Reviews (5)

Buy this book!
Dr. Wallace is a life saver and one of the most well respected Rhuematology doctors in the country!I was undiagnosed for 3 years and had gone to 10 doctors when I finally went to Dr. WallaceHe actually listened to me, thoroughly tested me and finally diagnosed me.He got me into a comprehensive pain management program and I'm now out of my wheelchair.I've read this book cover to cover and keep it as a reference tool.I can't say enough about it.Buy it!

Good Science
I was fortunate enough to find this book right after I was diagnosed. It explained everything I wanted to know, and more. Each chapter or section begins with a literary quotation that brings the subject into focus.The second section is heavily scientific, and the author even recommends skipping it and reading it later. I found the second section well written, but complex. It requires several readings. Each chapter of the book ends with a "Summing Up" paragraph (especially helpful in the scientific section)that helps you remember what you just read. Packed with lots of information
"All About Fibromyalgia" is a great book!I have read half a dozen books about Fibromyalgia (several in my possession), and this book is the most informative of them all.It has more technical information than the others I've read, which helps me understand the mysteries of Fibromyalgia even more.I wish I had read this book first. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - General    2. Consumer Health    3. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    4. Fibromyalgia    5. General    6. Medical    7. Musculoskeletal Diseases    8. Orthopedics    9. Popular works    10. Rheumatology    11. Coping with illness    12. Health & Fitness / Diseases / Musculoskeletal    13. Medicine | Rheumatology    14. Orthopaedics & fractures    15. Popular medicine   

Reviews (24)

I wish I had this book when I was diagnosed!
As the title indicates, this book is geared towards those who are new to fibromyalgia and are facing what I wrestled with when I was first diagnosed: eight million questions about what was happening to me, what do about it, and what my diagnosis meant to me and those around me. Ms. Marek does an excellent job of providing a comprehensive overview of all the things I remember needing to learn. In addition, the writing is clear and easy to follow. I'd describe it as conversational; I felt Ms. Marek was having a private discussion with me. She illustrates the practical information with her personal experience (she too has fibromyalgia), as well as with the experiences of others. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book is that Ms. Marek also talks about the emotional aspects of living with this illness and how it affects not only the person with fibromyalgia, but those around them. She addresses things like denial and acceptance, and the role those play in our lives. Ms. Marek speaks to the human being underneath the illness...the person who is struggling to maintain their identity in the face of a body that no longer works the way it used to. In summary, this is a solid, well-written book that I wish someone had handed to me when I was diagnosed. As the title says, this is an Essential Guide.
A great guide, quick read
I gobbled this book up after my diagnosis in late May of fibromyalgia. Of course, by necessity it is not as exhaustive as Devin Starlanyl's fibromyalgia books, but it is extremely helpful & has a little timeline of goals to follow. I think achieving some of these goals might be a little intimidating for someone who maybe has been seeking a diagnosis for some time...their level of disability may be great at first & they may have a hard time getting on the suggested exercise schedule. However, overall it's a positive book. I would be wary of the dietary advice, however. It is quite different from the advice given my by my neurologist, so definitely run it by your doctor first if you want to follow it. I don't think it's wise for everbody to go on a no to low carbohydrate diet, especially if your hemoglobin or glucose tests have come out ok. My doctor recommended an anti-inflammatory diet instead.
Error-free Review to Get You Well
With great pride I've observed Claudia Marek go from ill to extremely well. She is now restored to a highly energetic person. She is soundly knowledgeable, and accurate in her observations. Her findings as described in this book emanate from her own struggle with fibromyalgia and from her eighteen-year experience with over ten-thousand patients. All of her workdays are dedicated to advising and treating none but fibromyalgics. Her book outlines the results of her efforts and patient responses to what she has long recommended and now details in this book. There are very few experts available to treat this overwhelming illness, Claudia is one of those. Read and accept this vital help source. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    3. Fibromyalgia    4. Guaifenesin Protocol    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Musculoskeletal Diseases    8. Pharmacology    9. Popular works   

Reviews (1)

An inspirational story
Bill is "Positive Attitude". If you are diagnosed or love somebody diagnosed with ALS, this book is for you.It will inform you, give you hope, make you laugh, and make you cry. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health/Fitness    4. Inspirational    5. Inspirational - General   

Subjects:  1. Back    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    5. Exercise    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health/Fitness    8. Pilates method    9. Exercise & workout books   

Reviews (5)

Easy Read and very informative
I have read a lot about this subject, yet still learned more.Goes into detail, yet the writing is very easy to read -- slight humor included -- and warnings about areas you might want to skip if you are squimish. Also, good description about how to find a doctor -- the advice rang true to my experience.

