Review of Under the Influence: A Guide to the Myths and Realities of Alcoholism (Mass Market Paperback)

I find the comments that the book is out of date sad, because the vast majority of alcoholism treatment programs as well as public opinion have not yet caught up to this book.
Milam advances several important concepts:
1. Alcoholism is a disease like diabetes. Psychology and morality play no role, except in the alcoholic's reaction emotionally to the consequences of the disease [hiding it, seeking help, etc.] If you think this view of alcoholism is completely accepted now, try telling your boss you are an alcoholic.
2. Milam then explains HOW alcoholism is a disease in fascinating detail. Alcoholics are not addicted to alcohol, but to a complex physical process that happens when they drink. Basically, the alcoholic's body reacts to the presence of alcohol in the body differently from that of a "normal" person, and no amount of counseling/threats/religious conversions can change that.
3. Alcoholics may not know when to save themselves, and may need help [he shoots down the "hitting bottom" myth]. Do you wait for a diabetic to go into a coma before you help them?
4. Treatment for the alcoholic must address the poor state of the alcoholic's health and nutrition. Alcoholic tremors, shaking, illusions, paranoia, etc. are caused by alcoholic malnutrition. Alcohol strips the body of water soluble vitamins, particularly the crucial B vitamins, and prevents the liver and other organs from repairing the body.
The one section of the book I don't agree with concerns the role of government/public agencies in alcoholism treatment. Milam expects too much of them. But that does not affect the brilliance of this book.
In the reviews here, there are some criticisms that Milam describes only "worst case" scenarios. That is not correct. He clearly describes all the stages of alcoholism, from the "I just want to have fun" stage to the lying in the gutter stage, and he recognizes that the disease progresses differently in people.
As an alcoholic who has been sober for twenty years, I can't recommend this book enough. It provides hard information, not moralizing.



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Review of 365 Health and Happiness Boosters (Paperback)

This little book is chock full of helpful suggestions
from the very "easy to get along with" author, MJ
Ryan.What I love the most about this book is
that Ms. Ryan offers such a variety of ideas AND
she shares ideas that DON'T work for her that
MAY be helpful to you.She doesn't make those
ideas WRONG, she simply says "I don't value
this but many do" such as Walking Meditation... and
she gripes about exercise yet asks you to do it
and maybe, then, she will feel energized to
exercise, too.

Some of my favorite suggestions include
creating a drawer of happinesss enhancers,
Call in Well (this is on my Son's birthday, May
6... it isn't a national holiday YET!).... Walking
Meditation... (I love walking meditation, works
wonders for me..... and is on August 19, my daughter
Emma's birthday).... and Dedicate this Day...
by sending positive loving feelings to someone
in need (this is on December 25, my daughter
Katherine's birthday.)

This book is a perfect one to use as a daily
companion, taking one day at a time - or for
a quick pick-me-up, thumb to any page
and apply what you learn.

Great stuff!

Product Description
Happiness begets happiness. When a person is happy, the feeling ripples out to others nearby. Research has shown that happiness also leads to better health. One-third of the population knows the secret to happiness - that it's an inside job, not contingent on possessions, status, or even life circumstances. Fortunately, the other two-thirds can learn to cultivate contentment. This book offers 365 concrete ways to experience more happiness. Many have to do with changing one's outlook and learning to lift one's spirit in the moment; others address everything from eating habits and interactions with others to sleeping patterns and taking nutritional supplements. Some of the tasks are lighthearted, others quite serious. They all will have a positive effect on mind, body, and spirit.

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Review of The Body Knows... How to Stay Young: Healthy-Aging Secrets from a Medical Intuitive (Paperback)

yes, staying young and alert is mostly up to us, and Carolyn Sutherland makes it clear that we are responsible and able to maintain vibrant health and vibrant mind as we age... by treating ourselves with the right food and attitude. Very clearly written, pleasant to use, it's a companion book definitely. Thanks Carolyn !
Emmeline Craig

Product Description

Is it possible to actually slow down the aging process? Health educator and medical intuitive Caroline Sutherland says yes; and when you look at this vital, energetic woman who's in her mid-60s, you can tell she has a few secrets that are worth sharing.

This is a book that certainly comes along at the right time: With much of the population moving into retirement age, and billions of dollars being spent annually on vitamins and anti-aging therapies, men and women are eagerly seeking healthy approaches during their later years.

Men and women are often wary about what might befall them as the numbers tick away. Fortunately, Caroline has answers for the chronic degenerative breakdown that leads to mobility issues, decrease in hearing and vision, osteoporosis, and arthritis-not to mention memory loss. With her expert wisdom and sparkling sense of humor, Caroline covers the four components of a vibrant-aging program, showing in the process that the body has a phenomenal capacity to repair.

This book is perfect for you if you want to live a long and vivacious life and fulfill your destiny!



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