Book Description

Widely acknowledged as the definitive reference source of its kind, Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases is back-in a new 6th Edition! Authored by a "who's who" of experts from around the world, this 2-volume set encompasses all that is currently known about the epidemiology, etiology, pathology, microbiology, immunology, and treatment of infectious agents. Completely revised and updated-and with a bold, new 4-color format-it is a complete, essential compendium of knowledge on this vast and complex subject. Now includes a bound-in CD-ROM containing all of the images from the book available for PowerPoint download. * Offers state-of-the-art guidelines for disease control and treatment * Covers disease by microbe and by clinical syndrome, making it easy to find any subject of interest. * Features complete coverage of all aspects of HIV and AIDS ... Read more

Book Description

A highly infectious, deadly virus from the central African rain forest suddenly appears in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. There is no cure. In a few days 90 percent of its victims are dead. A secret military SWAT team of soldiers and scientists is mobilized to stop the outbreak of this exotic "hot" virus. The Hot Zone tells this dramatic story, giving a hair-raising account of the
appearance of rare and lethal viruses and their "crashes" into the human race. Shocking, frightening, and impossible to ignore, The Hot Zone proves that truth really is scarier than fiction. ... Read more

Reviews (372)

A great account of close calls and tense trials with viruses
I think that Richard Preston deserves all five stars for this thrilling book on real life experiences with deadly Ebola Viruses. He took an accumulation of true stories and turned it into an interesting and spellbinding book that hardly seems true. This book is easy to follow, even though the whole is scientific. Preston balanced the scientific language and factuality with an interesting plot and rounded characters as in a fictional book. Preston went into painstaking details to turn the Reston operation and other experiments into lament terms that all readers might comprehend. His magnificent writing style also came through in his account of nurse Mayinga's journey through the city and how catastrophic the event actually might have been. I really enjoyed the amount of effort Preston put forth in describing what Ebola and Marburg actually do to the body, prior to and during death. Although the book was very good, I do think that Richard Preston might have left out the entire fourth part. It had no real influence on the situation at Kitum Cave or what the reader thought of Africa. With all things considered, I strongly advise this book be read by everyone and I will certainly recommend this book to everybody I know.

Entering the "Hot Zone"
It starts with a simple headache. Then maybe you get a nosebleed. After a few days, you know you are extremely sick. The lining of your stomach and the top layer of your tongue literally fall off. Your organs turn into mush. Excessive bleeding from every natural opening in your body occurs. And since your blood can't clot, the bleeding won't stop. Black vomit mixed with blood gushes from your mouth. Then, you die painfully with a mask-like expression on your face.

This doesn't even sound like it could exist, does it? Well it does. It is death by a virus known as Ebola. It is especially contagious in monkeys and can jump species over to humans.

The Hot Zone, by Richard Preston, describes outbreaks of this and other "hot" viruses in locations around the world, including a city near Washington, D.C. Virus experts in the Army need to unravel the Ebola mystery and try to protect the public from this vicious disease.

Preston has taken a true story and unveiled its horror. I couldn't believe how descriptive his writing is. If you want to read a true modern day thriller, then this is an awesome pick. I highly recommend it and am looking forward to reading more from Richard Preston.

Great Read!
After months of stuffy old British classics we read THE HOT ZONE by Richard Preston in my sophomore English class. What a breath of fresh air! The book reads like a novel, but is full of fascinating information about ebola. Whether you're a biology buff or just want a good beach read, this is a great book. I highly recommend this(...)

Good
This book happened to be my Physics book to read and i thought it would just be some people trying to track down this deadly virus. I thought it would all be fiction and i'd wright a report and get a good grade. Turns out, this book is fiction, one of the scariest books i've read, and one of the few books that at parts i couldn't put down!

Some parts didn't appeal to me as much as others (Thats why i give it a 4). I really liked the book and will encourage people to read it.

Cant put this down; master thriller story
This is one of the most exciting books you will ever read. And the scary thing is that the story is true. This page-turner will grip you from the onset and leave you will a chill down yor spine when you realize the nature of the world of virology.

Preston makes the story flow well from beginning to end. He makes feel like you are right in the middle of the story .. almost like you have a role to play. It wont take you long to read this book, and it is written in a comfortable style.

Anyone with an interest in viruses, microbiology, public health, or who just want a good reality thriller should read this book. You will not be disappointed! ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive, "how-to" resource offers step-by-step strategies for nearly every outpatient procedure that can be performed in an office, Designed for everyday practice, the outline format allows speedy reference while the detailed text and clear illustrations guide readers through each procedure. The new edition of this best-selling book features more than 80 new procedures and covers hot topics such as -- conscious sedation, burn treatment, tissue adhesives, candida treatment for warts, and aesthetic procedures including hair removal, Botox injection, micro dermabrasive, collageninjection, skin peels, and more. More detailed discussions of patient education and medical coding shed more light on these aspects of practice. New sturdy cover stands up to daily use. Plus, hundreds of new illustrations bring the topics to life. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A great office reference book..
As an internist starting out, I found this book invaluable to my patient practice. It is well organized and concise. It gives detailed and well illustrated instructions on the various procedures. It is divided into :
**Dermatology procedures (suture selection, bx, skin lesions, nail, abscess, acne, keloids, cryo etc)
**Anesthesia (local, topical, peripheral nerve blocks, trigger points)
**ENT
**Cardiovascular/REspiratory (art line, central line, Swan Ganz, intubation, pacing, PFT etc.)

**Urology (catherization
**Gyn
**OB
**pediatrics
**GI
**ortho (splinting, cast, dislocations, joint injections)
**Misc (abx prophylaxis, informed concent, LP etc)

Each procedure section is further broken down into clinical indications, contrditions, equipment needed, procedure process, tecnique, complication and CPT/billing code. It is a comprehensive book that contains more than you need to know--which is always good. Well worth the expense.

A must have for providers of family or adult primary care
Illustrations are the pinnacle of the book. It is well organized and the procedures are clearly spelled out in a step-wise manner.

