets that these individuals shared in common.

Attract Your Ideal Weight is a book that your must read first before going on a diet. Readers have labeled this book as “ The Psychology Handbook for Weight Loss”.

Zaheen Nanji’s book Attract Your Ideal Weight: 8 Secrets of People Who Lose Weight and Keep it Off, is NOT based on a diet or exercise program. It reveals the 8 secrets to attracting your ideal weight and includes inspiring success stories, helpful self-assessment questions and fun food experiments. This print book now has a Daily Intentions Journal included so you can easily attract your ideal weight.

Zaheen Nanji is a speaker and entrepreneur. She is a certified Health Coach with Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Zaheen owns Shanti Wellness and Laser Centre in Alberta, Canada and is the author of three books of which two are co-authored. Attract Your Ideal Weight: 8 Secrets of People Who Lose Weight and Keep it Off is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and iBooks. The print book which has daily intention journal entries, is available at Shanti Wellness Centre,  Amazon and online at http://www.attractyouridealweight.com.
_______________

SUBMITTED BY:

Yvonne WuAuthors Support Services
The YP Publishing
http://theyppublishing.com
-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Meditation Illuminated Reviewed by Fran Ponick

Title: Meditation Illuminated: Simple Ways to Manage Your Busy Mind

Author: Joy Rains

Author's Web site: www.joyrains.com
Genre: Nonfiction, Meditation
Publisher: Whole Earth PressPaperback: 172 pages
ISBN: 978-0-9886699-0-1Product Dimensions: 7 x 5 x .04
Price: $15.00
Purchase from Amazon: www.tinyurl.com/amazon-meditate
Name and Web site of Reviewer: Fran Ponick  http://www.Leadership-English.com/
Review Originally Published: The Washington Times Communities   www.tinyurl.com/washtimesreview

Desperately seeking Alpha: 'Meditation Illuminated' by Joy Rains

WASHINGTON, November 3, 2013 – Joy Rains, author of Meditation Illuminated, defines meditation as “a discipline of training the mind through the practice of awareness.” She states that the nature of the mind is to generate content, or stuff, meaning Stories, Thoughts, Urges, Frustrations, and Feelings. 

Most of us react to life and the “stuff” that’s in it. Meditation is a way to control your stuff by learning to become aware of it. If you can become directly aware of your stuff, you can respond to it—and to your daily life—consciously. 

Desperately seeking alpha: Beyond the monkey brain 

Think about it: Never in the history of the world have we humans been more aware that our brains are actually electrochemical computing devices. But never in the history of the world have so many individuals been bombarded with so much data. 

Outside stimuli produce what are termed high beta frequencies in the brain. It’s hard to think straight if your brain is buzzing along at 14–40 cycles per second (cps), which is what’s happening when you’re in that state. These are your “monkey brain” moments. Trying to get something done, make a decision, solve a problem, or learn anything? You’d be better off swinging in trees. 

All the things that fall into the general category of cogitation simply can’t be done in beta. You need to get to alpha (7.5–14 cps), or maybe even theta (4.0–7.5 cps).

What we need is some kind of surge protector. It’s time to conserve our circuitry by controlling our random reactions to more data hits than we can handle. We need to stop the craziness of beta and figure out how to think straight. That’s supposedly a simple activity, but why is it so hard to sustain? And how do you even get there? Meditation is one path. 

The monkey brain explores meditation 

The profundity of meditation is its simplicity. Meditation Illuminated reflects that not only in its content, but also in its design. It’s a beautiful book that feels good in the hand.  It begins with an engaging Preface, continues with a helpful Introduction, and concludes with an encouraging Epilogue. 

Not a word is wasted, yet the writing throughout is graceful and generous. Even the Appendix and Endnotes, which support the science of meditation and the author’s assertions, provide solid scholarship without the heavy burden of ivory tower intellectualism. 

The book is divided into five parts. The first part describes STUFF, while the second presents the essence of meditation and how it works. The simple language, short sentences, and easy flow of the writing will calm even the most hurried reader. 

Rains’ writing style is deliberate without being boring, respectful without currying favor, and hypnotic without being controlling. Each chapter begins with a title supported by an explanatory subtitle and ends with a brief summary and a preview of the next chapter. These guideposts provide the reader a sense of place in the narrative, yet are neither repetitive nor didactic.

