Chronic Fatigue: Self Help Book [Paperback]

Susan M. Lark (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1995

Chronic fatigue has become one of the most frequently seen conditions by doctors across the United States. Part of Dr. Susan Lark's popular Self-Help Library series, CHRONIC FATIGUE is filled with facts about the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of the disorder and how it differs from "normal" tiredness. Dr. Lark suggests self-help therapies of vitamins, revised diets, and yoga, along with medical information and drug treatments available.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Celestial Arts; Revised edition (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890877726
• ISBN-13: 978-0890877722
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,300,196 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Simple, comprehensive self-help, no strings attached., March 17, 2005

By 

A. Obata "ginghamtree" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chronic Fatigue: Self Help Book (Paperback)

I learned about this book from the women's health empowerment classic, Our Bodies, Ourselves. It's a pity that more people don't know about it. I recommend this self-help book for the following features:

1. It provides simple, straightforward explanations for the causes of chronic fatigue such as menopause, anemia, or depression. It also includes diagnostic tools for assessing what causes your symptoms.

2. It explains both "how come" and "how to" for a wide variety of approaches for treating chronic fatigue, including diet, herbal treatments, yoga, and acupressure.

3. Above all, its approach is refreshingly gimmick-free, and empowers the reader to make her own choices about her own treatment, rather than compel her to buy certain products or services. (That's right--I could not find a single toll-free number or website for a recommended vendor of supplements, yoga accessories, or relaxation tapes. And for most treatment methods described, no further purchases are necessary.)

The third point deserves special attention. These days people want to buy a quick fix for their health problems, and the market responds by serving up products, including other self-help books. Dr. Lark gives us exactly what is written on the cover: a "SELF-help book." In other words, Dr. Lark lays out all that you need to treat yourself, simply and comprehensively. I welcome Dr. Lark's approach, for it respects the reader's ability (and necessity) to motivate, understand, and treat herself. For once, after I read this book, I didn't feel like reaching for another health book. Everything I needed was already in my hands, including recommendations for further reading should I feel like picking up another book.

However, this book's strength for some may prove to be a weakness. Dr. Lark does not play the cheerleader to motivate her readers. Although it sports a soothing lavender cover, this book raises a formidable challenge to the reader--to make the considerable lifestyle changes necessary to overcome chronic fatigue. You may need to modify your diet drastically, make time to exercise, and otherwise change your life completely. Dr. Lark expects her readers to generate their own motivation. This is great for people who are ready to go, but not for people who need more intensive nurturing.

Dr. Lark writes in simple prose, yet does not talk down to her readers. She also does not resort to the inane repetition that seems to plague so many self-help books. Her words resonate with the wisdom of years of medical practice, and she comes across as a voice you can trust. I highly recommend this book.