Gut Wellness Simplified

An in-depth analysis of the GUT is provided in Gut Wellness Simplified. The author clearly explains the connection between gut microbiome health and immunity, mental health, and how our bodies function. Did you know that "the human organism is actually made up of more bacteria cells than what we might call 'human cells'?" Human bodies are like their own ecosystems! Evidence suggests that fetuses are first exposed to microbes while in the womb. Babies are exposed to important microbes upon passing through the birth canal. The Gut-Brain Axis, warning signs of an unhealthy gut, nutritionally good and bad foods, how gender plays a role in our microbiome, overall health, and much more will also be discussed throughout the chapters. 

The structure of our body is a whole and each part of it must be working well in order for us to function well as a whole.Everything falls apart when one part fails, and bacteria are an important part of that. The author states: "The gut is still a part of the larger body. Its healthiness is not limited to itself, but instead, when it becomes unhealthy, a whole host of problems show up, many of them in bodily systems we might be accustomed to thinking of as distinct from the rest of the body."

ANATOMY 101

When we talk about the gut we are really discussing the whole digestive system which includes:

• Esophagus

• Stomach

• Liver

• Gallbladder 

• Pancreas

• Small Intestine

• Large Intestine

• Rectum

• Anus

I found the chapters on Gut Health and Gender and Women and Gut Health to be extremely fascinating. There are several variables that affect the microbiome of men and women, including hormones, health issues, and medications they use. The author discusses the sexes and the connection between the two.

Through the book, the author takes readers on a journey through the medical science behind the gut and its workings. 

An author points out that a diet for gut health is not a fad. The most important components of a healthy diet are discussed along with some of the best sources in each category. There is also discussion about exercise, mental health, and cleasing the gut.

This book offers a wealth of information and is a must-read for everyone. Gut Wellness Simplified deserves a high recommendation from me.

Disclaimer - I received this Ebook in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

The Story of Abortion in America

The Story of Abortion in America tells the somber story of some of the earliest documented abortions. The book has been broken down into several sections by authors Marvin Olasky and Leah Savas.

Abortionists and abortions of the 1652-1842 period are revealed in Section One: Unsafe, Illegal, and Rare. Despite the title A Street-Level History 1652-2022, one documented incident dates back to 1290. "John the Scot" was chasing Alice's husband Roger the Spicer when she slammed the door on him. Alice was pregnant with twins at the time. As a result of John's hard push on the door, Alice was seriously injured, and both babies she was carrying died. John was deemed guilty and could be killed by anyone who saw him. The use of abortifacients has been known to date back to the 1600s as a way of purging the body "to remove swelling." The growing number of ardent church-going colonists contributed to to a less common incidence of abortion in early America. In their Bibles and from the pulpit, they heard how God created man in his image, that babes are a blessing of the Lord, and to be fruitful and multiply. It is written in the Ten Commandments, "Thou Shall Not Kill."

There is a beginning of unsafe forms of abortions and pro-abortion ideology in Section Two: Specialization Begins, 1838-1878.

In Section Three: Supply and Demand, 1871-1940, we are presented with headlines that read "THE EVEIL OF THE AGE. Slaughter of the innocents...scenes based on eyewitness accounts." The unborn were slaughtered through the 1930s.In 1882, Mary Hood, along with seventeen colleagues from Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania, founded Bethany Home for Unwed Mothers. This Maternity Hospital offered free care, education, shelter, prenatal and postnatal care, and spiritual counsel. The number of pro-life organizations offering compassionate support to pregnant women began to grow.