Part 3 of the book, entitled “How to Meditate,” introduces the selection and use of an anchor, or object of awareness, as a resting place for one’s attention. Rains is careful to point out that we need not abandon nor ignore thoughts and feelings while meditating. Rather, a meditator notices and acknowledges emerging thoughts and feelings, then redirects attention to the chosen anchor.

Thus, the continuous cycling of attention between stuff and anchor as described in Part 3 can help make meditation far less random and far more intentionally active than most people think it is. 

One banana at a time

Once the reader has learned the basic tools and activities of meditation, Part 4 introduces the practical application of meditation to daily life. Part 5, the longest section of the book, introduces twenty-one approaches to intentional meditation. Beware of the variety in these choices if you have any inclination toward monkey brain thinking! 

After reading this book and gradually learning to say “yes” to meditation, you will want to try them all. Now. Your best bet is to back up to the paragraph titled “Busy Mind” in Chapter 13, “Strategies for Addressing Common ‘Obstacles’ to Meditation,” and reread the final sentence: “The quality of your awareness is more important than the quantity of your stuff.” 

Be aware that you have just turned all twenty-one suggestions for different types of meditation into stuff. 

Select one, promise yourself the remaining twenty, and begin.

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Fran Ponick, MA, is certified in P-ESL (Pronouncing English as a Second Language) and provides training in business presentations and interpersonal conversation skills for native and non-native speakers of English. Her company, Leadership English™, offers communications skills, training and coaching for non-native and native English speakers, as well as award-winning writing and editorial services for businesses large and small.

 MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joy Rains is a
Meditation Speaker, Author, Guide

breathe.relax.repeat.

Meditation Illuminated: Simple Ways to Manage Your Busy Mind

Find it on:  www.tinyurl.com/amazon-meditate

Book Review: www.tinyurl.com/washtimesreview

website: www.joyrains.com

twitter: @joy_rains

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/joyrains

T: 301-530-0583

 

 

-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Your Health: Empowering Book Reviewed

Title: Nurturing Wellness Through Radical Self Care: A Balance in Wellness
Guide and Workbook
Author: Janet Gallagher Nestor
Author Website: http://mindfulpathways.com
Twitter: @janetnestor
FB fan page: http://facebook.com/janetnestor
ISBN:978-1452560502
Genre: Health-wellness


Reviewed by: C.A. Webb originally for Amazon

About the Author:

As an author, speaker and Licensed Counselor Janet is committed to her
work in personal empowerment and positive living. Using various Energy
Psychology techniques as well as Mindful Lifestyle Training she is
passionate about teaching, empowering and working with clients and groups
in finding their life path and reconnecting to their joyful essence.

An expert is stress and anxiety management, Janet is the author of two
empowering books on the subject. Pathways to Wholeness, a mindfulness
guidebook empowering readers to adopt a more re-laxed, now focused and
joy-filled life and her newest book Nurturing Wellness Through Radical
Self-Care: A Living in Balance Guide and Workbook is an inspirational
guide sure to be your constant companion on the journey to lasting
wellness.


Submitted by
Teresa Morrow
aka The Author's Cheerleader
Promotion Manager for Spiritual Authors & Speakers
Inspirational Author/Poet/Coach
Life Lessons from the Heart (2012 Smashwords)
DISOWNED: A Journey of Transformation from Abandonment to Healing (2013Amazon Kindle)
Learn more at:   http://www.teresamorrow.com
-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Nutrition Newsletter Reviews New Diet Book

Title: The Food Is My Friend Diet

Author: Ruth Frechman, MA, RDN, CPT
Author Website: www.ruthfrechman.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ruthfrechman
FB fan page: www.facebook.com/thefoodismyfrienddietbbook
Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of1qpEuUJ4U
ISBN: 978-0984597918
Genre: Diet/Health
Winner 2012 NIE Award

 

Reviewed by Colleen Sloan, RD, LD/N for Nutrition 411 – Where Health Care Professionals Go for Information

Did you know that we all make “food friends”? Some of our “food friends” are good for us and others are not the best choice. The Food Is My Friend Diet teaches readers how to make “good food friends,” such as fruits and vegetables, and curb emotional eating by developing new ways of coping. This book is full of science-based guidelines for weight control and physical activity, written in a fun and interactive tone.

The Food Is My Friend Diet is a perfect combination of healthy lifestyle counseling and comic relief, with the help of comedian Jackie Fabulous. Jackie provides a unique perspective on the program and shares her experiences that the reader can relate to on an individual level. The Food Is My Friend Diet takes the reader on a 30-day journey through 30 educational and inspiring chapters. Each chapter ends with a “check-in” tool, where Ruth summarizes the chapter and encourages the reader to take action by setting a goal.

