Customer Reviews (16)

Great book for asthma just not what I thought.
I was suprised while reading this book I seemed a little lost.I went back to re-read a section and noticed that the practices are designed to work over a 12 month period.This was only mentioned once in a non-important fashion.To me that was important.I did not know this would take a year.

Either way it is helpfull and I can see how it works, even though I have not had any major changes yet.Just doing the CP test proove to me it will work as soon as I can put the time into doing this.Not as simple as I hoped for.

so simple, but it works
I've had chronic asthma for years, and grown frustrated with doctors just prescribing higher and higher doses of drugs.I was looking for a more natural solution, if it existed, and after just a month, this has proven to be what I was looking for.Just based on a preview of the book, I began being more conscious of breathing thru my nose, and saw immediate improvement before the book even arrived.Now after reading the book and following the exercises for about 3 weeks, I have to say that this book has changed my life. My lungs have not felt this good in years, and I am looking forward to phasing out some of my prescriptions.

Simple Solution for Asthma Sufferers
I was skeptical about changing the way I manage my asthma and have for the past 25 years.Deep down I always lived with the fear that I would have to be dependent on asthma meds for the rest of my life.I enjoy an active lifestyle with asthma but always kept the rescue inhaler nearby when engaging in physical activity.After reading Patrick McKeown's book - my life has completely changed.Mr. McKeown's book outlines a simple yet VERY EFFECTIVE method to change your breathing habits and live more peacefully with asthma.I have experienced a tremendous increase in my quality of life by adopting these principles.The method outlined is simple, easy and the progress chart keeps up the enthusiasm.Although this method works VERY VERY Effectively - the widespread use is limited because it is non-pharmacological.I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book for anyone who may suffer from breathing related health challenges and especially for anyone who suffers from asthma!

Asthma?Allergies?READ THIS BOOK!
I've had allergies all of my life and first experienced allergy induced asthma about 10 years ago.This book has changed my life!!I rarely use an inhaler and allergy medicine anymore after everyday use!!I highly recomend this!!Jackie from Jersey

Revolutionary theory, best book on the subject
I think it should be a "Bible" for any asthmatic and a necessary book to read for everyone. My only regret is that I didn't come across it 5 years ago when I first developed asthma. It could save me few trips to ER and a lot of miserable hours spent dealing with my illness. Thing that most upsets me now is that it is not so widely known, and I could have sufferedall my life without knowing about it and believing doctors who say it is incurable. I could be completely dependent on medication and watching my health go downhill. This book is very well written. It answers all the questions I've constantly tried to search answers for during my illness. It is a huge eye opener and most importantly - great scientific discovery that definitely helps to overcome asthma and other chronic health conditions. ... Read more

Book Description
The incidence of asthma is rising dramatically in the United States and across the globe. Asthma affects 17 million people in the U.S. and is the most common chronic childhood disease. If you or someone you love suffers from asthma, you know that there is no cure—however, with proper care, asthmatics can lead normal, active, and fulfilling lives. Now you can breathe easy with this plain-English guide, which clearly explains the prevention, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of the disease.

Asthma For Dummies will help asthma sufferers and their loved ones get a strong handle on managing the disease. Dr. William Berger, one of the nation’s foremost experts on allergies and asthma, gives you the tools you need to:

• Understand the relationship between allergies and asthma
• Identify your asthma triggers
• Prepare for your first doctor’s visit
• Allergy-proof your home or office environment
• Avoid asthma complications
• Find outside support

Offering the latest on allergy shots and tips for traveling with asthma, Asthma for Dummies will relieve your anxiety about asthma, help you control your triggers, and manage the disease long-term. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

This book and a good HEPA machine - breathe easy!
A great book, almost as good as the Allergies and Asthma for Dummies book.Required reading for the Respircare Analytical training course.

Conventional management- we have heard it all before
Asthmatics are now better informed and can research the effects of medication, allergies etc very easily. This book has nothing to offer to HELP people with asthma. It adopts a very narrow approach specifically using medication.

One point that the book fails to discuss properly is the Buteyko method for asthma. The Buteyko methid without doubt the best help for asthmatics. It works by correcting breathing and reducing hyperventilation. I am always dissapointed as a once chronic asthmatic to read asthma books offering the same stuff. The only thing that ever helped me was the Buteyko method. Unless your asthma book has the details of this- it is letting asthmatics down.

A great first asthma book
I was skeptical of the name.However, I leafed through it (and many other asthma books) in a brick and mortar store before I bought this book.And I am so grateful!It's easy to read, but doesn't shy away from the technical and biological concepts you should know.It has nice diagrams for those of us who need the visuals to understand somewhat complicated biology.

I feel so much more informed about my disease after having read this book.I feel like I can talk with my doctors and know what questions to ask them, and understand their responses!I can honestly say that after reading this book, I was able to advocate for my own health enough that I feel I can breathe properly and happily now.

There are medications and small lifestyle changes out there that can improve an asthmatic's quality of life immensely.But it is important first to understand the disease itself and then what each medication or technique may do to help.This book is a good start, and I highly recommend taking the step to improve your well-being.

Practical, genuine, and doable
Asthma is serious; 15 people die of asthma each day yet many people don't take their symptoms seriously. Asthma for Dummies is both serious and yet conversational. It's practical, genuine and doable. It's got something of value for anyone interested in predicting, preventing, and responding to symptoms proactively.

