Pms: An Answer

Although PMS is brought on by a chemical change in the body triggered by the release of hormones prior to menstruation, the makers of this program almost succeed in undermining this simple fact by tossing in everything but the kitchen sink and tying it in to Pre-Menstrual Syndrome. Hosted by Ashley Gardner, this too-comprehensive program features the "Harris PMS Program," the core of which is a relaxation, visualization, and "endorphin release technique" self-massage, which is designed to stimulate the release of endorphin (the body's natural pain-killer) into the bloodstream. After discussing the symptoms and medical history of PMS, the "ERT" is demonstrated. The considerable balance of the program is given over to general guidelines for healthy living. Although the term "PMS" crops up throughout, it's a bit difficult to relate PMS with time-management, for example. You make a list of duties, cross each one off as it is completed, and reward yourself with a goodie when you're done. Huh? Or how about "avoid snacks," "eat three meals a day," limit "red meat, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, salt, dairy products," and "exercise regularly"? So what's going to happen when you become a vegetarian, Perrier-drinking, Nautilus-using, Redwood forest visualizing "healthy" woman? In my completely unprofessional opinion, you won't have to wait until your period for symptoms of PMS, you'll be ready to tear the head off of anybody in your general vicinity most any time of the month. This is a "well-meaning wellness" item, but then again so are the pamphlets at your local doctor's and those are free. Still, with the rash of books on the subject, libraries may want to consider this extremely scattered approach to dealing with PMS. (Available from: Saba Corporation, P.O. Box 564, Carlsbad, CA 92008.)