Awake at Work or Reversing Hypertension

Awake at Work: 35 Practical Buddhist Principles for Discovering Clarity and Balance in the Midst of Work's Chaos

Author: Michael Carroll

Work can often be frustrating. On the job we frequently face conflicts, difficult personalities, disappointing results—a variety of challenges and obstacles. In this unique book Michael Carroll, a Buddhist meditation teacher and a corporate executive, shares Buddhist wisdom on how to transform the common hassles and anxieties of life in the workplace into valuable opportunities for personal growth, heightened wisdom, and enhanced effectiveness. Carroll shows us how life on the job—no matter what kind of work we do—can become one of the most engaging and fulfilling areas of our lives.

At its heart, Awake at Work offers thirty-five principles for developing a new way of relating to work that is characterized by honesty, openness, courage, maturity, and endless learning. By contemplating these principles on a regular basis in the context of our daily work lives, we can begin to explore and overturn the misconceptions and mental habits that keep many of us in a state of constant frustration and dissatisfaction on the job.

Carroll invites readers to contemplate these slogans and to use them on-the-spot, in the midst of work's chaos, to develop clarity, wisdom, and inspiration. Along the way, Carroll presents a variety of techniques and insights to help us "acknowledge work, with all its complications, as a valuable invitation to fully live our lives." In an engaging, accessible, and often humorous style, Awake at Work offers readers a path to rediscovering a natural sense of intelligence, confidence, and delight on the job.

Publishers Weekly

Carroll, a businessman and graduate of a Buddhist seminary, brings the sitting cushion into the boardroom with this collection of teachings designed to illuminate the power that mindfulness-"being somewhere completely"-can have at work. By surrendering to the moment, one becomes "alert, open, and unusually skillful," and in this way, Carroll asserts, "our work actually becomes our spiritual path." In brief, accessible chapters, Carroll expounds some 35 slogans designed to be both fodder for meditation and mnemonic devices for when that particular message can help the most, during an opportune moment at work. Many of the slogans are catchy, and their teachings are pointed and easy to recall: "Welcome the tyrant" helps one to disarm a cranky boss; "Avoid idiot compassion" reminds one to eschew giving merely superficial help. But other slogans are more obscure and their teachings more convoluted: "Study the six confusions" and "Extend the four composures." Carroll relates the spiritual principles to practical business settings-such as cherishing the "small boredom" of an elevator ride-and casual readers will gain some helpful tips for handling their professional lives. Yet for the uninitiated, Carroll's simple mindfulness slogans may appear merely simplistic, leaving the slogans' greatest impact for those who already have some experience with-and faith in-the practice of mindfulness training. (Sept.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Book review:

Reversing Hypertension: A Vital New Program to Prevent, Treat, and Reduce High Blood Pressure

Author: Julian M Whitaker

It Strikes One in four Americans Without Warning... it triples your risk of dying from a heart attack...it increases your risk of stroke sevenfold...it can lead to kidney disease, diabetes, and blindness...and to fight it, you may be taking expensive -- and dangerous -- drugs. Now Dr. Julian Whitaker, a leading champion of nutritional medicine unleashes a new weapon in the war against hypertension. His simple yet dramatically effective plan offers: a comprehensive program of diet, exercise, nutritional supplements, and stress management -- to replace or cut down your dependence on medication. Dr. Whitaker's Quick Start Diet -- to decrease dangerously high blood pressure fast. over 30 easy recipes for delicious, low-fat, healthy eating. custom-tailored exercises, from simple stretching to extensive walking regimens. tips on how to properly balance your salt intake and drink more water -- hypertension's most overlooked remedy. important information on inexpensive mineral supplements, EDTA chelation and EECP therapies, and much more.

