Posts Tagged ‘Third’

Why don’t zebras get ulcers–or heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases–when people do? In a fascinating look at the science of stress, biologist Robert Sapolsky presents an intriguing case, that people develop such diseases partly because our bodies aren’t designed for the constant stresses of a modern-day life–like sitting in daily traffic jams or growing up in poverty. Rather, they seem more built for the kind of short-term stress faced by a zebra–like outrunning a lion.

With wit, graceful writing, and a sprinkling of Far Side cartoons, Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers makes understanding the science of stress an adventure in discovery. “This book is a primer about stress, stress-related disease, and the mechanisms of coping with stress. How is it that our bodies can adapt to some stressful emergencies, while other ones make us sick? Why are some of us especially vulnerable to stress-related diseases, and what does that have to do with our personalities?”

Sapolsky, a Stanford University neuroscientist, explores stress’s role in heart disease, diabetes, growth retardation, memory loss, and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. He cites tantalizing studies of hyenas, baboons, and rodents, as well as of people of different cultures, to vividly make his points. And Sapolsky concludes with a hopeful chapter, titled “Managing Stress.” Although he doesn’t subscribe to the school of thought that hope cures all disease, Sapolsky highlights the studies that suggest we do have some control over stress-related ailments, based on how we perceive the stress and the kinds of social support we have.
–This text refers to the

Perfect Paperback
edition.

Entertaining explanation of how stress affects the body and what we can do to counteract its effects. Sapolsky (a MacArthur Fellow who divides his time between teaching biological sciences and neuroscience at Stanford and conducting stress research on baboons in Kenya) makes a much- discussed topic seem fresh and new. Using humor, unexpected analogies, and offbeat examples (to illustrate how the brain sends messages to other parts of the body, he slips in a steamy passage from Lady Chatterley’s Lover), Sapolsky covers how the stress response affects the cardiovascular, digestive, reproductive, and immune systems; the body’s perception of pain; growth; and the aging process. He concludes with some words on how to cope with psychological stress–the type of stress that humans (unlike zebras) experience most often. He also cautions against the oversimplification of stress-reduction manuals, asserting that many suggested strategies–such as developing a sense of control, finding an outlet for your frustrations, and building a system of social support–can backfire. As a first line of defense against stress-related disease, Sapolsky recommends prevention–learning to recognize the signs of the stress response and to identify the situations that trigger it. His lucid text and not-to-be-overlooked footnotes are filled with delightful twists and turns, personal anecdotes, and nuggets of odd information–for instance, on voodoo death, Peter Pan, and the hunting skills of hyenas. Possessed of a lively intelligence, wide-ranging curiosity, and love of science, Sapolsky writes as though his readers share these traits. First-rate science for the nonscientist that’s certain to reduce stress–at least during the time spent reading it. (Forty- two illustrations–not seen) — Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
–This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Why don’t zebras get ulcers–or heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases–when people do? In a fascinating look at the science of stress, biologist Robert Sapolsky presents an intriguing case, that people develop such diseases partly because our bodies aren’t designed for the constant stresses of a modern-day life–like sitting in daily traffic jams or growing up in poverty. Rather, they seem more built for the kind of short-term stress faced by a zebra–like outrunning a lion.

With wit, graceful writing, and a sprinkling of Far Side cartoons, Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers makes understanding the science of stress an adventure in discovery. “This book is a primer about stress, stress-related disease, and the mechanisms of coping with stress. How is it that our bodies can adapt to some stressful emergencies, while other ones make us sick? Why are some of us especially vulnerable to stress-related diseases, and what does that have to do with our personalities?”

Sapolsky, a Stanford University neuroscientist, explores stress’s role in heart disease, diabetes, growth retardation, memory loss, and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. He cites tantalizing studies of hyenas, baboons, and rodents, as well as of people of different cultures, to vividly make his points. And Sapolsky concludes with a hopeful chapter, titled “Managing Stress.” Although he doesn’t subscribe to the school of thought that hope cures all disease, Sapolsky highlights the studies that suggest we do have some control over stress-related ailments, based on how we perceive the stress and the kinds of social support we have.
–This text refers to the

Perfect Paperback
edition.

Entertaining explanation of how stress affects the body and what we can do to counteract its effects. Sapolsky (a MacArthur Fellow who divides his time between teaching biological sciences and neuroscience at Stanford and conducting stress research on baboons in Kenya) makes a much- discussed topic seem fresh and new. Using humor, unexpected analogies, and offbeat examples (to illustrate how the brain sends messages to other parts of the body, he slips in a steamy passage from Lady Chatterley’s Lover), Sapolsky covers how the stress response affects the cardiovascular, digestive, reproductive, and immune systems; the body’s perception of pain; growth; and the aging process. He concludes with some words on how to cope with psychological stress–the type of stress that humans (unlike zebras) experience most often. He also cautions against the oversimplification of stress-reduction manuals, asserting that many suggested strategies–such as developing a sense of control, finding an outlet for your frustrations, and building a system of social support–can backfire. As a first line of defense against stress-related disease, Sapolsky recommends prevention–learning to recognize the signs of the stress response and to identify the situations that trigger it. His lucid text and not-to-be-overlooked footnotes are filled with delightful twists and turns, personal anecdotes, and nuggets of odd information–for instance, on voodoo death, Peter Pan, and the hunting skills of hyenas. Possessed of a lively intelligence, wide-ranging curiosity, and love of science, Sapolsky writes as though his readers share these traits. First-rate science for the nonscientist that’s certain to reduce stress–at least during the time spent reading it. (Forty- two illustrations–not seen) — Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
–This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

These are the three best opportunities to become a more effective professional. We’re all called upon at meetings and in documents every day to clearly communicate ideas, report on past achievements and persuade others into effective action. Here are 50 easy-to-implement suggestions for how to make all your communications more powerful. Learn how to put new communication strategies in place right away and then come back for new skills over time.

“Softball: Steps to Success is an exceptional resource for teaching the fundamental skills of softball, whether in a physical education class setting or in a more competitive environment. The authors provide a comprehensive breakdown of each skill and tactic, drills for improving execution, and final challenges to augment development. It’s a must-have resource for the softball enthusiast!”

BJ Ferguson
Head Softball Coach, University of Delaware
Associate Professor

Improve your play at the plate, on the base paths, and in the field by mastering the essentials of the game. Softball: Steps to Success offers a comprehensive, progressive approach that combines in-depth instruction, crisp illustrations, and 127 drills. Any player can become fundamentally sound and be ready to take the field.

You’ll find detailed instruction on every individual skill necessary for success in the game: catching, throwing, fielding, pitching, hitting, and baserunning. This updated edition also includes these features:

• Responsibilities of each position on the field and every batter in the lineup
• Offensive and defensive tactics for specific game situations
• Emphasis on the short game, covering five types of bunts and the running slap hit
• An expanded section on pitching that includes seven types of pitches for modified-pitch, slow-pitch, and fastpitch games
• Skill-development drills with assessment scoring systems to gauge progress along the way

Hits, runs, putouts, and double plays are at your fingertips. With Softball: Steps to Success, part of the popular Steps to Success Sports Series that has sold more than 1.2 million copies, your performance on the diamond will shine.