Concise explinations, drawing, addresses, and billing codes!
This is a great book to boost your office procedure skills and cut down on referrals for minor procedures. I found the book helpful with short and concise explinations, diagrams, and addresses of manufactures of products medtioned. The billing codes are also helpful when training billing staff. Very comprehensive and well worth the cost! ... Read more

Book Description

No disease the world has ever known even remotely resembles the great influenza epidemic of 1918. Presumed to have begun when sick farm animals infected soldiers in Kansas, spreading and mutating into a lethal strain as troops carried it to Europe, it exploded across the world with unequaled ferocity and speed. It killed more people in twenty weeks than AIDS has killed in twenty years; it killed more people in a year than the plagues of the Middle Ages killed in a century. Victims bled from the ears and nose, turned blue from lack of oxygen, suffered aches that felt like bones being broken, and died. In the United States, where bodies were stacked without coffins on trucks, nearly seven times as many people died of influenza as in the First World War.

In his powerful new book, award-winning historian John M. Barry unfolds a tale that is magisterial in its breadth and in the depth of its research, and spellbinding as he weaves multiple narrative strands together. In this first great collision between science and epidemic disease, even as society approached collapse, a handful of heroic researchers stepped forward, risking their lives to confront this strange disease. Titans like William Welch at the newly formed Johns Hopkins Medical School and colleagues at Rockefeller University and others from around the country revolutionized American science and public health, and their work in this crisis led to crucial discoveries that we are still using and learning from today.

The Washington Post’s Jonathan Yardley said Barry’s last book can "change the way we think." The Great Influenza may also change the way we see the world. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

The Great Influenza: The American Experience
In The Great Influenza, John Barry has produced a massive and exhaustively researched description of one of the greatest disasters of human history. At least, from the American point of view. While there are a few glancing references to what was going on in the rest of the world, there is no serious discussion of any attempts to deal with the pandemic in other countries, even in other industrialized countries. On the other hand, Barry has chosen a very specific point of view: the transition of American medicine and medical training from folk wisdom to science. It's a compelling point on which to balance a long and exhaustive (there's that word again) study of how America and, specifically, American medicine confronted an epidemic in which people were dying faster than the technology of the time could handle, an epidemic in which society itself was nearly overwhelmed by death.

As other reviewers have noted, the book's weakness is a tendency towards melodrama, as in the far-too-often repeated tag line "This was influenza. Only influenza." After a while, you think to yourself, "Yes, we get it. Give it a rest."

On the other hand, the book has one of those quirky displays of real brilliance in the last two chapters in which Barry deals with how science is done well (in the case of Oswald Avery) or done poorly (in the case of Paul A. Lewis). These two chapters are so strong that they could stand on their own, and what they have to say about the process of scientific thought itself is fascinating. Avery's story is that of a man who was just relentessly focused, who kept digging deeper and deeper into a single issue until he discovered the source of heredity itself. Lewis's story, on the other hand, is that of a man who simply lost his way. Distracted by the need to administer an institute, the need constantly to raise money, to deal with the politics of science, the need to socialize and just plain hustle to support the work of others, Lewis lost the focus that Avery had and ending up flailing in a sea of theories and methodologies. In fact, if you don't read any other part of this book, read these two chapters.

There is no question about The Great Influenza being a monumental work. It's so good that you just have to overlook the bits of melodrama that pop up from time to time. The research is, well I obviously can't use "exhaustive" again, so let's say nearly encyclodedic. In fact, there's so much research, and so much documentation that Barry has used an odd method of footnoting. Instead of using footnote numbers that refer to the notes section at the end of the book, you have to turn to the notes section and find the specific page and text being referenced. Unfortunately, as a result you don't know while you're reading which bits have footnotes and which don't. I'd prefer actual footnote numbers. Ah, well. I'm sure it seemed like a good idea at the time.

In any case, Barry has produced a massive and important work of epidemiological history which is, at the same time, as readable as a thriller. In writing this review, I kept wavering between giving it four stars or five stars and finally decided on five based on the scope, the thoroughness, and what Aristotle would call the "point of attack," that is, the point at which the story really begins, which is, in this case, the birth of truly scientific medical education in America. All in all, it's a truly fascinating and immensely readable piece of history.

Sobering look at a deadly pandemic...
A book that recently caught my eye was one by John Barry titled The Great Influenza - The Epic Story Of The Deadliest Plague In History. Now, I generally have a phobia about needles, and have *never* received a flu vaccination, but I think that will change next year. This was scary stuff...

Barry details the Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918 in great detail. He starts by setting the stage of how American medicine was practiced at the end of the 19th century, and how there was little control or respect for the profession. And rightly so... Nearly anyone could call themselves a doctor and do nearly anything. But through the efforts of a few key people, John Hopkins university was formed to bring the medical education up to European standards. Most of this transformation was occuring when the flu pandemic started. This is where the book gets interesting... and frightening.

Because of World War 1, recruits were overcrowded into training facilities that were less than sanitary. When the flu first broke out in one of the army camps in the states, it was quickly transferred to other camps when soldiers transferred. From there, it easily jumped into major cities, decimating large numbers of people. And when these soldiers went overseas, the flu went with them. Being especially contagious, it swept the globe in short order and left, by some estimates, over 100 million dead. That is so hard to comprehend.

When you look at the struggle they had to even identify the cause of the illness, you understand how it could so easily run rampant. One would think that it couldn't happen today, but one would be wrong. SARS, AIDS... diseases that defy attempts to quickly identify the virus, and are resistant to attempts and efforts to treat them. It's not hard to imagine how a pandemic could start so much more quickly today due to the ease of worldwide travel.

Well worth reading to understand how precarious the general health of society could be...

Just the flu
Wow. The Great Influenza sort of blew me away. Like most people I've heard of the 1918 influenza, but also like most I've never actually read anything on the epidemic. My first introduction to the topic came as a young nurse working on a neurology ward where Parkinson's Disease was diagnosed and treated. At the time it was believed to have arisen as a late neurological response to that infection. For all I know they may still think so. During the swine flu epidemic and the controversy over whether the vaccine had caused a rise in the incidence of Guillian Barre, the so-called French polio, the 1918 flu was frequently mentioned. After reading Mr. Barry's book I can certainly see why.

