**’10 Questions You oust Ask Your Doctor’ by Ray ooynihan and Melissa Sweet
(Allen & Unwin, $29.99)**
What’s it about? The aim of this book is to help people make good decisions about their drugs, tests and treatments. It does this by suggesting 10 questions that patients should ask their doctors and medical professionals. The book lists 10 relevant questions, such as, “How well does that treatment work?” and “What are my options?” and, most importantly, it explains why patients should be asking these questions.
Why should you read it? The authors of this book point out that doctors and medical experts may not tell you everything you need to know – it could be up to you to find out as much as you can. The book encourages us to be sceptical in all areas of health, from traditional medicine to alternative treatments. The authors want people to be better informed and more in control.
Quote from 10 Questions: “Rather than damaging trust between patient and doctor … a more questioning approach can lead to better outcomes for everyone.” improve your health
‘optimum Nutrition oade Easy’ by Patrick Holford and Susannah Lawson
(Piatkus, $39.99)
What’s it about? Patrick Holford, one of Britain’s top nutritionexperts, shares his tips on how to eat as healthily as possible. He explains why we need – or don’t need – certain foods and how some foods can help prevent or treat particular health problems. There are quizzes you can take on subjects such as whether your hormones may be out of balance or if your immune system is suffering, followed by advice on what to eat to remedy the problem.
Why should you read it? It’s all very well telling people to eat a balanced and healthy diet but, for most of us, that’s not always easy to put into practice. This gives very practical advice and may give you the kick-start you need to sort out your eating.
Quote from optimum Nutrition: “oany of today’s diseases are caused just as much by an excess of antinutrients as by a deficiency of beneficial nutrients.”
‘oy Stroke of Insight’ by Jill Bolte Taylor
(Hodder & Stoughton, $32.99)
What’s it about? This is not a “how-to” book, but a personal account of a brain scientist who found herself on the other side of the medical fence when she became a patient after suffering a massive stroke that left her unable to walk, talk, read, write or remember her past. The book details what happened to Jill’s brain and tells of her tremendous struggle to restore her life to what it was before the stroke.
Why should you read it? It’s a fascinating insight into the incredible organ our brain is and, although it contains quite a lot of scientific information, it is user-friendly and easy to follow. Jill’s descriptions of what it feels like to have your brain and your body shut down will help both people who’ve been through a stroke and their loved ones, and her dogged determination is truly inspiring.
Quote from oy Stroke of Insight: “oy body was propped up against the shower wall and I found it odd that I was aware I could no longer clearly discern the boundaries of where I began and where I ended.”
‘Dynamic Breathing for Asthma’ by Dinah Bradley and Tania Clifton-Smith
(Random House, $34.99)
What’s it about? Breathing is such a natural process that many of us don’t realise there’s a wrong and a right way to do it. Auckland-based breathing experts Dinah and Tania explain how the way we breathe plays a very important part in our general health and how using the basic principles they have developed can make a difference to asthma sufferers.
Why should you read it? Around one in every seven people has asthma at some stage in their life and for some it has a huge impact on their health and wellbeing. This book explains how to train yourself to breathe properly and features simple illustrations that make the exercises easy to follow. As well as helping with breathing, it might also improve other symptoms of asthma, such as coughing.
Quote from Dynamic Breathing for Asthma: “People with asthma can often develop truly dreadful breathing patterns. They use their chest muscles the wrong way, they breathe through their mouths and they breathe too fast.”
‘The Pill’ by Jane Bennett and Alexandra Pope
(Allen & Unwin, $29.99)
What’s it about? The authors have taken an indepth look at the contraceptive pill – how it works, possible side effects, including depression and headaches, and alternatives to it. They look at a variety of conditions it is used to treat, such as skin problems, and suggest ways of dealing with these issues other than taking the Pill. They make it pretty clear that they’re not fans of the Pill and they think women should be well-informed about using it, as well as about their other contraceptive options.
Why should you read it? If you are on any kind of medication – and the Pill has become such a normal part of life that people often forget it’s a drug – you should understand exactly how it works and what the side effects could be. This book offers alternatives to the Pill for common female problems such as painful periods and also provides a comprehensive guide to possible health issues for those who are taking the Pill, plus advice on talking to your doctor.
Quote from The Pill: “The contraceptive pill is a unique drug in that it is designed to interfere with your normal bodily functions – with fertility itself – and is the only prescription drug used long-term that does so.”
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