UNDERSTANDING LIGHT THERAPY by Cory E Stiles DVM

 UNDERSTANDING LIGHT THERAPY

by

Cory E Stiles DVM

    Understanding Light Therapy is another informative "guidebook" written by Cory E Stiles, DVM. And, like her earlier book, A Women's Guide for Pelvic Floor Health, this new book is also a highly recommended hidden gem.

    Dr. Stiles is a veterinarian who incorporates both Western (conventional) medicine and Eastern (traditional) medicine in her veterinary practice. The use of light therapy is a natural fit for her approach to medical treatment, and she has indeed used light therapy in her practice for decades.

    In Understanding Light Therapy, Dr. Stiles explains exactly what light therapy is and some of its current common applications. She explains the science behind the use of light therapy in these instances in a manner that is accessible to readers who have limited science backgrounds.

    Dr. Stiles also discusses how to set up and personalize a light therapy routine, safety, and factors to consider when purchasing a light therapy device. In addition, the book offers strategies for success - such as journaling and community support - and considers misconceptions about light therapy and future trends.

    Although this is a wonderful book, there are two very minor changes that I would recommend. First, throughout her discussion of the science and the studies and the like, Dr. Stiles includes parentheticals that reference the source of the information by a number. At the end of the book is the Reference section, but there are no corresponding numbers, and the citations do not appear to be in any particular order (alphabetical or otherwise). Second, I wish Dr. Stiles had included photographs of the different equipment that she discussed. I am not suggesting that she discuss where to buy the equipment or the lowest price or show any partiality to particular manufacturers; but, as someone who is new to light therapy, I wonder what light panels, handheld devices, face masks, wearable devices, etc. look like.

    Nonetheless, Understanding Light Therapy is very well written, informative, and easily accessible to a diversity of readers. I learned a great deal from this book. Dr. Stiles does not just provide the reader with information; she teaches the reader about something she is passionate about. It is a great read.

This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

A WOMEN'S GUIDE FOR PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH by C. E. Stiles

 A WOMEN'S GUIDE FOR PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH

by

C. E. Stiles

    A Women's Guide for Pelvic Floor Health is a nonfiction "guidebook" written by C. E. Stiles. And, it is a hidden gem of a guidebook. 

    The book begins with photographs, laying out in detail the precise anatomical features that constitute the pelvic floor that features centrally in this work. It is well written, very informative, and easily accessible to a diversity of readers.

    Dr. Stiles is a medical professional with extensive training and experience in both Western (conventional) medicine and Eastern (traditional) medicine. Both branches of her training and experience are depicted in A Women's Guide for Pelvic Floor Health, as her approach and suggestions offer a blend of both traditions.

    In addition to the information she provides concerning pelvic floor  health, Dr. Stiles sets forth a multifaceted approach to preventing, living with, or combating pelvic floor issues. She details approaches that may help alleviate or prevent pelvic floor issues, such as Kegel exercises, Yoga, Pilates, biofeedback, and mindfulness and relaxation. The book also provides helpful suggestions for organizing, goal setting, keeping track of progress, and motivation.

A Women's Guide for Pelvic Floor Health is not just a guide for women who have pelvic floor issues. This is a book for all women: young women, pregnant or postpartum women, and menopausal women. In a way, this is a guide for all women regarding all issues. I kind of wish Dr. Stiles had not entitled the book specifically for pelvic floor health, as her advice and suggestions pertain to many health issues women face; but, perhaps she will cover those in another book.

Meanwhile, this book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

LETHAL PREY by John Sandford

 LETHAL PREY

(Lucas Davenport #35)

by

John Sandford

(expected publication March 25, 2025)

    In John Sandford's Lethal Prey, two of Sandford's longtime protagonists, Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers, once again join forces. Davenport, a U.S. Marshall, and Flowers, an agent with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), team up this time to tackle one of Minnesota's most difficult cold cases.

    When Doris Grandfelt was brutally murdered, the BCA investigation quickly reached a dead end. It could not be determined where Grandfelt had been murdered, and the BCA had been unable to locate the murder weapon or much evidence. Twenty years later, her twin sister, Lara Grandfelt, wanted answers. She posted copies of the files from the cold case on true-crime sites and offered the true-crime bloggers a 5 million dollar reward.

    Lucas and Virgil began reconsidering the cold case from the small amount of evidence originally collected by the BCA. With help from some of the bloggers, Lucas and Virgil slowly pieced together what had happened to Doris - and a great deal more. The explosion of information that they uncovered also brought an increased threat from a dangerous, cold, and calculating killer.

    I am a huge and longtime fan of Sandford's work. And by joining Lucas and Virgil together on this cold case, Sandford does not disappoint. This book seems different from earlier Lucas and Virgil books - there aren't as many bullets flying around, and the ending is "unusual" (for Sandford). Nonetheless, by focusing on a cold case, incorporating true-crime sites and bloggers, and adopting a new, "unusual" ending, it feels like Sandford is growing as a writer. And I, for one, am excited to follow Sandford on this journey. 

Lethal Prey is another Sandford blockbuster. Highly Recommended.