Blog Archives
Status Quo Thinking Is Harming Your Health
In Status Quo Thinking is Harming Your Health: A Physician’s Final Plea, Dr. Sarah Hallberg, a medical doctor, researcher, and TED Talk presenter known for her impactful obesity studies at Indiana University Health, combines her extensive academic background in exercise science and kinesiology with her medical expertise. This unique blend of knowledge forms the foundation of her thesis, which emphasizes the critical role of exercise and low-carbohydrate diets in preventing and managing diabetes and other serious health conditions.
Dr. Hallberg’s book presents a thorough exploration of the American obesity crisis, shedding light on its alarming statistics and the often resulting type 2 diabetes and other related comorbidities. Her work stands out for its detailed examination of how these health issues disproportionately affect different racial, heritage, and socioeconomic groups, particularly underscoring the challenges faced by those in lower socioeconomic brackets who often lack access to adequate healthcare and health education.
The narrative is enriched by Dr. Hallberg’s personal journey, from her academic endeavors to her roles as a physician, researcher, mother, and wife. Her holistic approach to healthcare, which she believes should encompass medical facts, effective execution, and empathetic understanding, is evident throughout the book. This approach is not just theoretical but is also infused with practical guidance for leading a healthier lifestyle and preventing obesity-related diseases.
Dr. Hallberg’s deep compassion and commitment to improving public health are palpable, lending a sense of urgency to her call for individuals to take proactive steps toward their own health and well-being. Her story is not just one of professional achievement but also of personal growth, leaving readers inspired by her dedication to making a lasting impact on healthcare.
Status Quo Thinking is Harming Your Health is a compelling and insightful read that offers a blend of personal narrative, rigorous research, and practical advice. It serves as a testament to Dr. Hallberg’s impactful legacy in the field of healthcare.
Pages: 263 | ASIN: B0CYBWXQ89
Why You’re Sick and How to Get Well: Revealing Everything Western Medicine Isn’t Telling You
Why You’re Sick and How to Get Well, by Teresa A. Bruni, is an enlightening journey through the realm of holistic healing, bridging the gap between traditional medicine and alternative therapies. The author unveils the intricate web of factors contributing to our well-being, from the food we eat to the thoughts we nurture, making it an essential read for anyone curious about the less-trodden paths of health and wellness.
I think one of the book’s most compelling features is its deep dive into the mind-body connection, a topic I feel is often glossed over in conventional health literature. The author’s engaging writing style makes complex concepts like emotional well-being and stress management both accessible and relatable. The personal anecdotes scattered throughout the book not only humanize the science but also add a layer of authenticity and relatability. While I enjoyed the book, I felt that, at times, the narrative offers up a particular brand of optimism about the efficacy of alternative therapies which might not resonate with the more skeptically inclined readers.
The chapter on diet and nutrition stands out for its practicality and depth. Here, the author goes beyond the usual ‘eat your greens’ advice, providing a nuanced understanding of how our food choices impact our health on a cellular level. The book also does a stellar job of breaking down complex nutritional information. Similarly, the sections on mindfulness and mental health are thoroughly researched and thoughtfully presented.
The practical tips and strategies offered in the book are its true strength, transforming it from a mere repository of knowledge to a manual for real-life application. This pragmatic approach, coupled with the inclusion of personal stories, makes the book informative and incredibly motivating.
Why You’re Sick and How to Get Well is a valuable resource for those embarking on a journey to better health, especially for readers who appreciate a blend of science and personal experience in their reading. Its holistic approach to health and well-being makes it an ideal read for individuals seeking to take control of their health, those curious about alternative therapies, and anyone in between who believes in the power of integrating mind, body, and spirit in the pursuit of wellness.
Pages: 271 | ASIN : B0CV5Y1NC1
Inspire a Whole New Generation
Nurse Florence, What is Multiple Sclerosis? follows a young girl with a cousin who has MS and goes to her favorite school nurse to learn more about the condition. Why was this an important topic for you to write on?