Publishers Weekly

Offering a practical and engaging guide for anyone fighting high blood pressure, Whitaker (Reversing Diabetes, etc.), founder of the Whitaker Wellness Institute in Newport Beach, Calif., clearly explains what causes hypertension, how it's diagnosed and how to treat it. He focuses not just on the obvious causes, including poor diet and stress, but on lesser known factors such as thyroid problems and insulin resistance. Whitaker devotes the second half of the book to his program, which includes a regimen of diet and exercise along with consumption of vitamins and supplements, including garlic and Vitamin E. For those with dangerously high blood pressure, he advocates a two-week diet of vegetables, fruit and rice--a radical approach recommended only for severely ill patients. Most people with hypertension are able to eat a well-rounded, varied diet that is low in salt and includes very little dairy. Whitaker provides a list of fruits and vegetables permitted on his diet as well as a brief appendix of selected recipes. This is an informative and useful book for anyone who wants to control blood pressure primarily through diet and supplements rather than prescription medicine. (Feb.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

Factually accurate with current statistics, this work spends two-thirds of its time providing a consumer-level explanation of hypertension along with its dangers, need for management, and standard treatment plans and one-third describing the author's personal philosophy. Throughout, Whitaker stresses the importance of consulting with a doctor before making any changes to one's treatment plan, activities, and/or diet; however his own suggestions range from drinking plenty of water and exercising to reducing stress by using alternative therapies such as yoga and changing one's diet. He frequently mentions nutritional supplements and the Whitaker Wellness Institute he founded. Michael Prichard contributes a well-paced, accent-free reading. Recommended for public and patient libraries.-Laurie Selwyn, Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Table of Contents:

