Best Medical Diseases
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, and now a documentary from Ken Burns on PBS, The Emperor of All Maladies is a magnificent, profoundly humane “biography” of cancer—from its first documented appearances thousands of years ago through the epic battles in the twentieth century to cure, control, and conquer it to a radical new understanding of its essence. An exhaustive account of cancer's origins, The Emperor of All Maladies illustrates how modern treatments--multi-pronged chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, as well as preventative care--came into existence thanks to a century's worth of research, trials, and small, essential breakthroughs around the globe.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I asked myself was there something I had done in my past that was going to deprive me seeing my two sons grow up into happy young men and dads. You double check all your insurances are up to date and update a well to make sure my wife does not have any hassles with the tax authorities. The battle against cancer was waged by intrepid individuals, and this book explains the war so far. It outlines the causes of cancer, whether it is a virus, bacteria, induced by smoking or chemicals, or just our own body playing up and turning on itself."
"That individual may benefit from reading that is focused more upon the very hopeful progress that has been made, eve in the time since the book was completed."
"The clear history of the disease and the elucidation on the major advances shine a bright light on the courageous men and women who suffer this disease, and the bright minds that have increased our understanding and led to the realization that it may in a sense well be possible that this is just part of our nature."
"This book is also a tribute to the patients who ultimately die and the doctors, nurses,scientists and families who push to find medicines and research to prolong future cancer patients' lives and end the stigma of hopelessness that the prognosis of cancer brings."
"He is able to portray cancer as an ever-changing, impossible enemy and then as an inexorable part of our genome, physiology, and humanity that provided me an entirely new understanding of the disease and the people that treat it and suffer from it."
"Looking forward to reading more Mukherjee!"
"An excellent book that was hard to put down."
A caption explains the concept illustrated on each page, and a few simple sentences reinforce the concept with interactive (programmed) learning, which links to the following page.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I had this before and somehow replaced it."
"Will make you a master at reading and interpreting EKGs."
"Excellent book!"
"Explained simply and the practice of writing answers in this workbook helps to put the principles to memory."
"It has blanks on each page for you to write answers in to just make sure you're understanding as you're reading. lol The book has like 300-something pages, so it's not exactly a "rapid" process to read, but once you do, you're set!"
"I'm a pre med student and every doctor, resident, med student, PA, and EMT I've talked to says this is the number 1 book to learn interpretation of EKG."
"Dr Dubin takes you by the hand and spoon feeds you information at the perfect pace so that when you start learning the actual interpretation methods, it makes sense."
"Will help you not just read EKGs but also give you a fundamental understanding of WHY the readings present the way they do.Most of the Paramedics and paramedic students I know make a point of reading this book at some point."
THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER. A New York Times Notable Book. A Washington Post and Seattle Times Best Book of the Year From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Emperor of All Maladies —a fascinating history of the gene and “a magisterial account of how human minds have laboriously, ingeniously picked apart what makes us tick” ( Elle ). “A fascinating and often sobering history of how humans came to understand the roles of genes in making us who we are—and what our manipulation of those genes might mean for our future” ( Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel ), The Gene is the revelatory and magisterial history of a scientific idea coming to life, the most crucial science of our time, intimately explained by a master. Here, he follows up with a biography of the gene—and The Gene is just as informative, wise, and well-written as that first book.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The volume benefits from Mukherjee’s elegant literary style, novelist’s eye for character sketches and expansive feel for human history. Mendel was an abbot in a little known town in Central Europe whose pioneering experiments on pea plants provided the first window into the gene and evolution. Eugenics has now acquired a bad reputation, but Galton was a polymath who made important contributions to science by introducing statistics and measurements in the study of genetic differences. Many of the early eugenicists subscribed to the racial theories that were common in those days; many of them were well intended if patronizing, seeking to ‘improve the weak’, but they did not see the ominous slippery slope which they were on. Eugenics was enthusiastically supported in the United States; Mukherjee discusses the infamous Supreme Court case in which Oliver Wendell Holmes sanctioned the forced sterilization of an unfortunate woman named Carrie Buck by proclaiming, “Three generations of imbeciles are enough”. Another misuse of genetics was by Trofim Lysenko who tried to use Lamarck’s theories of acquired characteristics in doomed agricultural campaigns in Stalinist Russia; as an absurd example, he tried to “re educate” wheat using “shock therapy”. Mutations in specific genes (for instance ones causing changes in eye color) allowed them to track the flow of genetic material through several