Healing Fibroids: A Doctor's Guide to a Natural Cure
Also called myomas, fibromyomas, or leiomyomas, fibroids develop  from a single smooth muscle cell in the uterus and vary in size  and shape. They affect as many as 80 percent of women, of whom  one in four will have symptoms serious enough to cause her to  seek medical advice and treatment. These two practical,  easy-to-read guides offer information on the different types of  fibroids and the options for treating them. In Healing Fibroids,  Warshowsky, a practicing obstetrician/ gynecologist and director  of the Women's Program at Beth Israel Hospital's Center for  Health and Healing in New York, and Oumano, a certified yoga  teacher and bodywork practitioner, combine Western medicine and  holistic methods to point the way to optimal health and the  avoidance of surgery. After a brief look at surgical procedures  and the relationship of hormones and the menstrual cycle to  fibroids, they devote chapters to diet, supplements, herbal  remedies, exercise, emotional healing, and the effects of  environmental toxins, especially xenoestrogens.  Skilling, a marketing executive and writer in New York, wrote  her first book, Fibroids: The Complete Guide to Taking Charge of  Your Physical, Emotional and Sexual Well-Being, when she was  first diagnosed with fibroids and could find little information  on the subject. She also explores the role of diet, exercise,  and emotional well-being in managing fibroids. Arranged by day  for the first week after diagnosis, by week for the first month,  and by month for the remaining 11 months, the chapters are each  divided into two sections, called "Living" and "Learning." The  "Living" sections deal with issues and problems, while the  "Learning" sections explain the more technical aspects of  fibroids. Skilling provides practical tips, such as how to chart  the growth of the fibroid and what to wear when you leave the  hospital should you need surgery. Readers will find information  on current research and medication, the pros and cons of various  types of surgery, and hints on diet and lifestyle changes,  including exercise and stress management. While both guides are  useful, Skilling's arrangement is superior. Her table of  contents provides good access points, and the glossary, selected  resources, and list of bibliographic references are a definite  plus. If you have the budget, get both; but if you have to  choose, buy Skilling's. Jodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Fdn. Lib.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.