Disability-and-Health Books

I liked the premise of the book, but I think the graphics could have been better. Also, I bought this for my daughter who is starting ADHD meds and she was not much interested in the car story.

I specialize in treating ADHD kids and this is one of the best books I have read that explains the process to children. It follows all the steps in the journey from diagnosis to treatment in a fantasy story about a young car who has a "motor that runs too fast". I will use it in my practice and will recommend it to the parents and children that I see with this disorder. I would highly recommend it.

I keep a couple of copies of this book in my office. It uses humorous illustrations as well as concrete examples to help children understand why they need to take medication for AD/HD.

Otto, a young car, visits a special engine mechanic and receives an engine treatment to help him run at the right speed. The author uses this metaphor to explain the nature of AD/HD, and the process of getting a psychiatric evaluation. It suggests some good questions that the the child might want to ask about medication. I particularly liked the way the book discussed potential side effects and how it encouraged the child to discuss this with his or her doctor.

The book is aimed at elementary school children and some pre-schoolers.

Shortly after my middle son was diagnosed and given his meds the daily struggle on how to get him to take them began. Adding them to food did no good because he wouldn't eat it. Trying to get him to swallow was impossible as he would clamp his jaws shut.

I bought this book and we read it many times and he began to understand why he needed to take his medicine. That was almost 3 years ago and there are times he reminds me it's time to take his meds.

We gave the book to his psychiatrist when we were done with it.

This was the perfect book for our patients in Rehab. Materials you don't find in a regular medical book.

As a Librarian who selects books for a living, I saw this book, and had to give an Amazon review on it! This is a simple to follow and well illustrated manual for those with back problems, male or female. The positions given are creative and truly helpful. My only wish was that it also had a section on people with Sciatic nerve problems, as well. I haven't found any book that is better than this one... it will really help people.

Not a lot of content here- big type, lots of repetition. Says in about 100 ways that back pain may limit your sexual activity and don't feel guilty about it. Duh! There is some practical advice on positions and techniques, but mostly stuff you'd figure out yourself through trial and error. Some good content on what can cause back pain.

This is a useful and informative book, written by a highly regarded and respected physical therapist. We have multiple copies of this book in our clinic, and I recommend it to our patients whenever appropriate. The feedback I have received from our patients has been very positive.

Louise F. Lynch, PT, Director Work Recovery Services, Inc. Colchester, Vermont

This book is a thorough and informative explanation of the Social Security and Medicare programs. Not only is it written with a detailed breakdown of the laws and protocols associated with the programs but it also delivers an understandable and relatable message as to the importance and implications of each. It affords a progressive description of the history and development of the systems in a logical and sometimes comical manner. The author delivers personality in the fact that she provides a combination of personal opinion, descriptive case studies, and real-life analogies which allowed me to sympathize and understand the importance of such social programs. The information provided is supported by quotations from legislative material as well as references from field experts making it arguably accurate as well. I appreciated the simple explanations, advice, instruction on how to get around problems working with government officials, and the compassion she displays as a sort of "fighting for the individual." Star rating: 4

"The Social Security and Medicare Handbook" by V.R. Leonard, is a handbook designed to educate the reader in an easy-to-read format about the Social Security and Medicare system. The author explains in great detail many aspects of this system in order to make the entire concept seem less confusing to the average person. In other words, you don't have to be an expert to understand how Social Security and Medicare can best benefit you.

Found in the various chapters of this handbook are helpful tips on what to expect when applying for Social Security and Medicare benefits. The author guides the reader through every step of this process from initially applying for benefits to what information is required to what to do if you are rejected for benefits. It also contains a nice section on applying for benefits for handicapped children as well as other local community programs that low-income or disabled people may be eligible for; information that's often hard to find through other sources.

The author, who is a professional researcher, gives a great deal of insight into the Social Security Administration, including the history, how the system itself operates and how to successfully work within the system to get the benefits you may need. There is also a section about the future of the Social Security Administration and how the privatization of healthcare may affect this system in coming years. Numerous other professionals, such as physicians, lawyers and advocates, who have many years of experience helping clients get Social Security benefits, offer their candid advice as well. That in and of itself is worth giving this handbook a good read.

