Blog Archives
Navigating Memory Loss: Essential Questions and Answers on Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Navigating Memory Loss lays out a clear and heartfelt guide to understanding dementia. It moves from the author’s personal story into practical explanations of different dementia types, then on to communication hurdles, safety issues, care strategies, and end-of-life planning. It also unpacks new treatments and ongoing research in a way that feels grounded and approachable. The book combines medical know-how with lived experience, and it makes complex ideas feel manageable.
The writing is simple, steady, and open in a way that feels like the author is sitting beside you. I appreciated how she explained science without drowning the reader in big terms. Her honesty hits hard at times. When she describes the slow changes in her mother or the fear families feel as reality shifts, I found myself pausing and taking a breath. The book has a calm tone, yet the emotional weight underneath is unmistakable. I liked that she doesn’t pretend there are easy answers. Instead, she talks in a straight line about what actually helps and what does not.
The sections on anosognosia and differing realities stayed with me the most. They made me rethink how communication breaks down, not because someone is being stubborn, but because their brain no longer gives them the tools to understand. That idea alone softened some of my own assumptions. The pieces on care planning also stirred a lot of feelings. The frank discussion about feeding, autonomy, and the way a person might slowly be kept alive without truly living made me uncomfortable and moved me at the same time. Still, the writing never feels grim. It feels like someone offering a light so you can keep walking.
This book is a solid choice for anyone who loves someone with dementia, anyone worried about their own risk, or anyone who wants to understand how memory changes shape a life. It works well for caregivers who need guidance, families who need language for hard conversations, and even clinicians looking for a more humane perspective. I’d recommend it to people who want facts and also want comfort. It reads like a companion for a long and complicated road.
Pages: 83 | ASIN : B0G16QR467
Eco-Conscious Lifestyle
Born to Live Green shares your story of being failed by the modern medical system, which was ill-equipped to diagnose or treat your condition, and your journey of self-learning and self-healing. What inspired you to share your story and knowledge?
What inspired me to share my story and knowledge was the awareness that I could motivate others to create a more eco-conscious lifestyle. One, that with a holistic approach, would support them in nourishing wellness in their bodies and the earth.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Our earth is hurting, because we’ve lived unconscious of how our actions, choices, and behaviors have denigrated and polluted it.
Because we are an integral part of the earth’s ecological system, we are not immune from environmental illness.
In the same way that the earth’s terrestrial body carries a burden of toxicity, so do our human bodies.
To manage and heal the symptoms of environmental illness within our bodies and the earth, we must learn why and how to become consumers of a clean, green lifestyle production system, and adopt lifestyle habits that support clean, green, non-toxic living.
Healing our bodies requires us to be in a healthy relationship with our bodies, minds, hearts, and souls, –while healing the earth requires us to be in a healthy relationship with nature, plants, animals, insects, ecosystems, and the greater cosmos.
Relationships are the key to our health, happiness, and ecological well-being. Only when we discover how they govern our wholeness and what they require from us to be nourished, will we feel fulfilled as eco-stewards.
What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?
The most challenging part of writing my memoir was, I suppose, sharing my vulnerabilities. I bared my heart and soul in my story because I wanted to create an intimate experience in which my readers could feel close to me during the years of my life (from puberty through menopause) to find health and enlightenment. While I sometimes felt naked in the writing process, I felt that being authentic was more important than guarding my privacy. The most rewarding part of writing my memoir was revisiting all the events in my life that led me to awaken my innate eco-intelligence and pave a path toward self-discovery and self-empowerment. As a writer, I’m part poet, and in the process of writing the second half of my memoir, I decided to weave metaphors into my story to illustrate the high points and the low points I experienced while emerging in the world as an Eco-Mentor. Because that process required me to create an eco-lifestyle curriculum for humanity, and because the creative process symbolized a decade-long labor of love in which I had to practice trusting (and giving voice to) my feminine wisdom, –I compare it to the act of conceiving a baby, being pregnant with it, giving birth to it, and even enduring the “postpartum blues” that so often follow labor.
