Environmental-Health Books

This book is far better researched than the material that consumer use of fluoride is based upon.

Very scary!

In easily readable style, investigative journalist Christopher Bryson reveals the appalling truth about how an industrial waste product with toxicity equal to that of lead has come to be dumped in our drinking water. Researching official documents from the years of World War II and the cold war of the 1940s, declassified in the 1990s after 50 years, Bryson tells of the lies and the cover-ups, names the multi-million dollar corporations and the people involved, and through rigorous footnoting, his source documents. This book is a must-read for all those wanting to know the shocking facts about how, through misrepresentation of the results of scientific research and skillful propaganda, unsuspecting communities have to been made to believe that a toxic industrial waste product is completely harmless and will prevent tooth decay.

It's all about a substance that has been placed in our municipal tap water for the last sixty years. It is classified as a non-approved drug, but is prescribed to everyone without our consent, without public debate, and without dosage instructions for each individual. It amounts to mass medication without consent. This is the main reason that 98 percent of Europe will not fluoridate. In fact, most of the industrialized countries of the world do not fluoridate. And, statistically, their oral health is just as good as in the U. S..
Extremely detailed and thoroughly researched, this book cannot be recommended more highly. Bryson spent ten years digging into the dark depths of government and industrial deception to produce an eye opening revelation concerning the health of everyone who is a victim of the risky practice of fluoridation.
Upon reading the information in this book, I personally visited the website, [...] to discover a treasure trove of detailed information, both scientific and popular about fluoride, its politics, and its adverse health effects, and how to reduce exposure to the substance (which proves to be quite difficult).
However, nothing convinced me more solidly than my personal experience. Once I had reduced my exposure to fluoride for only a week (by distilling our tap water and using "organic" foods when possible), twenty-five years worth of "mysterious" symptoms that had confounded my doctors simply went away, ..... vanished. My symptoms were diagnosed as depression, arthritic pains, muscle aches that really shouldn't have been there, cloudy thinking, and several other problems that came and went as drugs were prescribed to mask each new symptom. But, nothing worked as well as simply drinking clean, pure water. (I found out later that it is estimated that about five percent of the population is particularly sensitive to very low doses of fluoride. I can only guess that perhaps I am one of the five percent).
I have spoken with expert toxicologists both corporate and with the EPA. They have all confirmed what Bryson explains in this book. In fact, the union that represents the EPA's scientists and workers in Washington, D. C. continues to publicly recommend that all fluoridation of municipal water systems be stopped. This is in direct opposition to the stance taken by the administration of the EPA.
Despite being painted as crazies and loonies by the pro-fluoridation corporate and governmental lobby, I can tell you that all of the people I have met who are working against fluoridation are intelligent, forthright, and not willing to be led like sheep when they feel an injustice is being done to others. Rather than dedicating time to deriding the credentials of their opponents, they use logic and scientific evidence to patiently explain why fluoridation should be stopped. They really care.
I sincerely hope that Christopher Bryson's novel will find its place as one of America's finest exposures and examples of how science and the truth can be distorted and twisted by money and influence until even the experts are convinced that something inherently dangerous is safe for everyone, no matter what the dose.

The Fluoride Deception is exceptionally well-researched and indexed. Clearly, the author did not intend to put out just another book on the issue, rather he intended to write the definitive guide. The case made herein is extremely compelling, facts, figures and sources are heaped on by the dozens and for those wanting a well-sourced book free of dramatization and chock full of cold hard facts, this is definitely it.

The one thing that I dislike about this title is the fact that the binding is very stiff and it makes it harder to read without damage. Due to the "meatiness" of the title, one has the temptation to force the book completely open this destroying the integrity of the binding. The Fluoride Deception is one of the many books that could really be enhanced by the addition of a "stay flat" perfect binding.

This does interfere with the reader's experience of the title to the point that it needs to cost the review a star, which is a shame because the content truly is five star quality. But I am reviewing the entire product as a whole, not just the text between the covers.

I read this book as part of a book club and was absolutely amazed at the history of lies and chicanery associated with flouride in our water, toothpaste and dental use. If you want validation of what is in the book look no further than the January 2008 issue of Scientific American who interviews and quotes many of the scientists whose stories are found in this book.