"People are more than statistics." Government programs when explained talk a lot about numbers, financial profit or deficit and how people fit into them. By doing this, the government has already confused us. A person dealing with Social Security and Medicare can become frightened and overwhelmed.

Each chapter is divided into categories of information and makes reading about relevant information easy. If you have a situation you are dealing with or an immediate question, go directly to that chapter. You do not have to read previous chapters to understand what is being explained. Each chapter stands by itself.

This book covers all the information about these two government programs in a way everyone can understand. With aging parents and the ever-increasing baby boomer generation, this book is highly recommended and valuable. If you are dealing with the Social Security and/or Medicare agencies now or want better clarification for future use of these systems, read this book.

Government program language is at most times vague and confusing. V.R. Leonard breaks the language barrier and provides us, the reader, with relevant, and an easy to understand translation.

This book is a valuable reference; especially, when trying to understand and steer your way clear through the information on Social Security and Medicare. Isn't this what a reliable handbook is supposed to do? But it doesn't stop here; it also helps you determine if the information you receive from other sources is accurate. So, if you do encounter difficulty in getting your benefits but you are armed with this handbook, you will be prepared to handle the issue at hand by knowing where to go and what to do.

This book covers a wide range of related topics to Social Security and Medicare, such as other dependent programs and benefits; employer/ employee responsibilities; programs outside of social security; what to do if denied and the viewpoint from professionals. All of these topics are relevant and interesting in there own right. Attending to them is worth your time and effort. The core chapters on Social Security and Medicare, however, are those mainly covered by this review.

You can't understand social security without considering its history. Starting with that, the handbook covers the Social Security Act in great detail by not only covering its specific points, but the controversies and amendments since the initial act was passed into law and what it's status is today. This is an excellent summary of the act and its influence in plain language. It is a valuable key in furthering your understanding about social security and what you need to know about your rights under this act.

The chapter on Retirement Benefits covers programs and eligibility as well as when and under what conditions you become eligible. It helps clarify key terms, such as "earnings record," and "PIA" or primary insurance amount, as well as point out what to do about qualifying, submitting claims, determining earning amounts, and getting auxiliary benefits. These are all core concerns that usually confuse people. But the handbook helps you make sense of all of this in very clear and plain language.

The chapter on Disability Benefits covers programs and services that relate to this type of claim and how you qualify for such benefits. Besides disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is also covered in detail. What is noteworthy here and through out this handbook are the references to web sites and phone numbers to use for added information. This is especially helpful in dealing with what needs to be done and how to file claims. What is even more valuable is what should be done in the event you are denied and what you need to do to make relevant appeals.

Just as there is a historical aspect to Social Security, there is a parallel one on the history of Medicare. What is helpful (to those who either don't know or are not familiar with the different parts of Medicare coverage, such as Parts A, B, and C along with the more recently enacted Part D relating to Drugs) is this part of the handbook which serves as your guide through the alphabet soup of medical coverage under social security --a very welcome supplement to those not in the know.

Finally, this handbook earns added value with the information it provides in the appendices by citing other resources, such as web sites, agencies and associations, telephone numbers and an extensive bibliography. So armed, any user of this handbook should have a firm grasp of what needs to be done with regard to Social Security and Medicare and by so doing avoid getting lost in the usual maze of misinformation

This book provides GREAT information on all forms of treatment. It reviews everything from traditional to preventative remedies, and also gives tips on keeping your back healthy to avoid future injuries. The exercise pictures were very helpful. Also great for determining if you need back surgery and what the next steps are, how to find a surgeon, etc. if you do. I read this book as soon as I received it and found all of the information to be a great help and future resource!

This book is pretty good for those who have very little or no knowledge on the subject of back pain. However, it offers very little to anyone who has studied the subject with some effort. I was hoping for some new insights on treating my own back pain when I purchased this book and got virtually no new information to help my situation.

