Tag Archives: books

“Slow Medicine” – One size doesn’t fit all

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slow medicineWhen did medicine become “healthcare”?

I recently read Slow Medicine: The Way to Healing by Victoria Sweet, MD.

The book’s introduction captured my attention immediately. In it, Dr. Sweet describes the downward spiral her elderly father suffered when he was admitted to a hospital.

At 90-something he was in pretty good health; in an ironic turn, the hospital almost killed him with unnecessary diagnostic tests and prescription drugs.

Even though … read on

The healing power of mahjongg?

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mahjonggMahjongg for stress relief

For more than five years, one of my best friends has been battling ovarian cancer. A fierce fighter (and fabulous friend), she has endured surgeries and several rounds of chemotherapy to keep this grim disease at bay. Her oncologist monitors her condition with the blood test CA-125.

Early last summer, her CA-125 began creeping up into the “let’s watch it but not get too excited—yet” territory. … read on

Happy National Nurses Week!

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national nurses weekThank a nurse this week 😊

This is National Nurses Week, so I wanted to give a shout out to all my fellow nurses.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to your patients, even though I know it’s often under very difficult circumstances. 

There continues to be a nursing shortage in this country, but nursing schools don’t have enough slots for all the young men and women … read on

Frugal Nurse celebrates World Book Day!

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world book dayReading is my favorite pastime 🙂

There are so many great healthcare books! I’m excited to share some of my favorite reads to celebrate World Book Day (which was actually yesterday, but whatever).

Some books are very informative and can help us get better care from our doctors, or guide our health decisions, or keep us safe in the hospital.

Others help us change our lifestyles to sleep better, eat … read on

Living well with a serious illness

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living well with serious illness“Life After the Diagnosis”

Last week one of my family members was diagnosed with a serious illness.

My niece, a physician in San Francisco, recommended a book written by one of her colleagues: Life After the Diagnosis: Expert Advice on Living Well with Serious Illness for Patients and Caregivers.

I immediately bought myself a copy, too. (If you’ve followed my blog, you know I’m an advocate of hospice, palliative care … read on

How to communicate better with your doctor

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communicate better with your doctorEven doctors have trouble—if they’re the patient

If you like reading books about medical mysteries and hospital disasters, then you’ll love In Shock: My Journey from Death to Recovery and the Redemptive Power of Hope, by Dr. Rana Awdish.

In short, Dr. Awdish, an ICU physician, ends up a patient in her own ICU. Her story is a beautifully written, but horrific, page-turner. We see her as a vulnerable … read on

My favorite healthcare books and gifts for 2017

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healthcare books and giftsThis is my week for buying gifts for my family. I try to get everyone something that I think will not only bring them pleasure, but better health 😊

*I have to include a disclosure here that this post contains affiliate links for Amazon. That said, I’m not trying to make any money with my blog, so if you can find these products for better prices elsewhere, great!

Last year … read on

Hospice and Palliative Care Month

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November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month!

I am a huge supporter of hospice and palliative care, but I think it’s underutilized in our health care system.

My father, before he passed away two years ago, had the benefit of hospice care for a few weeks before his death. My husband’s family also received support from hospice when his father passed away four years ago.

I’ve … read on

Frugal Nurse celebrates Book Lovers Day!

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I’m a day late, but since I don’t post on Wednesdays, I have to celebrate Book Lovers Day today instead 🙂

Not surprisingly, most of the books I read these days are related to healthcare.  But that doesn’t mean they are all written like textbooks. I’m always on the lookout for authors who can transform complex and often boring subjects into entertaining reading material.

Here’s a short list of some … read on

The health benefits of fermented foods

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fermented foodsThe fermented foods bible

Our niece recently gave my husband a fascinating book: The Art of Fermentation by Sandor Katz.

He’s already an enthusiastic yogurt maker, bread baker, beer brewer and kombucha fermenter (is that a verb?). But this book has increased his knowledge and his projects several-fold, and by extension I’ve learned a lot about the health benefits of fermented foods, too.

Fermented foods include, but are by … read on