Cardiac Champs was selected as an award winning Finalist in the "Best Books 2010" Awards sponsored by USA Book News. It is a self-help book that teaches people with heart disease, particularly heart attack survivors, how to live a healthy, vigorous, happy life while effectively managing the emotional turmoil that so often accompanies heart disease. Dr. McConnell's doctoral degree in counselling psychology from McGill University and his personal history with heart disease give him a unique perspective into the psychological effects of living with heart disease; a perspective that he says is noticeably absent in treating the disease. He thinks the huge emphasis placed on such things as smoking cessation, cholesterol levels and prescription drugs is often at the expense of important psychosocial issues. He claims the real struggle comes with fighting anxiety, anger, lifestyle disruptions, and for many, insomnia-all of which are discussed in depth in Cardiac Champs. Dr. McConnell wisely uses humour and optimism to avoid any cathartic outpouring as he maps out his program to conquer anger, chronic worry, panic attacks and the perpetual fear of death. Even his treatment of traditional heart health issues such as diet and exercise is rather novel as he emphasizes choice and variety over authoritarian medical prescriptions. His unique perspective certainly comes through loud and clear when he discusses his approach to physicians, "They are consultants not managers"; to alcohol, "Enjoy your beer"; and to anger, "Don't get angry, don't get mad, and don't get even". Cardiac Champs is a must read for anyone interested in adopting a realistic plan to control the "emotional luggage" so often associated with the various forms of heart disease.
A Primer For Old Guys is a comprehensive lifestyle guide that offers older men a practical strategy for maximizing their full potential. Dr. McConnell hits all the right buttons with his lifestyle plan which is designed to empower the reader to control his own destiny. The Primer is an informative read which is rich in research, engaging in tone, optimistic in spirit, and realistic in outlook. The author's unique sense of humour and can-do attitude clearly show he's a guy who walks the talk and enjoys every moment doing so.Dr. McConnell offers up an accessible and engaging read that provides challenging exercise routines, a few fashion tips, easy-to-prepare meal recipes and professional insight on managing relationships with spouses, children and grandchildren. It is a fun read designed to help you think smart, remain healthy, have fun and feel happy without ignoring the fact that you are getting older. Written by an old guy, for old guys, this book outlines how to take charge of your life and lifestyle in a rewarding way as you age. It provides a practical, meticulously-researched strategy to approach the inevitable changes we all go through as we age. A Primer for Old Guys doesn't attempt to tell you how to live or promise a formula that will stop the inevitable ageing process, but acts as a guide and resource to help you determine the lifestyle that will facilitate your happiness.
Cardiac Champs is a self-help book that teaches people with heart disease, particularly heart attack survivors, how to live a healthy, vigorous, happy life while effectively managing the emotional turmoil that so often accompanies heart disease. This second edition of the award winning Finalist in the 2010 USA Book News Awards includes significant enhancement of the chapters on nutrition and exercise along with further suggestions to help you effectively navigate the medical system. Dr. McConnell's doctoral degree in counselling psychology from McGill University and his personal history with heart disease give him a unique perspective into the psychosocial effects of living with heart disease; a perspective he says is noticeably absent in treating the disease. He thinks the huge emphasis placed on such things as smoking cessation, cholesterol levels and prescription drugs is often at the expense of important psychosocial issues. He claims the real struggle comes with fighting anxiety and anger, trying to alter unhealthy eating patterns, coping with lifestyle disruptions, and for many, insomnia: all of which are discussed in depth in Cardiac Champs. Dr. McConnell wisely uses humour and optimism to avoid any cathartic outpouring as he maps out his program to conquer anger, chronic worry, panic attacks, poor eating habits and the perpetual fear of death. Even his treatment of traditional heart health issues such as diet and exercise is rather novel as he emphasizes choice and variety over authoritarian medical prescriptions. His unique perspective certainly comes through loud and clear when he discusses his approach to physicians, 'They are consultants not managers;' to alcohol, 'Enjoy your beer;' and to anger, 'Don't get angry, don't get mad, and don't get even.' Cardiac Champs is a must read for anyone interested in adopting a realistic plan to control the 'emotional luggage' so often associated with the various forms of heart disease.REVIEWS"He begins the book by addressing the heart attack survivor's loved ones, as if they've just arrived mid-crisis at the hospital. He simply and effectively walks them through what to expect in the emergency room, then in the intensive care unit"Vancouver Sun & Ottawa Citizen"His book gives practical advice and exercises about how to deal with anxiety. That includes a two week chart that reinforces the idea that these (i.e.anxiety symptoms) are things that aren't that dangerous."St. Catherines Standard & Simcoe Reformer "Unlike most books on heart attack recovery, Cardiac Champs is packed with practical guidance for dealing with the psychological trauma most heart attack survivors experience."The Valley Breeze"By 1986, the year after his second heart attack, McConnell had used his background as a psychologist to reinvent himself from a "cardiac survivor" to a "cardiac champ."The Observer & Sault Star"(a) book full of great advice for cardiac survivors.......given the rate of heart disease in Canada, it's a book that should be in wide circulation"The Calgary Herald & Windsor Star"This focus on the mental and emotional aspects of recovery is unique. Indeed, the entire book is marked by innovation. It is even evident in the chapters concerned with traditional heart health issues such as diet and exercise."usabooknews.com"An emotional take on heart disease.......retired psychologist says physical factors are vitally important, but don't overlook the mental issues."Delta Optimist "Dr. Larry McConnell's style is excellently suited towards motivational studies, and will teach students the material clearly without overcomplicating the subject."BookRenter.com "McConnell, who outlines 'systematic' steps to serenity in his book,".... includes The Anger Barometer, "an anger questionnaire designed to help people recognize the emotion so hurtful to themselves and others."Halifax Chronicle Herald
Dr. McConnell's book is a helpful guide for older men and women seeking to maximize their physical potential as they age. The Seniors' Workout offers a systematic fitness program that addresses the unique conditioning needs of people over the age of sixty. Its series of stretches, exercises and aerobic activity touch the key determinants influencing the physical capacities of seniors as they age. The focus is on helping them to maintain flexibility, strength, balance and aerobic capacity.The Seniors' Workout includes more than twenty-five stretches that were selected to maintain flexibility throughout the body and facilitate ongoing balance. Special attention is given to the neck, wrists, back, knees and feet along with specific movements to improve balance.The strengthening exercises are age appropriate with the emphasis on developing and maintaining functional strength rather than bulging muscles. This segment includes a variety of routines with eight-pound barbells where particular attention is given to the wrists, arms and shoulders.Aerobic exercise is a key component of the workout program. The advantages and disadvantages are outlined for seven different kinds of aerobic activity.The Seniors' Workout includes demonstration pictures for each stretch and exercise to ensure correct positioning and form. It also lends itself to any number of adjustments to suit individual needs. An added feature is the ease with which the program can be carried out in your own home. Most important of all, it is fun.