Candid and detailed
Because I am considering a knee replacement, this book had lots of helpful info.There were plenty of details and excellent suggestions for dealing with knee/hip replacement issues.I had already done considerable research, but this book went significantly beyond what I had learned.Written in an interesting manner and by an "insider" who seeks to inform rather than having an ax to grind with other doctors.

The only book you will need!
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I read Doctor Grelsamer's book prior to undergoing knee replacement surgery.I had also read several others.His was by far the most complete and answered all my questions.I didn't feel like I was entering surgery unawares.I highly recommend this book if you are thinking about knee replacement surgery. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Consumer Health    3. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    4. General    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health Care Issues    7. Health/Fitness    8. Hip joint    9. Knee    10. Popular works    11. Surgery    12. Surgery - General    13. Total hip replacement    14. Health & Fitness / General    15. Popular medicine   

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   

Subjects:  1. Diseases - Arthritis    2. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    3. Medical    4. Rheumatology    5. Software - Medical / Nursing - CDROM / PC    6. ---------Software    7. Medical / General   

Reviews (11)

Not very inspired
After reading about half of this book, I had to stop.I am not very inspired.In fact, it had the opposite effect on me.A lot of the stories I read were too much about the hardships and not enough about the positive outcomes that people had.Kind of scared me a bit..is this what I have to look forward to as the years progress?I was more inspired by Montel's book (once I got past the ego part of it).

Unrecommended
I do not recommend this book.I purchased it under the assumption that it would include individual accounts of people dealing with MS.It does, but not in the manner that I presumed it would.The book does offer individual accounts of the struggle with MS, but the stories seem to be incomplete and unorganized.As someone living with MS, I wanted to know about the individual's diagnosis history, symptoms, treatment, etc.Many of the stories never mentioned specifics or they left out important events.The idea of what the individual's have been through does make the stories inspiring, but the lack of content and organization left me feeling frustrated and sad.

Ordinary People living courageous lives
What I liked so much about this book was that ordinary people were depicted in every chapter.And what is ordinary?Is there such a thing?When MS strikes, it isn't choosey.This book strives to take a sampling of the diverse groups that MS strikes and paints a picture.There is the enlisted military man, the single and struggling mother, the artist, the air traffic controller, the poet, the scientist, all of different sex, career, economic status and type of MS.I learned so much from each and every person's story and I applaud them for coming forward and sharing what they've learned.... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    4. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    5. General    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health/Fitness    8. Inspirational - General    9. Motivational & Inspirational    10. Multiple sclerosis    11. Patients    12. Specific Groups - Special Needs    13. Health & Fitness / Diseases / Nervous System (incl. Brain)   

Reviews (6)

Great book for those newly diagnosed.
The "New Hope for People with Lupus" was very informative. It is an easy format to follow and helpful for those newly diagnosed or reading their first book on Lupus. The coverage of both traditional and non-traditional therapies was solid. I recommend this book for those who are new to Lupus.

Unimpressed
I am a person with a possible diagnosis of Lupus, looking for information about the disease.While I found Dr. Wallace's handbook on Lupus very helpful, "New Hope" was full of silly platitutes and assumptions about my experiences of the disease (trying to be funny and sympathetic, but not mirroring my experiences at all--I found it rather condescending).It did not cover in depth alternative therapies as I had hoped.

Informative and optimistic
This a good book for any Lupus patient.I have SLE and found this book inforamtive, but it is interlaced with optimism and cases of people who were able to reduce their symptoms.It has everything.. the basics, meds, alternative therapies, coping and relationships, tips on what to ask the doc.This is a good book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Diseases - General    5. Diseases - Immune System    6. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    7. Health & Fitness    8. Health/Fitness    9. Popular works    10. Systemic lupus erythematosus    11. Diseases & disorders    12. Health & Fitness / General    13. Orthopaedics & fractures    14. Popular medicine   

Reviews (1)

Cure for Arthritis
This is a great book that really helped me with my arthritis.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Dietary supplements    5. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health/Fitness    8. Herbal Medications    9. Minerals    10. Minerals in the body    11. Pain Management    12. Therapeutic use    13. Complementary Medicine   

