|
Heart Smart for Black Women and Latinas
Jennifer H. Mieres, MD, FAHA, Terri Ann Parnell, RN, MA, and Carol Turkington
New York: St. Martin’s Griffin; 2008
240 pages
Heart Smart for Black Women and Latinas is a practical guide to making positive changes in eating habits, physical activity, and stress reduction. The book is coauthored by a cardiologist and a cardiovascular nurse, in collaboration with a medical writer and editor. The value of this book lies in its accessible, nonthreatening style. The authors understand that readers often feel alienated by diets with unfamiliar ingredients and intimidating recipes, and that many women shy away from gyms with daunting exercise regimens and lengthy commitments. The twist is that the authors give gender- and culture-specific advice in the hopes that it will resonate with their target audience.
Many of the ingredients in traditional African-American and Latin Cuisine are intrinsically healthy; it’s the preparation of these ingredients that introduces lard, deep frying, and high doses of salt. The book instructs how to eat in moderation and prepare traditional foods in healthier ways. The chapter on exercise proposes devoting a mere 10 minutes a day to being active. Parking on the far side of the parking lot, pacing while on the phone—anything that increases physical activity is a good start.
I enjoyed reading Heart Smart for Black Women and Latinas. It provides a realistic approach and gentle encouragement to women who might otherwise feel alienated from the diet and exercise culture. As I look around our clinic waiting room, I see many women whose lives could be touched by the messages in this book and the wisdom in its pages. I recommend it highly.
Review written by:
Elizabeth H. B. Mandell, MD
Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Division of Midlife Health
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Read more about perimenopause and menopause symptom relief in the NAMS Menopause Guidebook and Early Menopause Guidebook.
The comments contained here are opinions or information of the reviewers and not necessarily the opinions or information of The North American Menopause Society, its officers, agents, or Trustees. Oversight for the book reviews is given by David A. Hutchins, MD, a member of the NAMS Consumer Education Committee.
Copyright © 2008 The North American Menopause Society. All rights reserved.
The North American Menopause Society
Post Office Box 94527
Cleveland, OH 44101, USA
Tel 440/442-7550
Fax 440/442-2660
info@menopause.org
|