Nancy Sander
President
Allergy & Asthma Network
Mothers of Asthmatics
www.breatherville.org

A Dust Mite's Favorite Read
This book was extremely helpful in answering my questions about a recurrence of asthma after being free of symptoms for many, many years. I learned that you never really outgrow asthma and a recurrence is not unusual. I thought the book focused too much on allergies and did not explain how humidity might effect asthma. My symptoms get worse on chilly nights after a day of rain so weather seems to be my asthma trigger. Also the book does not contain any information on asthma support groups and neglects to cover controversial theories about asthma. However, it does describe all the medications you might be prescribed and their possible side effects. ... Read more

Amazon.com
There's nothing more frightening than witnessing a child's asthma attack, listening to her wheeze and cough and fight for every breath--and sharing her panic. Fortunately, pharmaceutical advances have resulted in a whole new class of drugs that prevents or relieves asthma flare-ups. But do you want your child on drugs, with their potential short- and long-term side effects? Besides, asthma drugs treat the symptoms without treating the underlying condition. Are there alternatives that can lessen an asthmatic child's drug dependency? Yes, say authors Steven J. Bock, Kenneth Bock, and Nancy P. Bruning. "It is our belief that asthma rates continue to soar because of our increasingly toxic environment," they write. "Our children are assaulted from every direction with indoor and outdoor air pollution, poor food, and stress." The cumulative toxicity makes children more susceptible to diseases. In this book the authors present a natural asthma program to complement your child's conventional care and help to reduce asthma attacks and drug dependency. This includes reducing asthma triggers (including advice for "saying goodbye to Fluffy"); eating a cleaner, more nourishing diet (emphasizing plant foods); taking supplements, herbs, and homeopathic remedies; and learning to cope with emotional stress. The book ends with three case studies of children who used the program in various ways and dramatically improved their health. --Joan PriceBook Description

From two physicians with fifteen years of experience in treating asthma comes the only book for children with asthma that supplements conventional approaches with effective and proven natural remedies. Parenting a child with asthma is often scary, unpredictable, frustrating, and expensive. Through controlling symptoms, decreasing attacks, and eventually reducing the need for prescription drugs, the Drs. Bock will help you and your child regain control of your lives. This book will show you how to:

• reduce attacks by dealing with the underlying causes

• reduce the need for conventional drugs, making them safer to use for emergencies

• help your child's body heal itself

• avoid permanent lung damage and encourage healthy new lung tissue to grow

• minimize emergency room visits, time lost from school, and time lost from work

• detoxify your environment, minimizing the effects of pollen, dust mites, and mold

• identify foods that can trigger attacks

• properly use nutritional supplements

• build a treatment and prevention program tailored to your child's needs

This medically up-to-date, practical, and supportive book focuses on stopping asthma symptoms and attacks before they start. It is a must-have reference for any parent of a child with asthma. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Powerful information for parents!
This book helped our family put the brakes on the out-of-control rollercoaster ride of asthma. "Natural Relief for Your Child's Asthma" empowers parents with page after page of specific instructionson how to reduce your child's dependence on medication by understanding thelimits of conventional medicine, finding andavoiding triggers, using foodas a healer, using supplements to strengthen your child and usingalternative mind-body medicine to enhance your child's well-being.Whilethe authors have lots of great information about how to reduce dependenceon medicine over time, they aren't zealots who encourage you to turn yourback on conventional medicine.The real power that comes from this book isthat now, when I go to see my child's asthma specialist, I can ask informedquestions about my son's condition.I'm no longer a note taker jottingdown what medicines my child should take when.I can encourage my doctorto challenge us to make dietary and lifestyle changes to detoxify ourchild's environment that he might not otherwise have mentioned assumingthat we would prefer the "easy" way out of finding stronger andstronger medicines to rescue our child.I strongly encourage any parent ofa child with asthma to read this book! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Asthmatics- this is not the solution
I read Richard Firsheins book with much interest. Yes, it is well written and contains factual information but I found my asthma was as bad after reading it as it was before. The book did little to improve my condition - it did not reverse it.

In all my search- only one book solved my problem- it is called Asthma Free naturally by Patrick McKeown and it does what it says it will do. It teaches readers how to correct their overbreathing based on the work of Russian respiratory professor Konstantin Buteyko. This book is a real gem and should be made mandatory reading for all asthmatics.

Wrong theory?
Although I greatly admire Dr. Firschein for his initiative, my experience with asthma has taught me to be skeptical of the theory of correcting breathing presented in the book.If you consider how a normal person takes a natural deep breath you will see that the chest is vigorously expanded and the upper abdomen is drawn in and upward (Gray's Anatomy).It therefore seems highly arguable that an asthmatic simply "gets stuck" in his frantic effort to take a deep inspiration, and that the upward straining of the shoulders so typical of an attack is not pathological and the deep breath should be taught by correctly learning from a healthy breather in all details.Also, a healthybreather tends to restrict the inflow of air during the deep inspiration with his lips and/teeth.
If taking a deep breath is regarded as a distinct maneuver (like a yawn or sigh), then it is just a case of an asthmatic failing to do it.It is not a question of his breathing wrongly by being misguided. Therefore, diaphragmatic breathing as advocated in the book should be treated as something of a different kind.Regards, Richard Friedel s3e0101@mailin.lrz-muenchen.de

Please read this review
There is significant evidence that the root cause of many, if not most, cases of asthma (and many allergies as well) is deficiency of magnesium. This fact is discussed in detail by Dr. Carolyn Dean in her excellent book The Miracle of Magnesium. Dr. Dean recommends 600 mg of supplemental magnesium daily. People with asthma who follow Dr. Dean's advice about daily magnesium supplementation often improve dramatically even if they have continued to struggle with asthma under other treatments which omit magnesium supplementation. If you are suffering from asthma please read Dr. Dean's excellent book and follow her advice regarding daily magnesium supplementation. It may well be the most important thing you will ever due to relieve this terrible ailment. By the way, although a variety of magnesium supplements are available, and beneficial, chelated magnesium -- which is readily available in most health food stores -- is the most effective.

Let Diet be Your Medicine!
As a lifelong asthma sufferer and an Ehlers-Danlos Patient, I was told my prognosis was poor. The drugs were destroying my body and yet were no longer relieving the problems. When my daughter starting suffering herself, I found this book...and now our whole approach to healing is thru diet and supplementation.Within a year, both of us are better than the doctors could have imagined.This book has paid for itself hundreds of times over, in the lack of doctor visits and medicne co-pays alone!

read it, the author is no a quack
I've run into people who claim that doctors who advocate getting off of medications and using alternative methods are quacks. I agree that there are many quacks out there, but Dr. Firshein is not one of them.

