If you want to get ahead, get a cycle. The menstrual cycle consists of Optimum Times - days of heightened performance skills and abilities. When we 'match the task to the time' we have the opportunity to excel beyond our expectations. We can achieve goals and success more easily, get ahead in the workplace, and enhance our feelings of fulfilment. In "The Optimized Woman", Miranda Gray presents a flexible plan of practical daily actions for self-development, goal achievement and work enhancement, aligned to the phases of the menstrual cycle. This book will totally change how women think about their cycles. It will change how they live their lives, achieve their goals, plan their work and careers, and create happiness and well being. The reader will be amazed that this is the one self-development method that they can apply month after month without losing the commitment and motivation to achieve their dreams, and bring fulfilment and success.

This book presents new interdisciplinary and intersectional research about women as mothers, highlighting that alternative accounts of mothering can challenge normative societal assumptions and broaden understandings of women as mothers, mothering and motherhoods. Mothering occurs within unequal power relations associated with the disadvantages and privileges of an unjust and patriarchal society. Social inequalities associated with gender, race, class, age, ability, sexuality, violence and nationalism intersect in the lives of women as mothers, to shape their lived experiences and perspectives on mothering. Showcasing the breadth and depth of feminist research on mothering, this book gives attention to the diversity of ways in which mothering is constructed and responded to as well as how mothering is experienced. Drawing on intersectional feminist thought, the book challenges normative visions of 'good mothering' and interrogates constructs of 'bad mothering'. It brings together insights from multidisciplinary scholars who use feminist approaches in their research on mothering, to inform policy development and practice when working with women as mothers in diverse circumstances. Intersections of Mothering highlights the complexities of mothering in a contemporary world, show the benefits of considering mothering through an intersectional feminist lens, make visible lived experiences of mothers and provides challenges to dominant imaginings of and service responses to women as mothers. Intersections of Mothering will be essential reading for interdisciplinary scholars and students in criminology, gender and women's studies, motherhood studies, social welfare, social work, social policy and public health policy, in addition to practitioners and policy workers that respond to women as mothers.

Depression is one of the UK's leading causes of disability. One in four women in their 40s are prescribed antidepressant drugs BUT depression is a sign of malfunction of the body - not in the brain and it can be treated with simple lifestyle interventions. The UK's mental well-being is in a state of crisis - psychiatric drugs are overprescribed and the causes of depression and anxiety oversimplified as a genetic and brain malfunction. This book debunks the myths and sets out a natural cure for depression, proving that low serotonin levels are not the primary cause of depression, but that inflammation is the root cause and this can be treated by way of lifestyle changes. The book explores the truth about depression, including the latest science and how our genes express themselves through the food choices we make, as well as Dr Brogan's four-week plan with menus. Written in a lively style and laced with compelling scientific proof, this groundbreaking book proves that symptoms of depression are often markers of an underlying problem originating outside the brain which can be effectively treated without pharmaceuticals.

Menopause isn't always an easy journey, but this accessible guide will help you to take your next steps with confidence. With wide-ranging and practical advice for every experience, including simple lifestyle and dietary changes you can make today, find out how to: Find relief from hot flushes Boost your mental outlook and feel more positive Reduce the health risks associated with menopause Discover how to beat middle-aged spread and look younger Learn the truth about HRT and make informed choices Look to a positive future postmenopause

The current (postfeminist) gender order comprises a highly complex coexistence of old and new norms and expectations, freedom and constraints, within a neoliberal social order underpinned by individualism and involving a shift in gender performance by men and women. Health, illness and disease at different points in the life course can be used as a vehicle to illuminate structural and cultural inequalities that persist despite several decades of progressive reform in western countries. This collection brings together a number of key researchers, both established and new to the field, and based across North America, Australia, the UK and Europe, and comprises both empirical and theoretical work. Drawing on a wide range of disciplinary fields, including medical sociology, medical anthropology, nursing, gender studies, sociology of risk and age studies, all authors use heath, well-being, illness and disease as a lens through which to explore the complexities and inequalities associated with late modernity. This book will be of interest to scholars and students of age studies, medical sociology and anthropology, gender studies, healthcare and nursing.

