Moderation in all things...
937900
Our organization has embarked on a "Strengths based leadership" approach. While I certainly understand the advantages of including strengths as an element of leadership development, I am cautious about throwing all the eggs into this basket. I was looking for an alternative view, and found this volume quite interesting. It provided some important questions that need to be asked. I am recommending it to any bright eyed advocate of Stengths based leadership.
659842
Anecdotal evidence can seem compelling. I'll confess, I'm an unabashed and unrepentant caffeine drinker. However, I drink only black tea (some imported from Australia and England) and about 24 oz. a day. I don't drink sodas of any kind, or energy drinks and especially not Mountain Dew which not only contains far too much caffeine but sugar as well. One common thread behind these stories is excess. I agree, there are lots of stresses in life and many forces that might drive us to succeed despite long hours and social or work pressures. Using any substance as a crutch can be problematic and these forty people found this out the hard way (and sometimes too late).
That said, I agree with other reviewers. As a scientist, one cannot depend on anecdotal evidence to draw a conclusion, so I would discount these stories to some extent as they would have to be balanced with those who consume caffeine in moderation. The preface material attempts to do that and I don't mean to minimize the issue, but I don't plan to reduce my modest caffeine intake because of it. Then again, there are those who might read this and see how they are following the same path and should moderate or eliminate (if moderation and self-control are more difficult), caffeine entirely.  William Vaughn: Author of Young Adult and New Adult fiction. http://betav.com
226283
First let me say, as with all things I read or just life in general , moderation is my rule of thumb.  I like the easy to understand format Dr Amen uses, very interesting and down to earth ( mostly). I could relate parts of his info to parts of my life and  thought he presented some pretty good solutions, but of course it would depend on different individuals so I'm not saying this would work for all but think some of what he presents is worth trying. I gave a 5 star rating because I think this book is worth reading. You will learn at least a few things that may enhance your life. My husband died unexpectedly, a big shock !, I gained weight and am in poor health , I feel like I got some help from this book to help me improve my health. He does talk about taking supplements , says to talk to your doc about that which I think is the way to go. Anyway, a good read, I recommend it.
956846
An interesting work. . . . It speaks of how conditions can be changed and perhaps improved by "nudging" people. Rather than "beating up" on people, subtly nudge them. Fascinating reading and very provocative. Is nudging good? Or manipulative?

The authors, Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein, faculty at the University of Chicago, define a "nudge" as (Page 6): ". . .any aspect of the choice architecture that alters people's behavior in a predictable way without forbidding any options or significantly changing their economic incentives." Indeed, they define their perspective as "libertarian paternalism." They believe in freedom but also wish to use "nudges" to induce people to improve their health, and live longer and happier.

One simple example? Has any male ever used a urinal with a fly painted onto it? This simple nudge reduces "spillage" by 40% as males involuntarily try to hit the "target." In the process, there is a benefit, less smelliness and messiness in the restroom.

The book applies the nudge argument to investments, health, school choice, organ donation, the environment, marriage, and so on. In each case, they try to show how nudges and libertarian paternalism can improve the quality of life of individuals as well as providing social benefits.

Questions do arise, as the authors themselves admit. Is this a manipulative approach? Do we subtly manipulate people into doing things that they might not voluntarily wish to do? Thaler and Sunstein address these issues. Each reader will have to determine how well they succeed. A provocative and fascinating work, well worth reading.
2507480
Through an extremely stressful period in my life, I initially coped by self-soothing/medicating with nicotine, resulting in an unhealthy weight loss. Successfully quitting smoking, resulted in a return to a former habit of self-soothing with food, resulting in a 50-pound weight gain over a period of 1 1/2 years. As the weight piled on, my efforts to "control" it, to maintain a healthy weight loss regimen, failed. After a life-time of yo-yo dieting, dieting is no longer the answer. I felt incapable of sticking to a healthy regimen--a day, two, a few times as much as a week was all I could muster, although I was not lacking in the support of knowledge, books, healthy options or people.

