Body & Soul: The Black Women's Guide to Physical Health and Emotional Well-Being [Paperback]

Linda Villarosa (Editor), June Jordan (Foreword), Angela Davis (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1994

Sponsored by the National Black Women's Health Project, this honest, straight-from-the-heart guide addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual health issues and concerns of Black women today.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Villarosa, a senior editor for Essence magazine, became involved with the National Black Women's Health Project, based in Atlanta, Georgia, discovered the disheartening facts about black women's health care, and decided to do something, which set the stage for this powerful, straight-from-the heart guide. Contributors are black female scientists, academics, health care practitioners, and writers. Though not intended to replace doctor visits, the guide critically addresses illnesses, such as fibroids, keloids, and diabetes, that have traditionally afflicted a large percentage of the female African American community. The section titles suggest the work's content and approach: "Our Bodies"; "Our Reproductive Health"; "Our Health Care"; "Our Emotional Well Being"; "Loving"; and "Keeping Safe in a Hostile World." Each section contains a history of its topic as it relates to African American women, an exemplary first-person narrative, and tips for combating the illnesses. The end-of-chapter material, truly empowering, is outstanding. More than a listing of information, it offers a means of achieving help--the chapter with the discussion on the hazards of cigarettes concludes with steps for smoking cessation. This is a one-source volume for women who wish to empower themselves and to improve their physical, emotional, and mental health. All libraries servicing an African American community will not be able to keep this book on the shelf. Lillian Lewis --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Linda Villarosa is an award-winning health and science writer and Executive Editor at Essence magazine. She lectures across the country to student, health, and women's groups, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 608 pages
• Publisher: Perennial; 1 edition (November 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060950854
• ISBN-13: 978-0060950859
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,260,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great reference throughout my life., June 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Body & Soul: The Black Women's Guide to Physical Health and Emotional Well-Being (Paperback)

This is a book that every African-American woman should add to her book collection. I have referred to this book throughout my life. It has helped inform me about many issues that black women face everyday. This book has personally helped me, and others, in so many ways!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Suggested by my mother, it 's the guide for womanhood., July 26, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Body & Soul: The Black Women's Guide to Physical Health and Emotional Well-Being (Paperback)

Particularly, African-American woman have been in the dark about health issues that can cause emotional stress and issues that doctors feel we aren't smart enough to understand. On a personal note, after reading this book suggested by my mother, I found I suffered from a condition mentioned in the book that, when brought to the attention of my doctor, it was not even on her mind to check for.We all do self-diagnosis when we are ill though not necessarily the best thing, but now I can confirm what I may think with a more educated reiview of my symptoms and share in the treatment with my doctor instead of accepting the typical prescribed remedy. A "must-read" for every woman and her daughters

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book!, October 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Body & Soul: The Black Women's Guide to Physical Health and Emotional Well-Being (Paperback)

This book is great for Black women. It's not just a book on the health of the Black woman, but one which encourages each of us to take care of the most important person in our lives -- OURSELVES.

This book goes beyond the typical reminders about mammograms, pap smears, smoking, and HIV. Parts 4 through 6 really hit home. And the live voices of real women (Julia McMillon's story on page 567 really touched me!) made this book poignant. The photography and handy references at the end of each chapter makes this book worth every penny. As a result of reading this book, I joined the CA chapter of the Black Women's Health Project. My thanks go out to the author, Linda Villarosa! Keep up the good work.