Collins Need to Know? – serie

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to get a good night’s sleep. With practical tips and advice throughout to make your progress easier.Do you have problems getting to sleep? Are you a fitful sleeper? Do you wake up feeling tired?You’re not alone. One in three Britons suffers from some kind of sleep disorder.This book provides a variety of personalised solutions for you to try, ranging from changes in behaviour to natural and orthodox treatments and techniques.Contents include: the science of sleep; assisting sleep; babies and children; work, rest and play; lifestyle and environment; ageing; overcoming sleep disorders.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to get your body back on track. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with colour photos and expert advice throughout.Alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, sugar, salt, wheat and dairy as well as pollution inside and out are all toxins and can wear your body down after a while.When you have a toxin overload, your body has to work extra hard to maintain its natural health, and this can materialise into illnesses that won’t go away, bloatedness, and general weariness.This book explains the science behind detoxing and how to achieve a successful detox which is right for you. The guide includes:1. What is detoxing?2. Why detox?3. Your body’s natural detox system4. Self-assessment to decide on the right plan for you5. Principles of detox diets6. Preparing for detox7. Detox plans8. Detox recipes9. Exercises

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to understand, record and interpret your dreams. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy two-colour format with expert tips and advice throughout.This is an easy-to-read, comprehensive guide for people looking to interpret and analyse their dreams. It looks at common dreams, and the more bizarre, teaching the dreamer to read between the lines, and control their dreams.The book starts with a history of dreams, looking at the Egyptians, Ancient Greeks and Chinese, among others, and moving on to Freud and Jung. It also looks at what happens when we sleep, why we dream, and what kind of dreams we have.The bulk of the book contains alphabetical list of people, animals, feelings and situations, as well as colours and shapes, that you might experience in your dreams, giving advice on interpreting them in the context of the dream as a whole.There is also a dream diary for the reader to record their dreams and explore possible meanings and links to other dreams, or events in their lives.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to understand what other people are really feeling – even before they do! To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with colour photos and expert advice throughout.If you cross your legs are you relaxed or tense? What does it mean if you stroke your chin? Do you know the meaning behind a friend lowering their eyebrows? Would you know how to greet an inhabitant of Greenland? How would you subliminally show ownership of your brand-new car or house?This book will answer all these questions and more. It’s fully illustrated with colour photographs which show hundreds of gestures, postures and `attitudes’.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to give first aid safely and with confidence. It comes in a handy format with colour illustrations and expert advice throughout.This invaluable first aid guide has been compiled by and with the advice of experts responsible for training the emergency services – fire, ambulance and police – to ensure its practical focus.It is easy to navigate and comes in a handy package, ready to provide a reassuring back-up when something goes wrong. Whether it is dressing a cut finger or giving the `kiss of life’, the guidance is there to ensure that first aid can be given safely and with confidence.Contents include: first aid basics; life-saving procedures; quick reference for emergencies; first aid equipment you need; how to dress wounds; how to move a victim safely; how to deal with more than 100 specific injuries and situations.

This one-stop practical guide will show how to understand the allergies of yourself, your family and your friends. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy two-colour format with expert tips and advice throughout.Food allergies are on the increase and are becoming more severe and complex. This is an easy-to-read guide that provides advice on living with a food allergy or intolerance and how to diagnose them.More specialist topics such as eating out and travelling are also included, as is an extensive chapter on food allergies in babies and children, who are considered to be one of the most at-risk groups.

This practical one-stop guide will show you how to understand the zodiac type of yourself, your partner and your frends.Want to know more about your family and friends? Worried whether your new partner is really compatible? Intrigued to know how you should handle that difficult Gemini at work?This fascinating introduction to the signs of the Zodiac and the characteristics they are believed to possess includes information on: appearance, behaviour and personality traits; celebrity star signs; compatibility with other star signs; how to use your astrological knowledge to handle those around you and get what you want.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to use neuro linguistic programming to improve your communication skills and quality of life. To make your progress easier, it comes with handy expert tips and advice throughout.This book gives a complete overview of the fascinating power of the mind, helping the individual to better not only their own life, but consequently the lives of others around them.Carolyn Boyes takes a straightforward approach to Neuro-Linguistic Programming, pointing out the benefits of adopting NLP in daily life and combining in-depth practical information with an upbeat, accessible approach.Contents include: key principles of NLP, its history and its increasing popularity; overcoming the jargon; practical applications of NLP in your professional and personal life; different models which will enable you to communicate more effectively; exercises, techniques and activities.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to maximise your chances of having a baby. To make your progress easier, it comes with handy expert tips and advice througout.Ian Greer has spent his career working with couples trying to conceive and knows exactly the kind of questions they want to know answers to: from the small ones, like 'Is it okay to have a bikini wax?' to the big ones, like 'How do we know which of these treatments is most likely to work for us?'In this book he explains:- the menstrual cycle, when you're most fertile and how often to have sex- understanding your hormones- what factors can prevent or reduce fertilization and conception- how to enhance your fertility, and what to do if you want to conceive. A healthy eating with some sample menu plans has been compiled in conjunction with a nutritionist- genetic issues and your own health issues to consider- everything you need to know about sperm and ovulation- complementary therapies such as acupuncture, lymphatic massage, hypnotherapy, Alexander technique, reflexology- myths and magic: fertility symbols and ancient rites- tests if you are having trouble conceiving- how to get the most out of your GP- how to overcome stress and other emotional blocks to pregnancy- PCOS, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages and other health issues- IVF, ICSI, DI, IUI, IUId, egg donation, semen freezing, FER, surrogate mothers- sources of information, further reading, support groups, and websites