Reviews (1)

An author with knowledge, a helpful but confusing book
In a publishing climate and a culture where behind every commercial publication, you just know lurks some author and editor with $$$ in her or his eyes--particularly in such how to books like become rich in real estate, write a best selling novel, how homeopathy cured my pet anaconda, I found this book extremely informative, passionate about its subject, sincere, clearly written but, the major defect is its structure; Dr. Pacarelli has taken a lifetime of experience (he says he's treated 6,000 cases of RSI) and provided a clear explanation of the many causes and types of the disorder. You will learn that "carpal tunnel" syndrome, which is the media's and layperson's term for disorders arising many from keyboarding (in the past typical sufferers were more likely to be musicians, sewers, sign language interpreters, etc.) is the diagnosis in only EIGHT percent of the cases of hand and arm damage.Dr Pascarelli explains it all: there are anatomical charts of the muscle system, the nerve system, photographs of hand & arm anomolies among sufferers, diagrams & photos of the wrong way and the right way to sit at a computer station, exercises, treatments, ergonomics, etc.You will learn why your average doctor, even orthopedists don't make proper diagnoses, even treatment plans, and often lack the knowledge of the big picture of RSI that affects not just nerves, but soft tissue, musculature, mood, and a lot more.You will be given a chapter of illustrated exercise routines.You will learn (and understand through experience)that splints are basically worthless and often harmful (except perhaps for sleeping).You will learn a host of treatment modalities--some described in detail, lesser mainstream ones like Alexander Technique, Feldenkreis, and Rolfing--which he is not adverse to trying.He also is up to date enough to discuss devices like voice activated software and the like. The problem arises in that after a discussion of the many types of RSI, the treatment plans he advocates are not specified as to which particular RSI syndrome you have.They are all lumped together. Nevertheless, this book is written in a compassionate, authoritive, supportive tone, although the fact that he suggests some people might just not ever get better from RSI is pretty sobering and pessimistic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Carpal tunnel syndrome    2. Consumer Health    3. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    4. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    5. Diseases Of Peripheral Nerves    6. General    7. Health & Fitness    8. Health/Fitness    9. Overuse injuries    10. Physical Impairments    11. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation    12. Popular works    13. Treatment Of Wounds And Injuries    14. Health & Fitness / Physical Impairments   

Reviews (1)

Same Old Rehashed "Advice"
If you are really brand spankin' new to FMS, you may learn something here. Otherwise look elsewhere. Something that really bugged me about this book, is that it didn't once mention anything about work and keeping a job. My FMS is so severe I cannot work and am seeking disability. I've tried everything I can possibly try also - from supplements to drugs, exercise to physical therapy, etc. The book is a big failure for not even mentioning disability. It also rehashes that tired old advice of "exercise and you'll feel better." Junk advice. Telling us the pain we feel is good pain and to fight through it. Yeah right. Some of us actually do have muscular damage from FMS and the fact that we miss out on micro-muscle repair that should be had through stage 4 sleep does indicate that we can acquire damage to our muscles. This book reads like it was written 1998 - 2000 and not updated properly to reflect new evidence and studies that have been conducted (save for mentioning of substance P and IGF-1). The book is more of a "get yourself feelin' happy" workbook. Useless for us severely impacted individuals who've already been through the medical system and back out. Its recommendation of following the food pyramid is absurd especially for those with co-morbid candidiasis (yeast and mold) problems. A book I highly recommend is "Taking Charge of Fibromyalgia: Everything You Need to Know to Manage Fibromyalgia, Fifth Edition" The only reason I give it 2 stars was for the easy to read layout of the book and the pictoral depictions of some stretches. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Musculoskeletal Diseases    6. Rheumatology    7. Coping with illness    8. Health & Fitness / General    9. Health systems & services   

Editorial Review

Exercise, particularly strength training, can restore function and reduce the pain of arthritis, as Tufts research scientists have discovered. In Read more

Reviews (4)

Strong Men and Women Beat Arthritis by Dr. Nelson
This is an excellent work on the alternative medicinal and Really seems to help!
I was recently diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, and I started following the nutritional suggestions in this book. I think it's already starting to help! Plus it tells you how to perform strengthening exercises for your aching joints. I am a big fan of Dr. Nelson's other works. I like how she explains the science and the applications. I plan to share this with my mom, who also has osteoarthritis.