Years ago, I was on 4 different asthma medications and now I'm completely drug free! I've had some asthma problem from time to time since getting off of the medications, but I feel that I'm now more intelligent about isolating the cause so I'm now able to control it without going to the doctor. What I find interesting is that I've virtually followed the same advice Dr. Firshein gives in his book without having read it. He outlines a method call the Comprehensive Asthma Prevention Program or CAP. In the CAP program, he outlines methods such as breathing exercises, visualization, biofeedback and locating and eliminating the source of your problem. He also talks a great deal about diet and exercise. There are certain foods which help repair the damage asthma may cause and prevent this disease from causing further damage. Exercise can't be emphasized enough for asthmatics. I see no reason why any asthma sufferer who conscientiously follows Firshein's CAP program wouldn't be able to get to the point where he/she requires no medications. I'm living proof that one can get off of asthma medications if determined. I simply refused to be sickly and use inhalers 3 or 4 times a day. As Firshein points out, asthma medications can cause more health problems than most realize. "Locked Lung" syndrome is a condition which is caused by overdosing on an inhaler. What happens is that the patient reaches the point where his inhaler won't work as well as it had before so he keeps using it. Eventually, the lungs completely choke themselves off and the patient can die unless he gets immediate medical attention.

So the imformation is definately out there it's just a matter of following it. The problem with most however is that we want a quick fix. We're constantly bombarded by ads telling us: "if you can't breathe, take a pill or puff on an inhaler", "if your stomach hurts, take a pill", "if you have high cholesterol, take a pill", "if your toe hurts, take a pill". Don't get me wrong, medications have their place and in some situations they are a necessity but so many people don't really need them and abuse them. The best doctors are those who try to suggest ways of working your way off medications (like Dr. Firshein) for things such as asthma instead of blindly prescribing medications. ... Read more

Book Description
Autism is an epidemic: It has spiked 1,500 percent in the last twenty years. ADHD, asthma and allergies have also skyrocketed over the same time period. One of these conditions now strikes one in every three children in America. But there is hope. Leading medical innovator Kenneth Bock, M.D., has helped change the lives of more than a thousand children, and in this important book, with a comprehensive program that targets all four of the 4-A disorders, he offers help to children everywhere. This is the book that finally puts hope within reach.

Doctors have generally overlooked the connections among the 4-A disorders, despite their concurrent rise and the presence of many medical clues. For years the medical establishment has considered autism medically untreatable and utterly incurable, and has limited ADHD treatment mainly to symptom suppression. Dr. Bock and his colleagues, however, have discovered a solution – one that goes to the root of the problem. They have found that deadly modern toxins, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, genetic vulnerabilities and assaults on the immune and gastrointestinal systems trigger most of the symptoms of the 4-A disorders, resulting in frequent misdiagnosis and untold misery.

Dr. Bock’s remarkable Healing Program, drawing on medical research and based on years of clinical success, offers a safe, sensible solution that is individualized to each child to help remedy these root causes. The biomedical approach to autism, ADHD, and the other 4-A epidemics, as innovated by Dr. Bock and some of America’s finest integrative physicians, is one of the most promising and exciting medical movements of our time.

In this eminently readable account, written by Dr. Bock in collaboration with critically acclaimed author Cameron Stauth, you will meet children and parents whose dramatic stories will inspire you to change the life of your own child. This program may be the help that you have been praying for.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Interesting and Informative Book
This book was recommended to me by my pediatrician. I have found it to be very informative and interesting. The individual case stories are a nice addition. I do not have a child with autism so the latter half of the book was not as interesting to me. I do have a young child with allergies and eczema though and my pediatrician recommended the delayed vaccination schedule based on this book since those illnesses are often seen in children with Autism. I would recommend this book.

Buy It
I am pregnant with my first child and concerned about the influence of vaccines on my baby.My husband's family has gluten intolerance, dairy intolerance, Autism, ADHD, and OCD in the genetics.I found this book to be empowering instead of paralyzing like so many others.I think that with Bock's vaccination schedule and advice, I will feel proactive in the prevention of these disorders in my child.

ANSWERS-- NEEDED ANSWERS
I've had severe, nearly debilitating allergies all my life.I have a son with Asperger's and another with allergies and respiratory problems, also exhibiting signs of ADD/ADHD.I come with whiplash from being tossed around the medical system.

This is absolutely the best, most helpful, sanest book I have ever read on Autism, Allergies, ADD/ADHD.I'm finally understanding the causes of the epidemic and the treatment options and why they work for certain kids.His information is well documented and comes from solid research.I recommend this book if you have a child with one of the four A's.I recommend this book if you plan to have children in the near future.

I'm currently petitioning Oprah to have Dr. Bock on her show.If you loved this book too, log onto her site and tell her how much you love it and how it's helped.We need to keep the answers to Autism front and center in the media.

Very Enlightening
Dr Bock offers a common sense explaination for the 4-A's. In reseaching he is not alone in his theory, he is just more advanced.

Great information...would recommend
This was a fantastic read with great info on these epidemics.I am an adult sufferer and found lots of ways to ease my symptoms. ... Read more

Book Description
Free yourself of allergies and asthma once and for all with Dr. Pescatore's breakthrough program

" Dr. Fred Pescatore's The Allergy and Asthma Cure reveals a unique and revolutionary understanding of the underlying conditions of allergy and asthma-from food triggers to the environment to nutritional deficiencies.His integrative program of both alternative and traditional treatments can dramatically improve health and vitality, safely and soundly. This book will have a prominent place in my library and I highly recommend it! "
-Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., C.N.S., author of the bestselling The Fat Flush Plan

"Conventional medicine has largely shrugged its shoulders in confusion about the causes of allergies and asthma in millions of people. In this book Dr. Fred Pescatore deals with the roots of these modern epidemics, drawing on his clinical experience, and he provides clear recommendations for turning back the tide and restoring health."
- Jack Challem, author of the bestselling Syndrome X and The Inflammation Syndrome