This book is a must-have for anyone looking for a real-life solution to weight management.

 

 

-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Maryetta Johnson Reviews New Barbara Mitchell Book on Stress

 

Title: Ten Powerful Stress Busters for the BAM VP Woman in You

Author: Barbara Mitchell, DCH
Author Site: http://www.thecalmingbreath.com
Category: Nonfiction/Self Help/Women's Health
Ebook ISBN: 978-0-9820209-4-4
Kindle Edition
Book Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A8INZ4C

Reviewed by Maryetta Johnson originally for Amazon

Reviewer's rating: 5.0 stars

This book taught me there is a counter-stress technique for every stressful situation which can be performed in a very few minutes at a moment's notice. Eight of the 10 methods included don't cost one red cent and only hypnosis would require a practitioner to get started, while aromatherapy would be an inexpensive investment for great peace of mind and joyous sensations.

Each chapter starts with an inspirational quote that sets the tone for the technique to be performed after reading background information about its proven scientific efficacy. Then we're told how to perform the technique and where to find further information about it. Thanks to the internet we can be transported instantly to the recommended websites while reading the book, or easily visit recommended YouTube sites later. It's a roundup of valuable information and although I've been very successful at practicing stress-reduction techniques for many years, the book gave me renewed fired-up motivation to keep doing what I'm doing and it taught me several new tricks as well.

For anyone who is new to stress management and who is committed to improving their health and the quality of their life, this book will save them from having to do years of research. Just like I always carry my purse for survival whenever I leave the house, now I also always carry the book's recommended techniques of BAM VP a handy acronym that reminds me where to start de-stressing and how to move through the process. So whether I'm stuck in traffic or negotiating with a used car salesman I know how to Breathe (deeply), Affirm (my goodness and that of others), Meditate, Visualize (my nervous system responds immediately to pictures of success), Progressively release excess tension from head to toe. Then I feel that I become the book's alternate version of the acronym which is Become A More Vibrant Person because, as the book says, stress can work for me making my life sweeter.

I can see how this book would also work for teenagers in preparing them to handle a lifetime of stressful situations. And men will also benefit from understanding the way stress works and how to control or to manage it.

 ~Learn more about Barbara Mitchell DCH, author of Ten Powerful Stress Busters When You Need a Timeout at:

http://www.thecalmingbreath.com

-----

The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Women's Health Issue Book Tours Online

Title – The Moon She Rocks You

Author – Gurutej Khalsa

Author's website link - http://gurutej.com/store/11-moon-centers

Genre or category – Alternative Health/Women’s Health/Self Help

ISBN-10: 0615621678

ISBN-13: 978-0615621678

The Moon She Rocks You by Gurutej Khalsa

Imagine you could feel on top of your emotions, on top of your world on a regular basis. Would that be something that would interest you? Does it make you exhale a big Ahhh if only?

I’m Gurutej what I’m about to reveal to you could change your life FOREVER. I am a world acclaimed teacher, leader and spiritual teacher. Building communities, businesses, teaching through many mediums for over 40 years.

I am introducing these previously secret teachings so you can profit and create better relationships which is the basis of all joy and balance.

I have not always been calm, centered. I, like you, was reactive, judgmental, stressed and overwhelmed and enslaved by my emotional reactions. I have to share the secrets of the moon centers with you because they were a great road map for me to be the me I wanted to be. Not the slave to my emotions.

I have helped 100’s if not 1000’s of women and men to understand and utilize this wonderful formula that will put you in the driver’s seat of your life.

What are Moon Center cycles and why should we as women care about them? Because these cycles have a direct and deep effects on us. Have you noticed that some days you feel strong and powerful and can take on the entire universe and other days someone looks at you cross-eyed and you want to find a bathroom to hide in? Why is that? This theory of Moon centers will shed some light on all this. This is not a shield to hide behind but information to make us more aware, informed complete with support tools that will make you more powerful.

Moon Centers Unveiling the hidden secrets to the inner workings of women. This is the next biggest leap after Men are from Mars Women are from Venus. Do you want to understand yourself as a women in your many aspects? Men do you want to be able to see and chart the emotional and devotional landscape of the women in your life? You will know when and how to support yourself and your women and when to move away from the firing line. Priceless information.