My name is Peter Vincent Cannice and I live in the Phoenix, Arizona area. I am 37 years old and have been suffering from severe back pain for all too long now. I understand what others are going through-I am there with you or HAVE been there where you are now.

Although I am looking at my 2nd surgery in the middle of March, without this book by Stephen Hochschuler, I think I would not be around to write to you today. I am having an artificial disc replacement surgery, by the Grace of God, which was just approved in November of 2004. Dr. Hochschuler, a great surgeon that I met with in person, as a result of my pain and reading his book, is a man of wisdom and a man who understands the severe and chronic nature of back pain.

This great book clearly will give you a number of Non-Surgical alternatives that will be helpful to you. Whether it is your neck, back or even leg pain (or any sort of chronic pain-for that matter), you can rest assured that you will be purchasing a book that will offer you some peace of mind and some relief.

You can email me at HorsePete@aol.com if you would like to talk or should you ever need support. I am in severe pain at this moment but I can see the end of the rainbow as a result of reading this book. The alternatives are great ones and I've tried all of them at this point. I have no alternative, at this point, other than surgery and I pray that I make it through this very intense surgery in March of 2005. If you read this book you will learn that you are NOT ALONE, that your pain is REAL and that there really IS hope for you. I PROMISE YOU THIS!

Please don't give up. Hang on and know that things are going to get better. This book gave me techniques to get through the day and ultimately I hold it responsible for getting me to the point that I am at today. And now I am writing a book of my own-on Chronic Pain and Alternatives. It will be free. And you can have one as a gift for the peace that I received in reading this wonderful book.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU. TAKE A GREAT AND DEEP BREATH AND REACH OUT IF YOU NEED HELP. HELP IS OUT THERE AND PEOPLE REALLY CARE AND UNDERSTAND.

My heart goes out to you.

Peter Cannice

I have had chronic back pain for 2 years-so bad that I have considered taking my own life. Reading this book gave me hope, brought me up to date and allowed me to continue with therapy. I am now looking forward to possibly getting an artificial disk operation so this 36 year old male can get back to taking care of his family and kids. My background is in Medicine and this book offers it all-from the lay person to the Medical Docotor. I highly suggest this book over MANY, MANY others. You can email me at HorsePete@aol.com with ANY questions you may have. My name is Peter Cannice, of Phoenix, Arizona, and I am a survivor because of this book.

Reviewed by Randy A. Lakin for RebeccasReads (11/08)


This is Dirk Chase Eldredge's third book, and I have to say that "You've Gotta Fight Back" is a must for anyone who has suffered from a critical Illness, injury or disability. In this book, Eldredge lays out several different stories of individuals, families and their friends who have had major life altering illnesses or injuries. In the first story, Eldredge tells the story of an individual who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, and ALS for short. Normally someone with ALS will live for two to five years, but this person lived twenty-five years. The story unfolds around the whole family, his wife and the children, one of whom does not handle the news of her father having ALS very well.

The last story in the book is about the writer's son, a former functioning alcoholic and drug user. Functioning alcoholics are able to perform their job and go through the everyday motions of life without being detected, but eventually everyone saw through Dirk, Jr.'s facade except his father. After he hit bottom and his wife left, Dirk, Jr. finally turned to AA. With the help of Alcoholics Anonymous, he was able to put his life back on track, and he now devotes his time to helping others overcome the same problems he once suffered from.

Another area Eldredge covers is the caregiver, a group of people that often get overlooked. It is hard being a caregiver in this day and age. This is the one person sees the most changes in a patient, and usually has no one to turn to. I personally am a caregiver to my wife, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's at the age of 46. I take good care of her, but it is hard to see her shake and lose her memory. All the doctors tell us is that they usually do not see something like that in someone her age, and, boy, that really helps!