When Kanta suggested her CD, I knew from past experience as her customer and workshop participant that it would be excellent. I anticipated wonderful support, positive benefits and enjoyment in Joshua's music. What I didn't expect was the profound peace and relaxation I experienced immediately resulting in an amazing inner shift to a place of renewed possibility and self-empowerment. What seemed impossible, I am now doing. There are no "quick fixes", no magical cure-all diets for someone in my situation...There IS spiritual and emotional support! I am amazed, excited and grateful to find myself unexpectedly reaping superb benefits and results through what for me is a paradigm shift! Thank you, Kanta and Joshua! You are welcome daily companions on this stretch of the journey to renewed health, well-being and most importantly for me--peace, possibility and self-empowerment!
363028
An excellent book. Too many of us are trying to do too many things at once. Focus on the one thing, the all important thing, and all else will fall in place. I highly recommend this book.
3384161
Its a very readable book and of course the subject is interesting. I thought it started very well and hollowed out then finished with a bang . So? well its another nail in the coffin of dogmatic Christianity. It convinces me that we know little about the thinking of Jesus probably even less about his life so we are left with a story of both. The story has been heavily influenced by Paul and it seems that is matter of opinion whether that's a good thing or not. So it confirms or weakens the case for Christianity, church going , belief etc depending mostly on one's present prejudices. I go for reasonableness (especially if it includes some reason) and tolerance of other points of view without necessarily accepting them. Like the man said moderation in everything including moderation.
718525
Allowing allowing allowing.....that's the only thing we need to do. The universe already receives what you request through your vibration. We just need to keep finding thoughts to help you feel better at all time. I've been practicing it for a couple years. When I look back, I realize how far I have come. I got a job that brings me joy everyday. My love life looks more and more promising. Thank you to Abraham. At this point I know for the fact that all wonderful things that I want will come to me in a timely fashion if I just keep chilling and being happy.

Every time I start to have upstream thoughts. I will put Abraham mp3 or dvd on. Abraham just brings me back to balance instantly. Because of Abraham, I am a big fan of taking action only when I feel good even when I have conflict with my loved ones. It proves that every time I do that all conflicts came to an end effortlessly.

To people that are reading this review, you are in control of your vibration. So keep on doing and you will get everything you want!
2783193
I was in the eighth grade when I read this story.  The concept 'everything in moderation, nothing to excess' stuck for some reason.  Now that I've read the story again (45 years later), it seems the rules were developed to benefit the masses and were changed to justify the means of a certain individual as needed.  Insane people do that, right?
1374658
...success and peace in every aspect of life.

Recognizing that there are addictions of every type, this book has something to offer so many of us.

Anything that becomes a burden that is carried, anything we obsessively need to the point of disturbing that which is good and positive in our life...anything you must indulge in regardless of everything else going on in life.
We carry the "existential pain" in knowing we must continue the behavior, no matter what the cost.

What this book does so convincingly, is to show that unless you heal right down to "the soul level" of your being, you will not be able to shake your addictions.
This is truly evident in the way many of us approach dieting.  As we look for a quick fix, like changing our meal plans for so many months to lose pounds, then wonder why we gained it all back when we tried to "normalize our lives again.
Just as addiction has the power to break us down or end our lives, or as we would like to live, we must fight back with an equal and "powerful and holistic combination of elements."

The book will challenge your beliefs about addiction.  Practically, the book covers the landscape of recovery strategies, such as 12-step programs, therapy, drugs, diets, inpatient programs, etc..
But the greatest strength of this book is that the author brings us down the journey of what it takes to truly recover.

I loved this book and will keep it by my bedside as a reminder of the healthier relationship with life that I must work at daily to achieve.
958729
The Sugar Detox was pretty easy to follow. For me, however, there was no noticeable difference in the way I felt. I didn't do the skincare regimen strictly. By the end of two weeks I was craving all of foods I had denied myself. Seems the answer to everything is MODERATION!
260143
This book is excellent, but there are certain vital aspects that are kind of left out. I do understand why Dr. Amador probably did this; it's a book about how to deal with loved ones who refuse to admit they're sick, so it can't go off into too many tangents. What it doesn't do is to make it clear that *not all mentally ill people are like this!!!* Some of us are NOT in denial and DO have insight. Some of us KNOW we're sick and we DO need help (that's why we take our meds exactly the way our doctor told us to!) The only problem, then, is that anyone reading this book is likely to get the impression that nobody with a severe and persistent mental illness admits it or is able to admit it. This is so untrue. To be fair, Dr. Amador does say in the beginning that as many of 50% of all of us SPMI folk are med compliant, but that's the only place where this is said and it's easy to forget.