In Section Four: Seeing Life, 1930-1995, Taussig presents his nonsensical theory of "therapeutic abortion." SICK!Barnum moved from promoting circuses to successfully lobbying for the ban of contraceptives in Connecticut. That's something I didn't know. With the 1960's feminism rolled in and with that paved the way for Roe v. Wade, "which some portrayed as one more case about liberty, rather than an assault on the voiceless." At the Chicago World's Fair in 1933 the Gerber Products Company handed out pamphlets that explained, "A baby's life begins not when he puts in his squalling appearance but at the moment the sperm (from the father) meets the egg (from the mother) in the Fallopian tube." There was a sculpture showing fertilization and used the term "fertilized egg." It used only one word to describewhat was growing in the womb: "baby." Gerber even went so far as to write a warning that said, "Abortions Are Dangerous! ...Frequently women become seriously ill from infection. Many of them seem to feel no ill effects, but may find that when they do want babies later in life they are sterile, they do not conceive; or they may have one 'miscarriage' after another. So they live with unhappy memories of what might have been. If you are thinking about abortion -- stop! Go to your family doctor. Talk it over with him. Remember, some women get pregnant only once in life. Don't make a move you'll regret." Lawrence Lader met Margaret Sanger and together they published The Margaret Sanger Story: And the Fight for Birth Control. In 1975, Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision defining women's right to abortion, dealt a huge blow. After observing a D&C abortion in Washington, D.C., abortionist Michael Freiman said that he in good conscience could not perform such abortions after seeing tiny arms with perfectly formed hands and fingers and other perfectly formed body parts. As of this point, he had only performed extremely early abortions. It didn't stop clinics from opening and doctors from getting paid large amounts of money to perform abortions in the first and second trimesters. 

In Section Five: Still Unsettled, 1995-2022 Ultrasound technology made it possible to visualize a developing fetus. For the pro-life movement, this was a major victory. The legality of partial birth abortion had to be decided by Congress in 1995. A lot of attention was drawn to the evils of Planned Parenthood. States are now enacting laws criminalizing abortion. While the fight is not over, people are beginning to recognize that the unborn matter and deserve protection.

The book is extremely eye-opening and worth reading. Everyone should take the time to read it.

Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

The Not-So-Paper Boat

In The Not-So-Paper Boat, Oliver and his not-so-paper boat are the center of an imaginative tale. Max enjoys reading and has a wild imagination. During the making of a paper boat, his dreams and hopes come alive. Oliver's magical journey begins when the boat hits the water and comes to life. The places Oliver visits are places he had only dreamed of visiting until now. As he travels, he meets all kinds of interesting creatures. Suddenly, he sees a floating island that only he knew existed. Through the universe, he sailed. This was a great adventure for Oliver. Upon returning home, he read and dreamed about the many adventures he was about to embark upon as he drifted off to sleep. In the simplest of things, there is a wealth of possibilities. Can you imagine where your boat could take you?

I appreciate the use of unique imagery in the artwork. Colorful pictures evoke the desire to join Oliver on his journey. Oliver has a wild imagination. Do you?

This book was awesome! Reading and dreaming are both enjoyable. The pictures are captivating. Be honest? Who doesn't wish to build a boat and sail away to faraway lands we dream up in our imaginations and through books?

I recommend this book. In addition to stimulating a child's imagination, the book reinforces the fun of reading.

Disclaimer - I received this Ebook in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

The Ocean's Alphabet: An A to Z Adventure

The Ocean's Alphabet takes children on an adventure through the depths of the ocean. Get ready to discover fascinating facts about fish, crustaceans, mythical creatures, land and ocean formations, mammals, algae and more. Each letter of the alphabet corresponds to a different ocean animal or object that your child will learn about. The ABC's and the animals or objects associated with each letter are ideal for younger learners. As your child masters the alphabet, you can read them the fascinating facts that accompany each letter to engage them. The book is intended for ages 4-8. 

Rr

"R is for Rainbow Fish. Rainbow fish shimmer with shiny scales, displaying a kaleidoscope of colors as they dart through the water." 

This page has hues of oranges, reds, greens, and blues as its background. The middle of the page features a beautiful rainbow fish. Its scales and body are shades of purple and blue. All of the colors of the rainbow are reflected in its tale and fins. There is something truly magnificent about this fish. There is some colorful seaweed, corral, and maybe even some crustacians below the fish. Children will absolutely love the pictures in this book. 

I recommend this book. 

