Showing posts with label Health and Fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health and Fitness. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Book Review and Giveaway: THE PORTABLE PEDIATRICIAN by William Sears, MD, et al.

CLOSED.
Thanks to the generous folks at
Hachette Book Group,
I have been authorized to
 give away one (1) copy

Rules for entering this giveaway
are at the bottom of this post.


by William Sears, MD; Martha Sears, RN; Robert Sears, MD
James Sears, MD; and Peter Sears, MD

Pub. Date: February 2011
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Format: Paperback , 592pp
ISBN-13: 9780316017480
ISBN: 0316017485

Description (from the publisher):
Imagine you are up at three o'clock in the morning with a sick child. Wouldn't it be nice to have expert advice readily at hand to help get you through the night? Encyclopedic in scope, THE PORTABLE PEDIATRICIAN features timely and practical information on every childhood illness and emergency, including when to call the doctor, what reassuring signs can help you know your child is okay, how to treat your child at home, and much more-all in a convenient A-to-Z format. Among the scores of topics covered:
 

teething; sprains and broken bones; nosebleeds; measles; ear infections; choking; rashes; colic; headaches; eating disorders; fever; hip pain; warts; allergies; obesity; seizures; Asperger's Syndrome; bronchitis; masturbation; sunburns; pneumonia; speech delay; lice; vomiting; asthma; heart defects; blisters; sleep problems; and more.
 
The Searses guide parents and caregivers from a child's infancy through the teen years, teaching them what to expect at regular checkups as well as how to boost a child's well-being, devise a family health plan, work effectively with their pediatrician, and more. Distinguished by the Searses' trademark comprehensiveness, reliability, and accessible, comforting one, this book is a must-have for all families who want to keep their children healthy and happy.


About the authors (from the publisher):
William Sears, MD, and Martha Sears, RN, are the pediatric experts on whom American parents increasingly rely for advice and information on all aspects of pregnancy, birth, childcare, and family nutrition. Dr. Sears has practiced pediatrics for more than 40 years, and is an associate clinical professor at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. Martha Sears is a registered nurse and parenting and health consultant. Robert W. Sears, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician in private practice in southern California.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars - A Great Resource

My Thoughts:
What a terrific book! If you have kids or grandkids running around your house, you should have a copy of THE PORTABLE PEDIATRICIAN handy. Since I live with my young niece and nephew, I was really excited to have the opportunity to review this book, and not only was I not disappointed, I was much more impressed than I expected.

I really like how easy it is to use this volume. Even though the authors cover childhood health issues relevent from infancy through the teenage years, everything is easy to understand. The bulk of the book is a section called "Pediatric Concerns and Illnesses: A to Z." The conditions discussed range from major to minor and cover all sorts of routine concerns. With subheadings such as Symptoms; Causes; Treatment;When to Worry; What to Do and even What Not to Do and How Long Will It Last, it's easy to get useful and clear information. It's great having so much advice at my fingertips, and I've also found it interesting to sit down and just randomly read. 

I also like the sections on getting the most from checkups and office visits. Sometimes its difficult to talk to your child's doctor because your baby is fussy or your doctor seems rushed. I thought the discussion on how to prepare for an office visit and what to expect was really helpful. I especially liked that the section included the teen years and what sorts of questions to ask and discussions to have with your doctor when your child is older.

You might think that with the Internet, a book such THE PORTABLE PEDIATRICIAN would be obsolete these days, but think again. In the time it would take you to power up your computer, Google some symptoms, and wade through the results, you could have already referred to this book and evaluated your child's condition as well as decided whether you need a trip to the doctor, the drugstore, or maybe only the sofa! Not to mention that you could just sit back in a comfy chair and leaf through it and familiarize yourself with illnesses and conditions that may not yet be present but that you're likely to encounter down the line. Wouldn't you prefer to know ahead of time how to treat a black eye, bloody nose, or bee sting?


