Health Recent Picks

January 2008

The underlined title links will take you directly to our catalogue.
Some featured items are linked via a book cover to enable you to read more reviews.

Boys get anorexia too : coping with male eating disorders in the family, by Jenny Langley. (2006)
"Eating disorders are usually associated with females but there are an increasing number of males affected by anorexia and bulimia. Often there is a link between male eating disorders and athletic prowess, and the quest for physical perfection can result in damaging behaviours associated with diet, supplements and exercise. The author was shocked and horrified when her son developed anorexia at the age of twelve.... A much needed resource for other parents in similar situations, the book will also be of interest to people working in health centres, clinics and hospitals. It will also be invaluable for youth support groups, teachers and sports coaching staff, who are often the first to be aware of concerns about eating disorders in young men." (amazon).

Asperger syndrome, adolescence, and identity : looking beyond the label, by Harvey Molloy and Latika Vasil. (2004)
"How do teenagers with Asperger Syndrome view themselves and their own lives? This book is based on extensive interviews with adolescents diagnosed with AS. It includes six life stories, written in collaboration with the teenagers themselves. These present an authentic and fascinating look at the lives of the teenagers and how AS has shaped their growing identities. The stories provide the basis for a discussion of common themes and issues facing teenagers with AS. Asperger Syndrome, Adolescence, and Identity also questions the medicalized deficit approach to Asperger Syndrome and discusses the social repercussions of labeling teenagers as having AS." (book jacket)

Personal safety and self defence, by / Robert G. Ross. (2007)
"Everyone knows what it is like to feel unsafe or vulnerable. Personal Safety and Self Defence is the essential guide to raising your levels of awareness so that you are able to 'smell out' a potential incident and avoid it. From managing a bully or a conflict to protecting yourself against muggings and theft, this book will ensure your personal safety is covered in every aspect of your life. It also includes physical self defence techniques that are easy to recall, so you can put them into practice if you are ever in immediate danger." (amazon).

Master the art of running, by Malcolm Balk and Andrew Shields. (2006)
"... This book's ultimate aim is to help you enjoy to run - to enjoy the feeling of movement, to overcome inertia, to renew yourself and to boost energy as a result. The Art of Running is based on the proven principles of the Alexander Technique that encourage good body use and greater awareness of the way your body functions and moves. The technique teaches you how to release tension from you back and neck and how to run without suffering from injuries. The authors' perspective on the sport takes them into areas rarely touched on in conventional manuals. Instead of placing importance on speed, targets and goals it emphasises the importance of the way you run so you can transform you training and performance." (amazon)

Food addiction : healing day by day : daily affirmations, by Kay Sheppard. (2003)
" Since beginning her own recovery from food addiction in 1977, Sheppard has helped thousands of people live healthy lives by following her comprehensive program. The crux the program's success is the Recovery Food Plan, which effectively eliminates cravings for sugar, carbohydrates, caffeine and personal trigger foods, which not only add unwanted pounds, they literally wreak havoc in the body. Food Addiction: Healing Day by Day appropriately begins on January 1, a time when most people are looking to shed unwanted holiday pounds and begin a healthier lifestyle. Each daily entry includes an affirmation for readers to focus on as well as a point of reflection, and offers an insightful message from Sheppard as someone who's "been there", helping them to: Overcome emotional barriers to recovery Avoid people who sabotage recovery efforts Recognize and prevent relapse Stay motivated, especially during challenging times At the end of each week, Sheppard poses thought-provoking questions to ensure that readers stay honest to the plan, keep their emotions in check, and avoid destructive behaviors. Sprinkled throughout are helpful "stress busters" and real-world tips to help readers achieve success." (amazon)

Journeys back to health : life stories from New Zealand and Australia, by Philip Dowling. (c2007) “With great sensitivity and insight, Philip Dowling, head of Naturopathy at Wellpark College in Auckland interviews people who are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. He describes how their health has been restored using natural therapies. At the end of each chapter there is a summary of the successful diet and lifestyle changes adopted by each person." (book jacket)
Everybody's different : a positive approach to teaching about health, puberty, body image, nutrition, self-esteem and obesity prevention , by Jenny O'Dea. (2007)

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