Disclaimer - I received this Ebook in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

Little Seed's Dream Is Not So Unique

The Little Seed's Big Dream is a whimsical book about a little seed with a big dream. With sunlight, hope, and rain the seedling grows. Days become weeks. The end of the story is quite predictable. The overall moral is to chase your dreams. 

I found this book underwhelming. As far as storylines and themes are concerned, this book is no different from the dozens of others with similar themes and storylines. The only thing that makes it unique is the artwork. The artwork appears to be digitally generated, so it isn't particularly noteworthy. I like how colorful some of the pictures are. The first couple of pages are a bit dark and forlorn before light emerges.

The book is 24 pages long. There are only eight sentences in the book. One page begins a sentence and the next page ends the sentence and so on.

The book is intended for children ages 2 to 8 years old. I might be hesitant to read this book to a 2-year-old due to the mixed message in the first couple of pages convey. I think this book is much too elementary for an 8-year-old. I see this book as more suitable for a 4 year old.

Negative reviews aren't something I enjoy giving and I don't often give them. In terms of my opinion of this book, I feel that I must be honest with my readers. This is not a book I would recommend.

Disclaimer - I received this Ebook in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

Executive Functioning Skills for Adult ADHD

Co-authored by two mental health professionals, Executive Functioning Skills for Adult ADHD, gives readers a thorough, in-depth examination of ADHD and practical tools to use in everyday life. The 127-page combination book/workbook will help users gain a deeper understanding of adult ADHD and empower them with tools for everyday living. There is a huge variety of ADHD self-help books available at bookstores, each claiming to be the key to helping a person. Most of these books tend to be lengthy and wordy, too medical for the average person, or informative but they are only that. In some books, the author discusses his or her personal life, but not everyone is the same. This book informs, guides, and encourages. 

Rather than trying to explain the ins and outs of this book, I hope you will take away just a few of the most meaningful snippets I found particularly interesting or helpful. 

1. Girls tend to present as inattentive and internalize their symptoms

2. The ADHD brain is literally structured differently

3. Positive habits and productive routines are very critical

4. Impulse control

5. Difficulty regulating emotions

6. Easily distracted

7. Time blindness

8. Setting goals is important

9. SMART strategy

10. Goals into achievable steps, challenges

11. Routine

12. Mental health 

13. Stress

14. Know the reasons why routines may fail for those with ADHD

15. Endorphins

16. Self-esteem, self-confidence, overthinking

17. Obstacles do not have to stop you

18. Strategies to deal with obstacles

19. Our own minds and the outside world can both be our enemies

20. Being overwhelmed

21. ADHD and regulating emotions

22. Reward

23. When stressed, anxious, or depressed ones ADHD tends to flare

24. Find healthy coping mechanisms

25. Adapting to the unpredictability in life

26. Your inner saboteur

27. Pomodoro technique

28. Perfectionism

29. Loners

30. Object permanence

31. Supportive environment 

32. Visualization

33. Getting professional help

Toward the end of the book in the section entitled Strategies for Adapting the Plan to Your Individual Needs and Lifestyle the authors state, "I hope that thus far I've made it clear enough that while all of us with ADHD face similar challenges, symptoms, and problems, these will all each present themselves differently to each individual; which also means that each individual will need to deal with them differently." I love this statement. We are not all cookie cutter images of each other.Despite many similarities, ADHD differs in many other aspects from person to person. 

If you are an adult receiving an ADHD diagnosis, this book is a wonderful resource. This is a book I would recommend.