The Nurse Florence® series will address all diseases, so this was eventually going to be written. The illustrator said MS affects her family, so we decided to go ahead and do this book with Angel. I try to assign topics to illustrators which affect them personally so that there is more motivation and inspiration for them while completing the illustrations.
Your book offers a comprehensive yet accessible exploration of multiple sclerosis, covering its definition, impact, and symptoms. What is the most important thing you want young readers to know about living with Multiple Sclerosis?
We attempt to be very thorough with every disease book in the Nurse Florence series so that the disease book will be the only needed book by a family to purchase in order to inform and educate all family members. With every book I write, I also get educated about something I did not know. From my research, I found out that an increase in body temperature can trigger an MS episode. Also, people with low levels of vitamin D have an increased risk to develop the disease, so this stresses the importance of people eating a balanced diet so that they get all of their vitamins and minerals they need for a healthy life.
As an author, what has been your favorite memory or experience in sharing the Nurse Florence® series with children?
At the Tucson Festival of Books in March 2023, we had our first fan come up to the table. The mom walked over with her child and told her, “Look there’s Nurse Florence!” After talking with them, they have been checking out every Nurse Florence® title they could get from the local library. We hope to inspire a whole new generation of kids into the health science professions.
Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing?
My wife, Perla. She believes completely in the project and has allowed me to get the family into some debt to help launch the series. She is also the Latin American Spanish translator for the series. I could not do this without her love and support. I’m a lucky man!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | YouTube | Harvard Bookstore | Amazon
What to Expect and How to Prepare for Your Surgery: A Patient’s Guide to a More Informed Surgical Experience
What to Expect and How to Prepare for Your Surgery, by Fei Zheng-Ward, is a practical and thorough resource for individuals facing surgery. This book stands out for its comprehensive coverage of the entire surgical process, providing readers with detailed explanations, practical advice, and a reassuring tone. Zheng-Ward equips readers with the necessary knowledge to approach their surgical journey confidently.
A particularly notable section of the book is its exploration of anesthesia. Zheng-Ward offers a clear and concise overview, tracing the development of anesthesia from its early beginnings to its current uses. The author’s explanation of various levels of anesthesia, from minimal sedation to general anesthesia, effectively demystifies this critical aspect of surgery. This helps readers understand what to expect regarding consciousness and bodily functions during their procedure.
Additionally, the breakdown of types of anesthesia, including general, sedation, local, and regional, is informative, guiding patients through what to anticipate for each kind. The strength of the book lies in its ability to address all potential questions a patient might have about surgery, thus empowering them to engage in informed discussions with their healthcare providers. Their sense of control as well as their agency in the surgical process are enhanced.
Zheng-Ward’s book is comprehensive, covering practical aspects such as what personal items to bring for a hospital stay. This attention to detail reflects the author’s commitment to ensuring that readers feel well-prepared and supported. Zheng-Ward avoids overwhelming the reader with technical jargon, instead offering definitions and examples that make the content accessible, even to those with limited medical knowledge. The conversational tone of the writing, combined with relatable analogies, aids in simplifying complex concepts, making them more approachable and less daunting.
What to Expect and How to Prepare for Your Surgery is a valuable guide for anyone preparing for surgery. It empowers patients with practical tips and advice, presented in a straightforward, accessible manner. Whether you are undergoing surgery for the first time or seeking to deepen your understanding of the process, Fei Zheng-Ward’s guide is an excellent resource.
Pages: 62 | ASIN : B0CRQ8Y9W7
Goodbye, Dry Eye!
In the genre of medical literature, few books manage to bridge the divide between professional expertise and everyday understanding. Goodbye, Dry Eye! achieves just this, offering an enlightening dive into the often-misunderstood world of dry eye disease (DED). While many associate dry eyes with mere discomfort, Dr. Shilpi Pradhan, a distinguished board-certified ophthalmologist with a specialization in DED delves deeper, shedding light on its multifaceted nature.
Drawing from her personal battle with dry eyes and a rich tapestry of professional experiences, Dr. Pradhan expertly navigates the landscape of DED. She emphasizes the widespread nature of this ailment, underscoring the urgency for effective remedies. Not stopping at DED, the book ventures into associated conditions, such as blepharitis and neurotrophic keratitis, to name a few.