The Natural Menopause Method is a complete one-stop guide to the perimenopause and menopause, covering everything from recognising symptoms to managing relationships and understanding which treatments really work. Author Karen Newby takes a wholistic approach to Midlife and the biological and social challenges it throws at us. Everything you need to know about achieving nutritional balance to support flagging vitality and celebrate the potential of your midlife. Are you tired all the time? Suffer with mood swings? Do you have stubborn weight gain especially around the middle? Are you dealing with brain fog? Is disturbed sleep making you feel exhausted? The Natural Menopause Method is a nutritional guide to address these and many other common menopause symptoms; helping readers to navigate the biological and social challenges of midlife through the healing lens of food. Exploring topics from HRT to tackling hot flushes as well as self-help and lifestyle tips, this book provides practical advice on recognising and troubleshooting symptoms in order to understand what foods and supplements can really work for us. Registered Nutritionist and lifestyle coach Karen Newby has over 10 years’ experience coaching women through the midlife, empowering clients to embrace life’s natural changes and feel reinvigorated, stronger, happier and healthier. Karen is a huge believer in the transformative effect that food can have on alleviating the symptoms of the menopause and her realistic, easily-integrated guidance on sleep, stress, energy, hormone balance (and even a 14-day cleanse) accompanied by her fresh and friendly approach will be your companion through the years before, during and after the menopause. Topics include: What is going on in my body?; How to get rid of that stubborn weight gain; How to sleep better (and deal with night sweats); How to balance mood and curb sugar cravings; How to combat a foggy head; What to eat: food essentials for your perimenopausal store cupboard; A 14 Day Cleanse.

Women have long needed a book devoted to their unique issues with diabetes. This up-to-date and practical guide advocates simple lifestyle changes that can help women reduce their risk of getting diabetes or, if already diagnosed, prevent the disease's most serious complications. "Every Woman's Guide to Diabetes" translates the latest findings from diabetes research into proven strategies busy women can use to stay healthy and gain control over an often overwhelming disease. The authors discuss the nature of diabetes, helping readers through the complex medical decisions involved in diabetes treatment. They highlight strategies to decrease the emotional stress and social isolation that often accompany diagnosis, and offer everyday techniques for managing blood sugar.

Key features include: unique aspects of diabetes for women throughout the life cycle timetable of recommended tests and check-ups guide to medications with common dosages charts to help organize diabetes-care tasks and supplies time-management tips for better disease regulation guide to contraceptives available to women with diabetes review of issues critical to women before, during, and following pregnancy advice for overcoming barriers to weight loss and exercise plan for intelligent diet trade-offs while still enjoying meals practical tips for planning exercise strategies to avoid diabetes "burn-out"

Written by two physicians, one of whom is a woman living with diabetes, and an experienced medical writer, "Every Woman's Guide to Diabetes" recognizes the power that women have in their households to effect lifestyle changes that will benefit themselves and loved ones, including their mothers, daughters, sisters, and partners. This power can reduce the toll of the diabetes epidemic.

'Bold, addictive and brilliant.' Stylist, best fiction 2021 A Times Bestseller A Times & Sunday Times Best Crime Books of 2021 A Waterstones Best Crime & Thriller of 2021 Be twice as good as men and four times as good as white men. Jia Khan has always lived like this. Successful London lawyer Jia Khan is a long way from the Northern streets she knew as a child, where her father, Akbar Khan, led the Pakistani community and ran the local organised crime syndicate. Often his Jirga rule - the old way - was violent and bloody, but it was always justice of a kind. Now, with her father murdered, Jia must return to take his place. Justice needs to be restored, and Jia is about to discover that justice always comes at a cost. 'A fascinating glimpse into a world rarely portrayed in fiction.' Guardian, best crime and thrillers 'A once-in-a-generation crime thriller.' A.A.Dhand, author of Streets of Darkness