No hype, just good, sound information.
I am the kind of person that is not going to buy or "buy into" a book unless it is supported by some reasonable evidence.If you're like me, then you'll love this book.It is based on a study recently conducted at the Tufts University.In short, the study used a program of exercise and nutrition to combat arthritis.The results? Pain was reduced by a whopping 43%! Read more

Subjects:  1. Arthritis    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Healthy Living    8. Popular works    9. Health & Fitness / General   

Reviews (4)

While not the best book, it's certainly a good introduction to new patients
This book is on the old side - there has been a lot of great and amazing research since it was first published. However, it can provide patients that have just been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia a good, basic understanding of what they are facing. It should not be considered to be a complete reference.

The original "it's all in your head theory"
This book is a slap in the face to anyone with FMS. The author is either completely uneducated about FMS, or has decided that his personal views, misguided, uninformed and biased, are correct and the leading experts are idiots. You Won't Find a Better "Relief Handbook"
I have suffered the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia for 7 years.But thanks to The Fibromyalgia Relief Handbook I am free of symptoms.No more muscle pain, no more "hurting all over" no more sleepless nights.I feel like a new person.How did this miracle happen? I simply followed a few simple relief tips covered in the book.Simple tips like adding certain nutrients to my diet and eliminating specific foods.What's more the book is written in plain, simple English. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    4. Fibromyalgia    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Reference   

Subjects:  1. Arthritis    2. Consumer Health    3. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Popular works    7. Reference    8. Health & Fitness / General    9. Popular medicine    10. Reference works   

Reviews (2)

Finally, a comprehensive discussion of RA we can understand.
This discussion on RA is the most comprehensive available in layman's terms.This disease process is so complicated and the research on treatment so varied, trying to keep up on journal articles or short publications is almost impossible. This book puts more useable information between the two covers than you will find anywhere. Unlike medical journals, the disease process explanations are concise and understandable.Although the explanations are detailed and scientific and may take more than one reading to get your brain around the complex concepts, it nicely falls somewhere in between the very oversimplified information found in "arthritis" books available at bookstores and over-complicated and hard-to-read medical book information. Truly helpful is the detail about how clinical trials are conducted and the complicated sequence of events that occur in treatment research. It makes the waiting for decades for new treatments a little easier to understand. Also helpful are the briefs on current research (now a bit out of date-some of the "in trials" treatments in the book have been approved and are available) that is ongoing along with web sites so individuals can follow trials, results, research progress, etc. and even contains information on joining in some of the clinical trials. The description of the immune processes is very helpful. Not only does it help the reader understand the immune system as a whole, and the effect of this disease on the immune system, it also gives a good picture of how HIV and AIDS compares on the opposite end of the immunity spectrum (overactive vs. underactive immune system). Best of all, this book arms RA sufferers with good information to be able to take a more active role in their own treatment. Buy it for a friend who has RA or buy it for yourself. You will want to reread it several times.

Best Gift for someone with rheumatoid arthritis!
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, or if a friend or loved one has been diagnosed with this disease I highly recommend this book as an invaluable source of information.Not only is it packed with facts on rheumatoid arthritis ranging from details of exactly what is happening in the joints and the immune system to useful Web sites to keep up on the latest details on new medications and treatment approaches, it is also clearly and beautifully written.It really is a handbook to help readers make informed decisions with their physcians.Included as well are fascinating insights into possible future treatments now in the research stage - from the use of stem cells to gene therapy.Read more

Subjects:  1. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    2. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    3. General    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Medical / Nursing    7. Physical Impairments    8. Popular works    9. Rheumatoid arthritis    10. Popular medicine   

Subjects:  1. Arthritis    2. Consumer Health    3. Diseases    4. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    5. Exercise    6. Exercise therapy    7. General    8. Health & Fitness    9. Health/Fitness    10. Coping with illness    11. Diseases & disorders    12. Exercise & workout books    13. Popular medicine    14. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Editorial Review

