Diverticular disease (DD) is a digestive disorder caused by enflamed diverticula, or pouches, in the colon. A common cause is constipation due to lack of fibre in the diet. Diverticulitis is very common, with about 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK and 300,000 in the USA. Symptoms are usually persistent abdominal pain plus disturbed bowel function (constipation or diarrhoea or alternating between the two). Diverticulitis sometimes becomes very severe leading to perforation of the bowel, forming an abscess or rarely peritonitis. This best-selling book looks at the treatment and self-management of DD - while the doctor can help, particularly with antibiotics, much can be done by the individual to minimise the effects of this condition. This new edition updates this best-selling book. Topics include: The medical treatment of diverticular disease Probiotics (‘good’ or ‘friendly’ live bacteria and yeasts said to be good for digestive health The increase of diverticular disease in the population Effects of diverticular disease

Gives a thorough update on the latest surgical techniques, medicines and self-help measures effective in reducing the discomfort of a hiatus hernia. Offers updated lifestyle advice for the overweight person.

This book features an in-depth explanation of the digestive system, explaining what each part is and exactly what it does. Dr Dawn tells you all you need to know about digestive ailments, from indigestion to stomach cancer, constipation to diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome to inflammatory bowel disease, food poisoning to colon cancer and debunks myths and provides self-help tips along the way. She also explains clearly what medical tests are looking for, so that anyone going for an investigation will know exactly what to expect, along with treatment options.

Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the hidden problems of modern living. This book explains what it is and why it happens, and also how stress, diet, your family history and even your general approach to life can play a part. For each factor, Rosemary Nicol explains how you can solve the problem or live with it more easily. One person in three suffers from IBS at some time in their lives. If you feel queasy when under stress, or suffer from stomach aches and digestive problems, you may need this book.

Sudden, severe ill health comes as a shock and presents several challenges, most notably, loss of confidence. Suddenly people are afraid to take exercise, have sex or even go to the shops. Their entire self-image takes a battering, and this roller-coaster of uncertainty often leads to anxiety and depression. This book looks at the learning curve involved in sudden and chronic illness, and explores key ways to build psychological resilience during this time of challenge. Whether it concerns cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or a mental health condition, it explores the common psychological issues that arise when someones usual health and routine are disrupted, and discusses the impact of illness on relationships and family. Drawing on CBT techniques, it offers practical self-help strategies to help deal with peoples changed expectations of themselves, and with the related lifestyle changes. Topics include anxiety and depression; insomnia; discomfort and pain; working with health professionals; dealing with the side effects of medication; relaxation; getting support.

More than one in four people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some time during their lives, and most of them will need chemotherapy. This makes chemotherapy one of the most widely used forms of treatment today. For many, 'chemotherapy' is a frightening, almost taboo word - but today's sophisticated drugs are resulting in ever improving cure rates, as well as better quality of life during the treatment itself. Coping with Chemotherapy explains what the treatment is, how the drugs work, and different ways in which they can be given. It also explains how to tackle side effects such as sickness, tiredness and hair loss. This new edition also looks at the growth in importance of hormonal treatments, and of targeted therapies, drugs which attack specific abnormalities on cancer cells. The advice on money matters has also been updated and expanded.

A certain amount of worry and stress can be energising. They may act as a natural warning system when something is wrong, and can help people meet deadlines and complete tasks. High levels of both are however counter-productive, and all too common. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is believed to affect some two million people in the UK, while the World Health Organisation estimates that half of all cases go undiagnosed. These figures put anxiety only second to depression as a mental health problem. Topics covered in this book include: * What is 'normal' worry and when is it useful - e.g., sitting an exam, completing a work assignment * signs and symptoms of excessive worry and stress * tackling worry and stress - analysing the problem, accepting uncertainty * developing problem-solving skills, including prioritising and time management * the value of exercise (helps release serotonin) * diet, e.g. eliminating sugar, caffeine and alcohol * relaxation and breathing * when worry gets out of hand - what to do if you need help * treatment - cognitive behavioural therapy, medication * support groups.