I used to think that anti-flouridationist were cranks, based on the way they are characterized in the media and by folks in public health. Now I am seriously concerned about the level of flouride in my drinking water and trying to figure out how to protect myself and everyone else I can. Do yourself a favor and get educated. The public health implications, including the risk of neurological damage in the very young and arthritis and other unexplained disorders in adults is worthy of great concern. Especially when you realize that adding flouride to water was initially done to whitewash and to undermine concerns that this industrial pollutant (from coal mining and steel production among others)was poisoning communities and workers.

This book shows how doctors can totally misdiagnose patients. It shows the benefits of use of natural herbs. This is what the Native Indians used for curing their ailments, it is what the medical research community utilizes to create their synthetic medications to imitate what herbs do.

I WAS A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED IN THIS BOOK. THE AUTHOR SEEMED TO JUMP AROUND QUITE A BIT AND THE TIMELINE WAS HARD TO FOLLOW. BOTH HER AND HER SON HAD MANY ALLERGIES WHICH SEEMED TO MAKE QUITE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR SYMPTOMS. THE STORY LEFT ME A BIT CONFUSED.

Tenna Merchent's honest account of her efforts to recover her little boy "on the brink" of autism addresses the many elements necessary for recovery when a family is confronted with the trainwreck of metabolic causes and issues that underlie this disorder which the medical community still overlooks in diagnosing autism as a whole-body disorder (as opposed to simply a "behavioral problem"). For any parent starting out on this rocky road, I would recommend this book. Merchent's relentless and brutally honest inquiry led her to some unconventional cures. Her faith, courage, and trust in herself as the trailblaxer of her child's return to health demonstrates clearly what it takes to get the job done. For other parents starting down this path, this book is a warm companion. You will no longer feel that you are alone.

It was like this Christian author opened my life and wrote a book about it. The amazing part was that I was not reading the book for information on autism, it was recommended so I could learn about alternative healing for cancer and other illnesses. What was so amazing is my child had very similar problems without the autism.....multi allergies..he beat his head from headaches, etc. and I too was sick and exhausted all the time. The medical field was ruining my sons little 18 month old body. I am rescued by honest people like Tenna Merchent who share the key to what God intended us to have. Healthy body and mind Naturally. Take note....We ALL can learn.

Reviewed by Dr. Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (2/08)

Ms. Merchant, if nothing else, is an exceptional mother and advocate for her child who the medical profession felt "at a high risk for autism." The long journey she and her family made for two years to figure out what was going on with her son, as well as herself, was long, hard and often heartbreaking. I can think of no family that I have worked with during my tenure as a Psychologist with families with special needs that did a complete 360-degree turn as Ms. Merchent did.

At times during the reading of this book, I almost felt as if Ms. Merchent was almost aggressive to the point of being annoying. However, after reading all the failed treatments, diagnosis and pushing of vaccines by medical personnel she had a right to be this way.

My knowledge by reading this book has only added reinforcement to my own professional views that doctors aren't always right. I also found the information she provided on toxic aluminum and systemic yeast very informative and something I think every child should be tested for while looking at diagnosis of autism. Since alternative medical treatments have not been overly publicized, it is one area that I think all parents should explore. I know I found her experiences with alternative medicine exciting and least harmful to the body.

This reader not only as a parent, but as a professional, would recommend "He's Not Autistic, But..." be reading for every parent, parent-to-be, special education personnel and school resource staff as well as up and coming medical professionals.

The beginning of the book held my interest, but then it waned. Somehow I just lost interest and still have not finished it. But I will try.

This is a staggeringly powerful and important book. Our relationship with the earth and all of its inhabitants is crucial to our continued biological, psychological and spiritual health and our survival as a species. Why we continue to ignore and deride this very real fact is a devastating mystery to me - this book, however, not only illuminates, in poignant and heart-breaking ways, our continued ignorance, but offers the reader the opportunity to begin learning how to reestablish this most fundamental of relationships. Liberally sprinkled with some truly excellent quotations from various authors, activists and thinkers, and full of some terrifying information about the pharmaceutical industry, this book is a captivating read. It is an incredibly useful text for anyone, most especially for those practicing a plant-based system of healing, as it gives a philosophical groundwork that every holistic herbalist can incorporate into their practice and their lifestyle.

