Integrative medicine is increasingly part of mainstream practice in, for example, palliative care and management of cancer, pain, heart disease and mental illnesses. This book explores the ethos that underpins the Sheldon list - how self-help works, particularly in the realm of chronic conditions. It examines the evidence supporting complementary therapies and how to use them safely. Numerous studies attest to the therapeutic benefits offered by various approaches to augment conventional medicine. The book deals with these topics by focusing only on evidence in the scientific and medical literature.

Liver disease is the leading cause of death after heart, cancer, stroke and respiratory disease, and kills more people than diabetes and road deaths combined. But, there is hope. The liver is a uniquely regenerative organ, and some European countries have dramatically cut liver disease in recent years. This book looks at lifestyle factors and medical interventions that can help.

Coronary heart disease, the commonest cause of heart attacks, remains the leading cause of death in the UK, despite rates falling in the last few decades, despite numerous therapeutic advances and despite increased awareness. Rates are especially high in economically deprived communities, some ethnic groups and at certain ages; but everyone's at risk. This book aims to help people at high risk prevent their first or subsequent heart attack as well as helping those who experience a heart attack get back to a normal life as soon as possible. As this book shows, combining drugs and lifestyle changes can help you survive - and prevent - heart attacks.

Stroke is one of the UK's five main killers (the others are heart disease, cancer, lung and liver disease). Nearly 1.2 million in the UK have survived a stroke - and so are at risk of another. Stroke is preventable. Up to 10,000 strokes a year could be prevented if more people sought help from A&E earlier Stroke affects around 150,000 people each year in the UK, with about 49,000 episodes proving fatal. This book aims to help people prevent another stroke (or another cardiovascular event) and to live a full life after a stroke. Topics include: The brain and blood supply - why and how a stroke may happen Key warning symptoms Causes and types of stroke, mainly ischaemic, but also haemorrhagic, and including TIAs (transient ischaemic attacks) Risk factors for stroke - modifiable and otherwise; and the overlap with dementia Diagnosis and treatment Lifestyle changes to prevent another stroke Living with disability Advice for carers Further information and sources of advice.

Every three or four minutes someone in the US receives a diagnosis of diabetes. But, healthy eating - alongside other lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication - may prevent diabetes from developing and dramatically reduces the risk of diabetic complications such as heart disease, amputations and blindness. This book shows how to avoid the worse ravages of this disease. Topics include: types of diabetes; the pancreas and how it controls blood sugar; medication; controlling carbohydrates; guidelines for healthy eating and using supplements safely.

Cancer treatment has evolved massively in the last few years, and long-term survivorship is now a major issue. This book examines the cancer journey from diagnosis through to the end of treatment and beyond. It explains choices in treatment, how to cope with side effects, and how to maximise your chances of recovery.

Drugs can give people a 'breathing space' but do not cure depression and anxiety. Often, people need to address their underlying issues irrespective of any pharmacological treatment. But depression and anxiety aren't single diseases. Each can take various forms and can arise from a plethora of causes. And each can dramatically vary in severity. Sometimes, 'talking treatments' are enough to alleviate mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety - especially if the distress arises from certain identifiable problems, such as bereavement, a phobia or unemployment. This book explores the many faces of anxiety and depression, and the various ways in which they may be addressed. Topics include: Symptoms Why depression and anxiety commonly co-exist Drug treatment CBT and counselling Diet for depression and anxiety Stress management Exercise Herbalism, eg St John's Wort Other treatments, eg hypnosis, meditation, breathing

Frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked, thyroid disease can be subtle and insidious, accounting for a range of symptoms including depression, fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, dry skin and thinning hair. Yet, once correctly diagnosed, it is very treatable. Based on cutting edge research, this book tells you all you need to know about thyroid disease - types, causes, medical treatment and self-help.

Asthma in adults rarely gains the attention it deserves. Roughly one in 11 children and one in 12 adults have asthma, which can emerge for the first time in people in their 70s and 80s. Yet approximately 97% deaths from asthma occur among adults. Tragically, Asthma UK suggests that improved care could avoid 75% of hospital admissions for asthma and up to 90% of deaths from the disease. This book looks at the specific issues, factors and interventions that can alleviate and prevent asthma in adults. Asthma in adults presents different challenges to that in children. Older people may perceive symptoms differently, or blame them on advancing age. Or they may face problems with concurrent medicines, or with diseases that can complicate management, such as emphysema, heart failure, bronchitis and COPD. Topics include: * Why asthma in adults is becoming more common * What is asthma? And why is it different for adults? The signs and symptoms * What causes asthma? Allergy, occupation and beyond * Diagnosing asthma, and the diseases that can complicate diagnosis * Drug treatments * Self-help including how to address risks at work Asthma in adults rarely gains the attention it deserves. Roughly one in 11 children and one in 12 adults have asthma, which can emerge for the first time in people in their 70s and 80s. Yet approximately 97% deaths from asthma occur among adults. Tragically, Asthma UK suggests that improved care could avoid 75% of hospital admissions for asthma and up to 90% of deaths from the disease. This book looks at the specific issues, factors and interventions that can alleviate and prevent asthma in adults.

While cancer causes more than one in four deaths in the UK, many cancers are increasingly chronic diseases, and holistic management is common. Up to a half of all cancer patients admit to visiting CAM providers; more use complementary therapies. Holistic health isn't a quick fix, but many CAMs are now established, respected and effective parts of the treatment journey in cancer, and indeed many cancer drugs come from plants. This book is a balanced, informative look at how holistic methods may help in the cancer journey. Topics include: Understanding cancer Why does cancer arise? Common symptoms How holistic methods may help Diet CAM treatments such as acupressure, acupuncture and moxibustion, art therapy, aromatherapy, An anti-cancer lifestyle Spirituality and healing How to ensure treatment is safe - never trust anyone who claims to cure cancer