Are you feeling emotionally exhausted? Do you worry about being likable (at all cost)? Are you trying to do it all and be it all--all the time? This radically different self-care guide will help you find the courage needed to express your deepest needs, nurture self-awareness, and be yourself in a world that expects you to be everything to everyone. If you're like countless other women today, you probably feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, anxious, stressed, frustrated, or unsatisfied. Or all of the above! In addition to managing your own career and running a household, you may be taking on an abundance of emotional labor--tending to others' needs at the expense of your own. If you've spent your whole life trying to please and manage other peoples' experience, it's time to speak your truth out loud, stand in your own shoes, and live an authentic life--rather than just behave. Written by therapist and spiritual teacher Nancy Colier, The Emotionally Exhausted Woman offers the validation, emotional support, and empowering skills you've been craving. You'll discover insights grounded in self-respect and awareness, to help you be on your own side and uncover your deepest psychological, spiritual, and emotional needs without feeling guilt, shame, or judgment. You'll learn why you are feeling depleted, why you take care of others at the expense of taking care of yourself, and how to develop a deeper form of self-care beyond the temporary respite of a spa retreat, bubble bath, or manicure. Finally, you'll nurture greater awareness of what you truly need to achieve lasting vitality and fulfillment. As women, we are culturally conditioned to believe that we should be able to do it all and should be all things to all people--all while smiling, looking perfect, and needing nothing for ourselves. At the end of the day, these pressures can leave us feeling depleted--in body, mind, and spirit. So, how can you start taking care of you in a deeper way? This empowering guide will help you gain a newfound awareness of your own needs, and find the courage to live a life that both nourishes and inspires you.

With an ever-growing interest in aromatherapy as a means to manage mental health as well as the subsequent safety concerns surrounding the use and methodology of essential oils, this timely, evidence-based book offers practical guidance on how to support women's mental health through aromatherapy. Comprehensive in its approach, this accessible text presents the history of mental health treatments, general aromatherapy, and specific practical tips and evidence-based aromatherapeutic treatments and management for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and panic disorders which is supplemented with paediatric emotional health support. It also features chapters on grief, pregnancy, postpartum, PMS, and menopause, making it a wide-ranging and holistic compendium of advice and guidance. This new book by Pam Conrad can be read alongside her previous guide Health Aromatherapy: A Clinically Evidence-Based Guide for Nurses, Midwives, Doulas and Therapists or as a stand-alone text and is an essential read for healthcare professionals looking to expand their holistic practice and cater to women's mental health.

It is never too late to reshape an area of your life that is no longer serving you! And, with the new book by Ali Landry, Reshape Your Life, you will learn how making small, intentional changes to your current life can transform it into a masterpiece. The truth is, when it comes to your health, your mind, your soul, and your heart, you should not settle for what isn’t working. After all, you only have one life to live, and you are worthy of making it the best one possible. After years working in Hollywood on TV and movie sets, starring in iconic Doritos commercials, and gracing the covers of various magazines, Ali landed her dream job as a talk-show host on a popular network. However, after only a few weeks on the job, she began feeling out of sorts. Exhaustion, brain fog, thinning hair, slow digestion, and sleep issues took over. Instead of excusing the chronic discomfort as "aging," Ali decided to take back her life. Through research, prayer, interviews, and product-testing, she made dramatic lifestyle changes, creating a new brand called RE/SHAPE along the way, to show other women how to live to their fullest in mind, health, beauty, and soul, and remind them that it is never too late to rewrite your story. In Reshape Your Life you’ll  find inspiration from Ali’s vulnerable narrative describing the challenges and hard lessons she faced on her journey to physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual renewal; tips on how you can change the trajectory of your life and reclaim confidence, purpose, and wholeness; research-based strategies for your health, skincare, diet, sleeping habits, and more; advice that will nourish your faith, refocus your mindset, and align your heart, soul, health, and beauty with your core value; and practical information on goal setting. While it’s hard work, it’s necessary work, and Reshape Your Life, from actress, model, and 1996’s Miss USA Ali Landry, will guide your journey to reignite the fulfillment that’s missing in your life. If you are ready to reclaim your dreams and fire for life, Reshape Your Life is the book for you. Start today because you are worth it!

Focusing on reproductive and sexual justice, this important book explores in detail both the challenges that trans people face when negotiating reproductive and sexual health in restrictive social contexts, and their agency in advocating for change. Chapters cover a breadth of topics such as intimacy, sexual violence, reproductive intentions, sexuality education, oncology, and pregnancy, introducing readers to the latest research in the field as well as key emerging concepts. The authors identify core principles for trans reproductive and sexual justice, providing a broad overview of what is currently succeeding and what can be built on going into the future. Trans Reproductive and Sexual Health offers a comprehensive exploration that is essential reading for academics and students in psychology, sociology, gender studies, and related areas, as well as clinicians and policy makers, offering direct implications for professional audiences working in health and social care.

Are you tired? Achy? Depressed? Overweight?
You could be suffering from an autoimmune disease.