In conclusion, I would recommend this book to anyone who has or knows someone who has a serious illness or injury. The author has hit the target with this book. I personally have a failed back fusion in my lumbar area with scar tissue entrapping the nerves in my lower back and down both legs. I am also on morphine daily for the pain. I truly enjoyed reading this book and I think you will too. This book lets you know you are not alone in the world, and would make a great addition to anyone's library or even as a gift to someone who suffers from an illness or injury.

The most amazing thing is the human spirit and it's power. In "You've Gotta Fight Back!," Dirk Eldredge gives testimony to the ability of people who are faced with a variety of health and life challenges to beat the odds and overcome or manage their conditions. With detail and compassion, he tells the stories of a number of people who had the courage and insight to study, research, and work hard, and make the most of the life challenge they were facing. He also lauds supportive spouses, caretakers, family members, and friends for the role they play in helping these challenged people. For a person who has been diagnosed with a serious illness, this book can give hope and encouragement.

They are some of the most disheartening and utterly devastating words in the world: You've got ... Life will never be the same again. Suddenly, the day to day issues that used to cloud your mind seem petty. Everything becomes about the pain, disease, the condition, or the disability.

When dealing with a serious illness, injury, or disability it's really difficult to stay positive. Often just the thought of fighting back and living each day to the fullest seems much too overwhelming. Still, that's exactly what we must do.

You've Gotta Fight Back! is filled with inspiration and heartwarming stories about people who pushed the limits. Some took it as a challenge when the doctors gave them months to leave, extending their lives for decades through pure will. Others took control of their health issues, asked questions, and made choices that worked for their situation. All of these stories are genuine, showing that we all have good and bad days but the most important thing is to never give up.

Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (11/07)

When confronted with truly life-changing circumstances, such as serious illness, injury or disability, most people find the situation extremely overwhelming and horrifying. Most of us think that something of the kind will never happen to us or our nearest and dearest, and when it does we do not know where to turn to and how to react.

Mr. Eldredge's "You've Gotta Fight Back!" is an inspiring and very much no-nonsense book about fighting back when confronted with such adversity in life. Through more than a dozen touching and encouraging true life stories of people afflicted by different diseases, conditions or accidents we learn about their way of dealing with their conditions. We learn about different approaches to life-changing events and how different people learned to accept the changes and/or learned how to fight back. One of the simple, yet very profound insights in fighting back and being happy again is the so-called triumvirate of happiness: someone to love, something to do and something to look forward to. Even if we are not in a perilous situation at the moment, we would do well to remember those three simple rules.

Some of the most valuable advice I found in this book dealt with coping with the situation and how to make the best out of it. While the book is never mindlessly cheerful and it never promises any miracles, it clearly illustrates how it is possible to find happiness and fulfillment even under such extremely adverse conditions. It underlines the importance of working together with the doctors and other medical professionals; of having a positive outlook and attitude, of finding ways and means to still live life to the fullest, of finding humor even in the worst situations and more. Another segment of the book that I found very valuable was all the parts dealing with the role of caregivers, who are oftentimes forgotten or at least overlooked in the struggle.

My favorite part of the book is the author's affirmations which I've copied on a card to carry with me. I do not know anybody who could not benefit from this: "I'm going to be a happy person. I will think happy, positive, enthusiastic thoughts and push out anxiety, fear, hatred, depression, and feelings of inadequacy. I'm going to enjoy life. I will try to make somebody else happy each day. I'm going to love my family and friends and know that they love me. I'm going to be a very confident person. I have a lot of successful experience, so I have every reason to be confident of myself and my ideas. I'm going to remember always that happiness is a state of mind, not a set of circumstances. I make my own happiness in my own mind and my own unhappiness in my own mind. I choose to be a happy person."

"You've Gotta Fight Back!" is an extremely valuable book for anybody needing encouragement and guidance while in a difficult situation. Written in a fluid, easy-to-read style, it should find a permanent home on your bookshelf - to help you, your family or your friends if help should be needed.

