Coping with / advice about headaches and migraines Books

Book SynopsisA buddy-cop dramedy starring a bottle of Advil and a headache that won’t quit Imagine you’re standing in a room, and someone on the other side of the door won’t stop knocking – ever. Welcome to Andrew Faulkner’s world of the never-ending, low-grade headache, a medical issue resolved only by striking up a committed relationship with the slippery miracle that is Advil. Through direct address, sideways glances, lyrical interludes and deep consideration of what it means to overcome a condition when living is a part of the condition itself, these poems observe the speaker’s world as it crowds around him, coming into sharper and specific focus, from the hard wisdom of saints on suffering and a slightly unhinged Caravaggio on the metaphysics of painting, through to the deep meaning of a hot dog and a thoroughly botched retelling of a Norm Macdonald joke. Throughout it all, Advil whirls around like an unruly tornado of a sidekick, snapping Polaroids and “searching for a cloud that resembles a plausible end-of-life scenario.” Think of this collection as a meditation on how to deal with pain and uncertainty when life itself is an uncertain, painful mess. These are poems that acknowledge the shakiness of the ground we stand on. The opening poem wonders: “If you stay with the shakiness through its conjugations? Who knows.” But don’t worry. Advil’s on the case and aims to find out."These wry poems cajole the reader into feverish attentiveness. Andrew Faulkner's Heady Bloom is that unusual collection of poems whose aim is generous and profound, but whose means are often comic and provocative, all jagged edges and elbows. Chaplinesque, perhaps, but Chaplin at an all-ages hardcore show, or having been to one and reflecting on it later, in tranquility." —Ed Skoog, author of Travelers Leaving for the City and Run the Red Lights"Among other issues, this book explores how the seizures, hallucinations, and excruciating pain caused by neurological conditions that are now treated clinically were once thought of as visions granted to and endured by saints. Faulkner does this in poems that are filled with seriousness but also humor, unlikely allusions, and exhilarating wordplay. A running conceit is the speaker’s ambivalent relationship—a kind of “bromance”—with Advil, modern medicine personified as his nemesis and doppelgänger, a taunting comedian but also a vital helpmate, a debased version of the saints’ archangelic protectors. Faulkner’s imagery and conceits surprise and delight. A strange and beautiful book. " —Geoffrey NutterTrade Review"These poems grapple with what it means to overcome a condition, when living is part of the condition itself." -CBC Books

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Book SynopsisFollowing the publication of her first book, The Migraine Relief Plan, a step-by-step plan to achieve a healthier lifestyle for those who suffer severe migraines and chronic illnesses, and those who care for them, Stephanie Weaver received a flood of requests from readers seeking more recipes. She spent the next few years expanding her research, meticulously testing new recipes, and interviewing a wide range of health professionals, advocates, patients, and caregivers. The result is The Migraine Relief Plan Cookbook, an essential guide to healthier eating and mindful living, which aims to help readers mitigate the symptoms of severe migraines, headaches, and other chronic illnesses. It also features a foreword by nutrition scholar Margaret Slavin, PhD, RDN, and neurology professor Dawn C. Buse, PhD. The 100 delicious, plan-friendly recipes of The Migraine Relief Plan Cookbook include foods for every meal of the day, plus snacks, drinks, sauces, and condiments, as well as serving suggestions and a chapter on preparing healthy, wholesome meals from leftovers. This robust selection of recipes, enhanced with Weaver’s favorite preparation tips and personal insights, empowers readers to create beautiful meals that support their health. Her insightful interviews with health professionals, advocates, and patients provide tips for ongoing self-care, pain management, and building resilience. This book will help readers benefit from a holistic approach to battling migraines and chronic pain. The Migraine Relief Plan Cookbook arms readers with the recipes, research, professional insight, and lifestyle tips necessary to face their symptoms head-on.Trade ReviewPraise for The Migraine Relief Plan Cookbook“Much useful information is packed upfront, from the basics (food, sleep, exercise) to the prevailing science, as well as lists of what to eat and what to avoid, a shopping guide, and a monthly calendar to acclimate to the changes she advocates. Then the dishes, freely borrowed and adapted from others: breakfast hash, wild game chili, ratatouille, 'faux' guacamole (substituting squash for avocado), sorbet, fudge. Her inclusion of a 'budget-friendly' indicator, three 'progressive cooking' recipes that adapt well to leftovers, and quotes from members of the medical community help this stand out.” —Booklist"Good nutrition is an important part of lifestyle changes, which can improve headache disorders. Stephanie Weaver provides common-sense advice and fixable, straightforward recipes to optimize every meal and snack. Using her book can enhance dietary excellence and the lifestyle behaviors useful in headache management.” —Dr. Stewart Tepper, Director, Dartmouth Headache Center“Stephanie Weaver was diagnosed with migraines at the age of 53. When she learned that over 1 billion people worldwide suffer from these debilitating headaches, she decided to write this book and help others focus their diet on foods that can reduce migraines. The recipes are thoroughly appealing to anyone and highly approachable. This book is a must for any migraine sufferer.” —Kathy Gunst, cookbook author and Resident Chef of NPR’s Here and Now“Stephanie has done it again with The Migraine Relief Plan Cookbook, her follow-up to The Migraine Relief Plan. This collection of 100+ anti-inflammatory, migraine-friendly recipes displays the same attention to detail and painstaking research we saw in her first book, offering a varied and comprehensive list of recipes from breakfast to delectable desserts. Dishes hail from a diversity of cuisines, including those from North America, Spain, Italy, Japan, France, Lebanon, India, Mexico, Greece, and more. I daresay you won’t find a better approach or more delicious migraine-friendly recipes anywhere. If you suffer from migraines or know someone who does, Stephanie’s books are the only ones you need on your bookshelf.” —Ricki Heller, PhD, R.H.N., author of Living Candida Free“Migraineurs, rejoice! Full of delicious and varied recipes addressing an array of additional dietary needs, this follow-up cookbook to The Migraine Relief Plan is an excellent and much-needed part of the migraine wellness toolkit.” —Jeanne Sauvage, author of Gluten-Free Wish List: Sweet and Savory Treats You’ve Missed the Most“The Migraine Relief Plan Cookbook is an incredible treasury of yes and deliciousness and encouragement for those facing migraine issues. It's an invitation to show up in the kitchen and find abundant ways to thrive. From Pumpkin Spice Waffles and Blueberry Muffins to Thai-Style Shrimp Curry and Peach Crumble Pie, Stephanie Weaver shares her recipes for busy weeknights, snacks, and celebrations. Need a gluten-free, dairy-free or grain-free recipe? Icons make it easy to find the particular dishes that work for you, colorfully seasoned with gorgeous images to draw you in. With menus, basic recipes for seasonings and sauces, and inspiring words on resilience to savor, this book helps you cook and eat well year round, with pleasure and ease.” —Nancie McDermott, cookbook authorTable of ContentsForeword by Dawn C. Buse, PhD and Margaret Slavin, PhD, RDN Introduction Part I: Recipes for Resilience Definitions of resilience Doctors’ Rx Self-Care Advocacy Acceptance and control Qualities to nurture Tips for caregivers Part II: The recipes Snacks Breakfast Salads and Light Meals Weekend Bulk Cooking Progressive Cooking: Cook Once, Eat for Days Desserts Sauces, Condiments, and Basics Special Menus Winter Holiday Menu Game Day Menu Summer BBQ Menu Brunch Menu Glossary Recipe Index The Migraine Relief Plan overview The Migraine Relief Plan Food list Acknowledgments Index

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