Reviews (19)

WELL-RESEARCHED AND VERY HELPFUL
An excellent source of information. This book, published in 2003, is exhaustively researched, she cites medical and research studies involving hundreds and thousands of subjects, she covers the newest technologies and medications. The only thing missing from her book (because it was published a few years ago) is the very latest information about the potential dangers of Fosamax and the class-action lawsuits about the death of bone in the jaw that has caused people to have their jaws removed.She provides excellent suggestions for improving bone health, including exercise, dietary changes, supplements, and other ways to beat osteoporosis. She doesn't say that osteoporosis is a myth, she just debunks some of the myths surrounding this condition.
+Very informative
This book was very informative and helped me decide to stop taking Actonol.Very eye-opening.

A Must Read If You Are "Borderline"
This book was well-researched and very readable. I was able quite easily to verify the author's conclusions against the underlying medical literature she cites. Much of it is on the internet.The book provides a needed "balance" concerning all of the hype about osteoporosis.
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Medical    4. Osteopathy    5. Women's Health - General   

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Reviews (13)

great book
If you want to know anything about osteopenia or osteoporosis this is the book to buy.It is full of information - beyond most other books - entertaining and accessible.All women should read it!

Strong Women Strong Bones
I ha recommended this book to many people and bought it as gifts. i faithfully do the exercises and follow the menus. I even showed it to my dr. It is wonderful for those of us who are older and even the younger since I bought it for my daughter-in-law

must have reference book for home library
I took out a number of books from the library including recent releases. Admittedly, I reviewed them from a different perspective than older folks as I'm just over 40.This was the most informative book with relevant information to my age group. Even though I work out regularly and thought I had a pretty good routine, there were plenty of enlightening strength exercises that have never been in my repertoire.That reason alone rates this book superior than others. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    4. General    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Healthy Living    8. Osteoporosis    9. Osteoporosis in women    10. Popular works    11. Women's Health - General    12. Work-Related Health    13. Health & Fitness / General   

Reviews (8)

Out of Date and Not Evidence Based
This book was published in 1995 (so of course was written in about 1993-94) so its information is very out of date. Since that time technology has introduced the BMD bone density scan, and the pharmaceutical industry has developed and promoted the use of bisphosphonates such as Fosamax and Evista. These two developments alone have rendered this book totally out of date and therefore not useful, in my opinion. Also, the information is not evidence-based, most of his recommendations are based on anecdotal and observed results, rather than on scientific studies. What he has to say is interesting, sometimes even fascinating, but is it accurate? For example, his recommendations on caffeine are based on the result of an "experiment" of giving three cups of coffee to five women. I don't consider that evidence-based medical protocol.
A treasure
This book is excellent and has surpassed my expectations of information, not only on osteoporosis, but many other aspects of health care.In fact, I am so pleased with it that I have bought a total of 4 copies, 3 being for my children.Two of them are in health care, and the third will also benefit immensely from the knowledge this book provides. Thank you, Dr. Gaby, for writing this book and sharing your knowledge and research with those of us with osteoporosis, and those who can head off its devastating effects.

old copyright but good basics
This was copyrighted in the early 1990s and there has been a lot of new information about bone density/HRT since that time. It does have thorough, clearly written information about a nutritional approach to preserving bone density. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Diet therapy    4. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health Care Issues    7. Health/Fitness    8. Naturopathy    9. Osteoporosis    10. Osteoporosis in women    11. Popular works    12. Prevention    13. Women's Health - General    14. Health & Fitness / Naturopathy    15. Popular medicine   

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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Women's Health - General   

Reviews (2)

Full of Hope
I felt pretty "down" after receiving a diagnosis of osteoporosis.After reading this book from cover to cover I realize all the things I should have been doing--and not doing. I liked the clear explanations about supplements, alkaline diet, and weight bearing exercise. I'm following the directions, and I'm full of hope.Also I'm ordering four more copies to give to my daughters and daughters-in-law.I want them to avoid that dreaded diagnosis. Better Bones, Better Body: Beyond Estrogen and Calcium
Dr. Susan Brown is an anthropologist who notes dietary and lifestyledifferences in Western countries, which exhibit widespread osteoporosis,and Asian countries, where this disease and various problems (includingmenopausal discomforts) seem rare.She emphasizes that osteoporosis is nota normal aging process nor a strictly female malady.She explains that thebuilding and breakdown of bone is a continual process intimately related tomany body processes.She lucidly details the mechanisms of this "boneremodeling."She discusses risk factors for osteoporosis: heredity,body type, sedentary lifestyle, SAD (Standard American Diet), endocrineimbalances, and hormonal disturbances (abetted by tubal ligation,hysterectomy, ovarectomy).Brown notes early signs of trouble in smallitems like weak fingernails, irregular periods, excessive plaque formation,leg cramps at night, lower back pain.She advocates various modalities toreverse osteoporosis by whole body approaches involving maximizing nutrientintake, strenghtening the disgestive system, and developing an alkalinediet.She cites specific studies on progesterone (Dr. John Lee) andnutritional supplements (Dr. Guy Abraham) and exercise (Dr. Dalsky).Thisbook is clear enough for the layman with ample references for theprofessional.The book gives you insight to what is happening inside yourbody and how you can take steps to stop or reverse osteoporosis.Dr.Brown's "whole body balance" approach will have you stepping out,enjoying veggies, and learning about soy and progesterone on the way tostronger bones. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Musculoskeletal Diseases    7. Osteoporosis    8. Popular works    9. Women's Health - General    10. Fitness & diet    11. Health & Fitness / Women's Health    12. Women's health   