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Thoughtful, poignant, well written, it even brought me to tears at some points. I learned so many things I didn't know, which doesn't happen for me very often, sad to say. I have a pretty good idea how destructive man has been to the environment, but there were chapters in this book that opened my eyes even further, particularly when it comes to the ripple effect of the pharmaceutical industry.

But more than that, the author discusses with due respect the indigenous history of working with plants and how dismissing that history in the name of profit, power and control serves no one.

This book is truly a labor of love that speaks from every page. I had no idea what a page-turner it would turn out to be. Consider yourself forewarned.


...geminiwalker

This book is a change of pace. It is a book that makes you ponder about life itself.

This book is absolutely wonderful and exquisitely written. I loved the author's writing style, but especially appreciated his much-needed message. I can only hope that more people will continue to read this book and take away its powerful statement and do something with it! I plan on buying some of this author's other works, and couldn't suggest this book more! It's a true gem!

My friend & I traded water books. I am finishing The Holy Order of Water now and she is finishing Fresh Water: Women Writing on the Great Lakes by Alison Swan (Editor). The Holy Order of Water is a great, great book although it's a bit science heavy in parts for me. At one point I thought, "Hmmm, I haven't read so much Latin since high school!" Anyway Marks is a delightful person. I researched him a little on line. There are more books in him. I hope he does not keep it all inside too long. I look forward to hearing more from him. He has so much respect for nature.

The book tries so hard to be relevant and interesting. Vortex energy, spiritual nature of water. I'm just not buying it. Don't get me wrong. I love water; I think it's important. And, sure it's mysterious. But it's not that mysterious. Some people may like the author's ideas, but I find them to be science-lite, a bit disappointing for a book on water.

I am an artist and read The Holy Order of Water about three years ago when I was painting a body of work about water. This interesting mix of personal anecdotes, mythology, and science, supports the realization that I've had after living on a lake for 14 years that water is alive. It gave me lots to ponder while working and I've since decided to focus all of my work on water. Thank you, William E. Marks, for your efforts to raise awareness and preserve water resources.

Hello H2O Lovers,

As a layperson on the path of being a true leader in the H2O movement, I am very glad to have been offered this book to open my eyes about the elixir of life.

This book is astounding in its clarity and authenticity. Its fun to read and brings home my actual deepest feelings about water.

It brings you a masterful tapestry from the authors life story, the science, the philosophy and even the spirituality of water.

Read it. I promise it will trasform your life and it will transform your relationship with water.

You will never relate to a cup of water in quite the same way again.

Truly,
Leslie Gabriel aka WaterMan
Host Of "And So It Flows"
WBCR 97.7 FM Great Barrington, MA

This book is as important to the Earth as Water itself. Many of us are increasingly concerned about what we are doing to the environment. Our concerns about the plight of water and its importance to the survival of life on this planet are addressed magnificently in this book that describes powers of water of which even I was unaware!

Water is a mystical, magical substance, and oh how we take it for granted; filling it with carmel coated sugar substances for profit; tossing our waste products into it as if it had no value of its own, wasting it on "the perfect lawn" which servies absolutely no purpose or function, or even washing our cars, which cry the death knoll of Earth daily.

Care enough about Water to read this book. Pass it on to your friends. Give it as a gift for Arbor Day, Earth Day, Valentine's day. It's the most important book you will read this year.

Hope's Edge is a Must Read for Everyone! The book puts it all together in an easy-to-understand, personal and honest fashion: the connection between consumerism, 'brainwashing', oppression, global economy, poverty, exploitation etc. etc. The concepts presented in this book are sophisticated and have depth. I liked the personal tone of the book, the story telling. The book is very honest, the stories told utterly inspiring. Frances and Anna never 'whitewash' the porlbmes the projects they are describing are facing. This truth-telling makes the stories even more impressive, more credible. The very existence of these projects defy the global systems as we know them. The way they do 'business' defies the global system of exploitation and competition. This book makes us take an honest look at ourselves, our values, the daily choices we make, what we consume, how we live. This is not just 'about food' or poverty or world hunger, this is truly food for thought and inspiration of how to create a better world."