Moon Centers is a secret and sacred science: Do you want Greater harmony in your life? If yes then skip the text and just say yes buy it now. If you need more information carry on. If only all women and men for that matter could learn of these moon centers in their teens what a wonderful world it would be. This is an ancient secret science unveiled, how the moon affects women each day.

This is the secret code to women’s inner states. The positive, challenged and neutral aspects within each center, within each women. The moon moves into a different part of a women’s body every 2.25 days. Learn how to utilize the gifts of each center and recognize the moods that come from the challenged aspects ahead of time. Then turn them into harmony. Utilize the gifts of each center. All this can be yours.

What People Are Saying

“Gurutej is a true gift to the yoga world. She is able to communicate the

 living ancient wisdom of Kundalini yoga through her natural and practical

teaching on the Moon Centers which vibrates with flowing

 consciousness. Gurutej awakens through her love of sharing the secrets

of women from within, and her teachings in her book which will resonate

 with women and men at all levels of experience on the spiritual path.”

—Lisa Scanandolri, co-founder of Lisa’s Yoga

“Had I known how revealing this was and what great solutions for my

 problems, I would have willingly paid you almost anything.”

J. Toronto

“I studied the Moon Centers in Yogi Bhajan’s class. Gurutej explains

 them in such depth, it is astounding. She makes them easy, accessible

, and fun. This is not just for women. My husband has been taking an

 interest in this and that has made life so much better. You need this.

 Don’t wait.”

—Siri Bandhu, preventative medicine business planner

About Gurutej

Gurutej has known since she was six years old that she wanted to lead

others to their greatness. She is a born leader, a creational genius, and

 a visionary thought leader. Her energy brightens your day, and her gift

 for lightness, comedy, and humor radiates with every breath and every

 word of her powerful message. A founding practitioner of Kundalini,

 Gurutej Khalsa is one of a handful of Kundalini Yoga Masters in the

  world. She has taught people for over 40 years to connect to their

higher consciousness through healing, meditation, yoga, and chanting.

 She lives and breathes the meaning of her Sikh name, “the one who

 brings you from darkness into light at the speed of light.” Gurutej has

 created yoga centers throughout the United States and Canada. Her

commitment to community outreach, philanthropy, the homeless,

children, alternative education, and conscious living is tireless.

~This review is part of the author's book tour handled by Social Media Promotional Services - www.bookpromotionservices.com.

-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

A Cancer Experience Turns into a Page-Turner

Title: Getting It Off My Chest, A Journey Through Breast Cancer
Author: Sandra Fikus
Author's website: www.sandrafikuswrites.com
Genre: Autobiography/Health
ISBN: 9781456885052
Reviewer: Matt Joseph
Link: matt@josephlaw.com

Originally reviewed by Matt Joseph at Amazon. Rating: 4.0

You're cruising through life young and healthy, managing a busy and complex family, you have a career, children, are a success and you have a great future. Out of the blue one morning, "I brushed my hand across my chest and felt a lump."

Thus begins the engaging book "Getting It Off My Chest," a past-paced
chronicle of one Canadian woman's experience with Stage II breast cancer and its lingering aftermath. Sandra Fikus lives in Vancouver, B.C., and
seemingly has it all. She has no family history of breast cancer. She's done
all the right things and she's made all the right choices.

Then, discovery of a lump in her breast one day after Christmas in 2007
upends her life forever.

"Getting It Off My Chest" is presented in a diary format. Day-by-day, week
in and week out, the author describes, in often humorous and earthy
language, her immediate shock at first, her formal diagnosis, the vast
support system she depends on, the grinding treatments and her subsequent
healing. While there is perhaps more than we care to know about her family's internal dynamics, we learn much about the biology of cancer. Fikus is deeply grateful for her doctors, but the reader watches her dissatisfaction
with the traditional medical profession grow stronger with each passing day.


As the author recounts her story, there are interesting and important
detours along the way. We learn about nutrition, wellness, spirituality, and
yoga. We come to value second chances, and how surviving a serious illness
allows one to reevaluate the way they live and care for themselves. Fikus
raises many important questions about cancer. The answers to her questions
are beyond the scope of this book - or any book, really.

This was one of those rare reads I simply couldn't put down. A slim 165
pages, I finished "Getting It Off My Chest" during a single cross country
flight. My own family has been devastated by cancer and I could strongly
relate to this story. Fikus's testimony should be read by men as much as by
women. Hers is the voice of our mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, aunts,
nieces, cousins and friends. Through the gritty challenges of one breast
cancer patient and survivor, we can perhaps better understand how the women battling cancer in our own lives are doing - what they may be thinking, feeling, and how they are coping.