What amazes me most about the pandemic of 1918 is not its virulence so much as its repercussions. It definitely occurred during the most inopportune time, almost proving Murphey's law that if anything can go wrong it will and at the worst possible time. Probably one of the most significant outcomes of the flu seems to have been the effect it had on the peace terms. One is left to wonder if Wilson had not been affected by the flu in so damaging a way and at so crucial a time, whether World War II could have been avoided. Moreover much is made of the nihilism of the 1920s, that lost generation between the two world wars. The young of the era seemed to have gone through a loss of innocence that is often attributed to the effects of the WWI experience and the death of the overconfident 19th century way of life. It seems to me that far more damage to the confidence of young adults was due to the effects of the influenza epidemic. Certainly Barry's discussion makes the character of the 1920s and 1930s much clearer to me.

The differential effect of the flu on the various age groups, suggests much about the effect of the virus on the immune system. Having had to manage patients with ARDS in ICU, most of them very young people like those in 1918, I can hardly imagine what it might have been like to be a nurse during a time prior to mechanical ventilation and sophisticated drug therapy. We lose ARDS patients with an unpleasant frequency even now. In 1918 I don't know how one could have helped even a single patient survive it. It had to have been appallingly painful to the staff, overworked as they were, even ill themselves as some were, to watch a patient die that way especially as the author points out again and again because so many of these patients were in the prime of life and had so much to live for yet. I certainly know what its effect has been on me over the years.

Although the author attempts to reassure the reader that although we may have another similar pandemic, the outcome will be less devastating because of our modern medical facilities and experience, I can't help but think of the Titanic! It couldn't sink, you know, because it was the product of the most modern and up to date technology of its time. Maybe MRSA (methacillin resistant staph aureus) and VRE (vanco resistant enterococci) will be our armageddon!

A serious and fascinating book. One every health care worker should read.

Dense with detail, full of melodrama
I read many reviews of this book, and finally had to buy it.
This is a book you can easily put down! Dense with detail and many fascinating characters, but ruined by the melodramatic style. Along the lines of: " Then suddenly, it struck with incredible force!" Not an actual quotation, but you get the idea.

Over and over again he uses this same device. It ultimately becomes tiresome. I'm about halfway through, and I have not picked it up in about 3 weeks.

Hold out for the (used) paperback!

a mesmerizing book
This has just become one of my favorite books. It is a compelling read, like a real-life Stephen King novel. But it's built around a lot more than just plot and character. It also gives you tremendous insight into how the body works, how viruses work, and how diseases interact with the environment--- and it makes clear that one of the most important elements of the environment is the political climate. This book tells you more about Woodrow Wilson than most history books on World War I. Finally, it's extraordinarily well-researched and accurate: a doctor-friend who is actually a pulmonary expert told me it not only gets things right, but taught him something. I think it's obvious by now I love this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Since its first publication in 1997, DR. BERNSTEIN'S DIABETES SOLUTION has become the treatment of choice in the medical field. His groundbreaking approach to diabetes care enables patients to take control of their disease and to live long and healthy lives by normalizing their blood sugar without the usual swings. Dr. Bernstein himself is living proof of the success of this method. In this revised and updated edition of his work, he provides an accessible, detailed guide to his revolutionary approach to regulating blood sugars and outlines his plan for preventing or reversing long-term complications of diabetes. He offers the most up-to-date information on new products, medications, and supplements, and explains the connection between obesity and adult-onset diabetes. Dr. Bernstein discusses breakthrough science and potential cures, and has added new methods for treating the disease, including new uses of medication and exercise approaches, as well as 40 new gourmet, low carbohydrate recipes in addition to the original 50. The only book to detail step-by-step methods for normalizing blood sugars in both Type I and Type II diabetes, DR. BERNSTEIN'S DIABETES SOLUTION will enable patients to take charge of their health and live longer, healthier lives. ... Read more

Reviews (96)

This book can save your life
I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes last month. My family physician gave me a prescription for oral medication and referred me to a diabetes counselor, who recommended the standard ADA diet. I didn't question this, but went to the grocery store and bought a bulging cartload of low-fat food. However, I was also given a glucometer and began testing my blood 6-8 times a day -- not because I was told to do so, but mostly out of curiosity. I immediately noticed that if I ate bread, cereal, fruit, etc., my blood sugar would rise substantially. It seemed abundantly clear, then, that it was best for me NOT to eat those foods. I modified my diet according to the changes I could plainly see in my own blood sugar, keeping my carb intake under 10 or so grams per meal. As an experiment, I also stopped taking my glucophage, just because it seemed that I was getting better results from dietary changes and exercise than I was from the medication. My average blood sugars continued to decline even without the drugs.

Soon after I started this self-made diet plan, a friend recommended Dr. Bernstein's book. I was amazed to see that his suggestions almost perfectly reflected what I had discovered on my own. The more I read the book, the more convinced I became that his system is the only thing that will work for me. There's also no doubt in my mind that it's the only way to try to undo existing damage and reverse the progressive nature of my disease.

The book is clear, detailed, and well-written. The chapters that describe the physiology of diabetes are especially thorough and well done. It's obvious Dr. Bernstein has a personal, intense interest in both the subject and in his patients. He's not just in it for a buck. I recommend this book to everyone with diabetes as well as to the friends and relatives who love them. It will definitely change your life.

This book saved my husband's life!!!
My husband was a somewhat overweight insulin-dependent diabetic for many, many years. Even with twice-daily insulin shots, he often had blood sugar numbers over 200. Then, by pure good fortune, he happened to meet the ghost writer of this book and discussed the biology of diabetes with him in great detail. Since beginning this very rigorous plan almost two years ago, he has completely stopped taking insulin! Recent blood and urine work-ups for a physical exam showed no signs of diabetes at all! His diabetes had gotten so bad that his feet still give him a lot of trouble, but, given time, even that is expected to improve. Bruce hates this diet--but, because he believes he'd be a blind amputee without it--or even a dead man by now--he loves it and follows it to the letter. His doctors are now also converts and have purchased their own copies of this book. Don't listen to the ADA; they say diabetics can eat moderate amounts of carbohydrates, but that is just plain wrong. Dr. Bernstein makes his logic crystal clear, and my husband is proof that he's right!

Good information from a dedicated individual
I'm a 41 year old male and have recently been diagnosed with pre-diabetes (whatever it is called), with diabetes running in the family, so to get up to speed on the subject I ordered a pile of books (12 of them) off Amazon including this one. I've been through them all and this one I found the best in its explanations of the various aspects of the condition, the various treatments, and many other relevant details.