More than 43 million people of all ages in the U.S. suffer from arthritis, an often disabling disease for which conventional medicine offers only limited relief from pain--and no cure. Arthritis patients are increasingly seeking alternative therapies, yet these have their drawbacks, too: though some have proven benefits, many others are expensive and work for only some, others are useless, and some are dangerous. This book aims to be a "common-sense guide through the maze of the most-used complementary therapies for arthritis, to help you choose wisely among the many options available," and it succeeds beautifully. The book lists 22 complementary therapies, from familiar ones like acupuncture, meditation, tai chi, and yoga, to less accepted treatments like copper bracelets, magnets, and bee stings (don't worry, the book isn't recommending this, only providing information). The "Nature's Medicines" section discusses more than 40 herbs and supplements. Read more

Reviews (9)

Nice overview of all the alternative therapies.
Nice graphics and type. Treats all therapies evenly. Basic info across all spectrums, including what to expect at your first acupuncture session, what naturopathy is, and more.

Separates hype from hope, again and again
When this book was first released, I gave a copy to my 75-year-old mother, who has osteoarthritis. Over and over, she's told me about consulting this book when trying to decide whether or not to try some remedy that a friend has suggested. She feels that it has kept her from spending a fortune on snake oil, and has made her bold enough to try alternative approaches that have been helpful, such as glucosamine-chondroitin supplements. Obviously it was the perfect gift.

An Excellent Guide For Anyone, Traditional or Nontraditional
I found this book very helpful in making sense out of the confusing array of alternative therapiesout there these days.Ms. Horstman provides a no-nonsense overview of many traditional healing techniques, together with a comprehensive bibliography and medical references. The organization of the book makes it very easy to use, too. Overall, this book shows a high level of qualityon all levels, and is a valuable resource for thoseof us in search of health and healing! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Medicine    2. Alternative Therapies    3. Alternative treatment    4. Arthritis    5. Diet / Health / Fitness    6. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    7. General    8. Health & Fitness    9. Health/Fitness    10. Massage & Reflexotherapy    11. Naturopathy    12. Treatment   

Reviews (4)

Great book on osteopenia!
This book is a must read for all mom's and for women that want to prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis. The book walks you through the steps of preventing a disease that many assume just happens. I have completely changed our diet. Easy to follow and good information.

Disappointing
This book did not come close to my expectations.It is unnecessarily repetitive about the most basic information.Once I've been told that smoking is a risk factor for loss of bone density, just how many case histories of patients do I need to read where the expert medical advice is Surprise, Surprise!!Quit smoking.There's a lot of "filler" material in this book, but then information that the reader needs is left out.We're told to get more Calcium, Vitamin D and Potassium in our diet, but the recipes in Chapter 7 don't even include nutrition information for these nutrients. And many of the recipes are high in fat, which isn't good for anyone. We're told about the importance of weight-bearing exercise, but none of the exercises shown uses weights or even a resistance band.I wanted practical advice on diet and especially exercise and don't feel that this book delivered.

Wonderful bookA+
Understandable, practical information including diet, exercise, medications, dietary supplements and recipes.A clearly written bible for bone care.I highly recommend this excellent guide for anyone with questions on bone loss and bone care. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health Services For Women    5. Health and hygiene    6. Health/Fitness    7. Musculoskeletal Diseases    8. Nutrition    9. Osteopenia    10. Popular works    11. Women    12. Women's Health - General    13. Women's health   

Reviews (9)

I have doubts about glucosamine + chondroitin
Put it this way, I have joint pain, and I take glucosamine and chondroitin for the pain. But I have my doubts about them, too, especially with regard to the claim that they "rebuild cartilage" (note: I am not a doctor, and I am just a layperson and reader of average knowledge, who has done some reading on this).
Dr. Theo's glucosamine/chondroitin cure works
I have been investigating health issues for almost 30 years, and Dr. Theo's book is the best one I have read concerning the solution to arthritis.I am also one of the victims of arthritis because I have literally walked or run for thousands of miles in my lifetime.So, my knees and hips need constant attention, and I can personally confirm that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements work.The doctor is right that different brands vary a lot in quality, and I am glad he listed some good brands in his book.He also tells the exact amount of each supplement that you must take in order to get effective results.Although I did not see the GNC brand mentioned in the book, I have found that the GNC chewable Tri-Flex candy supplements work for me.You'll be glad you bought this very informative book if you have arthritis or know someone who does.

If you have arthritis this book can help
The idea is so simple it is amazing no one thought of it sooner.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Diseases - Musculoskeletal    5. General    6. Medical    7. Coping with illness    8. Popular medicine