Blood Pressure Down - The Ten Step Plan by Janet Bond Brill, Ph.D. D, R.D., LDN

This should be a hand-out in every doctor’s office when someone is diagnosed with high blood pressure. Blood Pressure Down is divided into 2 parts. The first section is entitled “Everything you Need to Know about High Blood Pressure and Your Health” – and that is exactly what it delivers. It fully explains the condition and how it can cause other serious problems. Part 2 is a ten-step plan to lower your blood pressure. This includes diet, exercise, supplements and weight loss. There are 8 appendices that follow with progress charts, checklists, meal plans, recipes and more. Having been through four home blood pressure monitors that just were not accurate enough to depend on, I was very pleased with the information included in this book about an organization (and their website) that tests and rates all of the different BP monitors. I chose an inexpensive recommended model and I finally had very accurate readings for a home model. I’m not likely to follow the strict diet with fish, soy and tofu and beans of all types, but there is enough included that I can make important changes to my diet and make a difference. I am adding the supplements, using other tips and fully expect good results.

My First Noah’s Ark Playtime by Lois Rock and illustrated by Alex Ayliffe

Link for My First Noah's Ark Playtime at Amazon

This is a fun little workbook for young children.  The book has a very basic description of the flood, ark, and bringing the animals in.  There are two full pages of stickers that belong on various pages throughout the book. Rainy day activities are also discussed. There is one page with a recipe for baking on a rainy day, but it doesn't tell you what the recipe is for on that page. After reading the next page, you find that it is a gingerbread type cookie shaped like an ark that you cut by hand.  It was just a little awkward in its placement.  There is a matching game and a board-type game in which you make dice-type tiles with cardboard. 

It is a cute book that would be nice for a Sunday School Class or Vacation Bible School, but at only 16 pages, I don’t think it has enough to make it a book that a child would be able to use more than a few times.

I received a review copy of this book in return for an honest and fair review.  I provide a link to Amazon.com to purchase the book, but it is only as a courtesy and I receive no compensation if purchased.