"The Allergy and Asthma Cure is the book we have all been waiting for. Dr. Pescatore manages, in a concise manner, to summarize all the facts and presents a comprehensive healing guide that incorporates both conventional and alternative approaches. A must-read for those dealing with these issues."
-Artur Spokojny, M.D., F.A.C.C., Medical Director of Integrative Medicine of Manhattan, Associate Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College

"I believe that The Allergy and Asthma Cure holds the key to understanding how nutritional medicine can really work for you. Allergies (from skin conditions to seasonal types) and asthma can be cured, not just held at bay.This book shows the way.Dr. Pescatore is truly a healer."
-Roberta Flack, singer/songwriter

"I have seen firsthand how The Allergy and Asthma Cure has changed people's lives for the better.I have started using his treatment protocols for my own patients with a remarkable success rate, and best of all with no side effects.Many of my patients are getting off their allergy and asthma medications completely.I strongly recommend this book to anyone with allergies or asthma."
-Dana G. Cohen, M.D., board-certified, Internal Medicine

"This book is for anyone willing to give up his or her life as an asthmatic. I had tried every drug and treatment available and the asthma only got worse. Under Dr. Pescatore's care, I began to see results within six weeks. It's been over two years now living without an attack. His approach has changed the way I live."
-Paul Goldman, patient ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Good, good
I previously purchased this book, used it successfully, and then lent it(much marked up) to someone (don't remember who)and now I need it again. I didn't follow the program 100%, but it did work. I was on allergy shots, and had asthma symptoms at certain times of the year depending on what was blooming. This book worked for me, and I have tried a lot of them.

Missing the point
Another book that I felt had very little to offer that was not already out there. For the past fifteen years, I coughed every morning and night with disrupted sleeping and resulting fatigue. It was a breathing method called Buteyko that changed this.

That is whre this book falls - it does not explore overbreathing which is a significant part of asthma.If you have allergies or asthma- look at Buteyko. Many books exist that offer self help. These are the only ones I feel will help asthma.

My point is unless a book addresses breathing volume, it will never solve asthma.

Do your own research.

Jim Holland New York

Intriging
I read this book with very great interest.It's the most promising and sensible approach I've seen to addressing the allergy and digestive problems I've been having for many years, which my own doctors have by trying ineffectively to treat by drugging the symptoms into submission.I intend to try the program.

However, I expect to have some trouble talking my doctors into supporting this.Pescatore appears to have developed his "cure" based on a lot of clinical trial and error and some guesswork based on a rough theory that the problems are all rooted in leaky gut and candida yeast overgrowth.That kind of clinical approach is very valuable, but it takes more than that to really convince the medical community.Pescatore appears to have choosen to market his method directly to consumers via popular books and TV talk shows, rather than market it to the medical community via formal clinical studies or experimental research.Much of his suggested treatment is going to be questioned by the mainstream medical community.For instance, does it really make sense to eliminate all sugar from your diet when your body makes its own sugar from the foods you eat, so there will always still be lots of sugar in the bloodstream?Still, I have seen some medical research from other sources that hints that there really is something to his approach.For now, his approach may be the best available, though many of it's details are unproven.

I also find it slightly off-puttingthat when I go to the store to get the macadamia nut oil that he heartly recommends, I find the oil is sold by him.(Though it really is good and healthy and was probably hard to get before he started marketing it.)When I go to the web site of the blood test company he recommends, there's his ringing endorsement.Pescatore Inc is there wherever I go.

He's certainly not nearly as bad as other "show doctors" who build financial empires on dubious weightloss theories.His book clearly distinguishes between established medical fact and his own approaches.He's clearly aware of mainstream medical research and has been integrating it into his approach as far as possible.There's no crystal waving here.It's not quite science, but it's close, and it's may be the best we are going to get for a while.And his suggested treatment is, at the very least, less likely to do harm than all the medications my doctors have been suggesting.

Good approach, but be sure to add magnesium
There is significant evidence that, although factors discussed in this book are important, the root cause of most cases of asthma (and many allergies as well) is deficiency of magnesium. This fact is discussed in detail by Dr. Carolyn Dean in her excellent book The Miracle of Magnesium. Dr. Dean recommends 600 mg of supplemental magnesium daily. People with asthma who follow Dr. Dean's advice about daily magnesium supplementation often improve dramatically even if they have continued to struggle with asthma under other treatments which omit magnesium supplementation. If you are suffering from asthma please read Dr. Dean's excellent book and follow her advice regarding daily magnesium supplementation. It may well be the most important thing you will ever due to relieve this terrible ailment. By the way, although a variety of magnesium supplements are available, and beneficial, chelated magnesium -- which is readily available in most health food stores -- is the most effective.

It really works
I had been getting more and more allergic every year.Last year I developed asthma, and kept up with an intense schedule by using inhalers, a lot!Even though I gave up dairy and wheat, they continued to get worse, finally to the point where I had hives and welts from touching my books (a little microscopic mold, I suppose). That was the last straw and I bought this book and followed it for 3.5 months now.I went from using inhalers 3 times a day to 0.I can hug my cats again, where I would cough when they walked into the room with me before.I had some patches of eczema on the elbows that is gone, and I finally have some get up and go again.

If you feel despair of having your body literally self destruct with allergic reactions, follow this program with ALL of the pertinent supplements (3 handfuls a day for me), and get your health back! ... Read more

Book Description

Learn asthma care essentials-from top experts at the Partners Asthma Center

Internists, family physicians, physician's assistants, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists will find this unparalleled, authoritative guide has everything needed to understand and treat asthma in children and adults.

Ideal for preparing for certification as an asthma educator (AE-C), The Asthma Book includes important information such as:

Book Description
The child in this story suffers from asthma, a chronic condition that sometimes produces frightening attacks. But kids learn that with proper medical supervision and treatment, asthma can be kept under control, and kids who are affected by it can live happy, active, and normal lives. As preschool and early-grades children read these illustrated What Do You Know About? Books , or have them read to them, they will be encouraged to explore their own feelings about problems that might be bothering them, or to find answers to a wide array of questions that puzzle them. The books have appealing color illustrations on every page, and each title features a short section of advice to parents. What Do You Know About? Books are available in both English and Spanish language editions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Really helped my 2.5 year old deal with his asthma
My son is 2.5 and recently diagnosed with reactive airway disease.He really enjoys this book, and it has helped us talk to him about his breathing. Sometimes we ask him if he feels like the lion or if the lion is scared.It also seems to help when he doesn't want to use his nebulizer.

Wonderful Book!
My son developed asthma at 7 months of age after being hospitalized with RSV. He is now only 1 years old, but does enjoy this book as much as a 1 year old can.The reason I bought it was for my 3 year old who had many questions about why his little brother had to have breathing treatments, wasn't feeling well, etc.This book was perfect.Not too medical in it's terms, adorable illustrations, lovely story line about using fantasy to make treatments better.I can't wait until my 1 year old is old enough to really enjoy and understand it.I highly recommend it for parents of asthmatics, or any one with young children who are around other children with asthma.

The Lion who had Asthma
This is a great book to help kids with Asthma realize that breathing treatments with a nebulizer are not always fun -- but they can turn it into fun just like the boy in the book.My daughter had a different view of the required breathing treatments after reading this book.We were lucky enough to come across it at our local library but Santa might just have to bring it for Christmas this year!

Very Cute
This is a cute story. My son was recently diagnosed with asthma. While he doesn't have to be on an inhaler nebulizer at this time, he does hate what asthma does to him. He has to stop running and wait until his medicine starts to work. We are able to read this book and talk a little about asthma (He's 2) and about what it means for him. This book is a great one for reassuring little kids that they are ok, that others have this, and that soon they can play again.

The only reason I rated this a four instead of a five is that I think the text is a little stilted at times.

Grrr-eat!
I was so happy to find this book to read to my 2 year old! He doesn't like the nebulizer mask and any picture with a child wearing one helps. A story of a little boy just like him is the icing on the cake! The simple facial expressions help my son relate to the feelings he has. ... Read more

Book Description
While asthma can't be cured, it can be treated and controlled so that your child can enjoy a healthier, more active life. In this important guide, the experts at the top-ranked children's hospital in the United States clearly explain what asthma is and how parents, caregivers, and young patients can manage it successfully. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Guide to Asthma features the most up-to-date information on the disease and the keys to optimal preventive treatment-controlling environmental conditions that trigger symptoms, making a proactive medical treatment plan, and consistently putting it into action at the first sign of trouble. You'll discover how asthma is diagnosed, what the common triggers are, how to select the best asthma medicines, and how to protect your child in and away from your home to help him or her live a fulfilling childhood that is as symptom-free as possible. This book:

• Reveals how to manage acute and emergency episodes of the disease
• Explains how to asthma-proof your home
• Addresses sports and exercise issues for children with asthma
• Discusses the special needs of toddlers and teens
• Features a series of vignettes about children with asthma
• Includes educational materials and resources, including community support

Customer Reviews (3)

Great
This book was very helpful in my understanding of childhood asthma. I know this is an increasing problem in the last few years, and this is a great resource.I especially liked the section on asthma myths - so many of those have been spread around causing misinformation and misunderstanding. I would highly recommend this to parents of children with asthma, and for healthcare professionals that care for these children. Bravo!

Great book
As a parent of a child with asthma, it can be very confusing to understand all the different medications my child takes, and the different tests that she has had. This book helps to make all that clear. I would strongly recommend it for any parents of children with asthma. I feel that I can trust the information from this reputable source.

This is great!
I loved it. As a pediatric pulmonologist, I found this book very helpful for my discussions with families.Chapter 4, "Medicines: The Right Way" was particularly outstanding. I recommend this book to all my patients. Asthma is an incredibly common problem in children and there have not been good resources to distribute or recommend. Thank you! ... Read more

Book Description
Asthma sufferers can now breathe more easily thanks to the natural approach to asthma relief in Asthma: Relax-You're Not Going to Die. There are more than 24 million asthmatics in the United States and 150 million worldwide. Over the past twenty-five years, there has been a staggering increase in the number of asthma cases -doubling in those under eighteen years of age. And this epidemic has occurred in the shadow of great advances in the conventional diagnosis and treatment of asthma. While drugs have proved lifesaving for many people, the long-term answer for asthma sufferers is learning how to embrace a healthy lifestyle. Dietary changes, exercise, environmental controls, supplements, and herbs can alleviate your asthma symptoms safely and effectively, without the side effects of conventional drugs. Jonathan M. Berkowitz, M.D., is an asthmatic as well as a physician. He went through his own frustrating experience with conventional drug treatment for his asthma and was able to return to health by adopting the lifestyle changes he now shares with you. In Asthma: Relax-You're Not Going to Die, you'll learn: How eating fruits and vegetables can alleviate asthma symptoms.Why asthma sufferers should embrace exercise, not fear it.The ways your home environment may be making your asthma worse and how you can fix it.The important vitamins, minerals,and herbs for asthma relief.How emotional stress contributes to asthma and ways to eliminate it.By adopting a healthier lifestyle, asthmatics can reduce, even eliminate, their dependence on steroids and other drugs. Dr. Berkowitz’s message is one of hope: You're not going to die of asthma- you can, in fact, live a long, healthy, and productive life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

don't relax, be cognizant of your problems
For years off and on, I've tried to ignore my asthma and denie that it was much of a problem until it came back full blown with a vengence.If you are thinking of getting this book, you doing the right thing.You are thinking about your illness instead of getting into a state of denial about it.

This book is full of useful advice and focuses on moving away from being dependent on medications.Keep in mind however that there is no magic bullet for getting rid of asthma without medication.Asthma is such a whimsical disease and can occur at any place at any time without warning.Do not try to just treat your asthma with herbs and vitamin supplements alone.As stated in this book, you must find a good doctor (preferably a lung or allergy specialist).You must be aware when you are being over or under medicated, so don't just be passive and ask your doctor why he/she is prescribing you the medication(s).

