Stress and the Woman's Body

By W. David Hager, M.D.
and Linda Carruth Hager
Revell, $14.99

ISBN 0800717171

Holistic Healing Approach

Review by Jeannie Crawford-Lee

Reading Stress and the Woman's Body is like experiencing an ideal visit to the doctor followed by a nurturing conversation with a Christian friend. Afterward, you feel hopeful and positive about coping with what has been ailing you. Dr. W. David Hager and his wife, Linda Carruth Hager, are the doctor and the Christian friend who discuss stress-related problems in this frank and compassionate book.

Dr. Hager shares case histories and interpretations of women's stress-related problems based on his practice as a gynecologist. There are the expected ones: PMS, eating disorders, headaches, substance abuse; and some less expected: immune system problems, skin disorders, fibromyalgia, and . . . affairs. Dr. Hager is adept at explaining illnesses and treatments in a medically thorough yet understandable way. He recognizes the importance of a holistic approach, considering work and family situations and feelings along with physical symptoms.

Linda Hager's perspective gives this book a special dimension. Her honesty and warmth radiate from the page. She shares her own battles with PMS and fibromyalagia, her own insecurities. You know sheÕs been there. She encourages readers toward "a joyful acceptance of all that it means to be a woman created in the image of God," even when we feel like griping about "female complaints." Her guidance in biblical meditation is specific and informed by her own spiritual journey.

This unique combination of medically sound anaylsis and spiritual guidance makes Stress and the Woman's Body a tremendous support to women. Reading this book would be a powerful starting point for coping with negative effects of stress in any woman's life.



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