Category: books, literature, arts

Kids With Migraine-a book review

Ms. Stein introduces her book by explaining it is fiction based on personal experience, so when she describes the migraine “aura” she understands what that means. (Aura is the intial sign of an impending migraine headache, usually visual changes.)

The Day My Best Friend and a Migraine Slept Over

Written by Audrey Beth Stein

Illustrated by Ana Solarte

Author Audrey Beth Stein could have written a cute, fun to read book for kids  about “the day my best friend slept over. But by adding “and a MIGRAINE” she took it to the next level, creating a fun learning activity as well. For that reason, I recommend it for kids as well as their parents.

An 8 year old with migraine

Migraine doesn’t affect everyone but those who suffer with this debilitating condition know the physical pain is just one aspect of it. The other is the way it disrupts life, often unpredictably-like when this 8 year old girl is anticipating a fun adventure with her best friend Allie.  

Ms. Stein introduces her book by explaining it is fiction based on personal experience, so when she describes the migraine “aura” she understands what that means. (Aura is the intial sign of an impending migraine headache, usually visual changes.)

As she narrates Allie’s “throbbing headache”, we learn how with her parents’ help she copes with the pain and disability, and how working together they manage to save her special day.

We don’t learn much about how her friend reacts to Allie’s distress, but she shows concern and doesn’t create more stress for her hosts. In the end both girls have fun doing the kinds of things all kids should get to enjoy without migraine getting in the way. 

I’ve been so moved by the response to this book… I truly had no idea when I started writing how many people experienced migraine, and I’m grateful to know that the book is touching a chord. As reviewer Shirley A. Sanders says, “My little one suffers migraines, so she appreciates knowing she doesn’t suffer alone.”

Audrey Beth Stein

The colorful illustrations by Ana Solarte do more than show us what happens. She captures the emotions of migraine with details that reflect Allie’s distress and highlight her parents’ attempts to relieve it.

publicationslip_the_day_my_best_friend_and_a_migraine_slept_over_0604Download

If your child gets headaches

I was surprised that there is no medical disclaimer, but the author did not present her ideas as medical advice.

As with any health information media, I advise against using it for diagnosis or treatment without personal medical direction. If your child has unexplained headaches I suggest you seek medical consultation with a qualified health professional.

I received a complimentary advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley and the publishers.

“This book should be
read by parents, teachers, friends
and families of migraine sufferers.
Congratulations to the author for
bringing this information to a greater
audience.”
—

Marc Irwin Sharfman MD
Board Certified Neurologist
Headache Institute, Longwood Florida

Further reading about migraine in kids

Headaches in Children

Migraine Variants In Children

Dolores de cabeza

Exploring the HEART of health in books

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“Full Recovery” from addiction to recovery-book review

This post reviews Brian McAlister’s “Full Recovery” . It outlines a personal action plan for overcoming addiction through self-discovery and empowerment. Using personal anecdotes and principles from s successful figures, he emphasizes a moral foundation based on n a Higher Power. The book serves as a guide for transformation, encouraging positive life changes.

Full Recovery 

The Recovering Person’s Guide to Unleashing Your Inner Power 

a book by Brian McAlister

“a spiritual journey of empowerment and self-discovery “

Brian McAlister is CEO of Full Recovery Wellness Center,  a substance use treatment center in Fairfield, New Jersey.

He is also the owner of MacSimum Publishing Co. , which published this book.

He has been sober since August 2, 1990.

The book starts with a disclaimer that it is “not intended as a substitute for any treatment program” and neither is this blog post.

GPS- Goals Produce Success 

Brian McAlister

Note: readers may support this blog by using the affiliate links in this post, at no extra charge; the graphics in this post are not found in the book

Addiction is a disease of selfishness and isolation.

Brian’s addiction to alcohol and drugs started as a teenager in the 1960s and continued into early adulthood when he lived an “outlaw biker lifestyle”.

Despite having a loving wife and son, he wasted his days drinking and carousing, getting in trouble legally and financially, until a near-fatal motorcycle accident jarred him into realizing that he was going nowhere.

But he was not content with merely getting sober, he wanted a better life for his family. He wrote,

In hindsight, I was very lucky to have become an alcoholic because lessons learned in recovery have given me the tools to succeed in all areas of my life.”

Drugged driving is common amond fatal driving accidents.
credit- NIH, National Institute on Drug ABuse

Full Recovery Action Plan

Brian’s Full Recovery Action plan presents the same principles he used to turn his life from addict to entrepreneur to successful businessman.

To take full advantage of the plan, readers need a notebook he says will become “your roadmap to success.” He closes each chapter with a “Let’s Review” list of main points followed by Action Plan exercises to complete and record in the notebook. 

His plan is simple and straightforward; it has three parts-

  1. Exploration
  2. Motivation
  3. Perspiration

Into those three parts, he packs enormous resources – personal stories, history, addiction statistics, life lessons, psychology, time management, work and business tips, and individual resilience.

Besides his own journey to sobriety, he uses personal examples from other former addicts (with their permission and names changed to protect privacy). He also relates anecdotes from well known successful people, including Ford, Edison, Lincoln, Einstein, Columbus, Eric Clapton, Sam Walton, Bill Gates, and Jesus. 

Substance use is difference in women and men; women develop disorder quicker, men have more severe disorder.
credit:NIH, National Institute on Drug Abuse

“A moral foundation”

Brian believes “full recovery” must be based on a “solid moral foundation”. Like with 12 Step addiction recovery programs, his is based on belief in a Higher Power.

Brian’s belief is based in Christianity, thus his frequent references to God and Jesus, and liberal use of scriptures from the Bible. But he does not insist those who use his program adhere to Christianity, but need to believe in someone higher than themselves.

“To be truly sober, and not just abstinent, I had to change my belief from one of self-reliance to reliance on God.”

He encourages addicts to cultivate attitudes of faith, hope, abundance, and gratitude, while also practicing practical skills of planning, listening, communicating, goal setting, and learning. These are all developed by completing the Action Plan exercises regularly.

My reaction to this book

I’ve never been addicted to anything, at least not drugs or alcohol, but I enjoyed Brian’s book and believe the program he outlines can help anyone wanting to change their life positively.

This version of Full Recovery was published in 2015. I read a complimentary digital version of this book for a NetGalley review. It was the 2010 edition titled Full Recovery: Creating a Personal Action Plan for Life Beyond Sobriety.

NETGALLEY MEMBER PROFESSIONAL READER

Resources on substance abuse, addiction, and sobriety

Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts

Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction DrugFacts

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

Strategies to prevent drugges driving-designated driver, one driver take all keys, get a ride to parties.
credit: NIH, National Institute on Drug Abuse

Responding to this post

You probably know someone with some type of substance abuse problem. If that person is a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, it affects you too. You cannot change the other person but you can control the way you respond and manage the challenges in your own life.

Here are some tips. Ask yourself how you can make these happen in your life.

  1. Learn about addiction, how the brain works, and what does and doesn’t work for treatment.
  2. Be aware of your emotions. You may feel sadness or anger. You may blame yourself or resent your relative. Understand your feelings rather than ignoring them.
  3. Be vigilant with self-care. Sleep, exercise, eat regular healthy meals.
  4. Look for support from friends, other affected families, and from activities you enjoy.
  5. Manage expectations. Knowing there will be progress followed by setbacks helps you and your loved one not get too discouraged.

exploring the HEART of health and sobriety

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

TOP REVIEWER -for NetGalley

Dr Aletha

reviewer for Net Galley