Reviews (7)

Don'tbe fooled by the title
As a clinician-scientist, I believe in evidence
Who Knew?
I learned a lot about how to keep my ospeopedia from progressing into osteoperosis.Who knew that walking did not help?This book claims that the key to preventing osteoporsis is weight training.The author provides six basic, progressive work-out progams which can be done at home.I was definitely inspired to try her approach to preventing bone loss.

WHAT YOUR DOCTOR FORGOT TO TELL YOU!!
Like many people who are diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, I recived just about NO information from my doctor on how to improve bone health.It was just -- "take this pill and I'll see you at your annual physical."I was deeply upset that she had no information for me, provided almost no insight, and seemed vastly disinterested in providing any.I went out and looked for books to provide the information I needed.I found this book and couldn't be happier.In conjunction with Gillian Sanson's enlightening book "The Myth of Osteoporisis," this book should be in the hands of everyone who is interested in bone health.
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    3. Exercise    4. Exercise therapy    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Osteoporosis    8. Women's Health - General    9. Health & Fitness / Diseases / Musculoskeletal    10. Orthopaedics & fractures    11. Physiotherapy   

Reviews (6)

do not flex the spine
Excellent book.......very detailed and easy to understand.I also find myself very concientious about keeping good posture whilst performing the exercises. "do not flex the spine" goes through my mind so many times during the course of the day, you would be surprised at how often we all do that, and I have learned from this book that, that is not a good thing.

sort of disappointed
UPon reading this book, I talked to my Dr. about the exercises 'not recommended'.ie: forward bends and movements similar to those.I have exercised all of my life and maintaining flexibility in my spine is very important.The Dr. said to continue those exercises.Why would one want to NOT keep the spine flexible?It is a good book tho, the exercises are easy to do and it is clearly written and the pictures are helpful.

packed with good info, exercise section poorly laid out
This is a very informative book, worth the read, but I gave it only 4 stars because of the exercise section.It has LOTS of excellent exercises, but for some reason, they would start an exercise explanation on the right page, then you have to turn the page to continue with it.You end up with the pointer pictures and the don't-do-this pictures of the previous exercise on the same two page spread as the explanatory photos of the next exercise, which is inconvenient and confusing.Would it have been SO hard to publish the book with a few more pages to enable each exercise to be on it's own two-page spread, without encroaching on thenext exercise?This is a great reference book, but they need to make the exercise section more 'user-friendly'. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Exercise therapy    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Osteoporosis    7. Pilates method    8. Prevention    9. Rheumatology    10. Exercise & workout books    11. Popular medicine   

Reviews (8)

Book not designed for senior vision
The information and exercises in this book are good...BUT...certainly most of us with osteoporosis are past 60, as I am, and this book is fairly small at 5 1/2 x 8 inches. We need to have the print and illustrations larger, darker, and easier for us seniors to see.My husband agrees with me, and he also found the smaller and lighter print difficult to see and read. That fact didn't seem to be taken into consideration with the creation and publication of this book.

Literally a life saver!
After being in a car accident, dealing with fractured vertebrae and completing all the required bed rest, I was searching for something that would help me with the healing process.Being secure that I would not cause further injury to my spine by using the book as a guide and support, I began VERY slowly to try Sara Meek's program.I can only say that this book was my life saver.At the beginning I could only partially complete the most basic exercise, but I was determined to succeed.With the help of this program, both the exercises and the sense that I was getting better, I am now able to resume most daily activities and needless to say, my back has gotten straighter!Thank you Ms. Meeks.I hope you see this review.I have been wanting to thank you so much.I don't know how I would have made any progress without your help.
Very helpful!
This is a very good book for people who want to strengthen their backs, especially the upper back, and improve posture.The exercises (one to a page) are clearly explained, but not with too much explanation so you get lost, and the author tells how each exercise helps you. There are simple little drawings of people to show how to do each exercise. The exercises are not difficult, and you do not need to do dozens of repetitions. The book is a good size, not too big, and lays open flat.Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Surgery - General    6. Women's Health - General   