I won't say much here, because the other reviewers have described the book well. All I will say is that this is one of the very best books I have ever read. Not only does Lappe have an incredible way with words, but she summarizes her profound insights in such a way that really organizes one's thoughts for genuine reflection. Add to that a well-documented and researched approach, as well as fascinating stories of different communities around the world which they themselves visited.

This is a very interesting book. It features in one part a detailed description of 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus and his Grameen Bank, who used microloans to help Bangladeshis, especially women, get out of poverty and earn for themselves. By issuing very small loans, the people of Bangladesh are able to build their businesses or working conditions and change their lives. I recommend this book.

Good copy. Excellent vegetarian recipes. Explains why we need to eat lower on the food chain. If we do, we can feed the world's hungry people.

Thirty years after the publication of the highly acclaimed "Diet For A Small Planet", Frances and her daughter Anna Lappe have come out with a potent sequel and a beautiful statement of hope for a more equitable world through the world-wide spread of organic and sustainable agriculture techniques and locally controlled "fair" market modalities now challenging the status quo of chemical fed, toxic pesticide/GMO laden crops, and the lopsided "free" market capitalist WTO agenda that has been reaping havoc on the environment and small farmers everywhere.

The Lappes traveled to 5 continents while researching this book and their travels are both fascinating and uplifting as they report on people all over the world demonstrating that going organic and controlling their own markets are reaping major benefits in healthy, abundant food production while cleaning up the environment.

The Lappes do not reject world trade or capitalism, rather, they demonstrate how unregulated "free" markets monopolized by huge international corporations have been inadvertently causing food scarcity, bankrupting and polluting people all over the world, yet with an injection of regulation in the form ethics, strict fair trade measures, etc., they believe capitalism can "evolve" to a more sustainable, equitable, and healthy method of food distribution- a similar optimistic view shared by Lovins and Hawken in their book, "Natural Capitalism".

The inefficiencies of nutrient and food distribution is brought home in quantifying the huge amount of crops, water, and land required to feed cattle. The amount of energy necessary to produce an ounce of meat could feed hundreds of people on a much healthier vegetarian diet, hence, the myth of food scarcity and the need to grow more food to feed the world.

Every chapter finishes with a recipe and there are many more at the end of the book along with several pages of resources and contact information on a host of organizations advocating social responsibility.

In my health care practice, I look for the toxins that throw our bodies out of balance as Donna so aptly describes in her book. We live in a sea of chemicals and if a health practitioner chooses to go looking for them, they will find them in a patient's body. Just look around at the average American today. It is obvious the medications that simply treat symptoms are not enough.

It seems so basic to clean up our bodies, our environment. Thank you, Donna, for writing such a comprehensive, truthful book about our state of affairs in health and industry today and its impact on all of us.

In the forward to The Autoimmune Epidemic, Dr. Douglas Kerr, Director of the Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelitis Center, states reading this book is "a necessary first step," but rereading it "is a life-altering event." Be prepared, though, even a first pass through these well-written, meticulously researched pages will force you to look at the world around you in a totally different light.

Donna Jackson Nakazawa has managed to synthesize a complex subject, the explosion of diagnosed autoimmune diseases throughout the Western world, with a writing style that's both informative and riveting, producing what will be looked at as THE clarion call for our entire society to make sweeping changes before it's too late.

Every likely contributor to this epidemic is exposed -- from what industry casually pumps into the environment to what we voluntarily put into our own bodies. Ms. Nakazawa not only explores the possible causes and effects of these influences, she successfully bridges the often arcane medical jargon in an intelligent and effective manner.

Ms. Nakazawa introduces a new term to the lexicon - "autogen" - which will become the watchword for all of us as it refers to those triggers we come in contact with that can send our immune systems into self-destruct mode. Becoming alert to potential external autogens is just one important step in preventing the panoply of autoimmune diseases, though. What we eat, drink, do, even how we think and feel, have possible consequences on our future health.