~Review Matthew Joseph is a lawyer living in San Mateo, CA.  Learn more about him at www.josephlaw.com
-----

The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Award-Winning Author Reviews Killing the Cancer Beast

Killing the Cancer Beast
By Maria D.Georga
Genre: Nonfiction/Holistic Health
Available at www.lulu.com and Amazon

Mini Synopsis: The real story of a woman who was left with no hope after she was diagnosed with Cancer. An actual fight of her and her family with the only weapons which were left to them: love, strong will and a belief that God should have thought of an antidote before humans would.

Reviewed by Shirley Cheng, Award-Winning Author

Imagine that, during surgery, doctors unexpectedly discovered a
malignant tumor in the person closest to your heart. Would you give way
to bitter resentment, or would you look the cancer straight in the eye
and challenge a fight? Maria D. Georga chose the latter route and took
matters into her own hands when her mother Angela was diagnosed with
not only a very aggressive type of cancer but also at the worst stage.
"Killing the Cancer Beast" is the true story of Maria's journey of
helping win her mother's battle alongside her. Written in a
no-nonsense, easy-to-read style, this short book demonstrates that
nature's medicines not only cure the patient but the caregivers as
well. What are those natural ingredients? They come in both tangible
and intangible elements: God-gifted strength, determination, a positive
attitude, but more so a strong love for her mother, were the intangible
components that helped Maria cope during their difficult time. The
tangible medicines lie in the plants God abundantly supplies us, yet
many are ignorant of their values. For example, did you know that
Vitamin B17, apricot seeds, and intravenously injected Vitamin C can
have the same effects of chemotherapy without the adversity? And did
you know that millet contains all the essential amino acids required to
sustain our life?

"Killing the Cancer Beast" is not simply a
heartwarming story of a stranger, but it is more so a gentle guide that
can lead you and your loved ones to a better life. No, it does not
guarantee treatments nor is it a replacement to professional medical
advice, but it will open doors you may not otherwise open without
reading it. Life is a giant school with countless opportunities to
learn, but we can not learn everything from only one class--we need to
attend as many classes as we can in order to learn as much as possible,
and this book is just one of those many classes. Why not sign up for
this class to learn something new today that may help someone tomorrow?

Reviewer Shirley Cheng is a blind and physically disable multi award-winning author and motivational speaker. Learn more about her at www.ShirleyCheng.com. She is nine-time winner of the Parent to Paren Adding Wisdom award and advocate board member of World Positive Thinkers Club.

-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Smarts and Stamina – A Book Review

Smarts and Stamina: The Busy Person’s Guide to Optimal Health and Performance

Shaar, M. J. & Britton, K. H. (2011).
Positive Psychology Press.

ISBN 0615529682. ISBN-13: 978-0615529684.

Genre: Healthy Living.

Key words: Health habits, Habit formation, Healthy eating, Exercise, Mood, Productivity, Sleep

Author's Web site: http://smartsandstamina.com.

 

Reviewed by Louisa Jewell originally for Positive Psychology News Daily  http://www.positivematters.com/

I have been anticipating Marie-Josée Shaar and Kathryn Britton’s new book: Smarts and Stamina: The Busy Person’s Guide to Optimal Health and Performance for several months now and it is better than even I had anticipated.

According to Dr. Liana Lianov of Harvard Medical School, virtually all of the top 10 leading causes of death among American adults are related to lifestyle patterns. Taking this to heart, the authors do not preach about what you ‘should’ be doing to be healthy, or promise if you follow their advice that you will look like Jennifer Aniston in 6 weeks. Their focus is on guiding the reader to improve personal everyday habits to be healthy, and they do this by helping you build your health skills. Their approach is realistic and simple: make small incremental changes to your habits.

The Smarts and Stamina (SaS) Compass Model

The book is based on research on the interaction among the various aspects of good health and intelligently weaves in the research in positive psychology on self-regulation, goal pursuit, and successful change to help people make sustainable change to their behavior. Their approach is guided by the Smarts and Stamina (SaS) Compass which has four points:

1. Sleep
   
2. Food
   
3. Mood
   
4. Exercise

The authors begin with a discussion of four biochemicals; serotonin, dopamine, leptin, and cortisol and how they affect how you feel and subsequently behave. Some biochemicals boost our ability to self-regulate while others can detract. While these biochemicals affect behavior, our habits in the four SaS Compass areas also affect our biochemical levels in our body. Thus all four compass points are mutually reinforcing. For example, physical activity increases serotonin levels and acts as a stress-reliever which contributes to good sleep. Sleep balances all four biochemicals which can curb food cravings and maintain positive emotions. Stronger emotional health contributes to better sleep and so on.