Disclaimer - I received this Ebook in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

Yes! You Will Understand Your Teen With ADHD

 

I highly recommend Yes! You Will Understand Your Teen With ADHD: A Parent's Journey To Find, Learn, and Develop Effective ADHD Tools To Help Her Teen Communicate and Thrive for anyone navigating through the teenage years with a teenager with ADHD. My interest was piqued by the fact that it was written by a mother whose daughter was diagnosed with ADHD in her teens. This is also our story. As soon as I started reading, I couldn't stop. There is a lot of commonality between what we experience now and what is written. There are a few differences. My daughter is homeschooled. It is a blessing that my daughter doesn't deal with any addictions. While some sections in the book did not pertain to our situation, a good majority of the book did. It has been difficult to find ADHD books that are remotely helpful. This isbased on what I have read so far or sifted through. I felt like I had found the GOLDEN TICKET when I found this book!Since I feel reading the book is somewhat of a personal experience, I am not going to share too much about what is in the book. The purpose of this is to allow you to feel, contemplate, cry, find hope, be encouraged, have your own thoughts, and come up with a plan of your own. Here is a list of highlights from the book.

1. Who Are You, Again?

2. What is Executive Function?

3. As a parent you will have dark days when you feel like you cannot even lift yourself up. 

4. ADHD causes chaos in your life. 

5. Four strategies for emotional regulation.

6. Yes! ADHD symptoms extend beyond restlessness.

7. A late onset ADHD diagnosis can be tricky. 

8. There are more symptoms of ADHD than you may think. 

9. Payoffs or rewards.

10. The inability to tolerate life's frustrations.

11. Dopamine

12. Isolation

13. Focus

14. Medications and Therapy

15. Behavior management

By no means does this cover everything found in the book. For me, these are the areas of greatest interest or importance. The search is over. Get this book now! Your decision will not be regrettable. It is a fairly quick read. I read it in one day. Obviously, I'll be referring to it often, so it will get plenty of use. 

Disclaimer - I received this Ebook in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

Goodnight Ocean Animals

 

Goodnight Ocean Animals tells a story about twelve ocean animals settling in for the night. Twelve ocean animals will be seen by your child, including a clownfish, a crab, a dolphin, a jellyfish, a red octopus, an orca, a pufferfish, a sea turtle, a seahorse, a seal, a shark, and a whale. An orca enjoys the last rays of light before the sun sets. A watercolor painting depicts a magnificent orca jumping through the air while waves gather around it. The golden light of the sun reflects off its jet black upper body. The orca's white belly blends in with the billowing white tipped waves. Several hues of yellow, orange, red, and blue fill the sky above. There are dark clouds rolling in, possibly signaling an impending storm. The author says: "Majestic orca, black and white, splashes and playes in pure delight. With sharp fins, a call so rare, He sings songs in the ocean air." 

A watercolor painting depicting water crashing against rocks ends the story. The water is calm in the distance. The sky is represented by a full palette of shades, from reds to violets and even black. Incorporating all the colors around the golden setting sun and upward into the heavens is truly stunning. The author ends with these words. "As night falls, Moon's silver embrace, Caresses the sea with a gentle grace. Following tides, waves sing a lullaby: Goodnight Ocean Animals, under the starry sky."

Until next time, goodnight sweet little ones as you curl up under your warm blankets to dream of pufferfish, orcas, and whales. 

I would recommend adding this book to your child's library. 

Disclaimer - I received this Ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Aquatic Alphabets ABC's Under the Sea

Aquatic Alphabets: ABCs Under the Sea takes children on a fun adventure to fascinating places to explore incredible sea life. It is the home of so many interesting creatures, plants, and objects that have been made by man. So come along with us on a journey deep into the sea.

Every letter of the alphabet features a colorful illustration of something from the depths of the sea. It also features somethings found above the sea. F is for Flounder. Fish such as flounders can camouflage themselves on the ocean floor because they are flat. Did you know they were able to do that? There are colorful sea corrals and rocks, as well as sand, and orange fish surrounding the brown and tan flounder. The letter U stands for Urchin. Spiky sea urchins hide in rocky crevices. There's no way I'd want to meet up with one of these! According to the picture, the sea urchin looks like a spiky round ball. There is a considerable length to its spikes. Their long length reminds me of porcupine spikes. This picture shows a sea urchin hidden behind a crevice of rocks. Perhaps it is waiting for an opportunity to strike. Zooplankton is represented by the letter Z. The tiny zooplankton drifting in the water provide food for a number of sea animals. The role they play in our ecosystems is largely overlooked due to their size.