Curious to know what "the barrel" is and how close your personal one is to overflowing? By the time you finish The Autoimmune Epidemic, you may become sufficiently self-aware to address those factors filling your barrel before your own immune system turns against you. Your health and the health of our future generations depends on direct action by all of us to change the course of the coming (or already arrived) autogen storm. Donna Jackson Nakazawa will remembered as the one who sounded the alarm and hopefully, not too late.

The jacket of the book is red; it symbolizes the red flag that autoimmune diseases are waving at us. You know what happens when you ignore a red flag - this is a must read book. Readers who have an autoimmune disease, or suspect that they do, will get a whole new insight into the process of the body attacking itself. Case histories bring the reality of these diseases into focus. She explains why if you have one autoimmune disease, you are at increased risk for more.

Readers who do not have an autoimmune disease will get the same kind of heads-up coal miners get when they send a canary into a mine shaft... and it doesn't come out. Donna Nakazawa has provided enough scientific information in an area of public health that is sketchy at best and mysterious at least to give the reader many "aha" moments. Nakazawa's writing style is perfect for this topic. She has taken a highly complex medical condition and made it easy for people without a medical or science background to understand.

Why is diagnosing autoimmune diseases so difficult?
Why is finding cause and effect so challenging?
Why is treatment so elusive?
How could we not have seen this coming: OR why did we see it and ignore it?

There is a chapter on cutting edge research being done for treatment of some of the most debilitating autoimmune conditions. This is a chapter of hope. In my opinion, the prospect of patching up serious body malfunctions doesn't compensate for the damage already done by negligence of our society. But Nakazawa does give us that hope and additional suggestions for lifestyle adaptations in diet, stress management and environmental awareness. That is probably the best we can do with what we have before us.

I am, admittedly, a fan of the book because it tells a powerful story of a neighborhood activism in Buffalo, NY, and I was involved in that story in a small way. But the story of folks with undiagnosed autoimmune disease, how this poor, minority community had the strength of will to ask difficult questions, identify scientific collaborators in the local University, and lead a groundbreaking study of lupus incidence is a lesson that bears repeating all across the US. Along with that chapter, Donna Jackson Nakazawa weaves together impressive scientific review, stories of her personal challenges and why it is relevant for patients all across the US, and clearly states key issues for those wanting to know what they suffer from.

On top of that, she identifies recommendations on health and diet.

A powerful book, because it captures a citizen and journalist describing research, citizen action and health recommendations for this rising tide of unknown diseases, that affect everyone around us.

Why so many MS patients? Why is lupus so hard to diagnose? Why do we only measure asthma and cancer, and not other disease rates? Why do we insist on such a burden of proof of problematic diseases in communities? Jackson Nakazawa identifies and tackles tough science and policy questions in a book that cannot be put down.

Scientists, medical professionals, doctors, researchers, community leaders and members, citizen activists, concerned neighbors. You all should read this book.

I am a 35 yr old woman who has multiple sclerosis. My father and my mother's sister have lupus. My father's brother also has ms... and the story goes on. I know in my heart that the environment we have created definitely affects us. This book was suggested to me by a librarian who has rheumatoid arthritis and we got talking. I feel as if this book backs up everything I have been thinking, but goes on in depth explaining why.

I have learned so much from this book. The book thoroughly explains different factors that all add up to why autoimmune disease seems to be so rampant. There is a great explanation of a barrel filling and overflowing, which really makes sense. It seems that things we eat, use, clean with etc., stuff we take for granted everyday combined with the general environment and possibly genetics all add up to autoimmune disease.

I would suggest this to anyone who is interested in learning more about possible causation of autoimmune disease including physicians and family members of the diseased.

I feel empowered after reading this book as there are things that I can change. I hope that with several small changes (and maybe a few big ones) I can make a difference in the course of my disease or at least try to prevent it in my children.

This book was great! It was very interesting. I couldn't put it down. It gives you a great insight into how big cosmetic companies really think.

THIS IS NOT JUST ABOUT MAKEUP, IT IS ABOUT THE PRODUCTS WE USE ON ON BODIES! I COULDN'T PUT THE BOOK DOWN.

