Get Your Oomph Back

Reviewed by a patient, on behalf of The Breast Centre, Cardiff and Vale UHB: This book is accessible from the minute you pick it up – its cover, clear layout and excellent indexing encourage you to open it and investigate further. In the introduction, you will discover that the author, Carolyn Garritt, is extremely well qualified to talk on the subject of exercise both professionally and personally. This book is very credible. The topics covered are wide ranging, from overcoming barriers to exercise after cancer, to practical advice on when and how much to exercise and I found the depth of detail appropriate for a book of this sort. Carolyn includes sufficient information to back up her recommendations and suggestions but not so much as to distract from the key message or to overwhelm. There are comprehensive references for further reading for those that require, as well as a useful appendix of national and regional cancer support organisations. The tone of the book is practical, encouraging and positive and the case studies add a personal angle, showing the difference that exercise can make to individuals. All the exercises suggested in the book are accompanied by clear photographs. I found the information on exercise as prehab as well as in treatment and prevention of lymphoedema particularly interesting. In conclusion I highly recommend this book for anyone who is at any point on the cancer journey. You will find something useful for your particular situation.