Challenges I Faced (with Rewarding Learning Outcomes)
Challenge: In my story, I share past traumas, such as being exposed to toxic chemicals in my mother’s womb, which led me to experience life-long physical health issues and mental health stress. Reward: This led me to understand how toxins can be passed from one generation to the next, and how important it is to live a clean life if we want life to go on for future generations.
Challenge: I share the sense of confusion, shame, and disempowerment I often felt while in the presence of allopathically trained medical doctors who, because they were not trained in environmental medicine, didn’t understand my health issue and didn’t have the tools to treat it. Reward: This led me to study alternative medicine and embark on a path of natural healing, which supported me in becoming a self-healer.
Challenge: I share the insecurities and anxiety I faced while attending school as a child, because of the behavior of certain teachers in my educational life who abused their authority in the classroom and who didn’t recognize that students like me required a heart and soul-centered approach to learning vs. a brain-centric approach alone. Reward: I learned the value of becoming a sensitive, compassionate person who trusted the authority of every person I met on my life path, and who recognized that being a good teacher entails the ability to “draw out” the innate gifts that all people possess.
Challenge: I share my fear of becoming a feminine leader, which was precipitated by my socially conditioned belief that female leaders are highly visible, handsomely paid, and vocal, rather than women like myself, who, albeit introverted, possess a heartfelt passion for making a difference in the world. Reward: I plumbed the depths of my soul, listened to its guidance, tapped into my feminine wisdom, and bravely used my voice to pen a bold new eco-lifestyle curriculum whose framework for learning is grounded in the six steps to eco-intelligent living that my healing journey revealed to me.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I hope what readers take away from my book is the knowledge that pain offers to be a brilliant teacher in our lives. Through our pain, we can experience many “awakenings” that foster deeper self-knowledge and self-love. We can use this knowledge and love to imagine and discover our true sense of place, purpose, and belonging in the world. I found my sense of belonging and purpose when after entering into a loving relationship with Mother Earth and utilizing her wisdom to transform my health, I realized that my calling was to support others in doing the same. It’s a wonderful feeling when we can use our personal healing journeys as a catalyst for planetary transformation!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Eco-Intelligent Eating | Amazon
Green is the color that symbolizes life, fertility, growth, rebirth, harmony, and healing.
When Candia Lea Cole missed her high school graduation due to illness, it would not be the first or last time she dealt with a health challenge that invited suffering and confusion into her life. And because allopathic doctors weren’t trained to diagnose or treat her condition, she felt she had no choice but to carve out her own path of self-learning and self-healing.
What Candia discovered on her path was that her mother’s womb was the place where her illness originated from, and it was exacerbated by the toxins she was exposed to once she emerged from it, which her body was ill-equipped to detoxify. Unraveling her health mystery was a long and intensive process, but one that ultimately led her to know that “getting well” depended on her ability and willingness to create a clean, green, non-toxic lifestyle.
In the process of creating this lifestyle, Candia developed a deeply intuitive understanding about the link between her health challenges and the Earth’s. And she recognized the vital importance of nurturing the relationships that she discovered governed her health, including her body, mind, heart, and soul, as well as the natural world and all living things within it.
The holistic health wisdom that blossomed in Candia’s being through the awakening of her eco-intelligence and through the adoption of knowledge that several pioneering healthcare practitioners offered her was not meant for her benefit alone, she realized. It was meant to be shared with humanity at large, in the form of a 21st-century eco-lifestyle curriculum whose inspirational, multi-faceted healing themes would support the “birth” of the Eco-Mentor within her, as well as those she was destined to serve.