This book provides enlightening insight into the ongoing deceptions in the skin care industry. There are numerous studies cited as to the effects of chemicals found in most skin care products. An absolute must read for anyone, especially those with children.

This book came quickly after I purchased it. The book is fabulous and I highly recommend it!

First let me put my biases up front. I do not like the cosmetics industry. I do not like the petroleum industry and I certainly do not like the advertising industry.

Having said that, let me try and and provide a constructive review.

This is a book that proposes to expose the seedy underside of the cosmetics industry. It is very readable and "user friendly". I read it from cover to cover in just a few days and in every chapter learned/was repulsed by something new. Given my biases I do encourage readers to check out the provided sources to determine for themselves the veracity of the information (I did so and was convinced). However, be aware that this is not an unbiased perspective. The author has a definite point of view (which I happen to agree with) but still raise some interesting and important issues that are worthy of further consideration beyond the "preaching to the choir" crowd. It is a well written, entertaining read and encourages you to pause and think a moment without being overly preachy. My wife is now regularly visiting the database the author and the affiliated organization has set up and made self informed choices about makeup, sunscreens and other cosmetics. Not as a reactionary "go all natural" consumer but being able to make reasonable choices about products that work for her and possible alternatives that are less risky/carcinogenic.

I highly recommend this book.

There is nothing really new in this book. Eating well, exercising and relaxing is good for your health. Duh!

But it is very well presented, brings up enough (but not too many) testimonials to be inspiring, it is simply written without complicated theories. The diet is easy to do and presented with lots of details. The proposed exercises are varied - very much along the lines of "do what works for you and do it at least 3 times a week". The Skilled Relaxation is nothing new if you are already familiar with the work of Benson, Cade, Pelletier, Kabatt-Zin, but it is presented here in a non-scholar way that is easy to understand, easy to implement and the book provides the health motivation to keep doing it. Understanding skilled relaxation without actually doing it twice a day is worthless. The text in this book makes you want to do it and to keep doing it.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is sick and hopeless - or anyone who wants to implement good life habits and prevent illness. I like the fact that it does not promise an instant cure for anything but rather proposes a way of living that supports physical, emotional and mental health. Well done!

The weakest point maybe is that it addresses general well being but only mentions in a rather weak way that people with long term diseases may have to be much more specific to completely heal. The proposed diet may not work for everyone, some people may need specific types of exercises and to avoid others, some types of meditation or biofeedback processes may be better than others for some conditions, etc.

However as an adjunct, Dr Stoll bulletin Board [..]) is filled with more specific information and the good doctor is also available to answer questions. A very generous proposition.

Ok - Got to go now and practice my skilled relaxation...

Recapture Your Health outlines a balanced solution to improving overall health. The authors call this program a 3LS solution named after the three legged stool which is perfectly balanced and fully functional without a lot of extras that aren't needed.

Like the three legged stool, the 3LS program contains three simple but sturdy elements (nutrition, exercise, and relaxation) that create a foundation for improved health. The nutrition section focuses primarily on minimizing damage caused by the high intake of refined foods in the modern diet. The authors promote a whole foods approach to nutrition that reduces and potentially eliminates all refined foods. This is very similar to the slow food philosophy that is gaining popularity.

Likewise, the exercise and relaxation portions of this program are not radical but are somewhat based in good common sense. Participants are expected to exercise twenty minutes three times a week of virtually any type of activity that gets them moving. Relaxation is guided through various types of formal relaxation exercises such as meditation or guided imagery completed for approximately twenty minutes twice a day.

While conventional medicine tends to focus on covering up symptoms with medications, many of which cause dangerous side-effects, this book provides step-by-step instructions on how to potentially avoid the doctor's office altogether. Based on the premise of 'how to be healthy,' this book outlines what Dr. Stoll refers to as the '3-Legged Stool of Wellness' - Skilled Relaxation, A Whole Foods Diet, and Exercise. As simple as this sounds, there are many crucial aspects that one needs to be aware of in order to implement the Wellness lifestyle effectively. 'Recapture Your Health' provides all the knowledge, insight, frequently asked questions, and troubleshooting guides needed for anyone to do just what the title says. Jan DeCourtney's writing style makes this book both fun and motivational to read cover to cover as well as easy to use as a quick-reference using the detailed index in the back. Hats off to this book, a long-awaited tribute to a very important aspect of Walt Stoll's life's work of getting the truth about Wellness out to the public!

