Publisher: Gotham Books
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 09/11/2012
ISBN-13: 9781592407330
ISBN-10: 1592407331

It might be an exaggeration to say that everyone hates to be vulnerable -- but not much of one. Defining vulnerability as "exposure, uncertainty, and emotional risk," author Brené Brown (who forthrightly admits to hating vulnerability) encourages readers to embrace their vulnerabilities, explaining that traits typically regarded as weaknesses are actually ways to test your courage and live a bigger life. Offering conclusions from 12 years of research supplemented by stories from her own life, Brown writes of the rewards one can receive when one dares greatly -- a fuller life, more meaningful connections. Give it a try if you're considering ways to renovate your life.

Table of Contents  

Publisher: Riverhead Books
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 10/25/2012
ISBN-13: 9781594488061
ISBN-10: 1594488061

Referring to friends as the "comfort food of life," author Julie Klam examines friendship in all its modern varieties -- whether online or in person -- and explores how to keep friends despite intimidating challenges (Is she jealous of your success? Do you hate her boyfriend?) and busy schedules. But she also reveals what it takes to make and keep lasting friendships -- and how important it is to not take your friendships for granted. Featuring self-deprecating and "often flat-out hilarious" (Kirkus Reviews) anecdotes from her own relationships, this book on friendships is a "rollicking must-read" (People).

Publisher: Bloomsbury Press
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 09/18/2012
ISBN-13: 9781608198368
ISBN-10: 1608198367

If ever you've dealt with doctors' bills, spent time in a hospital, or wrangled with your medical insurance provider, no doubt you've been frustrated, confused, or downright angry -- either over the bills, an incorrect diagnosis, or a medical error. Author Marty Makary, a surgeon and health policy specialist, believes that health care needs to change for the better and advocates for more transparent, democratic, and safer healthcare practices to keep patients better informed -- and hold poorly performing doctors and flawed systems accountable. You'll definitely want to read this "galvanizing book" (Kirkus Reviews) if you enjoyed Atul Gawande's bestselling The Checklist Manifesto.

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Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 09/18/2012
ISBN-13: 9780312658977
ISBN-10: 0312658974

Many of you reading this may be struggling with stretch marks, weight gain, exhaustion, and other baby blues -- and comparing yourself to moms like Gwyneth Paltrow or Angelina Jolie. But very few of you are likely to have the personal chefs, nannies, and personal trainers that Hollywood's elite have access to. Never fear -- in this simple, straightforward book, Tinsel Town insider Janice Min reveals celebrity moms' secrets for appearing fashionable throughout pregnancy, losing baby weight quickly, and looking younger and better after the baby's arrived. Told with candor and humor, this invaluable book not only offers self-improvement advice but will also help you readjust your expectations of what's actually normal for a postpartum body.

First Chapter  

Publisher: Sterling
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 01/04/2011
ISBN-13: 9781402776632
ISBN-10: 1402776632

For readers interested in an evidence-based guide to the healing qualities of spices, this may be a winner. Looking into the healing properties of 50 spices, author Bharat Aggarwal explains how they can treat specific health problems and boost immunity against common diseases through incorporation into a healthy diet. Each spice has a chapter dedicated to it; part history lesson, part biology lesson, each also includes not only a recipe but explanations of how to shop for and store the spice as well as how to use it in conjunction with other spices. 

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Publisher: Avery
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 04/03/2012
ISBN-13: 9781583334522
ISBN-10: 1583334521

Though this book was first published in 2002, the 2nd edition (published in 2012) has been thoroughly revised and updated. Divided into three parts, it's a comprehensive and practical guide to herbal medicine that first details the basic principles. The second part covers more than 150 ailments, organized alphabetically, along with their corresponding herbal remedies (ranging from the familiar, like ginseng, to the less so, like khella). The healing properties of these remedies are explained, as are the ways in which different herbs can be combined. The last section deals primarily with various kinds of herbal and alternative therapies, like ointments, sitz baths, and aromatherapy.

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Publisher: National Geographic
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 05/17/2011
ISBN-13: 9781426207112
ISBN-10: 1426207115

Authors and hosts of the popular radio show The People's Pharmacy, Joe and Terry Graedon here offer a guide to healing foods and home remedies for common ailments, backed up by research (where available) into why these alternative remedies work. Organized as a Q&A session, albeit alphabetically by ailment, it's both encyclopedic and easy to skim, browse, or use as a reference manual, thanks to a helpful index. The Graedons also offer a dozen recipes for food they consider beneficial for preventing illness and maintaining maximum health.

First Chapter  Table of Contents  

Publisher: National Geographic
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 03/06/2012
ISBN-13: 9781426207006
ISBN-10: 142620700X

Written by a team composed of a science writer, an herbalist, and two physicians, this resource covers 72 healing plants alphabetically, providing both medical uses and a brief history (as well as sketches and photos). While their introduction covers instructions on how to use medicinal herbs safely, and each plant's section includes side effects, the real focus is on when -- and how -- to use medicinal plants effectively. A "must-read for anyone interested in the judicious use of herbal alternatives to prescription medications," says Booklist.

First Chapter  Table of Contents  

Publisher: Collins
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 03/01/2007
ISBN-13: 9780061120299
ISBN-10: 0061120294

Not yet ready to go full herbal healing? This handy guide brings conventional and alternative medicine together, integrating those disparate approaches to treat 200 common illnesses. With experts from both sides of the divide, editor Victor Sierpina has created a home reference guide that draws on five disciplines (conventional medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, and herbalism) to offer, for each ailment, five practice-specific treatments that usually agree or complement each other. Though there are some disagreements, there is enough information to let the reader make informed judgments.