Dr Bernstein was an engineer with type 1 diabetes and became a doctor to be able to help others with his experiences and findings; he conveys intimate and detailed knowledge about the condition and all its aspects, and generally impresses with the information he provides.

The diet is not exactly appetising plus its very time consuming to have to calculate food details all the time I guess (not having tried it and not hoping to have to try it for awhile), however I will always keep this book in my bookcase "just in case" - if I do get diabetes and complications occur, I will grab this book and give it a shot. Because it is more believable than most of the other stuff out there, for the reason that it comes from someone who found out all of this himself, then became living proof of his own theory.

I would buy this book initially for the descriptions of how diabetes works, how the treatments work and what the various dangers are, exercises provided, etc. - it is well worth its cost for this information alone. Secondly, the diet may come in handy in case of complications etc. and if other treatments don't work.

And Dr Bernstein does indeed answer the phone himself as another writer also mentioned - I called just before opening hours and sure enough got to talk to the man himself.

Great book
This is a common sense book. I am a type 1 diabetic and I highly recommend this book. I have read many other books on diabetes and keep up with the research that is done. Dr Bernstein is a also a diabetic, the book is about his quest to live a life without complications. Great low carb diet book.

Practical & effective
I saw Dr. Bernstein speak in 1998 and it completely changed the way I treat people with diabetes. Since that time, I have seen phenomenally better results. Though it is true the book is highly anecdotal, it is always right on in my experience. Dr. Bernstein is an incredibly humble and honorable person as well, a true critical thinker, who questions without belligerence for the truth about diabetes.

This book is a must for everyone who treats people with diabetes, and for everyone with diabetes. ... Read more

Book Description

Authored by the most respected clinicians and researchers in the field, THE METABOLIC AND MOLECULAR BASES OF INHERITED DISEASE, 8th Edition, is the undisputed authority on genetic inheritance.In its pages, you can explore what is currently known about every inherited disease known to exist. Here you can review genetic perspectives, basic concepts, how inherited diseases occur, diagnostic approaches, and the effects of hormones.You can research specific syndromes, or read about specific body systems affected by disease.No other reference even comes close to its authority and comprehensive scope!
* More than 50% totally new text and topics, with the remaining text totally written or updated to include the latest advances
* Expanded coverage of cancer - from six chapters to more than three dozen - advances your knowledge of this explosive disease state and cancer genetics
* New chapter on history of the inborn errors of metabolism
* New chapter on the impact of inherited disease on health
* New chapter on inherited diseases' response to treatment
* New chapters relating to newly cloned genes
* New insight on genetics' contribution to the understanding of complex traits and birth defects
* Expanded coverage of neurogenetics
* New information on comparative genomics and its relationship to the genome projects
* New sections and chapters on disorders of human somatic development
* Useful algorithms for diagnosing disorders of mitochondrial function and of mendelianclinical phenotypes ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Comprehensive heavyweight
This is a suitably vast book for a vast subject. It covers every aspect of the application of human genetics to medicine, and the reviews are not only an ideal introduction to a genetic disease, but are heavily referenced as well. This makes it ideal as a guide to the most recent literature on the subject. The introductory chapters are essential reading as well. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

An Excellent Resource
In preparation for a future career in genetic counselling, I asked for this volume on my 16th birthday. Admittedly, it is a strange request for a teenager, but it has proved to be a great resource of information. I'm now in a work-study program, and thanks in no small part to studying this book, I can hold my own in conversations about Kabuki, CHARGE or Waardenburg Syndromes.

I highly recommend this book for preprofessionals who are interested in pursuing a career in clinical medicine.

Superb Resource
This is the best book about congenital malformations available for general pediatricians. It is highly accessible and fairly easy to use. It really helps one put together a differential diagnosis for children with dysmorphic features. The price makes it a bargain that should be in every general pediatric clinic.

I do have one suggested improvement: This book is perfect for conversion into a searchable CD-ROM so that one could simply key in the list of features and get back a list of possible syndromes ranked by likelihood.

The Best
This is the best book about congenital malformations available for general pediatricians. It is highly accessible and fairly easy to use. It really helps one put together a differential diagnosis for children with dysmorphic features. The price makes it a bargain that should be in every general pediatric clinic.

I do have one suggested improvement: This book is perfect for conversion into a searchable CD-ROM so that one could simply key in the list of features and get back a list of possible syndromes ranked by likelihood.

Outstanding, easily assimilated clinical reference
This is a really outstanding clinical reference. It is of particular relevance to genetic counselors, pediatric specialists, dermatologists, and other clinicians who frequently encounter patients with congenital anomalies and uncommon syndromes. Although the clinical photos are in black and white (no color), they are well chosen to illustrate the features of the (many) syndromes discussed. I have seen several texts that cover roughly the same subject matter as Smith's Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation; however, none are as comprehensive or nearly as easy to use. I expect this text will replace MEDLINE as my initial go-to reference when I need to get info regarding patients with uncommon congenital syndromes. This text would be a bargain at twice the price! I recommend it most highly ... Read more

Book Description

When you "OUTSMART" your cancer, only the cancer cells die - not your healthy cells!In writing "Outsmart Your Cancer: Alternative Non-Toxic Treatments That Work", Tanya Harter Pierce interviewed scores of people who outsmarted their cancer and went on to live normal healthy lives.Read their real-life stories and how they completely recovered from lung, breast, prostate, colon, kidney, brain, bone, pancreatic, lymphatic, and other types of cancer using non-toxic approaches!In an easy-to-understand conversational style, this book also explains the sound scientific reasons for the successes of alternative cancer therapies. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Best cancer book I have seen!
If you or someone you know has cancer, this is the book to start with.Easy-to-read look at:causes, twelve effective, alternative non-toxic "treatments", emotional and nutritional issues, and a closer look at the real ineffectiveness and dangers of conventional treatments(surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy). Includes contact information for obtaining each alternative treatment.
Main part of book is 384 pages followed by Recommended Resources, Five Big Environmental Cancer Triggers, References, and a thorough Index.
Alternatives are thoroughly explained and range from simple dietary methods to special supplements to clinics to go to for a range of treatments. These alternatives vary greatly in their difficulty and frequency of use and in their cost, but all are less expensive than conventional treatments both monetarily and in the toll they take on your body.These amazingly effectivealternatives not only Outsmart Your Cancer but work by improving your overall health!

