How to Be Well: A handbook for women

by Dr Karen Coates, Sharon Kolkka

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.    Women today face a dilemma. How do we juggle our busy, demanding lives and never-ending to-do lists, with the essential need for self-care? We’re overwhelmed, frustrated, exhausted and either ignoring or oblivious to the signs of burnout. It’s time for change.   In this personal yet comprehensive handbook, two of Australia’s leading voices in women’s health and wellness, integrative medicine specialist Dr Karen Coates and renowned wellness advocate Sharon Kolkka, will help you find your way back to optimal physical, mental and emotional health.   From helping you recognise and understand your current state of wellbeing – by giving you the insight to discern whether you’re thriving, surviving or depleted – Dr Karen and Sharon will guide you, step by step, through their innovative five-pillared approach to wellness and a personal health audit to empower you along your path to better energy, vitality and stress resilience.   Their advice goes beyond what you’ve heard in a regular doctor’s office. How to Be Well uncovers integrative solutions that will resonate with your unique lifestyle and motivate the short-term and long-term changes you can make to maximise wellbeing.   If you are looking to maintain your health, vitality and age gracefully, this book is for you.   If you are overtired, overstretched and over it, stressed, exhausted or feel like your life is lacking in joy, this book is for you.   No matter which stage of life you are at, How to Be Well contains the information you need to take charge of your health and wellness. It’s for all women who want to be more resilient and live a full, vital life. Every woman deserves to be well.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

464 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2022

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will not finish this. I got to 22%. I will not snack on coconut, I won't buy organic, it's just too expensive and my eating habits are probably too ingrained to change.

This book would be suitable to many people, but it's pretty hardcore (to moi).

These doctors are well informed, and I have no doubt they both run good clinics with good hands-on advice and care.

One of the author's voices is a little off.

I believe things like in the suburbs such as where I live, it's going to be pretty tricky to buy locally and to know where meat is sourced and farmed ethically. Now I feel bad this is another fail. Grrr. No farmer's market around here. I didn't think my non-organic food was poisoned. Another fail!

I just closed hearing this:
Think of your stomach as a baby, it can only cope with purees rather than a stirfry. Meat requires more chewing than vegetables. Avoid water 20 minutes before, during and after eating to help improve digestion. Drink sufficient filtered water each day, just separate from meals. Drink 5 ml of apple cider vinegar each morning on an empty stomach to help break down food. Look for the mother when purchasing.
I am always the first to say I am easily confused. I don't even know what that means.

For good dental hygiene, rinse your mouth well with water after swallowing lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Top tip put your knife fork or spoon down between each mouthful only pick up your cutlery once that mouthful has been chewed properly and swallowed.

This is making me tired.

And mindful eating? Eye rolls now. No canned foods and make sure your oil is organic.

[Sian Santiago · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some useful information and I enjoyed the quizzes within it that encouraged me to reflect upon my daily habits. However, the pitching of health solutions including eating organically and testing your genes seem to be pitched specifically towards people within the bourgeoisie.

This was only sometimes practical for the average person. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this but was quite disappointed. This feels like it was written for rich women as who else could afford to only eat organic and not purchase any food in plastic or can containers. There was some interesting stuff but they lost me when they started advocating for a sugar-free life.

[Aletha Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I needed right at this moment. I love how the book involves you with quizzes and specific information tailored to your personal situation. A great book for any woman who wants to take control of their everyday mindset and health

[Vanja Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can tell which chapters are written by the doctor versus the naturopath. Don't pay attention to the latter, at one point she literally says fluoride in water is bad. Elsewhere, there is some very interesting information about genes and hormones.

Definitely written for a wealthy / upper middle class audience ... in the exercise chapter they at one point suggest that if you have an injury, you should consult with a physio and private health insurance will most likely cover. How about the fact that medicare covers 10 physio visits a year? No point mentioning that, this book ain't for the bulk-billing poors.

The intro talks extensively about how women are overworked and having to do too much and this is burning them out and contributing to poor health. But then the nutrition chapter overwhelms you by basically saying to never buy processed food or get takeaway and to make everything from scratch. Thank you for the practical advice Sharon!!!

[Becky Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book for the second time! Super useful information about health and well being :)

[Kellie Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book sat on my bedside table, partially read for over a year. Initially I was very excited to explore the five pillars of health and to gain more understanding about ways in which I can be proactive about maintaining or improving my own health and wellbeing. The book is immediately engaging with short quizzes and practical suggestions for ways to improve health in many aspects of life. Have I embraced these changes in my life, however? Some, yes, but for the majority I would say I am muddling through just as before. I have read other reviews condemning the book for being targeted at wealthier women or too OTT in its suggestions. Just as stated in the subtitle, this book is a handbook. Sure, it can be read cover to cover, but that might become a little overwhelming. I think it’s best utilised as something one dips in and out of as required, taking small snippets and applying to oneself as needed. In this way I would definitely consider it useful.

[Mel Sweeney (mels.bookshelf_) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well rounded book arming women with knowledge on how to improve the ‘5 pillars of health’ and make a positive impact on their wellness. The book takes a holistic look at health and wellness, covering everything from healthy eating, exercise, good sleep hygiene, hormone health, lifestyle and environmental impacts, and relationships. Every woman will get something out of this book!

I have to admit that by the last chapter I felt a bit of doom and gloom and helplessness about the state of the environment and the impact on our health. Reading about all the awful things that are in our water, air, chemicals leaching from plastics surrounding our food, it was all a bit disheartening. But on reflection I was also grateful for the knowledge and the fact that it made me think about this area of my own life.

I love the overall message that health and wellness is in your control, and you can make small changes to optimise your health. It’s not about getting a quick fix medication to treat a symptom, but looking at what lifestyle or dietary changes might make a lasting impact on your health. I wish more doctors were like Dr Karen Coates, I think we would be a much healthier nation!

[Giovanna Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, easy to understand, comprehensive. I've put a few more tests to ask my Dr to do after reading this book, and it also helped me understand my periods/hormones - nothing my Dr's ever helped or educated me about. I like the alternative options given (not just about throwing drugs at you). Will I take them all on? No, but that's ok, I appreciate the options. Well thought out, for women at any age (I'm early 50's). I learnt something!! Oooh and I appreciate the Australian perspective. Refreshing to have some local content.

[Mon Gilham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really valuable questions and thought-provoking information present in this "handbook." Did recommend to friends and enjoyed the trading of ideas and discussion that caused. Is definitely the kind of thing to come back to over the years and find different parts more/less relevant depending on your lifestyle choices, bad habits, diet preferences, fitness/health practices at any particular time.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this! A good summary of ‘how to be well’ with suggestions based on how you currently rank in terms of healthiness!

[Lizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well evidenced and referenced book. I enjoyed the overall layout and design and it made the content easier to read.

[Tegan Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is actually informative, but incredibly repetitive. If you have a basic understanding of nutrition and general health I would recommend something else.

[Keely Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good health guide. I found the information helpful.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful as a motivation, generally informative, a bit repetitive and occasionally a bit out there.

[Victoria Figueroa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has saved me.