From Publishers Weekly
Statistics show that Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the second leading cause of worker absenteeism in the U.S., according to Van Vorous (Eating for IBS), who has lived with the condition since she was nine, but because her severe abdominal pain was dismissed by her pediatrician, was not diagnosed until seven years later. And although IBS studies are currently underway, sufferers in the past found themselves either ignored or stigmatized. Because she had to work out her own strategy for dealing with IBS, Van Vorous is a "patient-expert" in other words, she's well qualified to write this informative and reassuring guide. She advises those suffering from IBS symptoms abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, for example to first obtain an accurate diagnosis. Once other illnesses are ruled out and the syndrome has been properly diagnosed, a patient with IBS can lead a normal life by maintaining proper eating habits, learning to manage stress, using prescription medication and dietary supplements when necessary, and even utilizing alternative therapies such as acupuncture. Van Vorous draws on medical research, her own experience with IBS, and other patient anecdotes to support her suggestions. Accessible and clearly written, with recipes for colon-kind foods and advice for parents who have children with IBS, this is an excellent resource for people learning how to live with the syndrome. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
The second installment of the publisher's new "The First Year" series, this text on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) walks the reader through the first year of diagnosis. As with the authors of other titles in the series, Van Vorous is a "patient-expert"; she is also the author of Eating for IBS and founder of eatingforibs.com. In a conversational style, she explains how to manage symptoms by breaking the year into manageable steps. She includes diet guidelines that feature some appetizing recipes and suggestions for eating out. She also discusses relaxation techniques and some alternative therapies. Personal stories from other IBS sufferers are sprinkled throughout, as are tips for children with IBS. An especially useful chart on medications is also provided. This book differs from William Salt's Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the Mind-Body Brain-Gut Connection (LJ 10/15/97) and other guides to IBS by prescribing a first-year-only timetable of steps, focused mainly on diet. Salt's book focuses more on lifestyle and stress management issues. Recommended for any health collection. KellyJo Houtz Griffin, Eatonville, WA Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
Heather Van Vorous has had IBS for over two decades; she endured the condition for six years as a child before even being diagnosed. Over many years she has educated herself on every aspect of this chronic condition—by listening to her own body, gradually modifying her diet, reading medical and scientific books and journals, talking with doctors, exploring stress management and alternative health therapies, and using the Internet to communicate daily with other people who have IBS. Now, as a "patient-expert," she guides all those newly diagnosed step-by-step through their first year with IBS. In a unique format, The First Year™—IBS walks you through everything you need to learn and do each day of your first week after diagnosis, each subsequent week of the first month, and the following eleven months of the crucial first year. In clear, concise, accessible language, Van Vorous covers a wide range of practical, medical, and lifestyle issues, beginning with coming to terms with the diagnosis and then moving on to subjects including: • Key strategies for symptom prevention • Guidelines, tips, and recipes for understanding and modifying your diet • Stress management and exercise • Dealing with family, friends, and co-workers • Current medical research and medications • Restaurants and holidays • Effective alternative therapies • Traveling and socializing • Support group resources By providing reliable, useful, empathetic, and up-to-date information you need to know when you most need to know it, The First Year™—IBS will be an indispensable book for everyone seeking to control their IBS and regain their health and happiness.


Book Info
(Marlowe & Company) Consumer text covers key strategies for symptom prevention; guidelines, tips, and recipes for understanding and modifying the diet; stress management and exercise; medical research; alternative therapies; and more. Author has had IBS for more than ten years. Softcover.


About the Author
HEATHER VAN VOROUS is a food writer specializing in healthy gourmet and ethnic recipes, with a special interest in cooking for people with bowel disorders.That work has received several thousand letters of accolade from readers and physicians alike.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Heather Van Vorous has had IBS for over two decades; she endured the condition for six years as a child before even being diagnosed. Over many years she has educated herself on every aspect of this chronic condition -- by listening to her own body, gradually modifying her diet, reading medical and scientific books and journals, talking with doctors, exploring stress management and alternative health therapies, and using the Internet to communicate daily with other people who have IBS. Now, as a "patient-expert," she guides all those newly diagnosed step-by-step through their first year with IBS. In a unique format, The First Year -- IBS walks you through everything you need to learn and do each day of your first week after diagnosis, each subsequent week of the first month, and the following eleven months of the crucial first year.

In clear, concise, accessible language, Van Vorous covers a wide range of practical, medical, and lifestyle issues, beginning with coming to terms with the diagnosis. By providing reliable, useful, empathetic, and up-to-date information you need to know when you most need to know it, The First Year -- IBS will be an indispensable book for everyone seeking to control their IBS and regain their health and happiness.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Statistics show that Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the second leading cause of worker absenteeism in the U.S., according to Van Vorous (Eating for IBS), who has lived with the condition since she was nine, but because her severe abdominal pain was dismissed by her pediatrician, was not diagnosed until seven years later. And although IBS studies are currently underway, sufferers in the past found themselves either ignored or stigmatized. Because she had to work out her own strategy for dealing with IBS, Van Vorous is a "patient-expert" in other words, she's well qualified to write this informative and reassuring guide. She advises those suffering from IBS symptoms abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, for example to first obtain an accurate diagnosis. Once other illnesses are ruled out and the syndrome has been properly diagnosed, a patient with IBS can lead a normal life by maintaining proper eating habits, learning to manage stress, using prescription medication and dietary supplements when necessary, and even utilizing alternative therapies such as acupuncture. Van Vorous draws on medical research, her own experience with IBS, and other patient anecdotes to support her suggestions. Accessible and clearly written, with recipes for colon-kind foods and advice for parents who have children with IBS, this is an excellent resource for people learning how to live with the syndrome. (Jan.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

The second installment of the publisher's new "The First Year" series, this text on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) walks the reader through the first year of diagnosis. As with the authors of other titles in the series, Van Vorous is a "patient-expert"; she is also the author of Eating for IBS and founder of eatingforibs.com. In a conversational style, she explains how to manage symptoms by breaking the year into manageable steps. She includes diet guidelines that feature some appetizing recipes and suggestions for eating out. She also discusses relaxation techniques and some alternative therapies. Personal stories from other IBS sufferers are sprinkled throughout, as are tips for children with IBS. An especially useful chart on medications is also provided. This book differs from William Salt's Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the Mind-Body Brain-Gut Connection (LJ 10/15/97) and other guides to IBS by prescribing a first-year-only timetable of steps, focused mainly on diet. Salt's book focuses more on lifestyle and stress management issues. Recommended for any health collection. KellyJo Houtz Griffin, Eatonville, WA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

AUTHOR DESCRIPTION