A Bright Light in a Sea of Darkness
For those of us who are fcing the challenge of cancer for the first time "Outsmart Your Cancer" is that bright light that separates factual information from hype and marketing.
It took months and more internet surfing than I care to remember, plus aggressively marketed literature, promising "valuable information", before I found this book, which is the only book on alternative, non-toxic, cancer treatments that is thoroughly and well researched, objective and written in plain, layman's language.
I strongly urge everyone facing this deadly disease to read this book in order to come to an informed decision relative to the appropriate treatment for your circumstances.Buy it now!

The Best Book on Cancer Alternatives I've Read
If you have cancer, or are helping a loved one with cancer, you will want to read this book!I have read numerous books and websites on alternative cancer approaches and none so far has compared to Outsmart Your Cancer.Every chapter amazed me with new insights.But what really thrilled me was finding out about some truly powerful alternative treatments - such as the formula called "Protocel"-- that I had NEVER heard about before, but that could rid the body of cancer even in many late-stage, metastasized cases.Other treatments, like "Cesium High pH Therapy", were ones I had already read about but had only learned of the original form of it.It was quite impressive to read that a much more assimilable and effective way to do administer cesium has recently come out and involves the little-known use of liquid ionic minerals.Plus, the chapter on "How to Evaluate Conventional Methods" gave me more practical information for weighing the pros and cons of mainstream cancer treatments than I'd come across before - including 8 very helpful questions to ask your oncologist about the treatment he or she is recommending. I believe that anyone who reads this book will be amazed at how much they learn and will feel they have treatment options at their fingertips that are effective, obtainable, and affordable!

The Best Way to Save Yourself from Your Cancer
You have just been diagnosed with CANCER! The big "C." It's not someone else - it's YOU, and if you just sit there stunned, you will DIE!! - Miserably! You must do something, so you start asking around to find out your options.

You have only two:
1. Let someone else decide what is best for you and give in to chemo, surgery, radiation, and all the accompanying medical horrors.
2. Take matters into your own hands, and save yourself.

If you decide to take charge of your own life, start by reading Outsmart Your Cancer.It is the result of some amazing research by Tanya Harter Pierce.This information would take years to find for yourself.The book is complete with information on all the major alternative non-toxic cancer treatments available today.

This is a wonderful book.I am still alive today because I used one of the approaches described in Outsmart Your Cancer - I chose the Protocel treatment because it is backed by solid science, and it is a therapy compatible with my busy lifestyle.The book has an excellent description of Protocel, its history, how to take it, and how-and-why it works.

Almost 18 months ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer (the tumor was larger than a big, solid walnut).Hoping to ward-off surgery, I went for chemotherapy.It was a lethal combination of three of the most deadly concoctions ever devised by humans.The side-effects are unspeakable.

After 5 months of chemo, there was little change in the tumor, and radical surgery was indicated.Somehow death was not as scary as the radical surgery, radiation, and more chemo.I refused.Two days later I read Tanya Harter Pierce's description of Protocel, and I got my life back.

If only I had read Outsmart Your Cancer before the chemo, I would have saved myself a lot of physical pain and heartache.Instead, thanks to Tanya's book and Protocel, I have not needed surgery and the tumor is almost gone.I still have my energy (I am doing pilates and taking tango lessons).

Outsmart Your Cancer tells you all you need to know to evaluate these different treatments and how to get back to health.It is a real bargain, - complete with contact information, names, and numbers.You will find your time and money was well-spent.
--Liz M ... Read more

Book Description

"Challem’s new book hits a home run — with the latest research on what to eat and take to defeat our real number-one cause of health problems — inflammation. It’s a message of the utmost importance."
–Jean Carper
New York Times bestselling author of Stop Aging Now! and Your Miracle Brain, columnist for USA Weekend magazine

What is the Inflammation Syndrome? It’s the cumulative effect of low-grade inflammation–including the aches and pains we all experience–that grows into chronic debilitating disease. This book, the first major book on the syndrome, reveals the powerful role that inflammation plays in a wide variety of common health conditions–from simple aches and pains to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, Syndrome X, arthritis, asthma, and athletic injuries. Drawing on cutting-edge research conducted around the world, Jack Challem provides a revolutionary approach to healing inflammation-related problems through an easy-to-follow nutrition and supplement program. He also shares the latest information on C-reactive protein, one of the marker s o f serio us inflammation. This book, quite simply, shows you how to feel better for life.

"Many of our most debilitating diseases can be traced to an inflammatory cause. The program Jack Challem outlines in The Inflammation Syndrome is a great first step in ridding your body of this deadly problem."
–Fred Pescatore, M.D., author of Thin for Good, The Allergy and Asthma Cure, and The Hamptons Diet

"In a scientifically accurate and easy-to-understand manner, Jack Challem lays out the basic nutrition plan for good health and weight loss."
–Loren Cordain, Ph.D., author of The Paleo Diet ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Too Much Emphasis on Your Diet
The Inflammation Cure by Meggs and Svec, and The Inflammation Syndrome by Challem, both appeared in 2003 and both discuss the role of inflammation in the major diseases of our time, and the things that one can do to limit the risk of diseases related to inflammation. Both books are easy to read. Which to choose? According to the prestigious Library Journal, "While Jack Challem's The Inflammation Syndrome covers similar ground [to the Inflammation Cure], his approach leans toward the faddish and sensationalist, while Meggs takes a more levelheaded approach, weaving the latest research on various diseases into a broad picture." The thing I most prefer about Meggs' book is that it takes a comprehensive approach (including diet) to the things that affect inflammation, rather than spending the whole book just discussing the role of diet as is done in Challem's book. Challem is a health reporter who writes and publishes The Nutrition Reporter newsletter; it is natural that he would stress diet and its consequences. But diseases are caused and controlled by much more than our diet. Meggs is a practicing physician who has a great deal of clinical experience with all aspects of inflammation, and who has woven many real-life cases into the book as illustrations. So, which book should you buy? I have little doubt that you will find The Inflammation Cure by Meggs and Svec more informative and much more useful as a reference on your shelf.