Jogging with a dog

50 Avenues to Good Health
The book is written in a workbook format that offers 50 different avenues to good health with excellent reflective questions, assessments, exercises, and suggestions for changing habits in all four SaS Compass point areas. The intention is not to overwhelm people with 50 avenues. Instead the authors suggest starting with one area and exploring the avenue(s) that works for you. The book is also written so well it is a pleasure to pick up anytime and use it as a reference for years to come.
For each of these 50 avenues, the authors have provided a comprehensive guide for putting it into action, including:

1. Science Says: This section describes the research that supports this avenue.
   
2. Story: The authors share stories of people they have worked with who had problems in this area and then successfully implemented the avenue for good results.
   
3. Build the Skills: The authors then describe how to build skills in this area.
   

• Mindfulness: The authors ask powerful questions here to get people to reflect on what is already working for you in this area. This was one of my favorite parts of the workbook. When I was able to contemplate on what I was already doing well, I actually felt better about myself and it made me think about how I could do more of what I was already doing. This is the first book I have ever read that offers a strengths-based approach to good health. I believe this is what sets this workbook apart from others in a powerful way.
  
• Plan & Execute: Activities that cause you to take action.
  
• Onward & Upward: A final reflection about what can be gained from this avenue that might carry over into other avenues or other aspects of your life.

One of the things I found very helpful was how the authors adapted Carol Dweck’s learning theory of Mindset to how our mindset can affect behavioral change in the health arena. After taking this assessment, I discovered that while I had a growth mindset as far as food went, I had some work to do in the exercise arena.
An Intelligent Resource for Positive Psychology Practitioners As a positive psychology practitioner working with organizations to improve well-being, I am already using the book as an intelligent resource for new ideas to immediately implement with my organizational clients. For example, one of my favorite avenues is ‘Do a Mini.’ This avenue gives several activities people can do at their desk or while at work that gives them an opportunity to have a 10-minute meditation session that can instantly relieve stress and energize them for continued work.

While I love the countless suggestions for my organizational clients, I started to get really excited about using the workbook to improve my own health.

Vegetables at the Farmer's Market

This workbook is a great resource for positive psychology coaches and practitioners who want to help clients achieve optimum health, but it is also a great resource for anyone wanting to be healthier. And now I am off to find a good recipe for oyster and shiitake mushrooms . . . Anyone have a good recipe to share?

---

Shaar, M. J. & Britton, K. H. (2011). Smarts and Stamina: The Busy Person’s Guide to Optimal Health and Performance. Positive Psychology Press. Available from Amazon and from an eStore (may be easier for international orders).


----- The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Author Gail Bradney Review Self Help Book

 

Down There: Sexual and Reproductive Health, the Wise Woman Way (

Ash Tree Publishing, $29.95)

 by Susun S. Weed

www.susunweed.com

ISBN-13: 978-1-888123-13-5 / ISBN-10: 1-888123-13-3

Integrative medicine, women's and men's health

 

Reviewed by Gail Bradney

No matter how old we get, many of us still feel perplexed, fearful, or even embarrassed when dealing with a health problem that affects our reproductive system or other functions "down there." That's not surprising, says best-selling author and nationally esteemed health expert Susun S. Weed. "For both genders, the pelvis is a potent place that holds enormous energies," she explains. "But it's also a complicated area of the body that, for many of us, remains mysterious."

Weed has made a significant contribution to the health literature in her newest book, called Down There: Sexual and Reproductive Health, the Wise Woman Way (Ash Tree Publishing, $29.95), which presents integrative, alternative, and conventional treatment options for both men's and women's reproductive health. Weed destigmatizes such common conditions as dry vagina, herpes, enlarged prostate, incontinence, and sexual difficulties in a new reference that will turn any reader into an enthusiastic student of natural medicines.