Read and study this book and follow the advice given... eat right, exercise, talk to your doctor and be mindful of your breathing problems.You may not be able to get yourself completely off of all medications by following the advice given.Asthma differs in severity from person to person.You can however minimize your dependency on medications and the harmful long term effects of this dreadful disease by following this book.

One of the best asthma books I have read
I have read every book I can find about asthma and, without a doubt, "Asthma-Relax, You're Not Going To Die", is my favorite. It presents a sensible, balanced view that encourages cooperation with your physician while also encouraging you to take responsibility for your health. No quackery or quick fixes in this book...just sensible, healthy advice that you can use for a lifetime.

Another plus is that the book does not present asthma as a death sentence. It really alleviated my fears about dying from asthma. The book showed how it is possible to live a long and healthy life with asthma under control.

A BIG thank you to the author.

A terrific book for asthma sufferers!
Everyone with asthma should read this book. It contains practical information on how to alleviate your symptoms with diet, exercise, and cleaning up toxins in your environment. Herbs and other alternative therapies are covered as well. Sound advice on drug therapies is also included. It's information you can put to use immediately to get control of your asthma. ... Read more

Book Description
This book introduces a new discovery that unintentional dehydration causes many painful, degenerative diseases. It explains the direct relationship between water deficiency in the body and allergies, asthma and lupus.

You will learn:

-How to prevent and cure childhood asthma without medication
-How to recognize the signs of an imminent asthma attack
-How to identify chronic dehydration in your body
-Compelling stories of naturally cured asthma
-Answers to the most frequently asked questions about asthma and allergies
-Why medically treated asthma can lead to genetic damage
-How to prevent and treat lupus naturally ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Quite a book, and then some, contains superb information
The book is about water and SALT. Unless you incorporate the SALT along with the water, your body will not correct the problem 100%. But if you incorporate the SALT, along with the water, and avoid the dehydrating caffeine in tea, coffee, soft drinks) and chocolate, you will not believe the results unless you experience them or are close to someone who experiences the results.

The contents of this book are amazing, and the letters from MD's confirming this discovery is too revealing of the dilemna we have allowed to persist - that of "treating" and "milking the problem" without taking the corrective steps to eradicate the problem and educate the public. The fact still exists that each one of us is responsible for what we do and for what we accept as truth. Don't take anyones word for anything, try it for yourself - you be judge, jury, and prosecutor. Are you not already the victim?

This a most remarkable book, and along with Dr. Batman's earlier book, "Your Bodies Many Cries For Water", answers the questions we all ask, and for which the answers will not come from the NIH, AMA, and "support" groups for asthma and many if not all others. Dr. Batmanghelidj calls it the "Sick Care Industry". And why will the simple answer not come from these institutions?Simply because "there is no money in it" - there is no money in water and salt. But there are billions in "treating" asthma, allergies, cancer, lupus, ms, diabetes, and the list goes on.

Use your God given head, and your God given common sense.

What's the first thing given to patients when admitted in the hospital due to severe illness of any kind?

Yes, great guess, a SALINE SOLUTION DIRECTILY INTO THE BLOOD.

Cause it's the best thing for your sick body.

Hello?Hello?Hello?Is anyone out there?Is anyone listening? Is anyone using their God Given Common Sense?

Get this book and READ IT, and DO IT.

Then see if you don't start to look around you and begin to ask "uncomfortable" questions.

Get on the web and search for water cure, salt cure, etc.

And, by the way, if you believe what you find on snopes as if God Himself had written it, then you will have a difficult road to travel.

Great but dont stop here
I have developed Infectious Asthma from an Upper Respiratory Infection a couple years ago. The Water helped alot, but if anything cures it, it will be the 12 week Zithromax regimen advocated by Dr.Hahns research. Search for Infectious Asthma on the web to find the regimen. In a nutshell, I take 500mg Zithromax for 1st 3 days, then for the next 11 weeks, you take 750mg of zithromax one day per week. After the 2nd day of starting the regimen, I feel much much better and the symptoms have all but disappeared.

Amazing much needed information
How often have we heard the advice through our lives to drink at least 8 glasses of 'water-water' (as opposed to other beverages) per day? How many of us do? I thought I was drinking enough since I always seem to have a glass in my hand as a lifelong habit, but after actually counting glasses for several days, I realised I'm coming up a little short every day.

Just that one change of conciously drinking more water and getting a little salt every day has made me feel immensely better and diminished many of the symptoms of dehydration that I never knew about before Dr. 'Batman's book came to me. A great book! It's connected so many other things together for me that I already knew about health and nutrients. Startling and yet such a simple sensible idea.

Yes, it is hard to accept but it has relieved my asthma greatly..
After a lifetime of being told that salt is bad for me, I finally let go and started to use celtic sea salt liberally (as prescribed in the book). At first I only drank the water, but adding the salt completely maximized my progress. At 4 separate times this past weekend, I stopped my own asthma attacks at each onset. It took me about 7-10 minutes each time. It took alot for me not to use my inhaler, and to just give the water & salt a chance to work.I am extremely grateful and rather emotional about it, since I thought I would be on my proventil inhaler for the rest of my life. The inhaler has caused a number of side effects, and I am now planning a detox to remove the residue of this drug from my body, which I've been dependent on for more than 27 years. And I've only been doing this seriously for 2 weeks, (and getting better with each day). I thank "Dr.B" for giving me my health back (along with hundreds of others whose testimonials I've read on the www.watercure2.com site). These are the same testimonials I was so compelled to read again and again, because I just could not believe and accept that something so simple could cure this disease that left me so weak and scared about the future of my health. Not to mention, very likely preventing other diseases I would be on the road towards. I suppose this is my own testimonial, because it really happened, and I hope that readers searching for an answer will forget their fears (that it won't work) and try it. Yes, it is still hard even for me to believe...even though it continues to work for me. But I do know for sure that I will never stop Dr.B's water & salt prescription. I will say this - if you want your health back, just take it back by taking action.