Great explanation of the underlying cause of most disease
Jack Challem writes articles on health for both the general public and scientific publications. He is also co-author of the book Syndrome X.

The Inflammation Syndrome is divided into four parts: an explanation of the connection between inflammation and disease, including causes of inflammation; a 15-step diet plan to prevent and heal inflammation; supplements recommended to combat inflammation; and inflammation and specific diseases. There are multiple quizzes throughout the book on different causes of inflammation to allow you to see all the various ways your lifestyle may be currently promoting, or preventing, inflammation in your body. The book is written in a lively, easy-to-understand style, and the author helpfully provides a detailed table of contents, an index, extensive references, and appendices listing medical tests for inflammation and sources for anti-inflammatory products.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about inflammation. Its straightforward, practical suggestions are not horrendously difficult to implement, and the author includes menu plans and recipes to get you started on his eating plan. I find his quizzes especially useful as a kind of lifestyle self-diagnosis.

If you'd like to do additional reading on this subject, another excellent book is The Inflammation Cure: How to Combat the Hidden Factor Behind Heart Disease, Arthritis, Asthma, Diabetes, & Other Diseases, by William Joel Meggs. An outstanding related work is The Body Restoration Plan: Eliminate Chemical Calories and Restore Your Body's Natural Slimming System, by Dr. Paula Baillie-Hamilton. Dr. Baillie-Hamilton doesn't specifically write about inflammation, but provides very valuable insights on the damage done by environmental toxins to the body, which both Meggs and Challem indicate are strongly implicated in causing inflammation.

Full Coverage
The author does a first-class job of covering not only the
causes of most of our physical ailments, but also of how to
give yourself relief from them.
His theory is that so many of our physical problems come from
what we eat and drink, that we should be able to avoid those
problems by eating right. Not a new theory, but he outlines
all the problems affected by our poor diet, and he documents
scientific and medical studies showing the cause-and-effect,
and then, to cap it all off, he explains how we can specifically
change our diets to start improving our physical health.
He gives details for anyone truly interested in those questions,
and he has a direct and rather plain-speaking way of showing
us what items we need to eliminate from our diets, and then
he happily presents the better, more healthful substitutes.
The author covers everything in the field, and he not only outlines the problems, he shows us the way to a more healthful
life, and he does that in a way we can understand and follow.
For anyone suffering from any health problem, or who is worried
about their future health, this is a must.
Don't miss it.

He's convinced me.
I don't review books here very often, because I usually feel that other people have already said it better than I could, but as I read the reviews of this book, I got the feeling that the author called up everybody he knew and asked them to write a review for him here.

But I'm not a friend of his, just a real person, so I thought I'd tell you what I think of his book.

I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes about 2 weeks ago. I've known it was coming for many years because there's a lot of it in my family. So anyway, I immediately went to my local bookstore and started looking for books to inform me about diabetes, and as I was browsing, I ran across this book.

I bought it and read it, and I believe what he says. Since I read his book I've been thinking, "If only I'd had his book 15 years ago, or ten years ago, or even one year ago." The book says that it can help prevent or reverse(among others):
heart disease - my brother is taking drugs for high cholesterol.
arthritis - I've got that. I had to start walking with crutches in the past year.
Diabetes - I've got that.
Allergies - everybody in my family has plenty of these, including food allergies of various types.
Crohn's disease - my other brother and niece have that.
Gastritis and ulcers - my mother, myself, and my son all have problems with this.
Inflammatory bowel syndrome - yep, I've got that too and so does my son.
Obesity - I weigh 365 pounds in spite of (??because of??) 30 years of dieting. And both my brothers are pretty big too.

So it was interesting to find out that there is a single underlying cause to all these seemingly disparate problems. He explains (and backs up his explanations with plenty of scientific studies) that our modern diet is so extremely different from what our ancestors were eating even 100 years ago, that we are in effect poisoning ourselves. The answer is to eat differently - more like our ancestors ate.

This means cutting out the doughnuts and the french fries. His diet plan probably isn't going to be easy in the long run. I've only been doing it for about a week, and I'm okay with it so far. But I know from experience that in a few weeks someone is going to offer me a brownie or a doughnut and I'm going to want it a lot. However, I really don't want to spend the rest of my life as physically miserable as I am right now, and I certainly don't want to go blind and lose my legs like some of my relatives have done, so I'm determined to follow his advice. Everything he says in his book makes sense to me.

I've read plenty of reviews of diet books of one flavor or another where some person writes in and says "!!!This book has changed my life. I've been on it 3 days and I know this is the diet I'll be one for the rest of my life!!!" Well, I find that a little ridiculous. But I can say that once I got past the withdrawal symptoms from not eating sugar, I've felt much better. The last 2 days I've even been able to walk short distances without my crutch for the first time in 9 months. I'm going to give his plan the old college try! 8-) More than that, I'm sending copies of his book to both my brothers.

If you've got health problems of the type described above or a family history of such problems, I think you should read this book.

Inflammation book
I love the premise of this book: the guy has got the right idea about the inflammation thing and I would like to read the book, but all these vapid positive reviews seem like they are written by the same person and basically say nothing...very annoying. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excelent
Great book. Well organized, compact, easy to read. If you've got no time to lose, this is your book! I read it and learnt it in one day!

When you can't afford time?
When you are short of time and still want to score good in step 1 immunology, then go for this book. I bet you won't repent. ... Read more

Book Description

This book proves that Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, as well as Eczema, can be alleviated, controlled and even healed in a natural way; that is, without the use of drugs, steroid creams, tar baths or even ultra-violet light.

The book views psoriasis, as well as eczema, as originating in the intestinal tract. Looked at from the inside out, rather than from the outside in, a whole new approach to the disease evolves. This concept identifies the problem as a build up of toxins (poisons) in the system which make their way out through the skin, but does not originate in the skin. Dr. Pagano defines psoriasis as the external manifestation of the body's attempt to throw off internal toxins.

Because of thin, porous, intestinal walls these toxic elements "seep" through the walls of the intestine (now referred to as "The Leaky Gut Syndrome"), causing a pollution of the lymphatic and blood circulatory system.