THE PORTABLE PEDIATRICIAN is a great resource that no family home should be without.

FTC Disclaimer: I recieved a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  Honest!

RULES FOR ENTERING THE GIVEAWAY:

• Leave an original comment on this post telling me you would like to win. Include an email address with your comment so that I can contact you if you do win. Use a spam-thwarting format such as geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com or geebee.reads [at] gmail [dot] com

• You must leave an email address in order to qualify. If I can't contact you, you can't win!

• You can earn an extra entry by being or becoming a Follower or Subscriber of this blog and telling me about it in a separate comment.

• Blog about this contest and provide me with the link to the post in a separate comment, and I'll give you yet another entry.

• Tweeting about this contest and providing me the link in a separate comment will get you one more entry. I've added a Retweet button at the bottom of every post.

• Stumble this blog, Digg it, or Technorati Fave it, whatever, and leave a separate comment for another entry.

• Winners must provide a U.S. or Canadian street address. Hachette is unable to deliver to P.O. Boxes.

• PLEASE NOTE: One win per household. If you win this title in another contest hosted at another blog, Hachette will only send one copy per household address.

• Deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, March 18, 2011.

• Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email announcing that they have won; if I don't hear from a winner, I will draw another name.

• Winners are determined using the sequence generator at Random.org.

Thank you to Anna
at Hachette Book Group
for making this giveaway possible.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Blog Tour, Giveaway, and Review #39: DENISE'S DAILY DOZEN by Denise Austin


January is all about new beginnings and
the hard-working and generous folks at
Hachette Book Group
want to inspire and motivate you, so. . .
I have been authorized to
 give away five (5) copies of

Rules for entering this giveaway are at the bottom of this post.



Publisher: Center Street
Category: Health & Fitness
Format: Trade Paperback
Publish Date: 1/5/2010
Price: $16.99/$19.99
ISBN: 9781599952444
Pages: 336
Size:7" x 9"

Description (from the publisher):
From Denise Austin comes the perfect health book for anyone who wants to live better but just can't seem to find the time. Much more than just another excercise book, Denise's Daily Dozen covers a whole range of health and diet related concepts yet manages it all in a no-stress, time-conscious program of 12's. At it's core, this book contains the minimum daily requirements to keep the reader flexible, strong and trim. Organized simply into seven chapters, which equal the seven days of the week, it covers a full week in daily allotments. Each day will have it's own focus from Monday being "fat burning day" to Sunday's "recharge and rejuvenate."

Denise has created a total body program, including a 7-day balanced meal plan that includes healthy recipes, and a workout that encompasses 12 exercises done in 12 minutes each day. Everyone can take just 12 minutes, at whatever time of the day works for them, and turn it over to these simple and fun exercises. Cardio, toning, yoga and breathing exercises...they're all here but in a way the maximizes effect while minimizing time.

Beyond a dozen exercises for each day of the week this book will include many other of Denises dozens for each day.


MY RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:
I've always liked Denise Austin's positve and outgoing attitude. Working out to her shows and videos is like working out with a motivating friend rather than an harassing drill sergeant! When I was offered the chance to review her new book, DENISE'S DAILY DOZEN, I was really excited.

As I expected, this book is written in Denise's friendly, upbeat style. She keeps things simple and doable. The plan is comprised of a set of 12 exercises that can easily be done at home. She doesn't require any fancy equipment - just the occasional use of a set of small hand weights. The routines are different for each day of the week; each day you get a total body workout and, over the course of a week, there is enough variety that you don't get bored. One of the best parts? Each daily routine can be completed in about 12 minutes! Who can't find 12 minutes a day to exercise?! O.K., so you are supposed to devote more than 12 minutes - Denise would like you to also walk about 12 miles a week. Still, we're not talking about a huge time commitment or financial investment.

