Too Young To Feel Old - A Review
By Laura M. Turner
Words cannot express the sadness an observer experiences when
someone they care about is struggling with the pain and
challenges of arthritis. For my family it's been the
autoimmune variety: debilitating Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). If you are like everyone
else in this world who knows someone with this dreadful condition,
you'll understand when I tell you, this sadness is exacerbated when
it steals the youth of a vibrant
young person. Not that being older makes arthritis any easier.
Never. It merely saddens me that most are under the dangerous impression that arthritis is only an
elderly persons affliction. Worse, this is just one of the many
myths and misconceptions surrounding
arthritis.
The
challenges presented to the person with arthritis, young or old, can
compromise many once simple and knee-jerk activities of daily
living. It
brings with it a range of disturbances, from painful flare ups to fine motor compensation
which make it
difficult to write or even hold a pen, save the challenge of getting
out of bed. Some forms can even disfigure the body if not
treated in time.
The good news, if there is any, is it puts the larger lot of chronic illnesses (heart disease,
cancer and the like) and the statistics that surround them into a
fresh and interesting perspective. The more we read in the
realm of research and alternative treatments, the more we can
understand that we are much closer to the point of prevention,
reversal and even successful remission of their symptoms.
Here, if one wishes to do their
homework, they can do their best to feel a
certain sense of taking charge of their our own health.
Arthritis on the other hand, has statistics that are much more troubling.
And according to Dr. Richard H. Blau in his book Too Young To
Feel Old, one in every 7 people are affected. Worse, there
is currently no known cure for arthritis.
There is hope however, and thanks to
Dr. Blau, he has catalogued it into his new book, the 276 page
Too Young To Feel Old, The Arthritis Doctor's 28-Day Formula For
Pain-Free Living. Here
Dr. Blau draws from his experience of over 20 years in working with
arthritis patients.
He has seen the gamut of cases. He knows much about what it is
for patients to be both in denial about the symptoms of arthritis,
as well as to come to terms with them, and finally learn to manage
their condition. For me -- as an English major, as well as a scientist
-- I immediately ran to the acknowledgement pages as customary of
any book when I first pick it up. This helps me to connect
with the author and get a feel for their demeanor. With Dr.
Blau's book, I will tell you, his kindness and good heart is
immediately apparent. Upon reading his words, I know right away,
this is passion work to him. In the acknowledgements, Dr. Blau compliments his family, as well as his
patients of 20 years for helping him to put together this book that
can help all come to terms and live with arthritis as well as help
them to manage and heal from the pain.
What you will find in Too Young To Feel Old then is a
composite of Dr. Blau's wisdom, as well as that of his patients.
And together they have created an all inclusive
instruction manual for anyone who suffers from any form of
arthritis. The book includes
all: from helpful hints in activities of daily living, to exercises
and a
sound nutritional program, as well as supplementation information.
Dr. Blau will give you his honest opinion about
what works and what doesn't -- this includes many alternative methods that could help
relieve pain. Many of which one may not have considered.
To give you an idea of Dr. Blau's nutritional program,
here is a wonderful sample from his registered dietitian approved 28-Day Menu.
For more samples please refer to Dr. Blau's Super Menu Sample
Here:
|
Margaux's Mango and Banana Smoothie
(serves 2)
1 banana
1/2 cup mango
1/2 cup 2% milk
1 tablespoon flaxseed oil
3 ice cubes
Combine all ingredients in a blender.
Mix until smooth.
Note: this smoothie is part of a full
breakfast. |
This is just the beginning of the information you will
find inside Dr. Blau's book. Here's more:
-
A 28 - day nutritional eating program created specifically to ease the
pain of arthritis.
-
Detailed exercises to help ease arthritis pain, as well as strengthen the
joints of the body.
-
Helpful hints for common sense ways to make life easier when dealing with joint pain
and fine motor issues.
-
A list of what supplements and alternative modalities work and which don't,
all from Dr. Blau's experience.
- and
lots more...
Dr. Blau's book is a welcome find for anyone who has or knows anyone
dealing with the pain of arthritis. Dr. Blau's voice is kind,
his book is user friendly and
his exercises easy to understand. I can say with confidence, Dr. Blau removes the veil from the grey
areas surrounding arthritis and helps us all to understand that our bodies are wise and created to
rejuvenate themselves. While dealing with the pain of
arthritis, he offers his experience. He offers us hope.
Gratefully, there is now wisdom
available for all who need the extra support with this common
condition. It is welcome encouragement for those who need to get help and
to begin healing.
Be sure to
check out these other great resources from Dr. Richard H. Blau:
The Arthritis Doctor's 28-Day Super
Menu (Sample Recipes)
The Top 10 Myths about Arthritis Debunked
About The Author:
Dr. Richard H. Blau is the author of Too Young to
Feel Old: The Arthritis Doctor's 28-Day Formula For Pain-Free Living. For more than 20 years,
and as the founder and medical director of
The Arthritis Institute of Long Island, he has worked with arthritis suffers
of all ages, treating symptoms that range from moderate stiffness to
crippling pain and deformity. Please visit his website to learn more:
www.arthritisinstitute.com.
****
About The Book:
Drawing on Dr. Richard H. Blau's extensive
clinical experience and cutting-edge research in the fields of both
conventional and complementary medicine,
Too Young to Feel Old (Da Capo Press, $15.95 trade paperback original) is
packed with invaluable information on the two most common forms of
arthritis—osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—and presents a
program that will enable readers to manage and control their arthritis pain
in just four weeks. In language that is at once authoritative and
reassuringly down-to-earth, Dr. Blau explains the causes of arthritis,
reveals the truth behind the myths of such "miracle cures" as glucosamine
and chrondroitin, explores the emotional impact of arthritis, and guides us
through the myriad supplements, alternative therapies, prescription
medications that are available to arthritis sufferers. At the heart of this
essential guide is an innovative program that incorporates a meal plan and
exercises formulated to combat the pain of arthritis. Equipped with the
wealth of information and healthy lifestyle tips in Too Young to Feel Old,
readers can break free of a cycle of pain and significantly enhance their
quality of life.