generations. The scientists most important for recognizing this fact were Frederick Griffiths and Oswald Avery and Mukherjee tells their story well; however I would have appreciated a fuller account of Friedrich Miescher who discovered DNA in pus bandages from soldiers. All these events set the stage for the golden age of molecular biology, the deciphering of the structure of DNA by James Watson (to whom the quote in the title is attributed), Francis Crick, Rosalind Franklin and others. Many of these pioneers were inspired by a little book by physicist Erwin Schrodinger which argued that the gene could be understood using precise principles of physics and chemistry; his arguments turned biology into a reductionist science. As a woman in a man’s establishment Franklin was in turn patronized and sidelined, but unlike Watson and Crick she was averse to building models and applying the principles of chemistry to the problem, two traits that were key to the duo’s success. The book then talks about early successes in correlating genes with illness that came with the advent of the human genome and epigenome; genetics has been very useful in finding determinants and drugs for diseases like sickle cell anemia, childhood leukemia, breast cancer and cystic fibrosis. Mukherjee especially has an excellent account of Nancy Wexler, the discoverer of the gene causing Huntington’s disease, whose search for its origins led her to families stricken with the malady in remote parts of Venezuela. The basic verdict is that while there is undoubtedly a genetic component to all these factors, the complex interplay between genes and environment means that it’s very difficult currently to tease apart influences from the two. The last part of the book focuses on some cutting edge research on genetics that’s uncovering both potent tools for precise gene engineering as well as deep insights into human evolution. There are a few minor scientific infelicities: for instance Linus Pauling’s structure of DNA was not really flawed because of a lack of magnesium ions but mainly because it sported a form of the phosphate groups that wouldn’t exist at the marginally alkaline pH of the human body. The book’s treatment of the genetic code leaves out some key exciting moments, such as when a scientific bombshell from biochemist Marshall Nirenberg disrupted a major meeting in the former Soviet Union. Nor is there much exploration of using gene sequences to illuminate the ‘tree of life’ which Darwin tantalizingly pulled the veil back on: in general I would have appreciated a bigger discussion of how DNA connects us to all living creatures. Its sweeping profile of life’s innermost secrets could not help but remind me of a Japanese proverb quoted by physicist Richard Feynman: “To every man is given the key to the gates of heaven."
"There are abundant scientific notions to satisfy any reader picking up the book to understand the real subject matter, but not in the general bland fashion of studies-and-conclusions that tend to lose many a lay people. From the notions of introns and exons to the polygenic nature of most phenotypes, the feedback from environment to gene mutation and the massive role played by non-gene factors in most our traits, the author uncovers a staggering number of interesting findings in a highly understandable manner. As professionals or parents seek to weed out certain deformities, there are genuine risks of us eliminating some important evolutionary traits mainly out of ignorance of how genes really work at this stage but also out of their possible other utilities in long future."
Best AIDS & HIV
Upon it's first publication twenty years ago, And The Band Played on was quickly recognized as a masterpiece of investigative reporting. “Shilts successfully weaves comprehensive investigative reporting and commercial page-turning pacing, political intrigue, and personal tragedy into a landmark book . Its importance cannot be overstated.” ― Publishers Weekly.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Randy Shilts kind of points the finger at everyone, including the Gay community that he was a part of, and I feel that is what really made the book as great as it is."
"There was no sex education that i could remember and the only thing I do remember about AIDS was a gym teacher telling the class that if you are gay, your tongue will turn purple and you will die of AIDS."
"I remember hearing of a "homosexual disease" in early summer 1981, which was surprisingly early, especially for an Ohioan."
"I didn’t really understand the beginning of the HIV/AIDS crisis since I was too young."
"This book gives the story of the start of the aids epidemic and the missteps and prejudices by doctors, government, and media that led to this problem."
"The story successfully blends a number of elements: competitive jealousies within the scientific community (it's likely that the French actually discovered the AIDS virus, despite a neck-in-neck US researcher who claimed the glory), the politics of the slow-moving National Institutes of Health (NIH), Reagan's stubborn refusal to address the AIDS issue (he finally did so six years after the epidemic began--and after 20,850 citizens had died), and a number of incredibly touching stories of people with the disease. One thing I hadn't known was the schism within the gay community: some people recognizing the reality of the threat while others (understandably) discounted it as internalized homophobia or as a homophobic attempt at sexual repression. This book captures a period in time where, in the midst of sometimes slow-moving science, second-class-citizen politics, and a seemingly indifferent larger society, some dedicated people struggled to raise awareness, to change habits, and others, to face death with equanimity."
"The "Butcher's Bill," the tally of deaths to AIDS, is a steady drumbeat in each chapter as LGBT activists on the ground race to care for the dying as bureaucracy hampers research and recognition for the virus."