BORN TO LIVE GREEN -Awakening My Heart’s Wisdom to the Path of Eco-Intelligent Living, Learning, Healing & Mentoring
Candia Lea Cole’s Born to Live Green is part memoir, part manifesto, and part eco-education handbook. Through her personal journey of battling environmental illness, she uncovers a deeper calling to live in harmony with the Earth and to mentor others in eco-intelligent living. The book follows her transformation from a teenager struggling with unexplained health issues to an advocate for sustainable living. She intertwines her own experiences with a broader message: our personal well-being is directly connected to the well-being of the planet. It’s a deeply personal and, at times, a poetic call to action for those ready to embrace a greener, more mindful way of life.
Cole doesn’t sugarcoat her experiences with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and chemical sensitivities. Instead, she lays them bare, allowing readers to step into her shoes. Her description of missing her high school graduation due to illness was heartbreaking. It wasn’t just about missing a party; it was about losing a rite of passage, a moment of celebration that every teenager looks forward to. That level of personal storytelling makes her journey compelling. She connects the dots between her health issues and environmental toxins, arguing that our modern world is making us sick. And frankly, it’s hard to disagree with her. The way she describes factory-farmed meat, chemical-laden foods, and the toxic household products we use daily makes you rethink your choices immediately. Her excitement about visiting a local food co-op for the first time was charming, it felt like a child discovering a hidden treasure. And the time she spent living off the land in a rural township was amusing, if not a testament to her hardiness in the face of hardships. I appreciated that Cole doesn’t just preach; she walks the walk. Her detailed descriptions of learning to detoxify her lifestyle, adopting whole foods, and engaging in sustainable practices are inspiring.
The book’s second half shifts from memoir to mentorship. It invites her readers to witness her process of becoming an Eco-Mentor. She uses birthing metaphors to describe this process, such as “conception”, “labor”, “birth” and “postpartum blues.” Conception describes the spark of life she felt when she realized her new “life calling” –the calling to educate young people about eco-intelligent living. “Labor” describes the path that she paved to create an eco-leadership event for teens and young adults. “Birth” describes the eco-lifestyle curriculum that evolved from her work with young people, and it introduces the six principles of eco-intelligent living that a spiritual vision revealed to her. “Postpartum Blues” describes Candia’s “dark night of the soul”, an experience resulting from exhaustion, that found her disabled. Her disability, we learn, forced her to retreat from the “upper world” and descend into the “lower world”, a place that she describes as “the womb” of Mother Earth. In this womb, she finds herself “holding space” for the birth of a new earth and discovers the role that endurance plays in shaping a healer and feminine leader.
What truly stood out for me was her belief that healing the planet starts with healing ourselves. She ties personal wellness to planetary wellness in a way that feels intuitive and urgent. At times, her passion borders on overwhelming (because personal and planetary healing can be an intensive process), but in a world where environmental activism often feels clinical and data-driven, her deeply personal approach is refreshing.
Born to Live Green is an intimate, heartfelt book that blends personal narrative with a powerful environmental message. She presents a hopeful vision of a world where people reconnect with nature and make conscious, sustainable choices. Her view of alternative education and self-directed learning is especially thought-provoking, it invites you to question how traditional education often stifles eco-awareness rather than nurtures it. The book is best suited for readers who are drawn to holistic wellness, eco-conscious living, and personal transformation. If you want a story that weaves together environmental awareness, self-healing, and a call to action, it’s a meaningful and inspiring read. Cole’s voice is passionate, urgent, and deeply personal, making this book a thought-provoking journey rather than just another guide to green living.
Pages: 257 | ASIN : B0BHQBPK5S
Anatomy Of A Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Anatomy of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit provides a moving and meticulously comprehensive account of one man’s harrowing journey through the complexities of Florida’s legal system and medical malpractice. Written by a passionate and eloquent narrator, the book details the tragic circumstances leading to his wife’s untimely death and the protracted legal battle that ensued. The author’s vivid descriptions and raw emotions immerse readers in his intimate and poignant world.
