Asthma Controlled Naturally by Ron Roberts (Struik): Australian Don Roberts is a chiropractor, acupuncturist and naturopath. He is also an asthma sufferer, so his book is something of a personal journey. His dad had asthma too and he recalls his parent inhaling a burning, herbal powder that included marijuana and belladonna! Okay, so his current guide advocates nothing transgressive, unless you’re hooked on Bach Flower remedies. Managing asthma is linked to stress management and there is a short, all too brief guide to keeping a cool head. The book can provide only clues to “new” treatments and remedies and one gets the feeling that from here the reader has to explore, in greater depth, options that may work.
The Greatest Breastfeeding Tips in the World by Beth Cooper (Zytek Publishing): Beth Cooper tells women that “this is one of the most important jobs you’ll ever do”, and so proper preparation is equally important. The common sense element is aided by some rather corny chapter headings, such as Mum’s Marvellous Milk Bar, Position, Position, Position and Ready, Steady, Flow. And there is a quick guide to complications such as mastitis, Montgomery gland infections, galactoceles and milk blisters.
Anatomy for Strength and Fitness Training for Women by Mark Vella (New Holland): If you’ve ever wondered what happens to you when you exercise, here is an opportunity to peek inside your body and to get a grip on the most common training positions. There are general descriptions, tips for good form and movement analyses. There’s a thorough introduction with quick-guide programmes to everything from general conditioning to weight loss and home routines for the oldies.
The Power of Protein: Losing Weight with a High Protein, Low Carb Diet by Chris Smith (Struik): Low fat foods are not necessarily low in carbs and neither are foods that are classified sugar-free. Limiting carbohydrate intake means increasing protein intake and that presents a dilemma for those who aren’t naturally gifted with the preparation of food. Smith provides full menu suggestions for a 14-day plan, leaving one pondering how many home cooks really go all the way with the celebrity chefs they read about. Everything here is fresh and there seems to be no problem with butter, yolks and cream. Unfortunately the bulk of recipes include meat, chicken and fish. The problem with high protein is that it tends to leave vegetarians out in the cold. — Matthew Krouse