Very Poor
No real info other than what I already knew.There was a small two sentence reference to the info I was seeking.A real rip-off!I'm going to return the book. ... Read more

Book Description

"Authoritative, comprehensive."
--Library Journal

Customer Reviews (9)

Best resource for asthma information
This book has tons of great information about asthma - triggers, diagnosis, medicines, alternative therapies and more. As someone who was recently diagnosed with exercise induced asthma, I've found it extremely helpful and informative. It's a must-read for anyone who has asthma or cares for someone with asthma.

A breath of fresh air
Asthma is not fun. Part of controlling asthma is avoiding triggers, like dust, dust mites, pollens, molds, and other triggers in the workplace. Perhaps you have "Monday Morning Asthma" and didn't realize it is something in your workplace that is making your asthma worse. This book has loads of information on where to find those asthma triggers, how to control them and what the medications do. There are resources for websites, support groups and medical help. A must-have for anyone with asthma or a family member who suffers.

EXCELLENT RESOURCE
THIS IS A TRULY COMPREHENSIVE, WELL WRITTEN BOOK THAT IS A MUST READ FOR BOTH THE HEALTH PROFFESIONAL AND THE LAY PERSON. READING THIS BOOK HASGIVEN ME A THOROUGH EDUCATION ON ASTHMA. OWNING THIS BOOK GIVES ME AN EXCELLENT RESOURCE TO REFER BACK TO.

Informative and helpful guide
I am a physical therapist who has worked in pulmonary medicine for over 20 years.I found this book to be helpful and informative for asthma sufferers and their families.It is very "user friendly" for the lay person, as well as an appropriate medical guide for the healthcare practitioner.I highly recommend this book.

People with asthma often need magnesium supplementation
There is significant evidence that the root cause of many, if not most, cases of asthma (and many allergies as well) is deficiency of magnesium. This fact is discussed in detail by Dr. Carolyn Dean in her excellent book The Miracle of Magnesium. Dr. Dean recommends 600 mg of supplemental magnesium daily. People with asthma who follow Dr. Dean's advice about daily magnesium supplementation often improve dramatically even if they have continued to struggle with asthma under other treatments which omit magnesium supplementation. If you are suffering from asthma please read Dr. Dean's excellent book and follow her advice regarding daily magnesium supplementation. It may well be the most important thing you will ever due to relieve this terrible ailment. By the way, although a variety of magnesium supplements are available, and beneficial, chelated magnesium -- which is readily available in most health food stores -- is the most effective. ... Read more

Book Description
This colored illustrated 32 page book for elementary age children helps them learn about allergy testing and asthma and allergy triggers.Justin goes to the doctor to get tested for allergies, and afterwards, he and his friend, Ashley, go to the zoo.While there, they make a game of discovering things like animal fur, dust, and dander that would trigger their allergy and asthma. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Entire 'Taking Special Kids to School Series' is a must have.
As a Special Education Parents Advisory Committee board member, we donated the entire series to our town library, pre-2, and 3-4th grades.Awareness education helps students, parents and teachers dispell misconceptions that we are all the same.It's OK to be different and here is why...This series clearly explains what the problem is and what tools there are to work with it. ... Read more

Book Description
The fourth leading cause of death in the United States, COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, affects an estimated 35 million Americans. Yet only half are aware that they are seriously ill. Life and Breath, by Dr. Neil Schachter, is the first book that alerts people to their risks for COPD and explains the steps they need to take to prevent the development of this debilitating and often fatal lung disease.

Life and Breath begins witha quick quiz to rate your risk for COPD. It explains the steps of a complete pulmonary work-up and teaches you about the painless, inexpensive six-second test that can save your life.

We all know that diet, exercise, and environmental changes can reduce the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer. Now, for the first time, Life and Breath provides the medical and lifestyle steps that can prevent, treat, and sometimes reverse the signs and symptoms of chronic lung disease. Dr. Schachter discusses the role of antioxidants in treating asthma and chronic bronchitis, explains why indoor exercise is better if you have irritable airways, and provides a supportive, simple, and successful plan to quit smoking.

Life and Breath takes you on a tour of your own home, pointing out sources of irritants and allergens that can cause pulmonary problems. Dr. Schachter explains how to improve indoor air quality to protect your lungs at any age, on the job, in your home, and on the road.

If you are one of the 15 million Americans with asthma, or one of the 94 million current or former smokers in this country, Life and Breath is the one book you need to stay alive and well.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Useful book
A book of this sort is good insofar as it is technically accurate, and also if it zeroes in on your especial situation.As a non-scientist I am unble to judge the former, and my situation is that I was recently diagnosed with early emphysema.But I quit smoking 13 years ago, so all the pages devoted to quitting smoking were irrelevant to me.I have, however, spent a lifetime with heavy smokers, starting before my birth -- not that I can do anything about that now.Thanks, Mom and Dad, colleagues, friends, and current and former husbands!

There is a lot in this book about COPD, its causes, its course, varieties of treatment, & strateies for living with it. It is easy to understand and has a glosary, bibliography for further research, and good index.

Fortunately my condition has been arrested with the use of Spireva [mentioned in the book],but I will keep my copy just in case.

Excellent book for anyone with COPD or asthma!
I picked this book up because I was concerned about my husband, who has had a morning cough for about 2 years.The book was the catalyst to a whole lifestyle change for him!We went to his doctor, had him tested for COPD (he is in the early stages), he quit smoking, we ripped out our carpet, we've changed our diet....I can't say enough about the value of this book.Read it!!!

Life and Breath
Finally, a book to help patients suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The families of people suffering from COPD will have a better understanding of the disease after reading this book.

At the present time, COPD is not curable. However, by reading Life and Breath, it will help those suffering from COPD live longer, happier and healthier lives. The book will teach us how to better control COPD.

One is taught and is given a better understanding of the complete chest workup. Eating habits are gone over extensively, and we learn that by changing our diet we can breath easier and more normally.

