My last "serious" book report is about a book that has really opened my mind, but isn't a title that automatically jumps out for the arthritis crowd.

Written by a doctor diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, the author was treated -- only to have his cancer return -- and now he lives with it as a chronic disease.  He describes how he began to do serious research about his illness, and found very specific ways to involve his mind and body in healing.

What captivated me is that what he studied had as much to do with arthritis as it does with cancer. He approaches the disease from the perspective of inflammation and autoimmune susceptibility and what he proposes is as relevant to those with RA as it is for someone who wants to avoid a cancer recurrence.

Dr. Servan-Schreiber titles his book, Anti-Cancer:  A New Way of Life  (Kindle Edition), and his intent is to inspire all of us to take our immune systems seriously.  He is almost evangelical in his approach to the simple building blocks of food, exercise, our environment, and our mental habits -- all things we emphasize on the CJ site!

What is added in this book is a raft of specific scientific studies that support his prescription for healthy living.  He looks at how our traditional Western diet aggravates inflammation and suggests what to avoid.  Many of you with RA already steer clear of wheat, or nightshades, or sugar, but he outlines why these foods create an inner physical environment that encourages inflamed cells, and he demonstrates scientifically why this is so.

He is just as compelling (and encouraging) talking about exercise and how easy it can be to do just a little -- and the big difference it can make for our health.

The most portable of his lessons though is the one that shows the connection between stress and inflammation.  He looks at how stress affects us biochemically -- and he includes the ways we stress ourselves by the thinking we practice and the emotions we allow.

He talks about the "Type C" personality -- the one who is always avoiding making waves, and becoming more and more passive about their own wants and desires.  His final chapter describes some of the recent science about learning to change -- attitudes, behaviors, and even healing some history.

It is possible for the Type C's to begin to claim some space and get free of old baggage.

That is a road to better health.

You don't need to have cancer -- or even arthritis -- to appreciate the wisdom of this book.  Dr. Servan-Schreiber is very generous with his own story, and invites you to think about his science, and feel your way into a better stronger way of life.  I recommend this enthusiastically and hope it offers you some practical information as you work on your own healing.

To send Dr. Laurie your thoughts:

• add a comment below
• or e-mail her by clicking here
  
  

Thanks for your responses to my last book review.  I am continuing the theme this week with another new book that came across my desk, The Empowered Patient by Dr. Julia A. Hallisy (Bold Spirit Press, 2009).

Dr. Hallisy had a very ill child.  Her daughter was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma and she battled malignant tumors for over 10 years.  This heartbreaking history gave Hallisy and her husband an inside look at being a consumer in the American medical system.

It was not an encouraging picture.

As a result, Hallisy decided to write a book to share what she learned about the dangers of American medicine -- particularly inside hospitals -- and how consumers could become educated and take charge where it matters most.

Her message echoes what we teach (and preach!) on the CreakyJoints site -- that you have to be in charge of your healthcare.  But because of the errors and missteps that she observed, Hallisy takes our core message even further.

She has practical advice and has scouted out some of the places where medical errors can and do occur.  There is a chapter on infection -- of real importance to anyone with an autoimmune disease who has to be in the hospital.

Another chapter describes hospital protocol, including the designations of hospital personnel and what that title means.  Who knows the hierarchy of the hospital staff -- whether a surgical resident has more or less education and experience than a fellow or a third year resident?  She has a handy chart to help you navigate the "doctor chain of command."

She includes action steps to avoid medication errors, keep track of your own medical files and tests, and how to ask hard questions (and what those questions should be).

Two of her chapters deal with second opinions, and how to make a complaint and communicate about concerns.  Those are tricky issues, and there isn't a lot of how-to advice or encouragement to step into that sensitive terrain.

This author is candid, and she really delivers the "empowering" message of her title.

As we in the CreakyJoints community know, health care is a team sport.  (One of Seth's favorite sayings!)  It is the partner, friend or family member who helps to navigate these difficult places with the patient.

This book is written as much for those on your team as it is for the person with the illness. In fact, it seemed to me it was more important for the one who is not in the bed to read and absorb as much of this information as they can.  It may be too overwhelming to try to stand up for what you need from a horizontal position -- especially when you're in pain or recovering from anesthesia!

So get the book for the teammate, or better yet, read it together and make joint notes on what is most important for your situation.

I hope you never need this book -- but it is a great "just in case" resource.  And for those of us who are already dealing with a slew of medical concerns, Hallisy's advice may be just in time.

To send Dr. Laurie your thoughts:

• add a comment below
• or e-mail her by clicking here
  
  

Summer always seems like reading time.  Days are longer and schedules (at least in theory) are looser, so there is time and space to catch up on reading.  This is probably a holdover from my school days, but I still like the feeling.

In that spirit I want to recommend a book that came my way.  Rosalind Joffe and I met at an event last month, and she gave me a copy of her book, Women, Work, and Autoimmune Disease:  Keep Working Girlfriend!  (Rosalind Joffe and Joan Friedlander.  NY:  Demos Health, 2008.  demoshealth.com )

Ms. Joffe is an executive coach, and founded a coaching and career practice site cicoach.com to help others with chronic illnesses and workplace issues.  Along the way she co-authored this great book.  In it, she outlines some of the major issues that confront anyone who wants to work -- or questions when they are newly diagnosed whether they should work.

Joffe begins with her premise that working is good.  Not only for money, or insurance, but in order to get the more ephemeral feelings -- like being competent and making a contribution.  Her argument -- and it's a persuasive one -- is that working has many positive side effects that can contribute to health and well-being.

But Joffe also knows there is work, and there is work.  She guides readers through the difficult maze of sorting out the right kind of work, and the right workplace.  She helps the reader think about disclosing their illness and the pros and cons of such a decision.

Her chapters go more deeply into some issues -- asking readers to define success for themselves and to look with clear eyes at decisions they need to make.

Joffe is practical and no-nonsense about the realities of the workplace, but her tone is empathetic.  After all, she has the insight of someone who has "walked the talk."

The most valuable story Joffe shares is that you are not alone.  The dilemmas of working when you live with a chronic illness are not just yours to figure out -- many many people (and not just women!) live with these questions and challenges.

We are more knowledgeable when we are willing to share strategies, pitfalls, and triumphs.  We are more successful then, too.

While Joffe's book is aimed toward women (because that is her experience), what she writes about also applies to men -- so you guys can also benefit from many of her pragmatic suggestions.

If you are just beginning the journey, or if you are wondering about what your next steps are in the world of work, this book is a great resource.

Let me know what you think.  And if you have any suggestions for my summer list, please pass them on!

To send Dr. Laurie your thoughts:

• add a comment below
• or e-mail her by clicking here