Whose Body Is It Anyway? Smart Alternative and Traditional Health Choices for Your Total Well-Being [Hardcover]

Joan Kenley (Author), John C. Arpels (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 8, 1999

Like a fireside chat with a woman who cares, here's an essential guide to help women organize their thoughts and questions about alternative and traditional treatment choices-from the popular psychologist and women's health and speaking-voice expert. Joan Kenley's own frustrating, almost fatal search for the right medical choice for her "female condition" triggered her passion to help other women more easily understand the medical maze of options thrown at them. With guidance from a distinguished advisory council, Dr. Kenley covers a wide range of concerns, including menopause symptoms, hormone replacement, sexual concerns, heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, incontinence, image and weight issues, plastic surgery, nutrition, exercise, and skin care. A unique feature of Whose Body Is It Anyway? is its accessible format: the print is easy to read, and important points are in bold so that readers can zero in on the most pertinent information quickly. The book is filled with charts, diagrams, and simple graphics; a "Just Do It" checkup schedule; a diagnostic questionnaire ("Your Health History Is You") and the author's deeply inspiring "Promise Between Friends Contract"-to encourage a buddy sysem whereby two friends can help each other schedule important regular checkups and, if needed, offer companionship through illness.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Kenley, a psychologist and women's advocate, provides a valuable contribution to the ever-growing body of literature on women's health. Using a determined and upbeat approach, she encourages women to take charge of their physical, emotional, and spiritual health. She also gives them the tools, providing a wealth of up-to-date information about key issues that women face at each stage of life. Topics include detecting and coping with breast cancer, treating osteoporosis, maintaining optimal cardiovascular health, hormone replacement therapy, self-image and weight, sexuality, nutrition, sleep disorders, and menopause. This book is sensible, straightforward, and readable, with helpful tips, well-organized charts, and simple graphics. This resource will enable women to be intelligent healthcare consumers, armed with the sort of information previous generations lacked and that physicians today may not give them. Highly recommended for public library and consumer health collections.?Linda M.G. Katz, MCP Hahnemann Univ., Philadelphia
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Part pep talk, part health update for women approaching middle age and menopause. Psychologist Kenley had her own ``rough mid-forties transition,'' complete with serious health crises, poor and insensitive medical care, and a feeling of being alone in her difficulties. So with gynecologist Arpels (a founding member of the North American Menopause Society) she tries here to cover the relevant ground so others will know what to expect. Kenley encourages readers to become ``health-active.'' ``Senior life optimal wellness is uncharted,'' she cautions, and we need to arm ourselves with knowledge. ``KNOW itstop the mystery. CHOOSE itfind your path. USE ittake action right away.'' With the tone set, Kenley and Arpels make an overall survey of menopausal symptoms, such as memory lapses and sleep disturbances. They go into greater depth on hormonal therapy, hot flashes, incontinence, and sexual issues; and give an overview of strategies for avoiding heart disease and osteoporosis. ``Identity, Habits and Weight'' discusses grooming (especially skin problems), vitamins, stress, and weight concerns. A significant portion of this guide is given over to schedules and charts: when to have what screening test, the hows and whys of various alternative therapies, nutritional guides, and the like. The information here is fine as far as it goes; updates in this field are welcome. But the cheerleading approach will turn off some readers; others will wish for information more clearly organized for easier reference. (Author tour) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 335 pages
• Publisher: Newmarket Press; 1 edition (June 8, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155704354X
• ISBN-13: 978-1557043542
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,444,551 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best complete and simple guide to women's health., May 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Whose Body Is It Anyway? Smart Alternative and Traditional Health Choices for Your Total Well-Being (Hardcover)

"Whose Body Is It Anyway" is a great book, an important resource, and a fun guide to women's health issues. I love the big print, the explanatory charts, and the ease of organization. In addition to physical well-being, Dr. Kenley addresses the mental, emotional, and spiritual sides of women's lives and provides guidance on how to keep our intimate relationships flourishing as we grow and change. Highly recommended.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best information on this subject I have ever read., April 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Whose Body Is It Anyway? Smart Alternative and Traditional Health Choices for Your Total Well-Being (Hardcover)

Dr. Kenley has given us a superb book on women's health. WHOSE BODY IS IT ANYWAY contains up to date information detailed in an easy to read form. The book is a friendly, feminine,and witty no-nonsense approach that arms the reader with a take control of your health perscription. Yes, every woman needs this book. The advice offered takes the fear out of aging and celebrates the woman in middle life.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive and user-friendly, May 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Whose Body Is It Anyway? Smart Alternative and Traditional Health Choices for Your Total Well-Being (Hardcover)

Just wanted to let you know how much the "Promise Between Friends" contract in your book WHOSE BODY IS IT ANYWAY? helped Beth and me when we saw her gynocologist at Kaiser the other day. It turns out she may need surgery.

After reading the applicable parts of your book, we both showed up with some knowledge, objectivity and open hearts. Just knowing she had someone along who cared and would remember the things she forgot gave Beth the strength to be herself. I've never seen her so strong, clear and actually funny. . . talk about effective communication! Besides, we were also focused on where we would have a great lunch later. Just thought I'd let you know from your idea to our experience, it really does help having someone you trust at your side.