Registered dietitian Monica Burck says of Eat well:
As a clinical dietitian working in hospitals for the past 15 years I couldn't agree more with Kathrynne's introduction on Parkinson's disease and hospitalizations. Rarely is a patient admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. More often they are admitted with a complication that could have been prevented by good nutrition such as adequate fluid and fiber intake. Although this book is written for the lay person it is an invaluable tool for nursing home and hospital dietitians. It provides an easy to understand overview of the drug/nutrient interactions but most importantly practical, easy strategies to apply to avoid or reduce those interactions. The 7:1 meal plans are easy to prepare, well balanced, and nutritionally complete and would be easy to incorporate into a seven day menu cycle. I was most impressed with how comprehensive, informative, and practical the book is. It's a resource every clinical and community dietitian should have on hand."
-- Monica Burck, Registered Dietitian, Medical Nutrition Therapy/Pharmacy Department, Poudre Valley Hospital, Fort Collins,Colorado
Mary Harris, PhD, RD says: "Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease" was written by a registered dietitian with a broad base of experience counseling patients with Parkinson's. The manual provides easy to understand explanations and useful tips for managing a number of nutrition-related problems experienced by patients with Parkinson's. Complete with recipes, snack ideas and menus for the "7:1 ratio" eating plan, "Eat well, stay well" is destined to become the "nutrition bible" for patients with Parkinson's." -- Mary Harris, PhD, RD Associate Professor and Dietetic Program Director Colorado State University
"Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease"
A testimonial by Jack Bloese"At last, a nutrition handbook for Parkinson patients and caregivers that is easy to read, understand, and use! Being a Parkinsonian of twenty-plus years, I finally found a practical guide to implement my own nutrition plan. The research required in producing this book is impressive, but the author's down-to-earth presentation is really appreciated. Thank you, Kathrynne Holden -- you done good!" - Jack Bloese, CLU
"Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease"
Jo Inman, BSW, Facilitator, Larimer County PD Support Group, Colorado"Eat well provides an easy-to-understand look into the complexity of optimal nutrition for both people with PD and caregivers. This handbook is one smart guide to understanding the importance of diet in Parkinson's disease."
"Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease"
A testimonial by Jeana Bartlett"As a Parkinson patient for 12 years, with diagnosis at the age of 34, I have learned countless strategies in coping with this disease. Some have come from professionals and others, and some from just plain old experience. 'Eat Well, Stay Well with Parkinson's Disease' by Kathrynne Holden, has become an additional tool for coping.
When I read 'Eat Well...' I was first impressed with the straightforward approach as to why we, as patients, need to comply with the principles in this book.......'to stay out of the hospital.' Kathrynne's book goes straight to the major concern of Parkinson's patients, especially those in the latter years. We all want to maintain a life free from confinement in a hospital or nursing facility.
In addition to this approach, her knowledge and presentation of the material is interesting, professional, and easily understood. So much of what we read and hear is in a language that is too technical. She candidly explains the 'why' and the 'how' of each topic she addresses in an understandable way.
I think the most valuable benefit to me is that now I have the knowledge to care for myself properly, so that my latter years will be more productive and healthier that I dared hope they would be.
Thank you, Kathrynne, for your vision for this book and for your desire to help others."
--Jeana Bartlett
"Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease"
A review by Joy Graham"I have done a great deal of reading and research concerning all aspects of PD, including nutrition, in the almost nine years since I became involved in working with and for people with PD. Whilst snippets of information and smaller books on nutrition have been produced, which have been useful, I feel that Kathrynne Holden's book is the most useful "treatise" which I have seen to date. Although the book is aimed at the lay person, it would also be extremely useful for any dietition/nutritionist who is treating PWP.What makes this book so good?
Firstly, it is very user friendly. Kathrynne has a writing style which does not alienate the lay reader. Her descriptions and instructions are simple and easy to follow. The type is large (important for the elderly) and she has left generous spaces for additional notes. The spiral binding allows for easy opening and this is important when one is using the recipe section.In her introduction, Kathrynne has outlined the reasons why good nutrition is important for people with Parkinson's (PWP). I know for a fact that Kathrynne did not get this information from a dry text book (although she has included an exhaustive list of references). She has been an avid participant in the Parkinson's List for several years and has been "talking" to those with PD and their carers about nutrition problems and following "cases" both on and off the List. She is active in counselling PWP and has befriended many PWP and their carers. She understands the particular problems of PWP such as timing of medication, problems with swallowing, and the side effects of medication.
Kathrynne's knowledge and special interest in the problems of gerontological nutrition provides an excellent framework for the overlapping problems which those aged PWP might expect. I particularly like the way she details why, for example fiber, fluids, B vitamins and calcium are important in the diet. This makes the book of interest to carers as well as those PWP. Kathrynne has pursued the all-important problem of drug/food interactions in PD. Her explanations of the levodopa/protein problem and the detailed menu planning and recipes are exemplary. The shopping lists, appendices with useful products and ideas for overcoming the particular problems of PD such as "freezing" indicate a thorough understanding of PD and reflect her deep and sympathetic interest in PWP.
The Parkinson's Associaton of Western Australia, of which I am a committee member, has placed an order for two of these books. One is destined for our members library and the other for the national body, Parkinson's Australia, for assessment and consideration as a nutrition handbook for subsequent use by all States. We would hope that in the future the text may be made available so that Parkinson's Associations throughout the world may adapt the book for their local use."
Mrs. Joy Graham
Committee Member/Editor PAWA Newsletter
Parkinson's Association of WA
320 Rokeby Rd
Subiaco WA 6008
AustraliaPh & Fax (08) 9430 4730
Email: bjgraham@cygnus.uwa.edu.au
"Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease, a nutrition handbook for people with Parkinson's disease"
Review by Camilla Flintermann, co-owner of the CARElist for PD caregivers:
"We have reviewed the handbook, and find it very interesting. Pete's first comment was, "very professional!" I am impressed with the breadth of material you have been able to include, and that it is arranged in a readable and accessible manner.I particularly found your technical explanations of the role of food in body processes to be excellent. As one example, I had known of, but only vaguely understood, the mechanism by which proteins interfere in the body with the utilization of levodopa. Your explanation made it crystal clear."
"The appended lists of resources and bibliography are very useful. In fact, while the focus of the book is on the role of nutrition--so important with PD--you have succeeded in placing that subject in the broader context of learning about and living with the disease.
The recipes are appealing, and the menus which give the carbo/protein ratios are most helpful, and I'm sure we will try some of them. The explanation of why water is so important, and the related action of caffeine as a diuretic, is very helpful. One always hears about drinking 8 glasses of water--but not the need also to match water with drinks which act as diuretics and actually decrease the water available to the body. This, again, clarified things I was only partially aware of. The format of the book, with convenient spiral/lie-flat binding is good, the print is large and readable."