Reviews (4)

Women over 50--a must read
This is an excellent, very current overview of this all too common disease and its treatment. Let's face it--we're all responsible for our own health, few of us use the same physician for our whole adult lives, and education is a must. Most of us are generally aware of this disease, but did you know: that hip fractures are really breaks in the femur neck, the top of the thigh bone? that there are several drugs out there to treat this, not just fosamax? that osteoporosis can result from lack of calcium or exercise during childhood? This book explains what those T-scores from your bone density test really mean. Lots of info here too on exercise and diet. A bit less interesting is the personal discussion from Ann Richards on her own life, but that doesn't mar this extremely useful work.

Full disclosure
While I found this book to be useful and Ms. Richards' style to be non-technical and engaging, I wish that, before I bought the book, I had seen the statement which is on the reverse of the title page: "Ann Richards is a spokesperson for Eli Lilly, which owns the patent for Evista.Dr. Richard U. Levine, M.D. has been a member of the speakers' bureau for Eli Lilly."

Inspirational!!!
I could not put this book down.One would expect a book on Osteoporosis to be a bit dry but Ann keeps it real!You go girl. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1933-    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Consumer Health    5. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    6. General    7. Health    8. Healthy Living    9. Musculoskeletal Diseases    10. Osteoporosis    11. Popular works    12. Richards, Ann,    13. Women's Health - General    14. Self-Help / Aging   

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Subjects:  1. Health/Fitness   

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diseases - General    3. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    4. General    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Musculoskeletal Diseases    8. Osteoporosis    9. Popular works    10. Women's Health - General   

Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - Medical Technology    2. Medical    3. Medical / Nursing    4. Musculoskeletal Diseases    5. Orthopedics    6. Physiology    7. Rheumatology    8. Medical / Orthopedics    9. Orthopaedics & fractures    10. Specific disorders & therapies   

Reviews (2)

Useful information from a physician/patient
If you are like millions of other women who have been diagnosed with low bone density, DON'T PANIC!I bought this book after a bone density scan; my physician informed me that I have spinal osteopenia and gave me some fairly alarming warnings about possibly needing to be on medication (though, to his credit, he suggested I obtain a second opinion).I immediately ordered this book and "The Myth of Osteoporosis" (also recommended) and am exceedingly glad I did.This book offers a comprehensive overview of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, with much useful information that, as the title suggests, my doctor never provided.I learned that while bone density is a serious issue for older women, and should not be trivialized, the medical profession and pharmaceutical companies have converted what is essentially a normal state of aging into a disease.Women concerned about bone density should thoroughly inform themselves about how bone density scans are interpreted (this is a controversial area) and about all the medical and nonmedical options available to them.Equally important, they should educate their daughters, because the first few decades of life is the prime time for building healthy bone.For many women, the best course of action will simply to be to eat right, get plenty of exercise, and stop worrying!

Excellent Information
This book has much information about osteoporsis and what it means to your future. Along with this book, I strongly suggest reading another book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause - The Breakthrough Book on NATURAL Progestrone".The Osteoporsis book is extremely informatative about all aspects of the disease, osteoporsis, while the Progestrone book is full of informatin to aid you to become involved with your doctor in setting a course of action against osteoporsis.It is wonderful in explaning the differences between natural and man-made hormones.It gives information on REVERSING osteoporsis. Both books are a must read for anyone who has osteoporsis or is headed in that direction. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - General    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Musculoskeletal Diseases    7. Osteoporosis    8. Osteoporosis in women    9. Popular works    10. Rheumatology    11. Women's Health - General    12. Fitness & diet    13. Health & Fitness / Women's Health    14. Women's health   

Subjects:  1. Complications    2. Fractures    3. Medical    4. Medical / Nursing    5. Orthopedics    6. Osteoporosis    7. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation    8. Spinal cord compression    9. Spine   

Reviews (1)

YOGA WORKS to keep our bones healthy for a lifetime!
Lifelong bone health is a human birthright. Yoga for Healthy Bones clearly explains how yoga works to keep our bones strong for a lifetime. I have added it to my list of essential books for yoga teachers and students concerned about bone density, fractures and osteoporosis.Beautifully illustrated with educational photographs of inspiring older yoginis, this well-researched book teaches how to practice yoga safely and effectively. A truly holistic approach to healthy bones!
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Subjects:  1. Bones    2. Consumer Health    3. Diseases    4. Hatha Yoga    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Osteoporosis in women    8. Popular works    9. Prevention    10. Women's Health - General    11. Yoga    12. Health & Fitness / Yoga    13. Women's health    14. Yoga for exercise   

