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The Art of Getting Well: A Five-Step Plan for Maximizing Health When You Have a Chronic Illness
A majority of chronic illnesses have no medical cure. The best therapy, asserts the author, is self-care. This comprehensive guide suggests healthy behaviors and holistic approaches while acknowledging the barriers people face in applying them.
- GenresHealthNonfiction
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2002
3 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 10, 2008
One reviewer mentioned that the authors writes in a chatty tone--that's an accurate description. I found this book insightful and useful for helping me get on track to recovering and caring for myself, as well as preventing future relapses. The author recommends useful tips for recovering from an illness: put your life before your illness, listen to your body, conserve your energy for healing, change the things that harm you, and get the help you need. His recommendations come from what's worked for patients, friends, family members, and a lit review of what other authors have written. Thanks to the tips in The Art of Getting Well, I feel better equipped to recognize when I feel stressed, to calm myself down in a soothing way, to recognize the signs and ask for help when I need it, and visualize healing and becoming the healthy person I want to be, to honoring myself by putting myself first without negatively impacting others. This is a book I will keep on my shelves to reflect upon for years to come.
December 5, 2013
The author writes in friendly, inclusive, and easy to understand language. Whatever illness or chronic pain you are approaching the material with, he is mindful as to which parts will be more/less useful to you. There were whole sections I highlighted and read to my partner, who has not approached the subject before. I learned things too, and I appreciated not be bombarded by endless self help action items. Let me say there is a lot to think about here, and one chapter of applicable action items at the end of the book. If you're serious about wanting better coping strategies, try reading this book.
May 29, 2025
I was surprised how much I liked this book. The tone is uplifting and practical, and the scope is remarkably comprehensive. Some with chronic illness will be too limited to do some of the things the author suggests - it seems aimed more at those who are still able to work and even live alone - there are ideas here for everyone, I think. To look at what I still CAN do and make the most of that is a much better attitude than falling into self pity and discouragement.
This book is written from a religiously neutral perspective, mentioning various belief systems while acknowledging that prayer and faith have been shown to help people. It also lands fairly mid-line as far as conventional vs alternative health care options, mentioning a wide variety of choices that have helped others. I don’t agree with everything but do feel like this is a uniquely helpful sort of manual to keep on hand.
This book is written from a religiously neutral perspective, mentioning various belief systems while acknowledging that prayer and faith have been shown to help people. It also lands fairly mid-line as far as conventional vs alternative health care options, mentioning a wide variety of choices that have helped others. I don’t agree with everything but do feel like this is a uniquely helpful sort of manual to keep on hand.
February 9, 2013
Did you know that in 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that nearly half of all Americans – 133 million – suffered from at least one chronic health condition? Sadly, things are not improving. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects that by 2020, 157 million Americans will be chronically ill. It is anticipated that those numbers will swell to 171 million by 2030.
If you currently live with a chronic health condition, it is imperative that you surround yourself with people and resources that offer hope, encouragement, and sound advice. That’s why I’d like to share a book that can make a huge difference in your outlook and the quality of your life!
The Art of Getting Well by David Spero, R.N was written to provide those who are chronically ill and the people who care for them with an empowering wellness tool. This book is filled with information that will help you to take better care of yourself and to get the help and support you need on your journey towards wellness.
One reason this book is so useful is that the author understands what it’s like to deal with chronic illness from both a medical and patient perspective. David has worked as a nurse for 35 years, and lived with M.S. for 25 years!
David believes:
No matter how difficult our lives, how blocked and defeated we seem, there is always a way forward.
It is our responsibility to minimize the damage and maximize our well-being.
When life makes us sick, we can fight back with self-care. We can change the conditions that injure us and adapt to the things we cannot change.
In The Art of Getting Well, David recommends a five-step plan to help maximize our health as we head down the road to recovery:
•Slow down.
•Make a change.
•Get help.
•Value your body and your life.
•Grow up.
Throughout the book, David expounds upon each of these steps and shows us how to put together a personal self-care plan.
What I like most about this book is that David is optimistic yet realistic; encouraging yet practical. He provides hope – but never false hope. At no time does David lead the reader to believe that implementing these steps will result in some miraculous cure. Instead, he writes:
Getting well or overcoming illness doesn’t necessarily mean cure, and it doesn’t mean living forever. Nor does it mean a list of dos and don’ts, pills to take, and foods to avoid.
It means improving our condition and gradually making our lives happier, more fulfilling.
How much our health improves depends on the severity of our illness, the conditions of our lives, and the internal and external resources we can bring to bear.
How much better we feel depends mostly on us.
I found David’s insights and experiences with maximizing health in the face of chronic illness invaluable; I read this book with red pen in hand.
If you are looking for a resource that will aid you in your quest to living a happier and more fulfilling life, even in the face of chronic illness – by all means, get this book!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review or required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
If you currently live with a chronic health condition, it is imperative that you surround yourself with people and resources that offer hope, encouragement, and sound advice. That’s why I’d like to share a book that can make a huge difference in your outlook and the quality of your life!
The Art of Getting Well by David Spero, R.N was written to provide those who are chronically ill and the people who care for them with an empowering wellness tool. This book is filled with information that will help you to take better care of yourself and to get the help and support you need on your journey towards wellness.
One reason this book is so useful is that the author understands what it’s like to deal with chronic illness from both a medical and patient perspective. David has worked as a nurse for 35 years, and lived with M.S. for 25 years!
David believes:
No matter how difficult our lives, how blocked and defeated we seem, there is always a way forward.
It is our responsibility to minimize the damage and maximize our well-being.
When life makes us sick, we can fight back with self-care. We can change the conditions that injure us and adapt to the things we cannot change.
In The Art of Getting Well, David recommends a five-step plan to help maximize our health as we head down the road to recovery:
•Slow down.
•Make a change.
•Get help.
•Value your body and your life.
•Grow up.
Throughout the book, David expounds upon each of these steps and shows us how to put together a personal self-care plan.
What I like most about this book is that David is optimistic yet realistic; encouraging yet practical. He provides hope – but never false hope. At no time does David lead the reader to believe that implementing these steps will result in some miraculous cure. Instead, he writes:
Getting well or overcoming illness doesn’t necessarily mean cure, and it doesn’t mean living forever. Nor does it mean a list of dos and don’ts, pills to take, and foods to avoid.
It means improving our condition and gradually making our lives happier, more fulfilling.
How much our health improves depends on the severity of our illness, the conditions of our lives, and the internal and external resources we can bring to bear.
How much better we feel depends mostly on us.
I found David’s insights and experiences with maximizing health in the face of chronic illness invaluable; I read this book with red pen in hand.
If you are looking for a resource that will aid you in your quest to living a happier and more fulfilling life, even in the face of chronic illness – by all means, get this book!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review or required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
October 23, 2016
This book has a lot of helpful insights and suggestions about living with a chronic illness. I came away with some new ideas and actions to take to make my life easier. Well worth reading if you are suffering with a long-term chronic illness as I am.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2009
Not very concrete and specific, but inspiring by the choices of words at times all the same.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews