Category Archives: Health and medicine

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Brain on Fire: my Month of Madness

From Margaret Mezzacapo
Author:  Susannah  Cahalan
Brain on Fire: my Month of Madness
Brain on Fire is the story of a 20-something who contracts a rare type of encephalitis. Due to the rarity of her physical illness, the symptoms are initially chalked up to mental illness. This is an interesting story, with one feature I found a little bumpy in the telling. She will, in several places, give a little anatomical/physiological/pathological explanation, which can be somewhat educational, but doesn’t seem, IMHO, to transition smoothly with the rest of the text.

Scary note: If someone living in New York City, and being hospitalized in a prestigious place like NYU Langone, must seemingly wait ages to be properly diagnosed, what might happen to someone with the same disease who does not have access to these resources?

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My Stroke of Insight

From: Margaret  Mezzacapo

My Stroke of Insight

Author: Jill Bolte Taylor

I had read Ms. Taylor’s book several years ago from my viewpoint at the time as an EMT and member of the Fire Department, which I still am. But reading it now from the viewpoint of having had a stroke myself at a relatively young age, it takes on a whole new meaning and perspective. There were times when this book was almost uncomfortably close to home. Ms. Taylor chronicles everything spot-on. I’d recommend this to all audiences.

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No time to lose : a life in pursuit of deadly viruses

From Andrea  Kalinowski
Author:  Peter Piot
No time to lose : a life in pursuit of deadly viruses
No time to lose : a life in pursuit of deadly viruses by Peter Piot is an autobiography of his life. Peter was a medical student who wanted to specialize in Infectious Diseases. A professor of his told him, “There is no future in infectious diseases. They’ve all been solved.”
I, the reader, found the idea that all Infectious Disease has been eradicated highly suspect. I believe that there are still new, undiscovered organisms out there. Peter was a tireless advocate for AIDS research, education and treatment. Many countries denied the existence of AIDS in their populace and if they did acknowledge the existence of this killer, they underestimated the numbers affected. Then, as now, it is a struggle to get people to agree on a specific course of action. He remains concerned about the sustainability of the response for the AIDS epidemic and for people living with this disease.  ”(Peter) learned that our human capacity to survive and find meaning in life is beyond imagination …”  This book was a highly informative medical biography of both Peter Piot and the AIDS epidemic.

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Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book

From Gina Scaglione
author: Love, Susan
Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book
 This book is a lifesaver for any woman. However, for women facing health problems, specifically those related to the breast, this book may actually be the difference between life and death. I can not say how helpf this book has been. Thank you Dr. Susan Love!

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Menopause matters : your guide to a long and healthy life

From Lola Ferris
author: Schlam Edelman, Julia
Menopause matters : your guide to a long and healthy life
If you are confused by the many contradictory and misleading sound
bites about women’s health, you will find this book a refreshing change.
Dr. Edelman is a specialist in menopause, and her advice is a welcome alternative.
Her book, based on respected research studies, covers the full
spectrum of topics important to perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, memory loss, mood changes, depression and hormone replacement therapy, among other issues.
“Menopause Matters” provides clear explanations of anatomy and
includes prevention strategies for lowering the risks of osteoporosis and cancer. It helps empower you to become active in your own health decisions, together with your doctor.
Reading this book will put you on the road to a happier, healthier
life.