The Balance Within Lib/E: The Science Connecting Health and Emotions

Since ancient times humans have felt intuitively that emotions and health are linked, and recently there has been much popular speculation about this notion. But until now, without compelling evidence, it has been impossible to say for sure that such a connection really exists and especially how it works. Now, that evidence has been discovered. In this beautifully written book, Dr. Esther Sternberg, whose discoveries were pivotal in helping to solve this mystery, provides first hand accounts of the breakthrough experiments that revealed the physical mechanisms--the nerves, cells, and hormones--used by the brain and immune system to communicate with each other. She describes just how stress can make us more susceptible to all types of illnesses, and how the immune system can alter our moods. Finally, she explains how our understanding of these connections in scientific terms is helping to answer such crucial questions as Does stress make you sick? Is a positive outlook the key to better health? and How do our personal relationships, work, and other aspects of our lives affect our health? A fascinating portrait of this rapidly emerging field with enormous potential for finding new ways to treat disease and cope with stress, The Balance Within is essential for anyone interested in making their body and mind whole again.

About the Author :
Esther M. Sternberg, MD, is a professor of medicine in the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, research director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, and director of the University of Arizona Institute on Place, Wellbeing, and Performance. With twenty-five-plus years of corporate and educational experience, Marie Hoffman brings wisdom and warmth to each and every project. Her voice has been described as articulate, friendly, and believable. Marie's corporate background includes publishing, investment banking, and years in the pharmaceutical industry, but she is well-versed in all business jargon. Marie also taught elementary school for many years, so adjusting the tone and tempo for children's books is a breeze. Marie is devoted to supporting and volunteering at the JBI Library (established in 1931 as the Jewish Braille Institute) in New York City. She sets aside time to record books so that those who are visually impaired can also enjoy published works of art. She also participates as a member of The Online Stage, a volunteer collective of narrators and actors who create high quality productions of classic dramatic works in audio format. Marie is an active member of the Audio Publishers Association and a founding member of the World-Voices Organization.