So far, we have only discussed a few of the many letters of the alphabet. Let me share with you all of the fun aquatic animals your child will discover as they work through the alphabet: 

1. A is for Anchor

2. B is for Barracuda

3. C is for Crab

4. D is for Dolphin

5. E is for EEL

6. F is for Flounder

7. G is for Goldfish

8. H is for Hermit Crab

9. I is for Island

10. J is for Jellyfish

11. K is for Kelp

12. L is for Lobster

13. M is for Manatee

14. N is for Net

15. O is for Octopus

16. P is for Penguin

17. Q is for Quahog

18. R is for Ray

19. S is for Seahorse

20. T is for Turtle

21. U is for Urchin

22. V is for Vortex

23. W is for Worm

24. X is for X-ray.

25. Y is for Yellow Fish

26. Z is for Zooplankton

Our Aquatic Adventure has ended. I hope you have enjoyed getting a goggle view of how much fun your child can have learning their ABC's together with you. 

Disclaimer: I received this Ebook in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

Goodnight Savannah Animals

 

Goodnight Savannah Animals explores all the wild creatures in southern Africa. The children will delight in the fun rhyming poems about the animals. The watercolor painting opposite the two-stanza poem showcases amazing wildlife in their natural setting. In order to make the paintings look realistic, the animals are painted in their natural habitat. The colors in the paintings are vibrant and rich.

Close your eyes and imagine yourself in the African Savannah. The sun looms on the horizon. From a distance you spot a lone elephant slowly walking through a stream. Red and orange leaves from the trees on either side rain down on the water. The elephant is majestic. "Near a waterhole, calm and wide, Elephant stands in the twilight's tide. Trunk swings slowly, eyelids droop, She dreams of her joyful, playful troop."

Among the animals children will see in Goodnight Savannah Animals are a cheetah, a buffalo, a meerkat family, a lion, an ostrich, a rhinoceros, a leopard, a zebra, a crocodile, a giraffe, and a hippo. All of the watercolor animal paintings are truly captivating. It is the perfect book to read to your child before they close their eyes at night. Already fast asleep under the starry night and moonlight are rhino, crocodile, giraffe, and many other animals. The story ends with a breathtaking watercolor depicting acaidia trees in the plains of Africa and a sky filled with stars! There are shades of yellow, orange, and red in the lower part of the sky. These shades slowly fade into a pale blue until it turns to a deep midnight blue. With its warm white glow, the full moon shines in the night sky dotted with stars and flying birds. The author concludes: "Now the moon shines on Savannah land, Over every creature, quiet and grand. 'Goodnight, Savannah Animals,' so deep, 'till the sunrise, when we finish sleep."

The book is truly a treasure. Adding it to your child's library would be a great purchase.

Disclaimer - I received this Ebook in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

A Day at the Dog Park

A Day At The Dog Park is a charming story about all the dogs one may see walking with your four-legged friend. A cute little poodle named Bella is looking for some fun. Dalmatian Dot enjoys showing love. It turns out that Big Bulldog Buster is not what he seems. There is something so endearing about Puggy the Pug's face. Short-legged Corgi zip about. There is no denying the cuteness of Sniffer the Beagle. The Aussie Shepherd Kate herds something very unusual, but you'll need to read the book to discover what it is. Sunny the Retriever, a Saint Bernard, Sparkle the Yorkie, Brave Rottweiler, and German Shepherd round out the pack. The story ends with, "As the sun sets on the colorful park, Each doggy friend has left their mark. 'Till tomorrow, my pals,' they seem to bark, 'When again we'll have fun in the park.'" 

Children will enjoy hearing this book read aloud. The watercolor paintings are incredible, not only of the dogs but of the scenery behind them as well. There is such a lifelike quality to the paintings. Each dog is described in a rhyming two-stanza poem opposite the picture. I would highly recommend this book.  

Disclaimer - I received this Ebook in exchange for my honest thoughts.