	Acknowledgments	xi
	Introduction	xiii
Part I	Hypertension and Its Related Risks	1
Chapter 1	Hypertension: Action Alert	5
	Measuring Blood Pressure	7
	Making the Diagnosis	8
	Check and Recheck Your Blood Pressure	10
	What Do You Do if You Have Hypertension?	13
Chapter 2	Understanding Blood Pressure	15
	The Pump and Pipes of the Cardiovascular System	15
	Pump, Pipes, and Blood Pressure	19
	Blood Pressure: The Rest of the Story	21
	Two Types of Hypertension	25
Chapter 3	Heart Attacks, Strokes, and Other Hazards of Hypertension	28
	Hypertension Wears Out the Heart	29
	Top Risk Factor for Stroke	30
	Hypertension and Your Brain	31
	High Blood Pressure Increases Risk of Kidney Disease	32
	Atherosclerosis and Arteriosclerosis: Causes or Results of Hypertension?	33
Chapter 4	The Primary Causes of Hypertension	35
	Obesity and Hypertension Go Hand in Hand	36
	Dietary Factors Contributing to Hypertension	39
	Stop Smoking and Live Longer	44
	Excess Alcohol Consumption Drives Up Blood Pressure	46
	Chronic Stress and Blood Pressure	47
Chapter 5	Less Obvious Causes of Hypertension	49
	Drugs That Raise Blood Pressure	50
	High Blood Pressure as a Symptom of a Poisoned Planet	53
	Risk Factors Beyond Your Control	55
Chapter 6	Insulin Resistance: An Underlying Cause of Hypertension	61
	Understanding Insulin Resistance	64
	How Insulin Resistance Raises Blood Pressure	65
	Dietary Aspects of Insulin Resistance	65
	Obesity and Insulin Resistance	67
	Other Causes of Insulin Resistance	68
	Insulin Resistance, Cardiovascular Disease, and Diabetes	69
	What to Do About Insulin Resistance	70
Chapter 7	The Dangers of Antihypertensive Drugs	71
	All Drugs Have Side Effects	73
	Antihypertensive Drugs and Their Side Effects	74
	Diuretics Cause Nutrient Losses	75
	Beta-Blockers Weaken the Heart	78
	ACE Inhibitors Block the Formation of Angiotensin	80
	Calcium Channel Blockers Relax the Blood Vessels	82
	Other Drugs for Hypertension	84
	In Summary	86
Part II	Safe, Effective Natural Therapies for Hypertension	89
Chapter 8	Salt and Potassium: Dynamic Duo for Healthy Blood Pressure	93
	A Tale of Two Minerals	94
	The Power of Potassium	96
	How Much Sodium?	98
	Salt Sensitives, Beware	99
	How Do You Get the Potassium You Need?	100
	In Summary	103
Chapter 9	Magnesium, Calcium, and Other Beneficial Minerals	104
	Magnificent Magnesium	105
	Magnesium Protects Against Insulin Resistance	107
	Calcium, Hypertension, and Insulin Resistance	108
	Trace Minerals Against Hypertension	110
	In Summary	113
Chapter 10	Nutritional Supplements Against Hypertension	115
	Who Needs Nutritional Supplements?	117
	How Free Radicals Affect Blood Pressure	119
	Antioxidants for Your Cardiovascular System	120
	B-Complex Vitamins: Power Against Hypertension	125
	Essential Fatty Acids Help Normalize Blood Pressure	127
	Coenzyme Q10 for Hypertension	130
	Arginine: An Amino Acid for the Heart	131
	Herbs That Lower Blood Pressure	132
	Putting Together a Nutritional Supplement Program	135
Chapter 11	The Whitaker Wellness Diet for High Blood Pressure	138
	The DASH Study: Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension	140
	The Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet	141
	The Whitaker Wellness Diet for High Blood Pressure	146
	Glycemic Guidelines	152
	Let Diet Make a Difference in Your Life	155
	Your Guide to Eating Out	164
	In Summary	165
Chapter 12	The Hypertension-Water Connection	166
	The Hazards of Dehydration	167
	Another Reason to Avoid Diuretics	169
	Make Sure You Drink Enough Water	170
	Make Sure Your Water Is Clean	171
	In Summary	173
Chapter 13	Exercise Your Way to Healthier Blood Pressure	174
	How Exercise Reduces Blood Pressure	175
	Exercise Improves Insulin Resistance	177
	Don't Fear Exercise-Induced Hypertension	178
	Design Your Own Personalized Exercise Program	179
	How to Begin a Walking Program	181
	How to Make Exercise a Part of Your Life	185
	In Summary	187
Chapter 14	Reduce the Stress in Your Life--and Your Blood Pressure	189
	How Stress Raises Blood Pressure	190
	Chronic Stress and Hypertension	192
	Stress and "Pre-Hypertension"	193
	Tips on How to Manage Stress	194
	In Summary	204
Chapter 15	Additional Therapies for Hypertension	205
	EECP Dramatically Improves Circulation	206
	Reverse Atherosclerosis with EDTA Chelation Therapy	209
	Lower Blood Pressure the Ancient Chinese Way	211
	In Summary	212
Chapter 16	Get Started Now!	213
	Work with Your Physician	216
	Get Nutrition Insurance with Nutritional Supplements	216
	Balance Your Minerals	217
	Reduce Your Body Fat	217
	Stop These Unhealthy Habits	218
	Eat (Low-Glycemic), Drink (Water), and Be Healthy	218
	Exercise Your Body, Mind, and Spirit	219
	Try EECP, Chelation Therapy, and/or Acupuncture	219
	Congratulations on Your Commitment to Optimal Health	220
Appendix A	Antihypertensive Drugs	221
Appendix B	Keeping Track of Your Blood Pressure	224
Appendix C	The Whitaker Wellness Diet for High Blood Pressure: Two-Week Menu Plan and Recipes	225
Appendix D	How to Monitor Your Blood Pressure with a Sphygmomanometer	252
Appendix E	Resources	254
	Alternative Medicine Organizations	255
	Compounding Pharmacies	255
	Health Information	256
	Information on Specific Therapies	256
	Products	257
	Recommended Reading	257
	Glossary	259
	References	267
	Index	297