Autoimmune disease is the third major category of illness in the United States, yet very little is known about the many serious and chronic immune conditions. If you're one of the 50 million Americans suffering from one kind of autoimmune disease-whether it's lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or Crohn's disease-there's a good chance you'll develop another.

Written by Mary J. Shomon, a well-known patient advocate who was diagnosed with autoimmune disease in 1995, this guide to alternative and natural remedies shows you how to treat the underlying causes of immune system imbalance, not just the symptoms. It contains first-person accounts from doctors, patients, and holistic practitioners, as well as checklists, quizzes, and a proposed recovery plan. In addition, it offers detailed information about:

• The most common autoimmune conditions • The factors that can lead to autoimmune disease • Interpreting your symptoms • Procedures and treatments • Finding the right doctor

Until we find a cure, living with autoimmune disease can be frightening and frustrating. But it doesn't have to be. This valuable guide helps you understand what may be causing the disorder and helps you take the first healthy, natural steps toward correcting it.

Bringing together experts in the field, this important book considers the underlying risk factors that create situations of psychosocial vulnerability and marginalisation for mothers, from their baby's conception up to a year after birth. Adopting a strengths-based approach, the book looks not only at the incidence and impact of disadvantageous circumstances on women but also explores protective factors at an individual, family, community and service level. It identifies promising evidence-based interventions and sources of resilience. With a distinctive focus on social and cultural diversity, Psychosocial Resilience and Risk in the Perinatal Period considers a wide range of personal circumstances and social groups, including women's experiences of traumatic birth, domestic and family violence, drug and alcohol use and mothering by indigenous, same-sex and disabled women. Throughout, case studies and service user experiences are used to illuminate the issues and illustrate exemplary care practice. International in scope, this book is particularly strong on the implications for care practices and health service delivery within Western models of maternity care. Its applied focus and evidence base makes it eminently suitable for study purposes and professional reference. Of relevance to midwives, health visitors and other health and social care practitioners, Psychosocial Resilience and Risk in the Perinatal Period's final chapters focus on developing resilience amongst professionals and multiprofessional and interagency working.

Become body literate with Breasts: An owner's guide, the first in an enlightening series of books that democratise health for a new generation of readers. Breasts is an informative, practical, and engaging introduction to understanding and caring for our most mythologised and objectified body part. This conversation-starting book focuses on breasts through lived experience, revealing essential things to know right now and what to expect tomorrow. Author Dr Philippa Kaye is both your GP and your friend, who believes everyone has a right to know their body. Dr Philippa tells it like it is, translating medical jargon into simple, witty prose, answering frequently asked patient queries, and investigating what we love, fear, and most misunderstand about our mammaries. Explore further: - A 10-step chapter structure to understanding and loving your breasts. - Explores the breast's full lifespan and applies science to the everyday. - Easy-to-follow, with simple Q&As, how-to guides, and mythbusters; plus insightful diagrams and infographics. - Newly commissioned explanatory illustrations bring fresh light to the topic. From regular self-checks and bra fitting advice, to sports, breastfeeding and what to do when things go wrong - this taboo-tackling book applies science to the everyday, with simple illustrations, checklists, FAQs, and myth busters, all supported by the latest medical research. Breasts: An owner's guide won't just help you to better understand your body, it might even change your life.

Women have their own distinctive biology and health issues: menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and breast cancer -- to name a few. Many vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies, and medicinal foods can help them adjust to the changes in their bodies. The Basic Health Publications User's Guide to Women's Health Supplements explains how vitamins, minerals, and herbs can help women feel better and stay healthier.

Women's Health Matters, like its sister volume Women's Health Counts, is an invaluable practical guide to doing feminist research on women's health. Written by experienced researchers and practitioners, these lively accounts of research work range from getting the research idea, through obtaining the funding and doing the research, to the practical problems faced, and eventual publication. The book provides an ideal antidote to textbooks and manuals, giving the reader a taste of the problems and pleasures of doing real research.

