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Friday, May 23, 2014

May is Older Americans Month

Here are some current books to help make the best of your senior years.

Living Safely, Aging Well: a Guide to Preventing Injuries at Home is written by Dorothy A. Drago. As we age, we become more susceptible to accidents in the home and elsewhere. The author describes the hazards – falls, burns, poisoning, asphyxia and accidents (driving and others) and suggests ways to eliminate or minimize them.

Creating a Happy Retirement: a Workbook for Planning the Life You Want is written by Ronald W. Richardson. Not a book on how to manage retirement financially, the author instead presents exercises and forms to be completed to help the reader decide if he should retire, what activities and interests to pursue, and whether to relocate or stay put.

Learning to be Old: Gender, Culture, and Aging is written by Margaret Cruikshank. This new edition describes the social roles of the aged, and how experiences differ between elderly men and women and between the elderly in different socioeconomic groups. Current Information on the health care system also is given.

Reboot Your Brain: a Natural Approach to Fighting Memory Loss, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Brain Aging, and More is written by Gary Null. The author recommends a combination of diet, exercise, lifestyle modifications, and nutritional supplements to reestablish maximum mental health. The recommended diet is vegan and low-fat and also excludes refined sugar, alcohol, and caffeine.

A Guide to Elder Planning: Everything You Need to Know to Protect Your Loved Ones and Yourself is written by Steve Weisman. He is an eldercare attorney with his own nationally syndicated radio show on this topic. The book (second edition) reviews all of the financial, legal and personal issues faced by older people and their families. This includes power of attorney, estate planning, financial investments, alternative housing, long-term care, social security, and much more.

Monday, May 12, 2014

The Future of the Mind: the Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind

     Michio Kaku is a professor of theoretical physics at the City University of New York, author of several books about physics for the general reader, and host of a variety of television specials on scientific topics. In this book he writes about the human mind; including its past and present - how it developed as we evolved from the apes, what consciousness is – and what we can expect from the mind in the future.

     Some of the possibilities include what we thought only was possible in science fiction: telepathy, telekinesis, creating memories, and increasing intelligence. Then there are those dealing with altered consciousness: entering other people’s dreams, curing mental illnesses, developing silicon (robotic) minds, the possible design(s) of alien minds, uploading our minds to computers, the mind's evolution to being pure energy, and more.

     Work is ongoing to map all areas of the human brain; the first step towards all of these developments. Kaku’s enthusiasm and optimism is contagious, yet he isn’t afraid to address controversial topics. The narrative is written so as to be accessible to the lay reader.

Friday, May 9, 2014

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month


Develop your body and your mind, and maybe have fun, when you participate in National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. The following books can guide you.

8 Weeks to SEALFIT: a Navy SEAL’s Guide to Unconventional Training for Physical and Mental Toughness is written by Mark Divine, a retired Navy SEAL commander and current owner of SEALFIT Training Center in California. Divine has developed a program that blends Ashtanga Yoga, Navy SEAL regimens, CrossFit training, endurance sports and some forms of martial arts. He also emphasizes teamwork, mental and physical preparation, and proper nutrition practices.

Chris Powell’s Choose More, Lose More for Life is written by Chris Powell, a celebrity trainer from the first two seasons of the television show Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition. Here he encourages the learner to go beyond the weight loss plateau by offering more than thirty new exercise routines (with photos), information on carb cycling, recipes, and more.

Body by Simone: the 8-Week Total Body Makeover Plan is written by Simone de la Rue, a former professional dancer and a personal trainer for many Hollywood celebrities. Her plan can be modified for all levels of ability; the exercises include those from Pilates, bar method, strength training, and cardio dance moves. Recommended is a beginning 7-day body cleanse developed by a holistic doctor; the recipes for its simple meals, juices and smoothies are included.

Yogalosophy: 28 Days to the Ultimate Mind-Body Makeover is written by Mandy Ingber, a fitness and wellness advisor for Hollywood celebrities. The book includes a 28-day plan to improve the reader’s physical and psychological health; it is a companion to her popular DVD Yogalosophy. Included are a number of workouts based on yoga and other exercise techniques, and several recipes for healthy meals.