The Arthritis Helpbook: A Tested Self-Management Program for Coping with Arthritis and Fibromyalgia [Paperback]

RN Kate Lorig (Author), James Fries (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 10, 2006

The Arthritis Helpbook is the world's leading guide to coping with joint pain, and has been used by more than 600,000 readers over its twenty years in print. It succeeds because of its tested advice, its hundreds of useful hints, and its emphasis on self-management-helping people with arthritis and fibromyalgia to achieve their own health goals. Chapters allow readers to: Learn proven techniques to reduce pain and increase dexterity Build a calcium-rich diet and maintain a healthy weight Design an exercise program that matches their needs Find tips and gadgets that solve common problems, big and small Overcome fatigue, depression, and other troubling feelings associated with these health issues Learn about all available arthritis medications and surgeries

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you can't attend an Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program, this book is the next best thing." -- AARP, November/December 2006

"With hundreds of useful hints...this book helps you achieve your health goals, despite physical limitations." -- Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, 2/7/2007

About the Author

Kate Lorig, R.N., Dr.P.H., directs the Arthritis Self-Management Patient Education Project at the Stanford University Arthritis Center. James F. Fries, M.D., is Professor of Medicine at Stanford University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; Sixth Edition edition (January 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738210382
• ISBN-13: 978-0738210384
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #323,178 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #68 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Disorders & Diseases > Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding guide and help book, May 17, 2007

By 

Shalom Freedman "Shalom Freedman" (Jerusalem,Israel) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Arthritis Helpbook: A Tested Self-Management Program for Coping with Arthritis and Fibromyalgia (Paperback)

There are more than one hundred types of arthritis. The proper diagnosis treatment and management of the illness is the subject of this book. This book aims to give individuals who suffer from arthritis the tools for managing their own illness. It is written by professionals who have a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The first section of the book is devoted to 'Understanding those Aches and Pains', the second to "Your Self- Management Plan". There are also hints, tips, and gadgets given to help. And there is a chapter on 'Keeping Your Body Healthy" There is also a section in which subjects such as pain management, getting a good night's sleep, depression, fatigue and other symptoms, feelings and communication are treated. The last section of the book is devoted to providing help with finding the proper medical resources for treating the illness.
This work comes recommended by the Arthritis Foundation. It is clearly written and highly recommended.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful book, April 9, 2008

By 

Music Lover - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Arthritis Helpbook: A Tested Self-Management Program for Coping with Arthritis and Fibromyalgia (Paperback)

I am finding this book very helpful. I have myofascial pain (muscle) and find this book useful because I have a lot of difficulties with getting tasks done with my arms/hands due to ability and pain. I have really wanted to do some flower gardening this summer and this book has some lists of gardening tools that will help to get the job done. This has a lot of hints to help with grooming, household tasks, etc. I highly recommend this book to anyone with Carpal Tunnel, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, etc. One additional hint not in the book is that I have found it extremely comfortable to sleep at night with my hand and forearm on a polystyrene microbead pillow. You can google polystyrene microbead pillow or Moshi pillow. I find this kind of pillow very conforming to my hand and comfortable. My pillow is quite large and not over-stuffed (there is actually space in the pillow without the beads.) Also, I find that Biofreeze quite helpful on my tissues when the pain gets quite bad. You can order Biofreeze online or may get at your local pharmacy. Best of luck with feeling better.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars OK if you ignore some parts, June 6, 2007

By 

TC Fields (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Arthritis Helpbook: A Tested Self-Management Program for Coping with Arthritis and Fibromyalgia (Paperback)

I thought the majority of the book was very helpful. However, I was very upset that the authors decided to include some of their political views in the book - in particular I am referring to the statement that individuals consuming more than a certain amount of healthcare are unethical - ie: using biological response modifiers such as Enbrel. I hope that readers will recognize that this is just the authors' opinion - not a fact. Many people in the healthcare industry, including myself disagree with this statement. If you need biologicals, take them!