Meet your new training partner! If you are a plus-size woman and want to get stronger, but you are intimidated by the gym or don’t have access to a personal trainer, Big & Bold: Strength Training for the Plus-Size Woman is for you. Unlike books that target weight loss as the ultimate goal, this book emphasizes why strength training and movement are important for women of all sizes and how progress is not tied to a number on the scale. Big & Bold: Strength Training for the Plus-Size Woman offers clear and simple instructions on how to safely perform 83 exercises to make them more effective for larger bodies. Master the squat and hinge exercises for the lower body; push and pull exercises for the upper body; and loaded carry, rotation, and anti-rotation exercises for the core. Learn why some movements are more important than others and how to safely progress by manipulating the reps, sets, load, and rest periods. Sample workouts—from beginner level through advanced—enable you to determine your starting point for strength training goals. Choose from a variety of training equipment for many of the exercises or follow the dumbbell- or kettlebell-only workouts if you have limited access to equipment. You’ll also find tips for clothing and equipment needs. And, because she’s “been there, done that,� author Morit Summers explains how to pace yourself with advice on when and how often to work out and what to do if you become overwhelmed on your journey. Big & Bold: Strength Training for the Plus-Size Woman will inspire you to start putting one foot in front of the other to become a stronger, more capable version of yourself.

There was a growing concern in the 1970s about the number of unwanted pregnancies and the problems these posed for parents, children and society. Originally published in 1977, this was the first book which, with extensive reference to research material and illustrative case studies, provided a comprehensive analysis of the social and psychological background to unwanted pregnancy and a guide to ways of helping the people concerned. It should still be useful to doctors, nurses, midwives, teachers, social workers, and other professional and lay people whose work brings them into contact with those who are unhappy about a pregnancy. Juliet Cheetham, whose previous contributions to the problem areas of social welfare are widely respected, discusses the different meanings of unwanted pregnancy, and goes on to explore its relationship to the changing position of women; to the role of the contemporary family; to the special problems experienced by natural children and their parents; to existing social and medical provisions. She examines the possibilities, risks and limitations of the various responses to unwanted pregnancy and the services available at the time, and analyses the difficulties men and women experience in using contraception. Juliet Cheetham shows how the beliefs and attitudes of lay and professional people can influence their understanding of, and response to, these highly controversial and emotional subjects. She offers suggestions about the ways in which this influence may be appropriately modified, and the book concludes with a discussion of the special opportunities and problems of counselling those faced with an unwanted pregnancy.

Myth: Great sex comes naturally, and when it doesn't, there is something wrong. Fact: Sex is a gift that takes work. Like exercise or eating right, it also takes practice and know-how. "Queen of Vibrators" Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus believes a healthy, robust, fulfilling sex life is a right for all women. And after twenty years as a sex therapist, Dr. Bat Sheva knows that there's more to sex than lingerie and beach vacations. Satisfaction Guaranteed is the first book that helps you identify and analyze for yourself what factors are affecting your sex life. Using Dr. Bat Sheva's revolutionary Sex Points Assessment, you can pinpoint what's keeping you from the great sex you deserve by looking at where you're scoring low in four key areas: pain, arousal, libido, and orgasm. And then she'll help you get points back in each of those areas! Your sex life is complex, unique to you, and affected by psychological, medical, and emotional variables. If you think that a diminished sex drive is natural, pain is expected, and no orgasms is no problem-prepare to have your world rocked. Covering everything from how to choose a vibrator to recapturing orgasms, understanding hormones, to rekindling lust, embracing taboo fantasies, and parsing complicated relationships, to what sex really means (hint: it's not just intercourse), Satisfaction Guaranteed is a comprehensive, revelatory, I-didn't-know-it-could-be-this-good guide for every woman, at every age, in every situation. A Fun, Healthy, Fulfilling Sex Life is Your Right! And Satisfaction Guaranteed will get you there.

Prioritize your wellbeing with these 150 self-care exercises designed specifically to help Black women revitalize their outlook on life, improve their mental health, eliminate stress, and self-advocate. Between micro- and macro-aggressions at school, at work, and everywhere in between, it's tough to prioritize physical and mental wellness as a Black woman, especially with a constant news cycle highlighting Black trauma. Now, with The Self-Care for Black Women you'll find more than 150 exercises that will help you radically choose to put yourself first. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up in the middle of the day, you're working through feelings of burnout, or you need to process a microaggression, this book has everything you need to feel more at peace. You'll find prompts like: -Map out your feelings about a microaggression -Make a list of your safe spaces -Detail out an entire day dedicated to your self-care -And more! It's time to put yourself first and prioritize your self-care once and for all-and this book is here to help you do just that.