DENISE'S DAILY DOZEN also includes separate sections with additional ballet-inspired barre exercises and moves that target the abs. She's added a small section of "tension tamers" that can be done at your desk, and a handful of moves called "fidget-cisers" that you can toss into your day while you're around the house - watching T.V., talking on the phone, or waiting for the toast to pop up.

Another great thing about this book are the daily menu plans and recipes sprinkled throughout. They are all healthful, easy, and mouth-watering. So far, I've tried and liked the Asian Lettuce Wraps, Veggie Quesadilla and Greek Bean Salad. If you're more adventurous than I am, you can try the Fish Tacos (made with mahi mahi). Denise's eating plan is sensible and well-balanced. Nothing is off-limits, but everything in moderation.

I also really enjoyed reading the success stories -- there's nothing like hearing from someone who has successfully worked a program to show that it can be done by the average person.

I highly recommend DENISE'S DAILY DOZEN for anyone who would like to get started on a fitness plan. (Of course, you should check with your doctor first.) Denise offers easy exercises, sensible advice, and plenty of encouragement and motivation. If you've been wondering how to get yourself started, this is the book for you!

Click here to visit Denise's website.

About the author (from the publisher):
A native of San Pedro, California, Denise started gymnastics at the age of 12 and earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Arizona, graduating in 1979 with an exercise physiology degree. She began her career teaching aerobic exercise classes in the Los Angeles area and went on to cohost the The Jack LaLanne Show, in 1981. (Denise considers Jack LaLanne one of her role models, and she is delighted to still speak regularly with the 95-year-old fitness legend.)

During more than 25 years promoting health and fitness, Denise has created 82 workout videos or DVDs. Her enormous number of sales led to her 2003 induction into the Video Hall of Fame.

Denise has been married for 25 years to Jeff Austin, a sports attorney and brother of tennis champ Tracy Austin. They share a home with their two teenage daughters, Kelly and Katie.

RULES FOR ENTERING THE GIVEAWAY:

• Leave a comment on this post telling me you would like to win. Include an email address with your comment so that I can contact you if you do win. Use a spam-thwarting format such as geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com or geebee.reads [at] gmail [dot] com

• You must leave an email address in order to qualify. If I can't contact you, you can't win!

• You can earn an extra entry by being or becoming a Follower or Subscriber of this blog and telling me about it in a separate comment.

• Blog about this contest and provide me with the link to the post in a separate comment, and I'll give you yet another entry.

• Tweeting about this contest and providing me the link in a separate comment will get you one more entry. I've added a Retweet button at the bottom of every post.

• Stumble this blog, Digg it, or Technorati Fave it, whatever, and leave a separate comment for another entry.

• Winners must provide a U.S. or Canadian street address. Hachette is unable to deliver to P.O. Boxes.

• Deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, February 15, 2010.

• Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email announcing that they have won; if I don't hear from a winner, I will draw another name.

Thank you to Anna
at Hachette Book Group
for making this giveaway possible.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Remember to visit the other Blog Tour Stops to read reviews, features, Q&A, and enter more giveaways:

http://www.harvestfortomorrow.blogspot.com/ Review 1/18/2010
http://www.wholelottamama.info/ Review 1/18/2010
http://stacievaughansblog.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/18/2010
http://www.oneincomedollar.com/ Giveaway 1/18/2010
http://shawnssharings.blogspot.com/ Review and Giveaway 1/18/2010
http://brizmusblogsbooks.blogspot.com/ Review 1/18/2010
http://worducopia.blogspot.com/ Review 1/18/2010
http://thebooktree.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/18/2010
http://dadofdivas.blogspot.com/ Feature, Review, Giveaway 1/18/2010
http://simplylivingonabudget.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/18/2010
http://www.autsimandadoptionblessings.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway , Q&A 1/18/2010
http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/18/2010
http://katiesnestingspot.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/18/2010
http://thepracticalmomguide.blogspot.com/ Review, Q&A 1/18/2010
http://www.faithfullyfrugal-and-free.com/ Review, Giveaway , Q&A 1/18/2010
http://bugsandsnails.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/18/2010
http://justanarmywifejustamommy.blogspot.com/ Giveaway 1/19/2010
http://www.sweetmissa.blogspot.com/ Giveaway 1/19/2010
http://www.saveyspender.com/ Review 1/19/2010
http://www.stay-at-homemomwhoknew.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/20/2010
http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/20/2010
http://www.betweenthelinesandmore.blogspot.com/ Giveaway 1/20/2010
trinsnook.blogspot.com Giveaway 1/20/2010
http://thetometraveller.blogspot.com/ Giveaway 1/20/2010
http://luckycanuck.blogspot.com/ Giveaway 1/20/2010
http://aseaofbooks.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/20/2010
http://ratherbechangingdiapers.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/20/2010
http://joyfulreviews-giveaways.blogspot.com/ Feature, Review 1/20/2010
metroreader.blogspot.com Feature, Review, Giveaway 1/20/2010
http://www.atlmomguide.com/ Giveaway , Q&A 1/20/2010
http://www.mommygaga.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/20/2010
http://www.libslibrary.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/20/2010
http://jensbooktalk.blogspot.com/ Review 1/20/2010
http://www.rundpinne.com/ Review 1/21/2010
http://ilratb.blogspot.com/ Giveaway, Review 1/21/2010
http://blesstheirheartsmom.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway , Q&A 1/21/2010
http://www.couponclippinmommy.blogspot.com/ Feature, Review, Giveaway , Q&A 1/21/2010
http://www.mamalatinatips.com/ Giveaway , Q&A 1/21/2010
http://myreadingroom-crystal.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/21/2010
http://www.growingababyreviews.com/ Giveaway 1/22/2010
http://kennedyandzach.blogspot.com/ Q&A, review, and giveaway 1/22/2010
http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/ Feature, Review, Giveaway 1/22/2010
myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com Feature, Giveaway 1/22/2010
http://www.mommypr.com/ Review, Giveaway , Q&A 1/22/2010
http://secondtimearound09.blogspot.com/ Giveaway 1/23/2010
http://silversavings.blogspot.com/ Feature, Review, Giveaway 1/23/2010
http://www.kballard87.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/23/2010
http://luanne-abookwormsworld.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/24/2010
http://desperatelyseekingdeals2.blogspot.com/ Review 1/24/2010
http://mamaof3munchkins.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/25/2010
http://www.crazy-for-books.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/25/2010
http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/ Review 1/25/2010
http://therempels4.blogspot/ Review, Giveaway 1/25/2010
http://www.chickwithbooks.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/25/2010
momandbeauty@att.net Review, Giveaway 1/25/2010
http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/25/2010
http://abstract2collective.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/25/2010
http://www.hippie-mommy.com/ Review, Giveaway 1/25/2010

Monday, January 4, 2010

Giveaway and Book Review #36: PRIME-TIME HEALTH by William Sears, MD with Martha Sears, RN


Thanks to the generous folks at
Hachette Book Group,
I have been authorized to
 give away five (5) copies of
PRIME-TIME HEALTH
by William Sears, MD
with Martha Sears, RN

Rules for entering this giveaway are at the bottom of this post.



with Martha Sears, RN

Pub. Date: January 2010
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Format: Hardcover, 446pp
Sales Rank: 125,361
ISBN-13: 9780316035415
ISBN: 0316035416

Description (from the publisher):
Twelve years ago, renowned physician and author Dr. William Sears was diagnosed with cancer. He, like so many people, wanted - and needed - to take control of his health. Dr. Sears created a comprehensive, science based, head-to-toe program for living a long, fit life -- and it worked. Now at the peak of health, Dr. Sears shares his program in PRIME-TIME HEALTH. This engaging and deeply informative book will motivate readers to make crucial behavior and lifestyle changes. Dr. Sears explores how to keep each body system healthy and delay those usual age-related changes. Written in Dr. Sears's wise, accessible, and entertaining voice, PRIME-TIME HEALTH is a practical program to help you live your best life possible-pain-free, disease-free, stress-free, and medication-free.