Pulmonary protection and physical work outs will allow us to breath easier and realize it is never too late to give up bad habits. Treatment strategies for both asthma and COPD are outlined in the book and are extremely important.

I recommend this bood to doctors, COPD patients and their families.

Daniel J. Colona, NY

Well worth the read....
I first saw Dr. Schacter being interviewed on the Today Show in April while I was home recouperating from my third round of pneumonia in about 15 years.I ordered the book immediately and read it within a day of receiving it.

The information contained in the book was extremely helpful in educating me about how serious a chronic cough can be and how important it is to get appropriate treatment for anything that is related to your lungs on a timely basis.My sister is a severe asthmatic and I ordered a copy for her and sent it to her in California.

Following my bout of pneumonia, I have learned that I havea pulmonary nodule and again found the information in the book helpful as I have begun to navigate the ramifications of that health issue.When I was first diagnosed, I also emailed Dr. Schacter some questions and he responded to me personally which was certainly "above and beyond."

I highly recommend this book to anyone anyone with any pulmonary issues.

This book could save your life
This is an excellent book for anyone suffering from or who has just acquired a breathing disorder.I bought it after coming down with a case of bronchitis that would not go away after several weeks.The book helped me realize the dangers of not getting the proper treatment for COPD.It also helped me be a partner with my doctor in the treatment of it.I understand the treatment decisions, the drugs used (and not used) and what to do to prevent a recurrance.The cost of the book is a small price to pay for being a knowledgeable patient. ... Read more

Book Description

Medically-proven strategies for parents and caregivers.

The Complete Kid's Allergy and Asthma Guide gives parents a comprehensive, authoritative guide with common-sense guidelines, recommendations and tips on dealing with the asthmatic condition and the multiple allergic problems of children. Developed in collaboration with The Hospital for Sick Children, this book provides the most up-to-date, expert advice available, with easy-to-read information about every aspect of allergy and asthma.

The guide includes:

• The most common types of allergic problems
• How an allergy or asthma develops
• How to minimize allergic reactions
• How to avoid allergens and irritants
• How to prevent a child's asthma from getting worse
• How to prepare for an emergency

For a child who has not yet received a medical diagnosis, The Complete Kid's Allergy and Asthma Guide provides parents with vital information on how to read the signs of allergy and asthma -- from keeping a food diary, to monitoring asthma symptoms, to tracking allergic reactions. A record of these observations is crucial to isolating a child's allergy and asthma triggers.

This comprehensive guide offers daily coping strategies (how to check food labels, managing social situations, traveling tips), as well as dealing with more serious aspects of preparing for and handling severe allergic and asthmatic reactions.

Customer Reviews (1)

An essential home guide
How will a parent know if a rash or reaction is due to a flu, an insect sting, or a more serious allergy? The Complete Kid's Allergy and Asthma Guide: The Parent's Handbook for Children of All Ages provides parents with a handbook for all ages, including food allergies, airborne allergies, and insect allergies among its quick reference lists of symptoms and treatment options. An essential home guide, this should be in every parent's health library. ... Read more

Book Description
Offering a holistic program that can permanently cure food andenvironmental sensitivities, this revolutionary guide is a breath of freshair for sufferers of asthma and allergies. Dr. Ellen W. Cutler introduces aself-treatment system known as Bioenergetic Sensitivity and Enzyme Therapy(BioSET), comprised of enzyme therapy, detoxification, and use of aspecially developed acupressure technique. LIVE FREE FROM ASTHMA ANDALLERGIES will help people say good-bye to pharmaceuticals, tissues, andinhalers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Book, But Looking for More Info
This book was a god send.I tried the self techniques she writes about.They actually worked on my husband.However, I'm trying to follow the enzymatic therapy she discusses and it left me wanting/looking for more information.She doesn't really really give exact dosages on some items and there are so many enzymes, I'm not sure which ones to take.This left me wanting to read her other book:Micro Miracle.Also, when I go to the website for more information on digestive enzymes, some of the enzymes said I had to be a practitioner to purchase, which was disappointing.Another note:The author states that this technique is inexpensive....WELL.....I called a provider and she wanted $350 for first evaluation visit and $75 for all subsequent visits.That sounds pretty expensive to me. You could end up having many different allergies so the price tag could potentially be a hefty one.
Overall:I'm glad I read the book.... but need more info!

Live Free from Asthma and Allergies: Use the BioSET System to Detoxify and Desensitize Your Body
A great find for asthma/allergy sufferers who wish to learn more about what they can do to change the way they live to suffer less.

Sherri/Healthy Now for 18 Months
This is an awesome book that really explains a new-age system.I used to have bad allergies and sensitivities and be sick all the time.Now I feel great and have no congestion, headaches, stomachaches, or joint problems. I can even go for a walk in the weeds and enjoy the fresh air (it used to make me sick).Anyone with questions about the Bioset system needs to read this book and then just try it.Definitely use the enzymes! ... Read more

Book Description

The leading asthma specialist's proven four-week program that can help your kids--and you--breathe easier

If you're frustrated by ineffective doctor's visits and medications, in treating your child's asthma, you can turn to this groundbreaking asthma-relief program. This book shows how in just four weeks, you can work with your doctor to ensure proper treatment, minimize attacks, reduce emergency room visits, and effect a turn-around in your child's asthma.

Customer Reviews (1)

Best childhood asthma book out there.
Excellent and perhaps the best resource out there for any parent with a child that suffers from asthma.Dr. Rachelfsky very clearly outlines everything that you may want to know, and even takes away a lot of the mystery from the myriad treatments for asthma.

Written in plain language, the book leaves you with plenty of detail but never leaves you confused.

After reading through the book, you will better understand what asthma is, how it's treated, and more importantly make you able to work WITH your doctor and ask better questions.

You'll also be able to decide if your doctor is providing the best care available.

Overall, this is a must-have book if your child has asthma... and after reading it, you'll belive that you can control asthma and asthma doesn't need to control you! ... Read more