The story takes readers on a captivating journey through the sequence of events that culminated in his wife’s premature death, from the initial fall to the subsequent misdiagnosis. By employing a personal narrative approach, the legal intricacies are effectively humanized, highlighting the severe personal costs associated with medical negligence. Throughout the book, the author skillfully intertwines personal anecdotes with complex legal terminology. The concluding chapters provide a sobering reflection on Florida’s sovereign immunity rules and the state’s flawed healthcare system. His desperation and resolve to inform the public resonate deeply with readers, prompting them to consider the broader implications of these legal protections. Readers witness the author’s evolution from initial shock and grief to advocacy and strategic efforts to navigate the legal system. Each chapter is meticulously detailed with personal reflections, court documents, and medical records that bolster the narrative. One of the book’s strengths is its call for systemic change. Beyond his personal loss, the author’s commitment to justice is evident in his persistent efforts to highlight the shortcomings of sovereign immunity legislation through op-eds and letters to the editor. This advocacy elevates the book from a personal story to a powerful plea for legal and healthcare system reform.
Anatomy of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit is an engaging and impactful read that serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity. The author’s ability to blend a deeply moving personal story with intricate legal issues makes this book both profoundly touching and educational. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the human cost of medical malpractice and the challenges of seeking justice in a system fraught with legal obstacles.
Pages: 241 | ASIN : B0D3LS966L
Challenging the Paradigm
What Happened?: What Mental Health is Really About introduces readers to deeply moving tales of patients who have journeyed through tumultuous challenges and experienced remarkable recoveries. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wanted to challenge the prevailing ‘what’s wrong with you?’ paradigm that dominates psychiatry and psychology. Having just retired I think I wanted to ‘fire a parting shot’ at my profession.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
The book had been in my head for a while and with Covid occuring it was a great time to write! Apart from looking up the odd reference I knew most of the research supporting my position and most of the book is in fact case studies so they were more about recall than research. I spent about three months at a friend’s house by the ocean writing the book, with absolutely nothing to do but write.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
Only one, get it done.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from What Happened?
I hope readers will ponder whether how we currently respond to mental health problems is the best response. I believe we have over medicalised and misunderstood the very nature of mental health.
But what if this is a hazardous and flawed paradigm? What if psychiatrists are inherently unable to reliably diagnose what ails you? Or, despite the listing of over 250 ‘mental illnesses’ in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, what if there are only eight different types of interventions available to treat this myriad of different ‘mental illnesses?’
Furthermore, what if you take pills that change your brain biochemistry, but the biological basis of all the purported ‘mental illnesses’ are unknown?
Could there be an alternative? And just maybe, are we being asked the wrong question?
With over 40 years as a practicing psychologist and educator, Dr. Bill Saunders takes us on an open, honest, heartfelt and sometimes confronting journey of human experience. In his book, Bill challenges some of the ‘truths’ we know about mental health, sharing real stories that will make you laugh and cry, and sometimes leave you in shock!
So, if you want to know what Mental Health is really about this is the book to read.
What Happened?
Mental health, a frequently discussed yet deeply misunderstood subject, is expertly explained by Dr. Bill Saunders in his book What Happened?: What Mental Health is Really About. With an academic background preceding his illustrious 40-year career in psychotherapy, Dr. Saunders deftly unpacks intricate topics ranging from the nuances of antidepressants to the impacts of childhood trauma.
The book introduces readers to deeply moving tales of patients who have journeyed through tumultuous challenges and experienced remarkable recoveries. These stories not only illuminate the resilience of the human spirit but also underscore the depths to which trauma can scar an individual.
One of the book’s most salient discussions is the deep and often devastating aftermath of childhood trauma. It underscores the tragic reality that a significant number of victims grappling with the shadows of their past do not receive the requisite support or intervention. The narrative brings to light the sometimes inadvertent negligence by caregivers, emphasizing the dire importance of attentiveness to a child’s emotional well-being to prevent unspeakable tragedies.