Walt Stoll and Jan DeCourtney have given readers a chance to redeem their health or maintain it using three simple tools. Seemingly so simple, yet the authors have used their talents to give a good explanation of some of the who's, what's, and why's of the road back to health.

Even if you think you know the information to wellness they present, "Recapture Your Health" is still a great reference to have linking many common and not so common ailments to the modern day interpretation of stress. Many of us have used one of their key elements at one time or another, but in putting all the pieces of the puzzle together you have a great weapon to use in the war against disease.

If you have not yet had to deal with a serious illness or condition, you can certainly can go a long way to prevent it, according to the book, and maintain quality your quality of life for the years to come.

Something for everyone,

A+

"Recapture Your Health" focuses on relaxation, nutrition and exercise. This is the basis for the entire program so you can maintain optimal health. Not only does this show a way to a healthier lifestyle, it promises relief from a wide variety of chronic health conditions. Whether you are already suffering from a condition or want to take a more preventive approach, this book has many pertinent answers. The authors teach a more holistic approach and also explain the roots of illness.

What is the real cause of illness?
How can you reduce depression, anger and anxiety?
Is there a natural solution for chronic fatigue?

Throughout the book, personal examples are shown as people who followed this program explain how their symptoms disappeared. Some of the main things the authors recommend is the elimination of sugars, alcohol and caffeine. In order to follow the program there is also a handy list of foods you should include or avoid. If you enjoy reading labels, there is also a section about additives.

After following this program you can expect better sleep, happier moods and less headaches. As the authors say: "...most people lose health because of an unhealthy lifestyle." This book puts you on a fast track with a special section called "quick start guides." This allows you to get started even before you have read a third of the book.

The authors present a discussion about supplements, encourage healthy lifestyle changes and give lists of exercises like Pilates, Yoga and Walking. I also though their list of helpful ways to reduce stress was very helpful.

~The Rebecca Review

The plight of the people of Libby and the other sites around the country is very sad and you want to hate WR Grace and the previous mine owners and operators. While their reponsibility is not in doubt, the book could have been improved by more information about what exactly they knew and when. I'm sure Grace et al. did not cooperate with the authors, but the extensive litigation should have made some of this information available.

I am in the middle of this book and I find it very compelling. I was interested in customer reviews and when I read the last review on how the story is not yet complete because many of the victims of this scandal do not have health insurance, I felt compelled to write.

Everyone will be making a profit on this story. WB Grace made their money and now the media will make their money. While I agree that the authors have done a wonderful public service uncovering this environmental disaster, I would like to suggest that a substantial amount of the money made on this book (and the perhaps subsequent movie) could be donated to the victims. If not for their illness, there would be no story. I was recently appalled to learn about the monies that were made by media stars on the Watergate scandal while Deep Throat (whoe courage made it all possible) was not doing quite as well. For the media to make money off these stories without providing for the victims is not right either.

I want you to read this book. It is important to you and your family. I consider myself a knowledgeable person and I don't remember this scandal when it came out in 2000-2001. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that I live in southern CA, but the problems with asbestos effects all of us in the US. Attic insulation, talc products and even gardening/soil products have asbestos risks that have been used and available for sale up into the 1990's and beyond.

I must have read a review or heard one of the authors in an interview...but somehow this book made it onto my "Must Read" list. When I received the book, I questioned why I had gotten it, having forgotten what motivated my interest in the first place. But I started reading and have found this book to be a treasure.

The story is one of deception, corruption and greed on the part of Big Business, in this case the mining business. The owners and executives misled their workers, investors and the government agencies that regulated them into turning a blind eye to the dangers of asbestos in their products.

While the deception of the miners in Libby was unconscionable, the book goes on to document the Bush White House withholding information that the air in and around the World Trade Center was not healthy! Can you imagine, after a tragedy like the WTC disaster, that your own government, that you rallied round to give support, would turn on you and withhold information that the air that you breathe is full of cancer causing dust? Which tragedy is worse?