The body then attempts to rid itself of these toxins by expelling them through the sweat glands. Dr. Pagano further emphasizes that a proper DIET and adequate ELIMINATIONS are a major part of the solution. This book proves the efficacy of this theory by documented case histories, patient affidavits and striking before and after photographs. ... Read more

Reviews (47)

Just Like My Mom Said, Heal Yourself From The Inside Out
Two and a half years ago, my daughter and I were diagnosed with a mild case of eczema. I went looking for natural remedies. I was attracted to the title of this book as well as the photos on the back. It looked like the patches on my face and arms. I saw that there was a chapter on eczema as well. I followed the diet recommendations for Psoriasis and it didn't take long to notice the difference. I did the 3 day diet and made revisions for my daughter to benefit because she couldn't do it fully (she only weights 99 lbs). I also made lotions and body oils with the peanut oil Dr. Pagano suggested and other herbs. Along with the diet change, the peanut oil mix just seemed to lift off the dried reddened skin and reveal healthy skin. After I washed it off I didn't see the patches as clearly and after about 2 months, they were not even red anymore. All I could see was the darkened skin where they once were, then that evened out with lots of cocoa & shea butter. If it wasn't for this book, I'd still be wearing a ton of foundation make-up and ashamed to show off my skin in the summer and I'd be embarrassed whenever someone looked at the patches on my face. I was always afraid that they could see under the make-up. Our skin is smooth and clear now. No more itching and no more red patches. Thank you Dr. Pagano. ~Blu

A True Miracle
I'm not sure what else to say about this book that hasn't been said. If you have psoriasis, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. It's not easy to change diet habits, but you will feel so much better. I did not have the quick results, it took about 4 months for me to clear and the condition got worse before better (as the book states). I recommend identifying a friend to help you with support. I know I would have given up without it. But the diet will work if given time. I only wish I would have taken pictures before and after because sometimes I don't believe it myself. It's been about 6 months now, and I cheat a little, but stay away from the nightshades. I remain 90% clear, I've lost weight (not a bad side effect), and I feel much healthier. I owe Dr. Pagano for giving me back my self confidence.

You are what you eat and this book proves it !!!!!!
I've been plagued with this disease for almost 7 years now and have 50% of my body covered with sores. I have been to the Cleveland Clinic and many other doctors searching for relief. After great expense, I was no better off afterwards than before, sometimes in worse shape. I have tried EVERYTHING to get rid of of this to no avail!!!!!

When I came to this book I was doubtful but like every other suffer desperate for relief, I forwarded the link to my wife and she bought the book. I have been doing this for almost a week now and I am starting to see the results, even though I haven't followed it to a "T". Yeah the teas are horrible, but other than that it is not bad - better than the disease. So if you are also plagued with Psoriasis, I HIGHLY recommend this book and the lifestyle change it promotes. Yes I miss my steak and potatoes, but that's life - time to move on.

As for the one review that states it all stress related, this individual surely doesn't have psoriasis. I am a Network Administrator and my day is nothing but stress filled, like almost every other American out there, but yet I am healing.

I eat more fruits and veggies than ever before, drink my water, eat my fish and chicken, salads, drink my teas (YUCK) and almost all other things recommended - sorry I'm not perfect - but it is working.

So in summary when your momma said you are what you eat - believe her - GOD gave her wisdom - just follow it and eat right. I'll do a follow up review in 3 months, prayerfully I will continue to heal and be done with this once and for all.

Doesn't just clear psoriasis
My 11 year old son had moderate to severe psoriasis covering about 40% of his body. After 2 1/2 months on the diet, the lesions merely show up as lighter colored patches of skin, as opposed to the red, scaly, flaky patches they used to be. I'm sure the skin will fully normalize with time. He no longer finds the diet difficult, since it is more important to him to have normal skin.

For moral support, I have been on the diet with him, even though I don't suffer from psoriasis. The wonderful offshoot of this is that my skin has cleared up beautifully. I often used to have red splotches and marks on my face. It is now smoother, more even colored, and my skin is much softer. Many people have noticed. I intend to stay on a version of this diet permanently because I'm sure it must be what my body needs.

Psoriasis is Gone!!
I had psoriasis for over 25 years, mainly it was on my elbows and one knee. In the last couple years I developed a patch on my right leg, about 3 inches wide and 7 inches long. About April of last year, 2003, my psoriasis began getting worse. I had been to dermatoligists and doctors on occasion over the years, but none helped my condition. My brother has had a severe case of psoriasis for many years and has tried many treatments to no avail. My case wasn't real severe, so I just lived with it.
I began researching on the internet about more natural psoriasis treatments when I ran across Dr. Pagano's book, people who had written about it. It made sense to me because no ointments, creams or any external treatments seemed to help anyone that I had read about except for maybe a temporary clearing or partial clearing of symptoms. So I began to follow the diet as best as I could following what I had read on the internet about the diet contained in the book. After about 3 weeks I ordered the book thru Amazon. My psoriasis totally cleared up within 2 months of following the diet very closely. I didn't do the enemas, but had one colonic, which I decided never to do again. My problem was, my skin became VERY itchy and red. My psoriasis was gone, but it seemed I developed eczema. I was under lots of torment and would take a hairbrush to bed to brush my legs as they itched so bad. I would brush them until they hurt so I could sleep. My arms also itched and were red as well as my neck. This continued on for 5 months while I followed the diet pretty close, my wife was so very patient to make sure the meals we had were closely following the diet. I drank about a gallon of filtered water a day.
It was much improved, the itching and redness, by the time 6 months was up, but would not completely go away. One day I became aware of the atmosphere of the job where I work. I am an electrician at an industrial plant where they do metal plating with acids and chemicals. The ventilation is very poor there and even though I don't work near the plating line, the air has these chemicals and acid in it. I took off 10 days over this past Thanksgiving just to get away from breathing that air, to see if that would help. By the time I went back to work my skin was 90% clear. At the end of the first week back, my neck was red, sore and itching and the skin on my hands starting getting red and skin was sore. To make long story short, I quit my job there in February, and now am umemployed and looking for another job. My health is more important than a good job, as you can't buy your health, you have only one life to live. It has been now about 5 weeks away from there, and my skin is totally back to normal, no eczema and no psoriasis, 100% clear.
My conclusion, the psoriais I had was due to an overload of toxins in my body. That was totally clear after 2 months. The eczema, reddening and itching of my skin was the toxins being released. That didn't go away completely because of the chemicals and acids in the air where I worked. If I had not been working it that atmosphere, I'm sure I would have been symptom free of any skin ailment within 3 months. I would advise anyone to do this diet, it may be rough at first, but hang in there, it is worth it. You may wonder in the middle of it, as I did, but hang in there. There were times only sitting in the bath tub would give me relief, and I was at the point of tears a couple times, frustration and desperation, but now that it is over, it was really worth it!! My uncle had psoriasis for years and just died of cancer, of which he had for only a couple of years before it killed him. If you have psoriasis, you have an overload of toxins in your body, get this book and get rid of those toxins. Your psoriasis will clear up and hopefully prevent any worse diseases from developing. I am sold on eating healthy, natural, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. You will be surprised how following the diet isn't so hard if you are determined to be free of psoriasis! ... Read more

