Heath and Fitness

We live in stressful times and have to cope daily with a variety of different pressures. These can be anything from financial worries, emotional stress, bereavement, break-up of relationships to insecurity or bullying at work. When we feel well and resisient we are able to cope with all sorts of stressful situations but when we become mentally and emotionally overloaded, or these pressures come at a vulnerable time in our lives, we can suffer from symptoms of anxiety or depression. Beth Maceoin describes the various symptoms and suggests a wide range of practical measures to overcome them. Author: Beth Maceoin

Colitis means inflammation of the large bowel (the colon) and doctor's use the word to describe either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Although we still do not know the causes of either form, we do know a lot about the changes that occur in the bowel of sufferers and how to treat the condition.

The condition may sometimes be confused with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and many IBS sufferers worry that they have the more serious colitis or even cancer. Although most of this book is devoted to ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease there are useful chapters on how to distinguish these inflammatory bowel diseases from IBS, diverticulitis and colon cancer, the symptoms of which can be very similar. Author: Dr. Tom Smith

Depression is a serious illness that needs serious attention and treatment should not just be about prescribing pills. Dr Tom Smith describes depression, why we get depressed and discusses the forms of treatment available. He also describes how to think through depression, what you can do for yourself and how to change those negative thoughts. The book also covers the mood swings, extreme negative thinking, becoming more outward going and assertive, and sleep disorders associated with depression. Author: Dr Tom Smith

There can be no more inspiring role model for diabetes sufferers, whether insulin-dependent or not, than Sir Steve Redgrave. His achievements prove that diabetes can be controlled, even during the most rigorous physical training. The main aim of this positive and optimistic book is to help achieve a good quality of life and describes the healthy lifestyle that everyone with diabetes should follow. Author: Dr Tom Smith

Diverticulitis is common, can be dangerous and there is a rapidly increasing number of sufferers: statistically we stand a more than 50% chance of suffering from diverticulitis before we reach the age of 60. In her easy-to-understand style, Dr McClelland describes the symptoms, different types of diverticulitis, complications and treatments, including alternative herbal remedies. The book also covers the psychological aspects of diverticulitis and the benefits of exercise and diet. Author: Dr Joan McClelland

Blood Pressure in itself is not a disease: everyone needs blood pressure to keep upright and alive. High blood pressure sufferers are often unaware as the condition can appear symptom-less.Blood pressure varies depending on a number of factors, including your levels of physical and mental stress and this book describes exactly what high blood pressure is, the treatments available, together with their side effects and possible complications. It also explains the tests and investigations for high blood pressure, together with suggestions for lifestyle and diet changes to help maintain healthy levels. Author: Dr Duncan Dymond.

We are all aware of the problems associated with high cholesterol but often only discover we may be at risk when having a general health check. This book discusses the causes of high cholesterol, its associated problems and complications and the risks if it goes untreated. Available treatments are analysed, together with possible side effects. Dr Smith also provides useful information about diet and lifestyle changes which may be needed to lower your cholesterol levels and promote overall health. Author: Dr Tom Smith.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a complex problem with both physical and psychological symptoms. This book clearly and consisely details the symptoms and treatments now available, conventional, complimentary and alternative aiming to help sufferers improve their lifestyle and either cure or successfully manage their IBS. Author: Richard Emerson

Adding to information in his previous book Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Richard Emerson discusses the importance of probiotocs and prebiotics and the effects of those fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices that are of particular benefit to IBS sufferers. Also includes IBS-specific recipes. Author: Richard Emerson

The menopause can be an event to welcome: a stimulating new chapter in life. This book aims to talk you through this new and facinating time in your life but to get the most from it you need to work in harmony with nature. Author: Dr Joan McClelland

Imagine someone is trying to drill a hole in your head, right through one of your eyes, your stomach is heaving and your sight is disturbed by weird effects of light and shade. A migraine attack can be a truly miserable experience and this book is aimed at those who feel that conventional medicine may not offer the complete answer. It looks at the complex dietry pattern of food intolerances and sensitivities, identifying which can produce real improvement without large doses of prescription drugs. Author: Sue Dyson.

Panic attacks are much more common than generally realised, affecting a large percentage of the population. This book explains what panic attacks are, what causes them and how they can affect daily life. It discusses conventional treatments, together with their side effects and also looks at alternative remedies including acupuncture, homeopathy, reflexology and massage. Karen Sullivan gives reassuring advice on how to deal with an attack as well as her Top Ten Tips to help overcome them in the long term. Author: Karen Sullivan

Sleeping well is an important part of your overall health, and a poor nights sleep is often the result of the fast, stressful pace of modern life. Difficulty 'switching off', frequent waking and a sense of being unrefreshed on waking are all common symptoms, which can creep up slowly until they become a real problem. This book contains positive steps to manage these problems and break the vicious cycle of poor sleep. Author: Beth MacEoin

In her clear, easy-to-read style, the author describes how to identify the signs of stress and gives a personal stress-assessment chart. She continues by giving details of the professional help available and discusses the lifestyle changes that can make a huge difference including, diet & nutriton, exercise, stress management and relaxation. Author: Ann A Rushton

Average working hours in the UK are longer than our counterparts in both Europe and America and working under these pressures can have an adverse effect on our health. In many cases this manifests itself as stress and while it is now generally accepted that a moderate amount of stress is a good thing, excessive stress can be extremely harmful. This important book contans stategies to deal with these problems and helps the reader to re-assess their workload. Author: Beth MacEoin

Ever wondered why some people seem to have boundless energy while others always seem tired and weary? Why some people are always nervous, agitated and can never sit still? It is tempting to assume that individual lifestyle choices cause these differences but sometimes they can have developed these characteristicts because of a thyroid problem. Dr Smith discusses these issues and describes the different types of thyroid problems and the various treatments available today. Author: Dr Tom Smith