The book is truly a must-read.

Lastly, I want to point out the courage of the reporters, editors, doctors and the outstanding EPA field workers that fought to get this story out. Whistle-blowers, whose main motivation is to right a wrong, are oftentimes rewarded by getting fired and branded as outcasts. This book is ultimately a story of courage and perserverance of those determined to overcome the obstacles of standing out and doing what's right.

The author Andrew Schneider tells the story of uncovering a scandal of major proportions. It is a frightening, chilling story of hidden dangers allowed by government officials whose jobs are to keep us safe. It is the story of a mineral still used in our country whose lethal dangers were recorded by Pliny the Elder. Asbestos cannot be safely used in any manner.

This book is a masterpiece of investigative journalism - well written, throughly researched and truly in the interests of the public.

The authors do a superb job of combining all the science and politics with a touching picture of the real Americans who ultimately paid and are paying the price for corporate greed and governmental push-overs.

If you read just one book this year, this should be it!

I am an MIT engineer (BSME MIT, 1978) and Author of When Technology Fails, and I highly recommend this book. Just like the title says, this is really the no-nonsense guide to evaluating the true hazards of EMF, and what you can do to control your local environment and personal habits to reduce your exposure to potentially dangerous levels of EMF. Written by an award winning nationally acclaimed science journalist, you can trust that the information in this book has been well researched and documented. If you are one of those unfortunate people who have developed Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome (EHS), meaning that you feel ill around computers, wireless routers, and other high EMF electronics, then the actions that you will need to take, in order to feel healthy again, will be miles beyond those of the average person, and this book will help you to start on your road to recovery. Highly recommended!

As an author of a book on a related subject (magnetic healing), I know firsthand how challenging it is to write in a user-friendly fashion about the complex subject of electromagnetic fields and their effect on health.

B. Blake Levitt's extraordinary commitment of time and effort has resulted in a work that makes this complex subject easy to understand. Not only has she succeeded in explaining the untoward health effects of EMFs, but she also gives her readers a look into the complex political and commercial forces that have led to our current state of affairs.

Faced with the potential of a cell phone tower being placed directly overhead in my high-rise apartment building, I used Ms. Levitt's book as a study guide and subsequently consulted her for additional background information. I have no doubt that this information was key in holding off the installation of the tower.

This book is a "must read" for anyone concerned about EMFs -- and everyone should be!

I am a research scientist with a background in psychosocial epidemiology who became interested in the impact of electromagnetic waves on physical, mental and emotional health when I was confronted with applications to construct telecommunications towers in our newly adopted home town. My ideas and information from physics courses were both rusty and dated. Moreover, in postgraduate work I had learned enough about environmental impacts on fetal and child development, neurological functioning, and sleep cycle disruption to be concerned. I wanted to efficiently come up to speed on theories about the waves' effects and peer-reviewed data that tested those theories. Ms. Levitt's book provided an extremely comprehensible and yet responsible orientation to the mechanisms by which electromagnetic waves operate, the research on their impact that was available as of its writing, and the political and economic influences of industry and governmental forces. PLEASE have her update it with the inclusion of the research of the last few years. Solid research findings are supporting her arguments at an escalating rate and they deserve to be disseminated. The public health hazards of unmonitored electromagnetic waves (especially in the rapidly proliferating rf frequencies) are real and an educated public is our best protection against their potential damage.

This book is not written for the lay person. It should be listed as more of a reference manual.

B. Blake Levitt makes the scientific and medical aspects of electromagnetic fields easily accessible to those of us who are not scientists or physicians. Most fascinating was her insightful chapter "What Your Doctor Doesn't Know and Why." She also traces persuasive evidence of links between EMFs and 20th century ailments such as chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, and cancer. ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS distills a vast amount of research alerting us to health dangers. It also offers specific suggestions to reduce the impact of EMFs in our homes, workplaces and communities. Our family has become better-informed consumers by relying on this book. Thank you Ms. Levitt for empowering your readers to gain control over an issue with increasing repercussions in all our lives.