A Body Out of Balance or An Uncommon Drunk

A Body Out of Balance: Understanding and Treating Sjogren's Syndrome

Author: Ruth Fremes

One of the most common yet underrecognized autoimmune and rheumatological disorders, Sjogren's (pronounced Show-grens) syndrome, or SjS, affects more people than rheumatoid arthritis and lupus combined. Difficult to diagnose, SjS is characterized by symptoms that shift almost daily, usually beginning with vague discomforts such as dry eyes and dry mouth, then advancing to more severe concerns such as joint pain and swollen glands. A Body Out of Balance provides a comprehensive guide to the wide array of symptoms, traditional and complementary treatments, and invaluable coping methods, so patients may devise a personal treatment plan. Cowritten by a woman living with the disease and by a physician who has treated countless SjS patients, this indispensable resource will enhance awareness and demystify this often-misunderstood disorder.

Library Journal

"Having SjS is a bit like having a demanding, exacting, unpredictable but needy two-year-old in your life-forever nagging for your attention," writes Fremes, leader of a Sjogren's Syndrome (SjS) support group. Known as the "dry eyes/dry mouth" disease, this autoimmune and rheumatological disorder can affect other organs and systems with devastating consequences. About four million people in the United States, primarily women, have it. With rheumatologist Carteron, Fremes has written a consumer's guide that covers all the basics: a brief overview of autoimmunity, diagnosis, medical treatments, self-care, genetics, and current and future areas of research. Encouraging a wellness lifestyle and good nutrition, the authors suggest conventional and complementary therapies to bring back balance and to cope with diminished quality of life. Especially valuable is their detailed advice on various products and medications for dealing with lack of moisture. However, the authors do not always present their technical information in understandable terms-no glossary is provided, and there are few real definitions. Libraries already owning Teri P. Rumpf's The Sjogren's Syndrome Survival Guide could probably pass. Otherwise, recommended for consumer health collections needing current information. (Index not seen.)-Lisa McCormick, Jewish Hosp. Lib., Cincinnati Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

New interesting book: Last Well Person or Better Vision Now

An Uncommon Drunk: Revelations of a High-Functioning Alcoholic

Author: Jeff Herten

For nearly thirty years, author Dr. Jeff Herten was a high-functioning alcoholic—one who drinks every day, yet continues to lead a productive, successful life. Now he shares his first-hand knowledge of how alcohol can destroy lives—as it nearly destroyed his.

Alcohol is the single greatest social ill in the United States. It affects us not only emotionally but physically. Alcohol may lead to deadly cancers of the breast, colon, esophagus, and liver. It rots our bones, corrodes our stomach lining, erodes our memories, and suppresses our immune systems. An Uncommon Drunk explores the numerous facets of alcohol consumption in the United States, including the risks, the behaviors associated with alcohol, and the innocent victims of alcohol abuse. But it also offers hope for those wishing to become sober and recommends resources to help them turn their lives around.

Frank and honest, An Uncommon Drunk is a must-read for every spouse, parent, child, employer, physician, and counselor whose life is touched by alcohol. It may be just the wake-up call you need.