Organized by body parts and functions, Down There has a section devoted to women, and one to men. Using straightforward descriptions of common health conditions and detailed step-by-step explanations of various treatment options--including great recipes for things like antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and antivirals that you can make in your own kitchen--Weed gives readers access to a full range of effective herbal, homeopathic, and energy medicines to try before resorting to pharmaceutical drugs with heavy-duty side effects and invasive surgery. For every remedy she suggests, she includes not only the "how-to" but also the "why"--with clinical studies and scientific explanations that help readers make an informed decision.

Many men believe that prostate cancer is inevitable if they live long enough. Not so, writes Weed, who dispels many of the common myths associated with PSA tests and enlarged prostates, and offers men with prostate symptoms a variety of remedies they can apply in order to avoid or postpone surgery. Likewise, many women undergo unnecessary hysterectomies as a result of excessive bleeding or fibroids, when there are many proactive steps they can take before simply agreeing to go under the knife.

Fans of Weed will be familiar with her unique and reassuring perspective. She views health and healing through the lens of the Wise Woman Tradition, which she calls "the oldest way of healing." She shows readers how to support the body's natural ability to heal itself, but also how to use modern medicines safely. She believes that in all cases of illness, it's better to try conservative approaches first, exploring safe and natural treatments, before taking strong drugs with harmful side effects, submitting to dangerous tests, and undergoing invasive surgery.

In addition to covering scores of illnesses and ailments, from low libido and STDs to erectile dysfunction and incontinence, Weed devotes the back section of her encyclopedic reference to many original recipes and instructions for making your own tinctures, teas, tonics, poultices, and other healing formulas to turn your kitchen into a personal apothecary. She also includes mail order and internet sources for all the ingredients mentioned in the book.

Weed's big message in this and all of her books is that we have to take charge of our own health and bodies. Rather than taking a pill, why not try healing the underlying condition with herbs and diet? Rather than having an invasive screening test, why not support your body using natural healing options and see if the condition gets better? Weed's Wise Woman approach to health and healing not only gives people simple, safe options and remedies, but also serves as a sensible counterpoint to, in her words, "the medical profession's ever-expanding use of screening tests, followed by invasive tests, and treatments that lead to new symptoms, new scars, and new fears."

 

~Susun Weed is a four-time bestselling author and esteemed herbal medicine pioneer.

 

~The reviewer is an author in her own right.  

 

-----

The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Update on What Review Blogs Can Do for You!

Title: Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery

Author: Lois W. Stern
Author's Web site:  www.sexliesandcosmeticsurgery.com
Genre: Nonfciton: Self-Help/Beauty/Health
ISBN #: 0-7414-3220-X

Reviewed by Nancy Welker, editor-in-chief of FIT BEAUTIFUL MAGAZINE, (now a subscription only membership).

FIRST IMPRESSION

Don’t let the title put you off, this book is both serious and educational. More than one hundred people contributed to the creative process, including women who have added their own experiences anonymously. The author, Lois W. Stern, gives us the stark and touching truth about what happened to her as a plastic surgery patient, and brings to light some of the truths and misconceptions about this very personal journey.

The book is designed to act as a guide for any woman who is considering a cosmetic surgery procedure, and includes worksheets and questionnaires on some delicate subjects such as your self-esteem, your sexuality, signs of depression and testing your body image. “Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery” means to give a woman insights as to how she might react to the emotional aspects of permanently changing her face and/or body appearance, which is something the author feels strongly needs to be addressed. Every chapter in this book is filled with in-your-face honesty, and the author clearly feels that this is how every woman needs to communicate with herself before going under the knife.

A LOOK UNDER THE HOOD
Chapters 5 and 6 are especially thought-provoking as Ms. Stern opens up about her feelings toward the doctor who performed the plastic surgery. The term “transference” is brought into the picture, and the author recounts her own, in her words , “humiliating” experience. In short, I found this book to be one that I could not put down, and frankly, nothing like the scandal sheet type stories we all too often see.

This is not meant to deter any woman from the plastic surgery experience, in fact the author herself had favorable results from a facelift, instead the idea is to make women aware of the possibility of feeling as though you’ve “fallen head over heels” in love with your plastic surgeon, and that it happens more often than most people realize. The message here is that if you do find yourself in that situation, you need to seek out competent help from a professional, and know that this is a transient emotional issue that you can get past with guidance and patience.

