First Year

The first year of the Dental Hygiene Program has been nothing short of transformative. This journey has not only equipped me with the technical knowledge and clinical skills necessary for my future career-it has also shaped me into a more resilient, compassionate, and self-aware individual. As the saying goes, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," and I can confidently say that this past year was that all-important first step in my professional and personal evolution. When I began the program, I underestimated the depth and intensity of what lay ahead. I viewed it as just another academic pursuit-similar to those I had undertaken in the past. But it quickly became clear that this was an entirely different kind of experience. The rigorous curriculum demanded a level of focus and commitment unlike anything I had known before. It challenged me intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually, compelling me to grow in ways I hadn't anticipated. That growth is what inspired me to share this story-not just as a reflection, but as a source of encouragement for others.

The number of people infected with the Hepatitis C virus has risen to a staggering 200 million worldwide, yet there is surprisingly little information available to the public about this silent epidemic. Cara Bruce and Lisa Montanarelli, both of whom live with Hepatitis C and have become experts on the condition, guide those newly diagnosed step-by-step through the first year following diagnosis. They provide crucial information about the nature of the disease, treatment options, diet, exercise, the myriad of emotional issues that accompany the diagnosis, and much more. The First Year-Hepatitis C will be an invaluable guide for everyone struggling to rebuild their lives after a Hepatitis C diagnosis. Cara Bruce is an accomplished writer who has served as senior editor for three online magazines and has edited three fiction anthologies. Her work has appeared on Salon.com and in the San Francisco Bay Guardian, and more than a dozen anthologies. She was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 2000.

Heart disease is the nation's leading health crisis, affecting more than 25.6 million Americans and causing 650,000 deaths each year. A longtime health editor, Lawrence Chilnick was stunned when he suffered a heart attack at age 48-but assumed his medications would take care of the condition. They didn't. Five years later, Chilnick needed a quadruple bypass. At that point, he set out to turn his life around by educating himself on all aspects of this life-threatening disease. Now, in this major addition to the bestselling The First Year series (over 250,000 copies sold), Chilnick shares his story and expert, step-by-step advice for coping with heart conditions. With information on lowering cholesterol, losing weight, reducing stress, and related concerns from high blood pressure to diabetes, this guide is a must-have resource.