Written with exceptional clarity, Dr. Pradhan’s narrative style is both engaging and instructive. She is particularly adept at demystifying complex ophthalmologic concepts, using everyday analogies—like the comparison of fluctuating vision in DED to a windshield wiper—to make her points relatable. The systematic presentation of the material, coupled with firsthand patient accounts, lends a personal touch, ensuring readers easily connect with the content.
Goodbye, Dry Eye! stands out in the medical nonfiction genre for its comprehensive coverage of the eye’s anatomy and the pivotal role inflammation plays in DED, marking a leap forward in our understanding. Beyond the afflicted, this tome serves as an invaluable resource for eye care professionals eager to deepen their grasp on this subject.
Goodbye, Dry Eye!, by Dr. Shilpi Pradhan, is an illuminating guide, artfully blending medical intricacies with accessible explanations. Whether you’re a curious reader or a seasoned ophthalmologist, this book promises a wealth of knowledge and insight into the world of dry eye disease.
Pages: 125 | ISBN : 978-1961549043
Behind The Curtain: Remarkable Stories of What Really Happens in Medicine
Behind The Curtain: Remarkable Stories of What Really Happens in Medicine is a deeply impactful anthology of various stories from a diverse set of healthcare workers. Compiled by Ashley Hannani, this book is made up of raw, emotional experiences that exhibit the colossal role healthcare workers play in our society– the lives they touch and the toll it takes on them. Each author talks about a defining experience of their career that shaped them into who they are today.
The book paints an almost unrecognizable picture of medicine– with popular TV shows and movies romanticizing hospital heroism and striking headlines glorifying injuries and excitement. Through these profoundly personal experiences, the authors aim to give the readers a glimpse into what reality looks like behind the curtain of the hospital. This book illuminates the mysteries and magic of medicine. The authors come from diverse backgrounds with different specializations, from neurosurgeons and gynecologists to pediatricians and ER nurses. Through these stories, these inspiring individuals share their stories with the readers and the lessons they learned along the way. The different stories talk about how healthcare workers deal with death and loss, the patients they connect with, and how these moments impact them. Some experiences are heart-wrenching, some are inspiring, and others leave you feeling a whirlwind of emotions.
This is an exceptional anthology that I highly recommend. Some of the authors talk directly to the readers, especially ones who are medical students and new doctors. They encourage them to keep going, aiming to show them that there is a light at the end of the long tunnel. Most authors get vulnerable about their struggles, especially the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affected the healthcare world. It truly makes one grateful for the immense work doctors and nurses put in and their bravery that saves lives every day.
Pages: 235
Connecting With Fellow Stroke Survivors
Emerging From the Dark is a collection of inspirational stories and interviews from stroke survivors and their caregivers, including your own journey and moving illustrations. Why was this such an important book for you to write?
When I was writing my first book, A Cry in the Dark, it was coming from a place of anger and needing to express what I was going through. I never thought I would continue writing, but the warm reception the book received brought many new people into my life. I found myself connecting with fellow stroke survivors and caregivers in the community – each with their unique stories, struggles, and triumphs. Their stories resonated with me and fuelled my motivation to continue writing. It was no longer just a continuation of my own story, I wanted to pay tribute to the strength and determination of those who have also faced the challenges of stroke.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
While many might assume that writing these stories would be the most challenging part, the true test of my determination was in crafting the illustrations with my hand affected by the stroke. Initially, I thought about getting a professional illustrator to make the pages look beautiful. I wanted the book to be really attractive to readers, with carefully handwritten words and captivating artwork. But then I went back to what my doctor said, as well as how my hand drawn illustrations made the first book special, and decided to take on the challenge again. Making those illustrations turned into a daily test of my patience, but when it was all done, I felt really accomplished by what I had achieved.
Can you tell us a little about the unique illustrations featured throughout your book?
These illustrations are like snapshots of my emotions and represent how I feel on different days. They’re messy and sometimes don’t make a lot of sense, but I don’t think they’re unique to me alone. Everyone goes through similar emotions in their lives. Whether it’s happiness, sadness, uncertainty or strength, we all experience these at different times. I suspect that readers also found something special in the imperfections, in seeing words and pictures that were the honest product of someone on the path to recovery after stroke. It was definitely a very personal experience for me to portray my thoughts that way.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently in the process of finishing my next book, Strength in Motion: Dancing through Stroke Recovery and hope to release it at the end of the year. This book incorporates expert insights with my ongoing journey, and it’s about the essential role that exercise plays in stroke rehabilitation. Through the many lessons I’ve learnt, I hope to empower stroke survivors to become proactive participants on their own recovery journeys, as well as initiate conversations on how we can better support those affected by stroke.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Emerging From the Dark: Stroke…The Untold Stories is an unusual book on several counts. Its format is full of artistic creation vastly different from a typical book. Splashed on practically every page are unique, diverse illustrations from the author, and the typeface of text varies a number of times, sometimes simply etched out in pen by the author.
While some pages have complete narratives, others provide isolated thoughts and “free form” ideas to advance the impact. The subjects are not professional authors, so their comments might appear raw but indeed very real. Even Ang himself sprinkles thoughts and emotions generously throughout the interviews, helping to frame the situations and their accompanying confusion.
It’s hard to imagine what the subjects have gone through. Ang’s work truly brings out their fears and frustrations. But it also conveys a sense of purpose to recalibrate lives, be productive, fit in and find inner peace.
So many people remain in the dark about this all-too-common medical condition. Ang hopes his work can serve as a powerful tool for emotional recovery and inspiration for readers as well as the book’s fellow contributors. “Through this book,” says Ang, “we hope to make a difference — so people can see that no one needs to be alone in their struggles to navigate everyday life after experiencing a stroke. Strokes impact countless lives, taking cherished ones from us. My mission is to stress readiness for life’s challenges and the resilience to surmount them. This book embodies that message, hoping to reach everyone with its key lesson.”
Emerging from the Dark, has garnered a plethora of esteemed awards, including the illustrious Firebird Book Award for 2023, a top honor in the Non-Fiction category at the Hollywood Book Festival, and a coveted prize in the Short Stories category of the Global Book Awards. In addition to these accolades, the work has been named as a finalist for an array of distinguished recognitions, such as the Book of the Year Awards in the True Story category, the Global Book Awards for Non-Fiction, the Paris Book Festival in the Biography/Autobiography section, and the transformational memoirs category at the BookFest Book Awards.
Story of Hope and Perseverance
From Trophy Wife to Cosmetic Surgeon shares your story of leaving an oppressive marriage, juggling a family, and deciding to pursue your dreams of going to medical school and becoming a leader in cosmetic surgery. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I have heard so many patient stories over the last 20-plus years of despair and abuse. I get told all the time that I can’t relate to their suffering. One day, I realized that I would like to share my story of hope and perseverance with them. We all go through trials and self-doubt. I wanted people to realize that you are the only one who needs to believe in yourself. God certainly does. It’s important to keep pushing toward your dream and don’t look back.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
I wanted my daughter to believe in herself and her strength. She is an independent very successful woman navigating through life like I did. She often thanks me for being strong for her.
What is the one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
The feeling of ferociousness and tenacity. I would never give up no matter how bleak or impossible. I wanted to fight for my daughter and myself to have a better life, filled with peace. That is the life that we have now. One filled with peace. I just had to get to the other side of the fear, pain, and self-doubt.
Author Links: Website
In her 20 years in practice, people ask frequently, how did Dr. Victoria Johnson become so well-known? How has her company grown so considerably? From humble beginnings in a two-room shop at a shopping mall to running a two-story mega-medical spa with over 40,000 patients and a staff of twenty, the autobiography From Trophy Wife to Cosmetic Surgeon tells the fast-paced story of her rise out of emotional ashes to become a nationally acclaimed aesthetic medical doctor.
LITERARY TITAN 