YEA OR NAY
Living in an age of “Nip Tuck” and other TV shows that make plastic surgery seem like either a ridiculous choice that insecure women make, or gloss over the fact that medical doctors think it’s fine and okay to have sex with their patients, this book is a candid and intelligent source of reliable information. I liked the fact that the author made it clear that in general it was unethical for an M.D. to become intimate with a patient, but that she showed compassion for the human side of our nature as well, and said that in some rare cases the relationship might be worth pursuing.. Overall an empowering and uplifting book, I recommend “Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery” to any woman who is seriously considering undergoing a cosmetic surgical procedure.

A Note From the Author

I felt both gratified and most appreciative of the totally unsolicited review the editor of FitBeautiful placed on her blog. I was overwhelmed by the number of women who added thoughtful comments - 52 and counting - the most I have ever seen appear on any interactive blog. No doubt the topic of transference had hit hard! Women could identify. They wanted - no needed - to talk about it. I told them that Utter Humiliation was the most difficult chapter I ever wrote. Well, let me rephrase that a bit. It was the most difficult chapter for me to decide if I should write, knowing I might be setting myself up as an open target. Then why did I do it? Simply because deep down I knew that if I had experienced such an emotional upheaval, I couldn't be alone. I could help other cosmetic surgery patients handle transference issues with more ease and comfort. The truth has a way of setting us free.

Reader Comments
Posted by Joelyn
I’ve heard of women who fall in love with their plastic surgeons. I had a nose job when I was 30 and my surgeon (thank god) was not at all attractive to me. He did good work but I didn’t think twice about him! This book is really something every woman should read. I feel sorry for those who have no idea what might happen and are going through this emotional turmoil after the surgery.

Posted by Nola
I worked for a family council center for 5 years so I know what transference can be. Women who have just had surgery are especially vulnerable anyway and can actually come to think that the surgeon is some kind of knight on a white horse who has no flaws at all. It’s not something that’s going to fade away without help. This book could save a lot of women from the humilation the author herself went through. Good review!

Posted by Dianne
My mother had a facelift 5 years ago and I couldn’t understand what was wrong with her after that. She looked beautiful, and everyone complimented her on the results, but she still would sit crying for no apparent reason. I had no idea what this was, but after reading your review last night, I went to the links you have and started reading from there. There’s no doubt in my mind that my mom was going through emotional issues due to the surgery. My dad and she had had some problems but it seemed to suddenly get huge when she was recovering. I’m glad I know more about this. I’m buying this book and giving it to my mom. I want her to know that I love her and support her.
Thanks, Nancy (editor of NutraBeauty).

Posted by Marianna
I had not even thought about the emotional side of plastic surgery! It really is more about how you feel than you look when you think about it. And wow, if a women gets great results she probably can fall for her doc! I do want to get a facelift – as soon as I can afford it – but, first, I’m buying this book!

Posted by Christina
If I had read a book like this before my surgery I would’ve been much better equipped to deal with the emotional side of it. It’s very real and unless you’ve been through it you really don’t understand it.

Posted by Cupcakes
There are some good points made here. It really does depend on the man/woman in question. If two people are lucky enough to find each other the rest of the world should be happy for them. Yes, the woman probably does need to find another doctor, but there should be no shame in it for either of them! Also, the book looks very good. I’ve seen it before and wondered about it. Thanks for letting us know that it’s not just another trashy kind of book!

Posted by PurpleHat
After reading your review, I went out and got this book. It really is as good as you said it is!

Posted by ItalianFlower
My mother used to say all the time that she fell in love with Dr. Kildaire when that show was on tv! I agree that every woman feels some kind of attachment to a real-life doctor sometime in her life. When I was pregnant I had very warm feelings toward my doctor, and when I told the nurse she laughed and said that I was one of a dozen other patients who felt the same way! This is a very good book, I have it, and I will follow the author’s advise and ask myself every question in it before I get plastic surgery!----- The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Jerry Simmons Reviews Lois Stern's Beauty Book

Title:  Tick Tock, Stop the Clock ~ Getting Pretty on Your Lunch Hour

Author: Lois W. Stern

Author's Web site:  www.ticktockstoptheclock.com

Genre: Nonfiction: Self-Help/Health  

ISBN #: 0-7414-5359-2

Reviewed by Jerry Simmons, Indi Publishing; Former Vice president The Time Warner Book Group
Published on Amazon

“Congratulations to Lois Stern for following up her fabulous book Sex Lies and Cosmetic Surgery with an equally informative one. Tick Tock Stop the Clock is well written and filled with incredible information from renowned experts in the health and beauty field. This book is for anyone serious about affordable ways to enhance their appearance.”

 

-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :