Girl Talk: Hope, humor and hot topics for the young heart

I was at a devotion with my high school girlfriends that we have every week. My friend Chelsea had this book and read us one of the stories from it. It was so good. It made me examine my life and how I need to live so that I may become a women of God. I can't wait to get this book and read it!~*

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The Comfort of Home Multiple Sclerosis Edition: An Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide for Multiple Scler

this is the second time i've ever given a book less than 4 stars. i was quite disappointed. the content, i expected, might help family members in coping with a new diagnosis by a loved one (as the cover seemed to claim). with content taken from other books in the series, it almost seems to make ms sound like a disease which absolutely results in severe physical and cognitive degeneration. it provides lists, lists of everything, sometimes listing resources that might be of more help to caregivers of persons with other disorders. other times, the lists seemed to include almost random content. counseling included three paragraphs five sentences without suggesting resources or support groups for caregivers. probably the most helpful section of the book was on physical modifications to the home, mobility devices, etc. even it, however, was unfortunately incomplete. the list of mobility devices included scooters, wheelchairs, and pictures of many canes but none of canadian crutches, which seem to help many folks with m.s. in maintaining stability. the book was not written in an easy to read format, list after list provided few transitions, content seemed mis-leading, ill-informed, and incomplete. the physical modification section was good and i thought about 2 stars, but, based on the generally poor content throughout the rest of the book, i'm giving it a one star. i hope that i'm not being too critical and that others will share about their experience of this book. obviously, i would not recommend this book at the retail or current discounted price. if you have an opportunity to get it at a library used book sale for under $1, you might consider it.

The collaboration between Maria Meyer and Paula Derr with Kimberly Koch and Diane Afes from the National MS Society in presenting "The Comfort of Home Multiple Sclerosis Edition" is a huge success. The information in this book is presented in a clear, precise manner that is easy to follow. I realize the book is geared towards multiple sclerosis caregivers but it has so much information that is useable for me, a person living with MS, that it will find a valued spot in my library of books on multiple sclerosis. The tips, notes, checklists, resource information, and the publication guides are all great tools. Anyone living with MS, whether patient, family member or caregiver, will find information that they can immediately use in this edition.

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Review by MS World (May 2007): This really is a must-read for anyone who cares for someone with MS. People with MS who are currently care-free(or care-less) would do well to read it also. Mindfully illustrated, well organized, and exhaustive in its breadth of information, the book addresses the important issues facing those who are trying to retain quality of life at home while coping with worsening MS....details could be chilling for one who has MS and may be daunting for a caregiver, but the writing is calm and supportive. One feels encouraged to explore options rather than run from unpleasant realities....thankfully, there are suggestions for caregiver relief and extensive resources for outside aid involving respite care and vacation/travel arrangements....writing as a reviewer who has worsening MS...I would refer to this book without hesitation should I need the knowledge it contains. [Reviewed May 2007 by Dean Kramer, Essayists, Author of Life on Cripple Creek; Essays on Living with Multiple Sclerosis, Management Team MSWorld, Inc.]

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The Comfort Of Home: An Illustrated Step-By-Step Guide For Multiple Sclerosis Caregivers by co-authors Maria M. Meyer and Paula Derr RN (co-owner of InforMed) is a comprehensive and practical guide written for anyone, especially family members, responsible for the care of someone with MS. No experience or knowledge is presumed of the reader; chapters walk one through everything from basic advice for making one's home safe and comfortable to ensuring a balanced diet and sufficient exercise to avoiding caregiver burnout and much more. Simple black-and-white drawings illustrate key points where a visual aid is valuable in this practical book, which covers matters such as saving money and applying health care effectively as surely as the more labor-intensive aspects of caregiving. Highly recommended.

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As a carepartner and volunteer for the NMSS this book will always be within reach. This book is not only a great resource for our daily living but also a great reference source for all of the people I visit with. Maybe today I don't need some of the tips offered but who knows what tomorrow will bring. Being able to share what I have learned from this source with other carepartners and their loved ones is important. Living with MS can be a constant challenge and demanding for those around the condition but having a good reference book near by I know that our lives will be simplier since I have a good source of both information and other resources where we can find help. Can never have too much help in making life easier for all of us!

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The Multifidus Back Pain Solution: Simple Exercises That Target the Muscles That Count

Physical therapist (P.T.) Jim Johnson's The Multifidus Back Pain Solution is a straight forward, educational and hope inspiring read that has been effective in helping me address my lower back and leg nerve pain.

For others who may be searching for a non-drug or non-surgical answer to back pain, I am sharing my experience in the hope of helping someone else.

Background:

Over the last year and half, I could not get any more than 3-4 hours sleep a night, because of back pain. I went through 3 new beds. Each new firm mattress I tried ended up after a month not being supportive enough for my sore back pain. My doctor recommended muscle relaxants, but that didn't help. So, I cranked up the sit-ups and attended an exercise class in addition to my normal tennis and occasional running. No pain, no gain. (Yes I am a slow learner). Then in exercise class my right knee went numb from a jumping exercise and I could not walk for a couple of minutes. Now I had back pain preventing me from sleeping. Sitting was becoming impossible without pain. My right knee would go numb going up stairs two at a time. My left leg had nerve pain shooting down my left thigh and part of my lower leg. And even after 4+ weeks staying off exercise to heal, none of these pains were going away.

So, the doctor ordered a series of tests and physical therapy for me. Ultrasound, electrical treatment and stretching for previous sports injuries always worked in the past. This time, physical therapy was a bust and some stretching my leg nerve pain. After getting an MRI of my back, the orthopedic doctor explained I have Grade 1 / 2 spondylolisthesis (i.e., your L5 vertebrate is slipping forward, because at some time in the past your bilateral pars or the hooks that hold each neighboring vertebrate in line in your back have broken off over time and the slippage is causing narrowing and severe impingement of the nerve root). You can take drugs and get a cortisone shoot to manage the pain, but there is nothing you can do. (The doctor was kind enough not to mention the screws in the vertebrae solution). Chiropractors and physical therapy are just feel good placeboes that can't help.

I am fifty and have lived a fairly healthy life. I won't take drugs to mask a problem and make it worse. Implying I have no future athletic mobility depressed me, and made me mad. This was just unfair and unacceptable.

Back pain help search:

So, I spent a lot of anxious weeks searching the internet for back pain solutions through Google scholar papers and university medical sites. I started reading and collecting randomized control trial studies similar to what P.T. Johnson describes in his book. During this searching it became apparent the British, Australians, French and Belgians believe in intensive physical therapy to address back pain and where successful in pursuing this route. It also became apparent surgical solutions may help some with improved back functionality, but some level of pain still remains.

My self-research progress was slow. I just kept reading and collecting studies, but not sure of what path to move out on. My first break thru was to read keeping a pillow between your knees in bed would relieve back and nerve pain. Pretty odd, but it only took one night and now I could sleep through the night. You can't believe what a relief and pleasure this was to sleep again! Next, I began using a lumbar support pillow to learn to sit up straight at work and at home which made sitting bearable over time. Then I told myself you need to keep exercising. So, I started walking for 50 minutes every morning before work. This was embarrassing at first for someone who has run all their life, but it seemed to relieve some of the leg nerve pain.

Eventually, I come upon Australian Professor Peter O'Sullivan's "Evaluation of Specific Stabilizing Exercise in the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain with Radiologic Diagnosis of Spondyloysis and Spondylolisthesis". This is where I began to realize a pattern in some of the back pain randomized control trail studies focusing on the multifidus back muscle and transversus abdomis muscles. However, the problem with most of the control studies is that they provide detailed randomized control trial statistics and control parameters, but scarce details on the actual physical exercise for these muscles. Fortunately, I was able to obtain a copy of one of Professor O'Sullivan's references, "Muscle Control pain control. What exercises would you prescribe" by C.A. Richardson and G.A. Jull which describe simple multifidus core muscle activation exercises similar to P.T. Johnson's exercise #6 in the on-all-fours position, lying on the stomach and standing positions. So, I began practicing these simple exercises and while continuing to build my anxious pile of internet papers and trying this or that exercise also. Still suffering from my no-pain, no-gain stupidity, I proceeded with searching the internet for multifidus and transversus abdomis exercises. Per chance, one multifus searches turned up P.T. Johnson's book. I read the Amazon reviews and surmised his exercise was similar to others I had stumbled upon elsewhere. However, one review was by a runner and he said he returned to marathons in 6 months. With my hope perked up from an athlete's perspective and being exhausted from internet searching and back muscle exercising, I bought the book.

Ignoring P.T. Johnson's advice at the beginning of his book, I immediately read the back exercise chapter and started exercising it. A week later I read the rest of the book. This is when I began to relax and have faith in pursuing this book's recommendations. P.T. Johnson references the same Professor O'Sullivan control trail I found and explains how his efforts are based on the randomized control trials accumulated over many years of research and practice of physical therapy in a hospital. In other words, here is a person knowledgeable in his field extracting from all the control studies, what I was struggling to understand, in simple terms, a understanding to back pain and what most can do to relieve that pain through specific exercises. Also, very important, P.T. Johnson's book educates the reader in understanding the back and its issues. For me, this helps provide belief that something is worth committing to.

Finally progress

After 4 weeks of P.T. Johnson's exercise, I am back and leg nerve pain free with minor back hip/buttucks area nerve pain at the end of the work day some times! This is after 1 ¼ years of lower back pain and 4 months of leg nerve pain. Now, the multifidus muscles on both sides of my lower back are like taught cables after the exercise. Also, now I don't need a pillow between my legs to sleep or a lumbar pillow for sitting, and have returned to competitive tennis. Note: I can still induce leg nerve pain by doing knee fall outs or sitting in slouchy positions, but it means I have to go out of my way to feel pain. A year from now is when I can give the best report, because it takes a while to build any muscle and really know if you are free and clear of an issue.

On my specific 3 day a week back exercise regimen, I do the following:

1. The simple multifidus activation exercises referenced by Richardson and Jull similar to P.T. Johnson's exercise #6 on the all fours position which P.T. Johnson recommends you do every day

2. P.T. Johnson's exercise #3 with the following caveat

do one exercise #3 set holding each leg out statically with the weight for 5-10 seconds and the other set with no delays to a dynamic beat. Why? The Belgian's L A Danneels, did a study, "Effects of three different training modalites on the cross sectional area of the lumbar multifidus muscle in patients with chronic low back pain", on what exercise program it took to grow the multifidus as measured by a CT scan. Note: not that I am right, but that's what I am doing. If anyone can share an understanding of this it would be appreciated.

3. Sitting weighted ankle leg lifts

4. Lateral Dynamic Pillar Bridge exercises for each side to exercise the transverse abdomis muscles which horizontally wrap around the rib cage to give additional support to the back in conjunction with the vertical multifidus muscle support. Note: situps put a lot of undue compressive stresses on the backs and should be avoided if in pain or injured. (Reference: Professor Stuart McGill).

5. Walking 50 minutes each morning.

Based on my experience, I could have saved a lot of time and anxiety if I started reading P.T. Johnson's book first. I apologize for my long winded probably cathartic review, but I hope this provide a path of optimism and results for someone else suffering from back pain.

Jim Johnson stopped looking for causes of chronic back pain after researching the studies on the subject. Scientific studies don't support the common theories about what causes chronic back pain. Many people without pain live happily not knowing that they have back conditions usually treated with surgery.

Johnson also found that people with pain usually have weakened multifidus muscles. Those without pain usually don't. So, instead of looking for causes, Johnson recommends that patients initially work to strengthen their multifidus muscles. These muscles weave around your spine from your neck to your low back. Their location on your spine indicates their importance to your back health. Johnson describes three different exercises that target the multifidus. He lets the reader choose the one that they prefer to do.

Most physical therapists recommend multiple exercises for chronic back pain. That shotgun approach can be effective if followed. But patient compliance drops as programs get more complex. Johnson's program requires performing only one exercise. Yet most of his patients improve or completely relieve their chronic back pain without any other treatment.

Johnson says most patients notice improvements within two weeks. If you don't improve within three months, try something else. He also acknowledges that his program is for chronic back pain: continuous or intermittent pain lasting for months. For acute pain, time heals better than any exercise program.

The book illustrates the exercises he recommends. Here is a basic description of them:

Johnson most highly recommends the "bird-dog" or opposite arm/leg extension. Start in an all-fours position on the floor. Raise one leg straight back and hold it up for a second, then lower. Alternate with the other leg. Work up to 20 repetitions with each leg or about two minutes of repetitions. Every other day or three times a week is enough. When that movement becomes easy, go to the next level by extending the opposite arm straight out while extending each leg. When that becomes easy, the final level is to add light weights to each arm and leg, depending upon your tolerance. Once you build up your strength, perform the exercise once a week to maintain it. You will find this exercise in many exercise books and on many websites. Alas, don't be alarmed that they all prescribe different "hold" times, number of repetitions, and other adjustments. Johnson explains why the pattern he describes should work fine for you.

The second exercise is commonly known as the prone or facedown extension. Lie on your stomach. Lift one leg straight up about 6 inches and hold for a second. Lower and repeat with the other leg. Work up to the same frequency and number of repetitions as the first exercise. When the exercise becomes easy, add light weights. Do this exercise if you can't do the first one.

The third exercise can be done sitting or standing. While exhaling, simply pull your stomach muscles in as tight as you can and hold them for a few seconds. Work up to 20 repetitions. This can be done daily. This exercise is for those unable to do one of the other two exercises.

Jim Johnson writes short convincing books. He presents simple self-care solutions. Do you want to avoid surgery, prescription drugs, supplements, pricey equipment, and complicated workout routines? Then try Jim Johnson's books for what ails you. If you have knee problems, look up his knee book on Amazon. He also has a book on treating your rotator cuff. Creating good health can sometimes be surprisingly simple.

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I am so excited when I see one of our members write such an informative book for the public. I read the book in one day. I too, am a physical therapist with a manual therapy background. I believe to the average "joe" this book will be helpful and encouraging. I would have liked "live" pictures, and more of a description of the multifidus. By strengthening the multifidus muscle, what movements does that help with and why? How does the spine become more stable by strengthening these muscles? These are questions I would have liked more specifically addressed. I glad he gave credit to Stanley Paris,PT,PH.D., whom has been advocating these exercises for over 10 years!

I think it's a good book for anyone not in the physical therapy profession as it answers most of the back pain questions.

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I had 2 herniated discs. Went through chiro, massage, p.t., cortisone injections....then i read this book and began following the exercises in it. The MacKenzie method DID NOT work for me, it only created more pain. This book was extremely helpful to me. Surprisingly, my massage therapist recommended it, not my physical therapist, orthopeadic, or chiropractor. I am fully healed without surgery and running marathons! I recommend this book to any average person who wants to have a better understanding of how to strengthen your back and core!

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I've had chronic back pain for years and have tried several modalities to treat the pain. I've also read several books on the subject and have tried different exercises. The Multifidus Back Pain Solution has fabulous medical research to back it up, simple exercises for people of all different strengths, and great common sense.

Most of the pain I have had in my back is gone. On the rare occasion that I do have pain, it is much less intense and doesn't last for as long. I have renewed hope and a rich life because I can move without fear.

Strenthening the multifidus is the way to go. I have checked out the spine journals where the author gets his information, and they are right on the mark.

The Chiropractor who wrote that the book is full of garbage should realize that the author is actually an advocate for chiropractic care along side the exercise program in the book.

I also don't see medical research as to the Chirpractor's claims to back them up.

Jim Johnson has clearly spent meticulous hours on organizing medical research, reading the spine journals, and seeing where commonalites exist within the data. I don't know too many practitioners who care that much to be so meticulous.

This book has allowed me to regain control of my back and not rely on outside help.

Buy this book and follow the program. It could just change your life like it has mine.

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Everyday Fashions, 1909-1920, As Pictured in Sears Catalogs (Dover Fashion and Costumes)

This book provides a comprehensive series of illustrations that immerse you in the world of fashion from this era. It is authentic and beautifully laid out, and depicts numerous costume items from the early 20th century, though mostly focusing on women. The pictures depict everything from dresses to shoes, hats to gloves; the women's hairstyles, makeup, undergarments, and overall looks give the reader the most authentic possible view of fashion and the aesthetic ideals of the time. The catalogue also shows the prices and features descriptions that include fabric and color. There are some pictures of men's and children's fashions. This book is thorough and unbelievably beautiful. The whole series of Sears catalogue fashions by decade is amazing. I recommend them all!

Thru illustrations created for the Sears Catalogs of the early twentieth century, clothing--functional, extravagant, glamorous, practical--is reproduced for visual inspection. Great for research, for curiosity seekers who wish to know what our foremothers wore, or in the case in which I used it, this is a perfect reference book to give to a dressmaker to let her see an example of an outfit you'd like to have made. An great book!

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This book is an excellent resource for studying period fashion. Unlike so many period fashion books, which focus on evening wear or the clothing of the wealthy, this book gives great examples of what the general population wore every day. It will be extremely useful to costumers and fashion students.

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In 1909-13, wasp waists, pouter-pigeon bosoms, and large ornate hats were still the height of female fashion, and hems came just short of the floor. In 1915 the whole foot appeared, though still modestly encased in a button shoe. By 1916 ankles were on view, and in 1918 even Sears--always a bastion of mass taste and mores--was portraying its female models in skirts that showed the leg to mid-shin, overalls with full bloomer-like trousers, and one-piece bathing suits that displayed the arms and lower legs. These are just a few of the things this book will teach you about the dress of the second decade of the 20th century--women's, girls', men's, boys', small children's. The reproductions are clear and sharp, and most of the pages include descriptions and prices; unfortunately several that would have been improved by it don't, editor Olian having chosen not to include the "opposite page" or following one that provided them--"dainty waists" and women's bathrobes from 1919, "smart spring styles" from 1920, girls' dresses and coats from 1918, men's suits from 1915. Still, enough supporting detail is given that the lack of full-color reproduction isn't a terrible loss, and the book will provide a sound overview of both clothing and hair styles for its era.

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As a Trade researcher they are excellent beginning tools for finding the era of a specific product I am researching at any one time. Once i get the feel for dating a specific product it enables me to move on to more specialised reference material. The prices are so good every design school or major brand should carry the series. Each season i always seek out new material for my library. Phillip Nutt

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Restoring, Tuning & Using Classic Woodworking Tools

I only recieved this book this morning, I began reading and can now thouroughly recommend this book to anyone who, for example has ever seen Norm Abram at work and thought 'Hey that's not fair. He's got $10,000 worth of power tools at least' Well this has to be the guide for those who wish to find, restore, and use old tools. I grew up with quality handtools around me and can tell this guy knows what he's talking about. The majority of this book is dedicated to planes but I never realised just how many kinds there are! A must for anyone you know who heads for the 'rusty tool box' at flea markets and yard sales. I'd love to know what you think about this book too. Happy reading!

After searching for books in this subject, I was very pleased to finally find a book that went into the depth of not only restoring, but plane and other tool usage. This book was intended for the antique tool collector who chooses to use their tools not place them on a display shelf and accept them "as is." If you are looking for old tools needing repair for many more years of use, then this is the book for you. Michael Dunbar has done an excellent job putting his knowledge on paper for the reader's benefit.

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Dunbar's book is one of the best when it comes to repairing just about any antique tool. He patiently and thoroughly describes how to repair most any hand tools you'll come across. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn how to restore antique hand tools. It should be noted that Dunbar now uses a different method to sharpen plane and chisel irons, etc. However, this is widely available in magazines. Highly recommended.

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The tools being old, not necessarily the collectors. The vast preponderance of space is taken up with hand planes. While some attention is paid to other tools, if you do not have a plane collection, this is a costly book for topics that are covered in tons of books. The general info on sharpening and cleaning is not unique to this book. But the coverage on hand planes may not be equaled elsewhere.

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good and detailed, the major part talk about planes of every kind and type with ideas to evaluate it. Nice book

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