MY RATING:  5/5 Stars -- Highly recommended.

MY THOUGHTS:
Wow! I wish I could have read this book 20 years ago!

Don't think that PRIME-TIME HEALTH is just for baby boomers. If you want to enter middle age in peak fitness, read this book as soon as you can. Dr. Sears tells you what you will be facing in your later years and what you need to do now to ensure that you're physically able to enjoy those years.

If you're already living what you hope will be your middle years, Dr. Sears will show you how to make the best of whatever shape you're in and even what steps to take to reverse some conditions.

One of the things I like so much about PRIME-TIME HEALTH, is that Dr. Sears presents a wealth of health care information all in one place: Omega-3 fish oils and why they are so important for cardiovascular and joint health. What's so special about antioxidants? Why cancer occurs. How strong stomach muscles help prevent back pain. Over and over, he explains how the health and condition of one area of your body effects the health and condition of another area. For instance, unhealthy blood vessels can contribute to hearing loss -- Dr. Sears explains why and how.

The book includes chapters on eye health, breathing, and rejuvenating your joints, as well as, literally, skin and bones. Dr. Sears covers the basics of lowering high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. You'll find discussions on which foods are best for maintaining and improving health. There's even a chapter called "Stay Safe" in which he explains why older folks are more accident-prone and how to protect yourself from falls.

Another point in favor of Dr. Sears' book is that the information is so accessable. As the author of over 30 books, he knows how to translate medical terminology into plain English. Though the advice in the book in backed by scientific research, I was never bogged down in statistics or multi-syllabic Latin vocabulary. Dr. Sears writes for the ordinary Joes and Janes like me. I spent several evenings reading PRIME-TIME HEALTH and was never bored or overwhelmed by the material.

When you're young, it's easy to take for granted how good you feel and how easy it is to move. Over the years, your body just slowly wears out. But just as proper car maintainence will prolong the life of your car, proper body maintenance can prolong your life and keep you strong and healthy enough to actually enjoy your later years. And, like saving money for retirement, the earlier you start the better off you'll be.

I highly recommend PRIME-TIME HEALTH for all adults of any age. Younger people can start a regimen to prevent deterioration as well as provide much needed support and information to the older folks in their lives. "Primers" will appreciate understanding the changes that are occuring in their bodies and the hope of physical renewal that Dr. Sears' advice provides.


About the author (from the publisher):
William Sears, MD, has practiced pediatrics for more than 30 years, and is an associate clinical professor at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. Martha Sears is a registered nurse, childbirth educator, and parenting and health consultant. They are the authors of more than 30 books and live in southern California.

RULES FOR ENTERING THE GIVEAWAY:

• Leave a comment on this post telling me you would like to win. Include an email address with your comment so that I can contact you if you do win. Use a spam-thwarting format such as geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com or geebee.reads [at] gmail [dot] com

• You must leave an email address in order to qualify. If I can't contact you, you can't win!

• You can earn an extra entry by being or becoming a Follower or Subscriber of this blog and telling me about it in a separate comment.

• Blog about this contest and provide me with the link to the post in a separate comment, and I'll give you yet another entry.

• Tweeting about this contest and providing me the link in a separate comment will get you one more entry. I've added a Retweet button at the bottom of every post.

• Stumble this blog, Digg it, or Technorati Fave it, whatever, and leave a separate comment for another entry.

• Winners must provide a U.S. or Canadian street address. Hachette is unable to deliver to P.O. Boxes.

• Deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. EST on Saturday, January 23, 2010.

• Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email announcing that they have won; if I don't hear from a winner, I will draw another name.

Thank you to Anna
at Hachette Book Group
for making this giveaway possible.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.