Kate Lorig

Read from October 21 to 25, 2013

As a certified wellness instructor of this Stanford University program, I value the extensive material supporting the weekly class topics. This manual moves the learning from corporate class time to a personal resource.

Exercises can be tailored to individual ability and needs to accomodate various chronic conditions. Distraction techniques and relaxation methods, reproduceable goal planning forms included for the major action planning tool in the self-management program, visual meal planning a further help to our well-known Canada Food Guide. The value of prayer and gratitude in living well are not overlooked. Exercises are described and diagrams provided for flexibility, strength, endurance, and balance.

Communication to enable increased understanding of chronic conditions with friends and family, managing medicines, and future planning, are all valuable lessons included in the manual, for anyone living with chronic conditions or caregiving someone who is.… (mere)

LIVING A HEALTHY LIFE WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS
Self-Management of Heart Disease, Arthritis, Diabetes, Asthma, Bronchitis, Emphysema and Others
Kate Lorig, RN, DrPH, Halsted Holman, MD,
David Sobel, MD, Diana Laurent MPH,
Virginia Gonzalez, MPH, and Marian Minor, RPT, PhD

This book is filled with hundreds of proven tips, helpful suggestions, and concrete strategies to deal with chronic illness, to manage emotions, and to live a productive life. You’ll find suggestions for setting goals, making decisions, and finding resources and support. The book offers sound information about exercise, healthy eating, intimacy and sex, and communication with friends, family and caregivers. There is also information on managing medications and an important new chapter on making treatment decisions.… (mere)

For the most part this book gave good advice for individuals with severe arthritis. However, if your arthritis is not severe or you are fairly young, this may not be the book for you. I also strongly disagree with some of the information in the book. For example, I don't agree that individuals that take biological response modifiers are "unethical" because they consume more than 6,000 worth of healthcare. I have a Masters degree in Healthcare Administration and I think that these authors are guided by their political beliefs in much of what is said, not facts - certainly not what one expects from a self-help book.… (mere)