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet therapy    3. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Nutrition    7. Osteoporosis    8. Popular Works    9. Prevention    10. prevention & control    11. Fitness & diet    12. Popular medicine   

Reviews (15)

Cure?
This book hypes new drugs and cures for and prevention of osteoporosis. Well, they may work, but I am proof that despite taking Fosamax for 7 years since before menopause, and other drugs as well (miacalcin), it isn't the cure for everyone and, in fact, my condition has worsened to the point of fracturing my spine when I coughed. I have ALWAYS exercised, weight trained, and have a farm with lots of inherent "weight training",etc., My diet is extremely healthy- no processed foods, etc. We are the guinea pigs of the epidemic of osteoporosis, and frankly, "they" don't know much yet. Unless you are truly ignorant ofthe subject, this book is not much help.

Osteoporosis doesn't have to happen to you!
This book is a real eye opener. I thought it was a disease that old folks got. Now I know I need to start a plan right away for myself and my children to make sure we prevent this disease. Great book, easy to read and the suggestions on prevention are now a part of our daily lives.

Best for Building Bones!
I'm technical writer with a broadband company in Atlanta, and had neverheard of osteoporosis--until a bone density test showed I had osteoporosisat age 48. My bone density at that time was like a woman, age 65!! Imaginethe fear I faced. My doctor put me on Fosamax and HRT. I started walking 5days a week--started weight lifting every other day. I added calciumtablets and 2 more glasses of skim milk daily. Last year (2 years since Iwas diagnosed), my bone density had actually increased!! I'm strongernow--and more well-informed. This book confirmed what I was told--and whatI did to save my bones. I hope it will help you, too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Diseases - General    4. Health/Fitness    5. Osteoporosis    6. Popular works    7. Rheumatology    8. Women's Health - General    9. prevention & control    10. therapy    11. Health & Fitness / Healing   

Reviews (4)

What Your Doctor Won't Tell You
Betty Kamen has written a great book about estrogen, progesterone, PMS, menopause, and osteoporosis, which was based on research.Betty states, "Impressive evidence now validates beyond a doubt that progesterone, progesterone-like extracts, and certain herbs can correct a deficiency which is proving to be the real cause of PMS, the real cause of menopausal symptoms, the real cause of osteoporosis."Most doctors treat their patients by writing prescriptions for drugs manufactured by the major pharmaceutical companies, which in this case may be synthetic estrogen.One problem with synthetic estrogen pills or tablets is that only a fraction will be absorbed by the body because of "first-pass" removal of foreign hormones by the liver.These synthetic estrogens have also been shown in many research studies to increase the risk breast cancer and other forms of cancer.Your doctor is unlikely to tell you about the benefits of the natural progesterone which cannot be patented by the pharmaceutical companies.Progesterone is an important building block in estrogen production, and when progesterone levels peak in the menstrual cycle, there will be 140 times more progesterone than estrogen.Diosgenin, which is a Mexican yam extract, has been made to match natural progesterone exactly.It is safe and when used in a transdermal or cream form does not have the "first-pass" liver problem.The application of natural Diosgenin in a cream base with other synergistic herbs has shown incredible success as a hormone replacement therapy.

This is a great reference for every woman.
Betty Kamen has written an easy to read reference to women's hormones, how they work, what they do, and how to naturally enhance hormone deficiencies. You'll even get a chuckle here and there :)Did you know that "Forreasons not understood, age at menopause is significantly ealier amongleft-handed women than those who are right-handed." Read on!

I highly recommend this book to all of my customers.
This has to be the best book on natural hormone replacement. It's easy toread and enjoyable. Betty Kamen covers all areas including diet andexercise. I recommend this book to all of my customers if they want to getin control of their own bodies. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health/Fitness    4. Hormone therapy    5. Medical / Nursing    6. Menopause    7. Popular works    8. Premenstrual syndrome    9. Women's Health - General    10. Women's Health - Menopause    11. Popular medicine   

Subjects:  1. Aging    2. Aging (Biology)    3. Anatomy    4. Chemistry - Clinical    5. Dentistry - General    6. Gerontology    7. Medical    8. Medical / Nursing    9. Orthopedics    10. Osteoporosis    11. Physiology    12. Skeleton    13. Endocrinology    14. Geriatric medicine    15. Medical / Orthopedics    16. Orthopaedics & fractures   

Reviews (1)

Book is exactly what it promises to be
I'm a yoga teacher who is starting to specialize in the elderly. Some of the books for balance and osteoporosis in particular are simply too advanced for the people who have the greatest need. All can benefit greatly from this book. But those who have had cancer, bone injuries or advanced osteoporosis often can't perform the exercises aimed at healthier and more fit people who are interested more in prevention.
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