An extract from the section on the herb astragalus gives the flavor of how the complementary medicine is discussed:
For what conditions has astragalus been used? It was originally used to promote endurance, lower blood pressure, and improve urination. More recently, it has been found to improve immunity in those with composed immune systems due to chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (Taixian, Munro and Guanjian 2205). It may also help in the general strengthening of normal immune systems (Tan and Vanitha 2004). I take it, instead of Echinacea, when I feel a cold starting, and suggested it to friends who travel a lot. One friend, who used to have colds and upper respiratory infections all winter, has not had even one cold since he’s been taking astragalus.
The book is just as thorough in giving the standard medical treatments for various diseases and emphasizes the role taking care of ourselves plays in good health. The need for exercise and wise food choices have their own chapter, and this area is one dear to the authors’ hearts, as they have published an article on the value of movement.
The Smart Woman’s Guide ends with a chapter giving a roadmap for taking care of oneself and feeling good. It covers topics like self-medicating through substances like alcohol and cigarettes, lifestyle changes, depression and anxiety disorders, sleep issues, and domestic violence. The discussion on stopping smoking is comprehensive, but the other issues are more of an overview, given how complex these topics are. The roadmap includes a very practical list of screening checkups and tests we should all have on our schedule and the final chapter has a recommended reading list, including websites and useful phone numbers, to learn more.
I think this guide fills a need in the marketplace and I recommend it to any woman with questions about what to expect as mid-life approaches. It will be published September 1, 2008 by New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
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