Reading this book was like speaking to Ken. Ken is a good guy who is a very talented writer. Normally, I wouldn't read a book like this, but since I know Ken personally, it was like having him in my living room. I found I had to concentrate on the text more than usual because its a bit all-over-the-place, but so is Ken. Since I like him so much, I found it easy to like the book. I think you will too. -Johnny

Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read. Mr. Patterson's story is both funny and sad. Having ADHD myself, I found myself nodding in agreement while reading the book because I could identify with the difficulties, feelings and situations he faced.

For someone with ADHD, the value in reading this book is finding out that other people are dealing with the same issues and that you are not alone. For someone without ADHD, it is important to keep an open mind while reading this book because it may be hard to identify with the author's struggles and writing style. Yet, it will help give a better understanding of people who are ADHD.

Again, an enjoyable read that is also authentic. Highly recommended!

ADD and Me: Forty Years In A Fog is the personal memoir of a man with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which he likens to living in a fog. Impulsiveness, distractions, and obsessions complicate his life from childhood to school, military career, and personal relationships - without the natural stability of cognition that other people take for granted, author Ken Patterson has had to find alternative means to cope. An inspirational story filled cover to cover with anecdotes that are sometimes humorous, sometimes dark, but always laced with challenges above and beyond the norm.

Great product and quick delivery considering the book was coming from the USA and I'm in Australia, took about 2 1/2 weeks or so. Would use again

My copy of this book is filled with sticky notes, bookmarks, and highlighted paragraphs- I use it constantly for research, presentations, ideas, etc. It is a key resource for teachers, researchers, and therapists. Well written and comprehensive!

The book was new and in perfect condition and was much cheaper than at a regular bookstore.

This book is great for children on the autism spectrum and beyond. My daughter has ADHD and has enjoyed this book just as much as my son who has developmental delays. Great to help teach children to be independent and why.

Having worked with children on the autism spectrum I found this book to be unique in it's style. It addresses the issues of sensory integration within various areas of self help. What the average child finds easy, the ASD child finds difficult in the way of touch, sound, taste, etc. This book helps the child to see these experiences as normal activities

It's a nice book. I've made similar items for specific children with their own picture, though not bound like this book. I like the pages with just a sentence or two. I've used index cards with even more simple phrasing to cover the ones with paragraphs where there is too much info for particular students.

Dr. Berman's book of OUTSTANDING insights from a professional (psychiatrist - doctor) and a patient of CIDP shows clearly that he has walked the walk and because of that, he talks the talk. No one with CIDP should fail to read this book. Having lived with CIDP symptoms for 34 years before diagnosis and now going on 41 years of living with CIDP with the help of IVIg, I can tell you that this book is an INVALUABLE resource for anyone suffering from a chronic neuropathy or even any chronic illness. As a leader of support groups and a teacher, I plan on encouraging everyone to purhase this book and will be focusing on the book in lectures in Florida in 2009. Awesome resource. LtCol Eugene B. Richardson, USA Retired

A most helpful informative book for those victims of PN who are struggling to understand the changes in life brought on by chronic illness. Gives good guidelines for reestablishing good mental balance, for putting your future back into your own hands, and building self-esteem.

Would like to see more than 4 pages on how to deal with the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy.

I was fortunate enough to be in a class taught by the author, a passionate advocate for people with all kinds of disabilities.

I have to disagree with the previous person who read this book. I had to buy the online version last semester and loved it, and continue to read it. This semester i had to buy the softcover copy for another class and i dont plan on doing book return on it at the end of the semster. This book opens up so much in the issues of disabilities, its more than just a journey, its an understanding of peoples needs and struggles for those who have disabilities and for those that dont its a guide on how to help them. I have read other "published" books on disabilites but this one by far surpassed even the classier ones with gold print labels, they were too ready(if thats even a word). This one is to the point, no beating around the bush, i find myself referring back to this in my peer counseling on how i can help others and at times how i can help myself. Without this book, i swear many times i would be lost. I have recommended it to every single staff member who works at UCSF community Focus that has asked me about books on disabilities.

This is one of those books that you purchase for a very informative class, but then never go back to. Nice experience with the book & class- considering the Author was the Professor, but...


Well, it makes for an informative & educational read.