PULSE.DUMMIES NO MORE: Befuddlement Noun 1. befuddlement - confusion resulting from failure to understand bafflement, bemusement, bewilderment, mystification, obfuscation, puzzlement confusedness, disarray, mental confusion, muddiness, confusion - a mental state characterized by a lack of is a chronic condition many people suffer from when it comes to health issues, so it's only appropriate that three recent additions to the sprawling bookshelf of health literature should come from the familiar Dummies franchise. The line of books became popular doling out computer advice for novices and has since expanded into topics often as diverse as they are obscure. Each book does have a few things in common with its brethren, however: no-nonsense language, a comprehensive discussion, a list of more resources, a glossary of terms and an index. ``Acne for Dummies'' (Wiley; $16.99) provides a grounded, in-depth guide to both teen and adult acne, dispelling common myths and covering treatments from prescription drugs to alternative therapies. ``IBS IBS Irritable bowel syndrome, see there for Dummies'' (Wiley; $19.99) - don't laugh - tackles irritable bowel syndrome irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), condition characterized by frequently alternating constipation and diarrhea in the absence of any disease process. It is usually accompanied by abdominal pain, especially in the lower left quadrant, bloating, and flatulence. similarly, though compared to ``Acne'' this primer seems heavier on the social intricacies of living with IBS and lighter on its medical realities (to be fair, this is attributed to the trickiness of diagnosing the condition). If alternative health is your cup of tea, ``Reiki Reiki Definition Reiki is a form of therapy that uses simple hands-on, no-touch, and visualization techniques, with the goal of improving the flow of life energy in a person. for Dummies'' (Wiley; $19.99) has you covered. The Japanese word for ``spiritual energy,'' Reiki is said to ``heal you at the level of your energy to the root of any disease, imbalance, or disharmony dis·har·mo·ny n. 1. Lack of harmony; discord. 2. Something not in accord; a conflict: "the disharmonies that assail the most fortunate of mortals" Peter Gay. .'' The words ``fun and easy'' in the book's tag line tag line also tag·line n. 1. An ending line, as in a play or joke, that makes a point. 2. An often repeated phrase associated with an individual, organization, or commercial product; a slogan. Noun 1. are a hint at the reliability of information you'll get in this Dummies book; it is exhaustive and well organized but lacks the medical grounding of ``Acne,'' or even ``IBS.'' - Andy Wang Andrew P. 'Andy' Wang (born May 28 , 1977) is is an American mixed martial artist, currently competing in the lightweight division. Wang was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 5 show, featuring fighters in the lightweight division. He originally fought for B.J. DIAGNOSING AN EPIDEMIC: The rate of diabetes in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. has almost doubled in the last 10 years, a statistic that a new book by Francine R. Kaufman is not shy about sharing. The book, informed by Kaufman's experience as the head of endocrinology and metabolism at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, draws a link between the growing incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes type 2 diabetes n. See diabetes mellitus. among younger and younger children. Kaufman offers a frank - verging on frightening - discussion of ``the emergence of diabesity,'' the dual epidemic of obesity and diabetes, and also the book's namesake. ``Diabesity'' (Bantam; $15) is ambitious, ranging from socioeconomic factors that contribute to the twin illnesses to evolutionary history and the genes that predispose pre·dis·pose v. To make susceptible, as to a disease. us to diabesity, which is, incidentally, revealed as not a uniquely American phenomenon. The book is not all doom and gloom doom and gloom n. Gloom and doom. doom  -and-gloom adj. , however. Compassion permeates Kaufman's account, which as a whole represents a cogent argument for broad change in the way our generation lives and eats. - A.W. FUN FITNESS FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Kids and parents can lose weight, get fit and have fun at the same time with three new products: Air Kicks Anti-Gravity Boots, Kickaroos Anti-Gravity Boots for children, the Jumparoo Frog Pogo, and Fun Slides Carpet Skates. Air Kicks and Kickaroos liven up family playtime and normal exercise routines, allowing you to easily burn calories, improve your coordination and build up strength at the same time. The Jumparoo Frog Pogo appeals to parents and kids alike and can be used year-round on all indoor and outdoor terrain. The pogo will not damage floors with its nonmarring base and is very durable. Kids will especially enjoy the motion-activated ``Ribbit'' sounds, which parents can also shut off with an easy touch of a button. The carpet skates allow for a fun indoor sliding activity and vigorous cardiovascular workout. They also help in developing balance and skills needed for ice skating, in-line skating, hockey, skateboarding and more. The suggested retail price for the Anti-Gravity Boots and Kickaroos ranges from $89.99 to $139.99. The Jumparoo Frog Pogo is $79.99, and the carpet skates retail for $19.99. To information on the boots and Kickaroos, visit www.air-kicks.com, www.sears.com or www.hammacherschlemmer.com. For the carpet skates, call (800) 847-4683, or visit www.funslides.com. - Simone Schramm CAPTION(S): 3 photos Photo: (1) no caption (book: ``Acne for Dummies'') (2) no caption (book: ``Reiki for Dummies'') (3) no caption (Air Kicks Anti-Gravity Boots) |
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