Book Description

Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD. A Brandon/Hill Medical List first-purchase and minimal-core selection. Comprehensive, major reference to patient care and preventive medicine. For primary care physicians and residents, internists, and general and family practitioners in the office setting. Previous edition: c1995. DNLM: Ambulatory Care. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Supervising Physician says this is the one to have!
The SP I'm with told me this has an answer for almost all my questions. He refers to it frequently himself-- a very good reference!

A one stop shop for medical information.
You will not find a more complete and comprehensive medical resource. This book tackles every disease I can think of. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Best Medical Micro Text Ever-Reads Like a Good Novel!
I teach microbiology to nursing students, so I only use this book as a reference. It's a wonderful book; I take it to bed with me and don't fall asleep (really). The information is comprehensive without being unnecesarily difficult, and the organization and presentation are so intuitive, it seems to answer your next question before you even formulate it. My only gripe is WHERE IS THE NEW EDITION??? Even though this book is old, 1998, it's still worth the money, but it doesn't have the new emergent diseases like TSE and SARS.

Indispensable guide to microbiology
Excellent presentation of material relevant to all aspects of microbiology mechanisms within the medical industry. Core book! A must have! ... Read more

Book Description

Extensively revised and updated throughout, with seven entirelynew chapters and the insights of 31 new contributors, the Third Editionreflects the explosive growth of information in the dynamic field ofimmunology. Coverage includes recent groundbreaking discoveries onmolecular events that regulate the immune response, antigen processingand presentation, cytokines, and immune responses to infectiousagents.Six chapters in the Third Edition focus on completely newtopics--immunoglobulin class switching; somatic mutation and affinitymaturation; immunosuppression; and immunity to viruses, intracellularbacteria, and extracellular bacteria. Antigen processing andpresentation, which were only touched on in the previous edition, arenow described in detail in a separate chapter. Coverage of the role ofspecific cytokines in the immune response has been greatly expanded.Chapters on HIV infection, primary immunodeficiency diseases, allergyand hypersensitivity, and immunoparasitology have been rewritten by newcontributors who are preeminent authorities on these diseases. Allchapters include updated references. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

excellent
the next best thing to actually following the literature. a great way to get a background in a less familiar topic.

Fundamental, not necessarily introductory
This book is in many rspects the Immunology equivalent of the G&G pharmacology bible. Or in other words: if you do Immunology for a living, this book should always be within reach. Just like G&G's book, Fundamental Immunology started out in the same way the "encyclopedia" started in the Age of Enlightment: a compendium of all the knowledge available. With the exponential expansion of both Pharmacology and Immunology, these disciplines no longer fit in one, ten, or even a hundred volumes each, and tough choices have to be made. In Paul's FI, these choices are very much geared towards the professional, and far less so to the student. Yet, many of the subjects are treated in a way that not only incorperates much of the up to date details, but also gives thorough treatment of the fundamental concepts behind them. Thus, this book should also be the text of choice for those students that have sufficient tutoring resources available to guide them through the maze of the wild and wonderful world of Immunology.

It can be used as a dictionary.
It is not recommended as a text book, but is as a dictionary. Because it contains many informations about immunology and few illastlations.

Not the best book on the subject
Overly complex in exposition. Insufficiently illustrated. Represents an NIH viewpoint, not the best in science. Does not relate the molecular details to the cellular interactions sufficiently. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Nothing to rave about
I used this text for a pathology undergraduate course, along with a more complex text (Concise Pathology by Lange). The Mulvihill text did not solidify the concepts; rather, it skimmed over the topics in a cursory manner without giving each topic the attention it needs. A good book for someone with little background in the health sciences, but not enough for anyone who needs something more comprehensive. One plus in this book are the charts at the end of each chapter, which categorize diseases by signs and symptoms, treatment, etc. ... Read more

Book Description

The Third Edition of this classic reference is thoroughlyrevised to incorporate the past five years' discoveries on thereplication, molecular biology, pathogenesis, and medical aspects ofviruses. Coverage includes new material on human immunodeficiencyviruses, emerging viruses, prions, papillomaviruses, hepatitis C virus,hantaviruses, herpesviruses, vaccines, and viruses and cancer. Seventy-two chapters comprehensively examine the molecular biology,replication, biology, and clinical significance of all known virusfamilies. New to the Third Edition are chapters on astroviruses; Flaviviridae,including hepatitis C virus and pestivirus; humanherpesvirus 7; hepatitis E virus; and lactate dehydrogenase-elevatingvirus and related viruses. An updated section on general virologyincludes four new chapters on viruses infecting plants; insects; yeast,fungi, and parasites; and bacteria. Illustrations include a new sectionof color plates dealing primarily with the principles of virusstructure. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A FINE VIROLOGY YARDSTICK
There is hardly any significant fact about viruses that missed-out in this edition of "Fields Virology". Page after page, this sound all-inclusive reference doles out authoritative information on both viruses and viral syndromes. From taxonomy to etiology, metamorphosis to replication; the analyses of this text is grand. The same applies to its attached CD-ROM. Its practical outlook was intended to benefit both microbiologists and pathologists. Bernard Fields and his colleagues made their mark with this book. It is a great effort.
However, most botanist may not be pleased to know that little attention was paid to plant viruses. Again, many potential buyers may be demoralized by the rather high price that this virology-set demands.

Another Bible. Amazing viral world
It covers all fields of virology. Perfect and wonderful ! Easy to understand. I really recommend this book to who is involved in biology ... Read more