Books Books Books Books Books 

A selection of books recommended by our Features Editor -

 Helen Franks 

Alive and Kicking - The Carer’s Guide to Exercises for Older People, 

A new guide published by Age Concern, caters especially for older people with a range of physical abilities, including the very elderly and those who may be chair-bound. The book shows how low intensity exercise can provide general physical and mental stimulation.

The exercises are largely mild chair-based movements, often using props, and are designed to be fun. The book is also packed with photographs illustrating each exercise and provides clear and concise safety tips. 

The author, Julie Sobczak, has been a nurse for over 25 years and has been developing exercise classes for older people since 1992. 

Alive and Kicking – The Carer’s Guide to Exercises for Older People  is published by Age Concern. Available online from Amazon books - click on the title for details.

The Herbal Drugstore  - Best Natural Alternatives to Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medicines 

A large directory containing descriptions of herbal remedies compiled and reviewed by doctors such as Dr Ian Banks who represents GPs for the British Medical Association, biomedical  researchers and herbalists.  There’s a comprehensive index, descriptions of conventional drug treatments as well as alternatives and recommended doses.  A comprehensive, clearly written reference book you will want to refer to again and again. 

The Herbal Drugstore  - Best Natural Alternatives to Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medicines  is published by Rodale Books, available online from Amazon books - click on the title for details

Joint Pains 

Is described as “nature’s way to alleviate pain”, a guide to successful herbal remedies for conditions like arthritis.  Author Penelope Ody contrasts orthodox medical treatment with herbal options for a variety of arthritic conditions and also stresses the importance of diet. Herbalists believe that arthritis is frequently caused by toxicity problems where waste products in the body damage delicate membranes. 

The author cites the case of a woman diagnosed with arthritis, many of whose symptoms disappeared after switching to a gluten-free regimen and taking a herbal tincture.  The largest section of the book covers herbal and aromatic remedies for joint pains, explaining how to make one’s own herbal remedies for different joint and muscle pains. There is also information on food supplements and advice on consulting a medical herbalist.  A useful reference and an alternative to conventional treatments which many find ineffective. 

Joint Pains by Penelope Ody, is published by Souvenir Press Ltd., available online from Amazon books - click on the title for details

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