Although the number of strokes that occur annually continues to increase, up to 75 percent of them could be prevented if symptoms were accurately diagnosed and current treatment options applied, says Spence, director of the Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre at the Robarts Research Institute. And in his book, he aims to provide all the information that at-risk patients need to understand the underlying causes of strokes, risk factors and remedies, from diet and exercise to drugs and surgery. He discusses well-known risks (smoking, alcohol, a diet high in saturated fat, diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels) and those that have more recently come to light (genetics, vitamin deficiencies, infections, stress). While Spence's style tends to be dry and technical, readers will likely glean insights not provided by their own doctors (the adverse effects of decongestants and appetite suppressants on blood pressure; the importance of arterial management after symptoms are under control). Recipes for a variety of delicious dishes based on the typical Mediterranean and Asian diet (barley stuffed peppers, pad thai noodles, Singapore chow mein fun and vegetarian paella, etc.) are among the most attractive elements of Spence's effort and could persuade confirmed carnivores to choose vegetarian meals more often. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Spence (neurology & clinical pharmacology, Univ. of Western Ontario; director, Stroke Prevention & Atherosclerosis Research Ctr., Robards Research Inst.) offers a well-organized and engaging narrative with just the right amount of information to help readers make informed decisions regarding cardiovascular disease prevention. Arranged in two parts, the book gives the impression that the author is involved in a discussion with the reader. Spence presents preventative measures in a matter-of-fact, nonjudgmental manner that sustains interest. He closes with a short list of his favorite cookbooks and easy-to-make recipes. Libraries that purchase Hubbard's book should consider complementing it with titles on the physiology of stress and its effect on health as well as titles providing practice guidelines for dealing with stress (see Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and David R. Shlim's Medicine and Compassion). Spence's book is highly recommended for all consumer health and public libraries. Howard Fuller, Stanford Health Lib., Palo Alto, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.