Best Brain Diseases
This authoritative study synthesizes physiology, neuroanatomy, kinesiology, and psychology in a thorough introduction to motor control. Brooks has succeeded in presenting an overview of the field and has also given us a sense of the current theories and controversies, a testimonial to both his vast knowledge of the field and to his clarity of presentation....This volume contains a wealth of information that can be of value to basic researchers, clinicians, and others interested in movement and movement disorders." "A most useful book about motor control which is informative and up to date .
Find Best Price at AmazonBest Cardiovascular Diseases
A caption explains the concept illustrated on each page, and a few simple sentences reinforce the concept with interactive (programmed) learning, which links to the following page.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I had this before and somehow replaced it."
"Will make you a master at reading and interpreting EKGs."
"Excellent book!"
"Explained simply and the practice of writing answers in this workbook helps to put the principles to memory."
"It has blanks on each page for you to write answers in to just make sure you're understanding as you're reading. lol The book has like 300-something pages, so it's not exactly a "rapid" process to read, but once you do, you're set!"
"I'm a pre med student and every doctor, resident, med student, PA, and EMT I've talked to says this is the number 1 book to learn interpretation of EKG."
"Dr Dubin takes you by the hand and spoon feeds you information at the perfect pace so that when you start learning the actual interpretation methods, it makes sense."
"Will help you not just read EKGs but also give you a fundamental understanding of WHY the readings present the way they do.Most of the Paramedics and paramedic students I know make a point of reading this book at some point."
Best Digestive Organ Diseases
Aided with cheerful illustrations by Enders’s sister Jill, this beguiling manifesto will make you finally listen to those butterflies in your stomach: they’re trying to tell you something important. from the University of Bath in Interpreting and Translating German and Russian, where his thesis was on the adaptation of German Television news texts for an international, English speaking audience.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Enders has a lively sense of curiosity and humor, and an endearing habit of anticipating readers' questions and answering them with great detail and patience. Perhaps the strangest was the blithe claim that salmonellosis in German eggs is caused by farmers buying cheap grain from Africa, where random turtles walk about in the fields pooping on seeds. Recently, Germany has spawned numerous European outbreaks of salmonellosis in the old-fashioned way: poorly regulated high-density factory farming with birds crammed into tiny, filthy cages."
"I love this book, and have read, highlighted and written all over my hard copy."
"Full of facts and written (and translated !)."
"After years of wondering what I should eat based on all the sometimes crazy and wildly differing opinions on the internet and in books, l finally decided to read about what exactly I'm feeding."
"Loved this book."
"For those who want to know more about the part of our body that affects our health the most, this is a must read."
"Not often you find a book on a complex subject written by a specialist that is both informative and humorous in style providing an enjoyable read."
"Good info, easy to understand, humorous and good illustrations."
Best Extremities Diseases
This new volume of the prestigious Master Techniques in Orthopaedic Surgery series presents the most advanced and successful surgical techniques for treatment of disorders of the hand.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I'd definitely recommend it and would buy other products from the seller."
"As with all of volumes in the Master's Techniques series, this is a beautifully illustrated "cookbook" of common procedures."
Best Psoriasis
A leading researcher shares natural remedies for psoriasis According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, at least seven million people in the U.S. and more than 100 million worldwide suffer from this chronic skin disease. In Healing Psoriasis , you'll discover how to alleviate, control, and even heal this agonizing condition without dangerous drugs or treatments.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It had finally gotten so bad, however, covering my knees, elbows, and abdomen, that I went to my doctor to talk about a new medication that came out (Otezla) that works slightly differently and was no so scary sounding. I read the online preview and started the diet protocol while waiting for the book to arrive. For the first week my energy was very low but now it is better than ever, staying level throughout the day to the point that I have cut out caffeine as well and feel no need for it."
"I did not do any hydrotherapy or home enemas, but I did a 2-day apple cleanse, cut out all sugar, white flour, nightshades and coffee, and began a regime of Slippery Elm Bark tea in the mornings and lemon water throughout the day. Since then, I have stayed 100% off nightshades but have reintroduced very limited quantities of white flour, sugar and decaf black coffee. A couple notes: ** I found sea salt baths to be helpful as my body healed itself. ** I used a topical prescription treatment to help speed things along (Clobex spray), but I plan to stop using it in the next week or so as I get closer to 100% clear. ** I found Burt's Bees Miracle Salve to be a great product for my nipples. I have since switched to the adult version of Burt's Bees Shampoo and think the gentle formula has been a welcome change for my scalp as it heals. I couldn't commit to the whole list due to personal preference and breastfeeding, but I have been taking 1000mg Flaxseed Oil, 200mg Milk Thistle, a pre/post-natal multi-vitamin (contains Zinc and Vitamin A), and 100mg Colace (stool softener). Pizza has been hard to give up, but when your skin clears up like mine did, you won't feel too bad about missing out on a slice."