Dr. Saunders transcends the conventional therapist-client relationship, forming deep connections with his patients, guiding them through their healing journeys, and championing their pursuit of happiness. His insights provide invaluable lessons on human behavior, shedding light on the complexities and potentials inherent in the realm of psychology. This work challenged and reshaped many of my preconceived notions regarding mental health.
For anyone drawn to the intricate worlds of psychology, psychotherapy, and mental wellness, What Happened?: What Mental Health is Really About by Dr. Bill Saunders promises to be a compelling and enlightening exploration.
Pages: 235 | ASIN : B0946T6XVP
Nurse Florence®, What is Arthritis?
Nurse Florence®, What is Arthritis? by Michael Dow, offers a captivating and educational reading experience that is sure to intrigue young minds, fostering a genuine interest in scientific exploration. The narrative follows Jean, Condi, and Sonia as they engage in an enlightening conversation about their science class when serendipitously, they encounter Nurse Florence in the cafeteria. Curious to understand arthritis and its impact on our bones, the girls turn to Nurse Florence for answers. With great expertise and compassion, Nurse Florence delves into the complexities of arthritis, shedding light on its effects, various treatment approaches, and the demographics most prone to this condition.
Author Dow once again delivers a thought-provoking and highly enlightening literary work. The series succeeds in stimulating young readers to inquire about the intricacies of the human body, demonstrating that science can be both enjoyable and intriguing. Despite its concise length, the book effortlessly imparts a wealth of knowledge. While some vocabulary may prove challenging for younger readers, the author mitigates this concern by including a comprehensive glossary at the book’s conclusion, accompanied by a pronunciation guide at the beginning. Furthermore, the deliberate choice to portray the main characters as girls is commendable, as it addresses the underrepresentation of women in the scientific field.
The illustrations in the book possess a remarkable artistic quality, adding aesthetic appeal to the overall reading experience. The wealth of information provided by Nurse Florence is genuinely fascinating, leaving readers like myself craving further exploration of arthritis. The Nurse Florence series serves as an ideal entry point for young readers, gently nudging them into the fascinating world of science. Undoubtedly, this book would be a valuable addition to educational institutions and libraries alike, inspiring young minds and fostering a love for scientific inquiry. I eagerly anticipate the forthcoming installments in this exceptional series.
Pages: 117 | ISBN : 1312775211
Nurse Florence®, What is Atrial Fibrillation?
What is Atrial Fibrillation? This question is asked by students in this edition of the Nurse Florence series. A group of students see the school nurse at lunch and ask if they can sit with her; once they are all settled, Nurse Florence asks what they want to learn about today. One girl says that a family friend has just been diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation and wants to know what that means. This leads to an in-depth discussion about what one is, how it can be caused, what this means for the person with it and things that can be done to prevent getting one. The girls learn a lot of science and medical terminology and have a great discussion on things to do to keep one’s body healthy.
Nurse Florence®, What is Atrial Fibrillation? written by Michael Dow, is written about a fictional nurse, but all the information in the story is based on facts. Dow uses correct medical terminology to explain things, and while this may be daunting at first, there is a glossary to look up the term. As an adult, I learned a great deal from this book, so I am positive that this would benefit children interested in science and medicine. The illustrations done by Lorie Brooker are done in colored pencil drawings. This allows younger children to look at things like blood pumping through the heart without being too graphic for sensitive readers. It is a great way to introduce these concepts in an approachable manner.
For children with an interest in medicine or teachers wanting to expand students’ interest in STEM, Nurse Florence®, What is Atrial Fibrillation? is a fantastic book to introduce to kids. This easy-to-follow children’s book teaches readers about A-fib and helps them understand how it is diagnosed, how it occurs, and what can be done to treat and prevent it.
Pages: 119 | ISBN : 1329376684
LITERARY TITAN 