I'd like to see someone explore the issue of the 25-50% of people with SPMI's who ARE compliant with their meds. We're out there! I should know-- I'm one of them. YES, I'm bipolar, and I'll need medication until the day I die, so *give me the pills!* That's pretty much my attitude. The capper to it all is that I have a closed head injury from a car accident, and an MRI certainly DOES show that I have frontal lobe lesions. Hey, guess what... I'm still not in denial about having BP. The least attractive thing about it is that I can get pretty self-righteous about people who don't take their meds, complete with the "if I can do it, anyone can" attitude. ;) But still, I would really like to see Dr. Amador (or another author) address why and how some patients are fully compliant. What are they doing that the others are not doing; what are they avoiding that others are falling into? Are there warning signs that even the compliant folks might go off meds? If so, what are they? Are certain subtypes of mental illnesses more likely to cause people to be compliant? Less likely? I think there's so much that could be learned by looking at the people who have SPMI's but are not covered in this particular book. Other than that, though, it's a great book. :)
1156102
I have recently found that being healthy can be A LOT of fun too!

ugh, my head hurts...hmm, probably unrelated
1580045
Potentially the most important book on health and healthy life-longevity I've read. I've spent my entire life reading how green tea, coffee, red wine, a Mediterranean diet, exercise, baby aspirin, etc. are so very healthy without a clear underlining reasoning. Mangan has made a thorough case regarding iron intake. There is too much evidence to ignore that iron is an underlining cause - or at least a contributor - to disease, longevity, and possibly even appearance.
4838582
A different perspective on overeating.... not focused on how to diet, but thoughts on how our overeating plays out in our spiritual walk... had never really thought too much about gluttony... that it truly is a sin.... that I really don't want to willfully sin against God.... just food for thought!
1261844
The title of this book is ridiculous. If it were an internet article, it would be "click bait." Please - my doctor is not killing me. Obviously it's Mother Nature who wants me dead.

Usually, when a title is over-the-top, I expect the contents to be equally histrionic, hand-wringing affairs of doom and gloom. This is where I was pleasantly surprised.

Dr. DeRosa has written a thoughtful and comprehensive book chock-full of useful information about hormones, pre-menopause, peri-menopause, menopause, and all the changes that these events can cause. I felt that I was fairly knowledgeable about this subject but there were loads of things I hadn't thought of.

First off, "menopause" is actually THE END of all unpleasant symptoms I had associated with menopause: hot flashes, night sweats, irritating losses in short-term memory (WHERE did I put my stupid car keys??), and homicidal rage increased levels of annoyance at everyday occurrences. (SERIOUSLY, WHERE DID I PUT MY STUPID CAR KEYS??) "Menopause" is not to blame for any of these things. Perimenopause is. The average age of menopause is 52. But perimenopause starts an average of TEN years prior to menopause. So, ladies, when you say to yourself, "This can't be menopause, I'm too young," you're probably right. But you're NOT too young for the sweaty, angry, stupid part that comes first. (Sorry to break it to you.)

Secondly, permimenopause is just as fun as puberty was.

Thirdly, remember how "hormone replacement therapy" was halted in the early 90's because it was going to kill you horribly? The studies that this advice was based on were limited and faulty and have been pretty much discredited by the medical community. What? You didn't hear about that? YEAH, ME NEITHER.

So the upshot is: you have hope, all you poor, sweaty, angry, women trying to raise children, keep a job, and remain happily married. You DO have options. Dr. DeRosa lays them out in a very easy-to-understand way.

The downside is: you may have some trouble finding someone to treat you for these "normal" effects of aging. However, Dr. DeRosa will help you know what to tests to ask for, and what treatment you can expect, at the very least.

As a side note: it really was interesting to read how much of medical treatment is affected by money, politics, and (sadly) sexism. For example, as a woman in her middle-years (or any age, for that matter) and you have lost your sex drive, too bad. If you are a man, however, there are several pharmaceutical options to help you get back in the saddle (so to speak.) Why? Well, probably because high-level politicians, pharmaceutical CEOs, and medical policy makers, are all older men.

A quick, informative, read, now available on Amazon and not just in Dr. DeRosa's office. I bought two copies - one to keep and one to share.
1621967
WE love this chocolate. Dark chocolate is practically health food when taken in moderation, so that is how I am using it, in moderation.