"I just started the program, the book has one thing that is worth the effort and the money, and that is HOPE & FAITH that the plan works based on so many of the testimonials."
"I continue to look for books that can do the same justice for those who suffer with psoriasis and there are just no equals to Dr. Pagano's book "Healing Psoriasis"."
"I don't think diet has 100% to do with psoriasis, but it does make it about 75% better if I adhere to it."
"Dr John Pagano's "Healing Psoriasis.." book is a godsend for those suffering with psoriasis and are sick of dealing with an endless cycle of expensive medications. But I suggest jumping off the medication rollercoaster, read Pagano's book and heal yourself naturally."
Best Viral Diseases
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. The dramatic and chilling story of an Ebola virus outbreak in a surburban Washington, D.C. laboratory, with descriptions of frightening historical epidemics of rare and lethal viruses.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I'm writing this review now because, 1- the current (July 2014) outbreak of Ebola is "the deadliest in recorded history," and 2- I've NEVER forgotten the book. The thing that is so terrifying is the way the poor people who contract the disease die."
"I learned a lot about the virus. After reading this book, im able to read between the headlines of what is being said and more importantly, what's NOT being said. Medical researchers working with the virus give share their information."
"I bought this book in its hard-cover version when it first came out, quite a few years ago, and what with the recent Ebola crisis in Africa and now in the news here in the U.S., I wanted to re-read it. I am dismayed that the CDC is still "learning" how to contain this disease, when the knowledge has been in use by the U.S. Army, and various charitable organizations in Africa for many years."
"A scary, eye opening book about Ebola. He describes in detail the Ebola Reston outbreak in Maryland."
"A must read for anyone who wants the scientific truth about this disease, how it can be spread & how easily & quickly it can mutate."
"Although twenty years old, the information is timely and so. pertinent for our age when Ebola is devastating Africa and may be advancing thought the world."
"Because you will be terrified every time you have a tiny headache. Because you will want strangers to stay far away from you, especially if they are breathing. Because you will realise that your government, our government, the government will probably be unable to stop a proper Ebola virus. Because you will forgive the sometimes over detailed writing because you are completely absorbed in the horror. Because this is not fiction, this is real, this is here, this is now. And this is a gripping, interesting, well put together, well researched non-fiction book that reads like an adventure, a horror and a thriller all at once. Viruses are clever little buggers and best we be afraid."
Best Macrobiotic Nutrition
I have purchased several cookbooks with the low-carb, high-fat recipes that support a ketogenic diet and this is by far my favorite. CELBY RICHOUX was overweight, exhausted, moody, and suffering from a range of physical discomforts when she found the ketogenic diet.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"To account for this lack of taste then the manufacturers add back in loads of sugar. This book teaches you how to change your body from a sugar-burner to a fat burner, which is what you are when you are in ketosis. Ketosis is when your body no longer is using carbs as its fuel source but fat. This book showed me that fat is integral for your success of achieving ketosis and proper fat-burning. Once in a while I will get hungry and want to turn to a quick carb anything but have learned to have nuts, cheese, etc. I do not crave sugar that much anymore and if I do I have learned incredible replacement recipes that take care of it. Here are some interesting things I have eaten and even adapted "my own" versions from: Buttered Coffee!! Peanut butter shake, chocolate covered nuts, my adaptation of one recipe is lemon coconut chocolate cheesecake....this is so good and it does not taste "diet" at all!! Its easy recipes have allowed me to immediately start this way of eating unlike some other books where you have to build up a huge food list before you can really begin."
"I've been eating a ketogenic diet for 3 years and have lost 55 pounds."
"So many wonderful recipes."
"A good read on keto."
"good book to start the ketogenic diet."
"Great cookbook, tried the faux mac and cheese using cauliflower....sooo good."
"After purchasing this book and attempting 10 different recipes, I realized that most of the people who gave this book great reviews got it at either a discount price or free!? I've been on the KETO diet for 3 months and while I LOVE the diet, In an attempt to find more ways to cook different meals, I set out to purchase cook books to assist my journey. Being on the keto diet is expensive for me cause I am buying better quality ingredients however, I've wasted a lot of them on this book."
"This publisher reprinted the soft cover of this book and used the correct cover but the content of the book is from another Rockridge title called "clean eating"."