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to run – for health, fitness or fun. To make your progress easier, it comes with handy expert advice throughout.Eager to start running? Want to run your first race? Or need to improve your speed and stamina? Collins need to know? Running is the one-stop guide to everything from setting a training plan to dealing with injury to keeping motivated.Written by experienced runner and journalist Alison Hamlett, this user-friendly and accessible introduction gives you all the information and advice you need, including:• How and why to make running part of your everyday life• Get from `can’t run’ to half-hour runner in six weeks• Warming up, cooling down and stretching• Planning your training – why hills help, why fartlek is fun• Fundamentals of sports nutrition• Running kit and training tools• The five most common running injuries and how to avoid them• Training schedules for every distance from 5K to marathon• Race-day tips• Ideas to take your running further – ultras, triathlons and adventure races• Directory of websites and further information

Understand the religion behind the headlines.Do you want to understand the world’s fastest-growing religion? Are you interested in knowing who Muhammad was and why he had such as lasting influence?This book, which features colour photographs throughout, is the essential overview for everyone who wants to understand what Islam is and what it means today.It includes:• The life of Muhammad• Understanding the Qur’an• Islam in history• What Muslims believe and do• Challenges facing Muslims todayThe only up-to-date illustrated guide to Islam, this book will be of interest to general readers and those studying Islam as part of Religious Studies GCSE and A-level.

A modern interpretation of the classic erotic text.The Kama Sutra’s revelations of the sensuous and erotic art of lovemaking have been unrivalled in the centuries since its creation. Here the key tenets of the Kama Sutra are re-interpreted for today’s lovers.From getting into the mood with massage to an extensive range of imaginative, fulfilling positions this guide covers everything you need to transform your sex life and discover deep sensual and spiritual harmony. Unlock the secrets of love positions and demonstrate creative erotic techniques.Contents include: introducing the Kama Sutra; getting in the mood; foreplay; sexual positions; fantasies; tantra and advanced sexual skills.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to prepare week-by-week for a relaxed and confident birth. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with colour photos and expert advice throughout.This book gives a complete overview of baby development through pregnancy and birth. Its combination of conventional mainstream and complementary medical info reflects the way most pregnant women approach their care today. There’s also plenty of information for the father-to-be.It is full of lots of quick tips and realistic info, so is practical and undaunting to use, but also includes web resources such as, for example, checking on specific tests or finding decent maternity clothes.Contents include: week by week overview; what to expect at appointments; eating well; exercising and relaxing; labour and birth; A-Z of common problems.

This practical step-by-step guide provides an ideal introduction to the exciting and fun world of cartooning, covering a wide range of cartoons, caricatures, comic strips and manga.Would you like to draw cartoons like those you see in comic books, on TV, or on the big screen? Ever wondered how to draw caricatures of your friends or famous people? Do you want to know how to draw manga-style characters? Collins need to know? Cartooning is the one-stop guide to all the practical skills and insider tips you need to become a successful cartoonist – and have lots of fun in the process.Contents include:Introduction1 The history of cartoons2 Loosening up3 Materials4 Drawing cartoons5 Bringing cartoons to life6 Cartoon humour7 Caricatures8 Comic strips9 Manga10 Putting your cartoons to workGlossaryNeed to know more?IndexWhether you’re a complete beginner to drawing or are already a keen cartoonist, this handy and accessible guide will have you creating your own cartoon world in no time. All you need to make a start is a pen, some paper – and of course your sense of humour!

Architecture is all around us – it is part of our lives, and its development is a central theme in the history of mankind. Learning to read a building is the route to understanding a major part of our cultural inheritance.Collins Need to Know? How to Read a Building shows you how to analyse and interpret architectural features with confidence.Have you ever wanted to be able to tell the difference between tudor and mock-tudor? Want to learn what components make a building gothic? Ever wondered what has influenced how our towns and cities were built? Want to understand the major traditions of architecture?Collins Need to Know? How to Read a Building takes the reader through the process of learning more about the built environment. Starting with the basics of analysing the home, then moving onto looking at public buildings and larger and more well-known structures, Timothy Brittain-Catlin shows the reader how features are inherited and copied, as well as adapted with each new generation.Whether you live in a small flat or detached house, you can find traces of architectural history - and learn to interpret the features you see and put them into the wider context of your surroundings. This book will help you start to uncover fascinating aspects of architectural style and history from the buildings you pass every day.Contents:Introduction: Architecture is for everyoneChapter 1: The elements of architectureChapter 2: The Classical traditionChapter 3: The Gothic traditionChapter 4: The Nineteenth centuryChapter 5: Architecture since 1900Chapter 6: Thinking ArchitecturallyAlso contains comprehensive glossary of terms and quick reference ID guides.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to organise and play over 200 party games for all ages. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with colour photos and expert advice throughout.This book clearly explains and illustrates over 200 games for every occasion, so you’ll never quibble over rules or be lost for inspiration again.It includes appropriate games for all ages and numbers, whether it’s a holiday, car journey, children’s party, Christmas family gathering or just a rainy afternoon.For each of over 200 games, the book gives you its: rules; age range; number of participants; preparation; equipment required; duration of game.

This handy guide to identifying and interpreting gold, silver, platinum and ceramic marks includes all hallmarks from 1544. Details of the new hallmarking system, international marks and guides to the great makers are all included.Do you attend car boot sales or browse in antique shops in search of bargains? Have you ever wished you knew more about grandma’s silver spoons? Do you envy the experts’ ability to identify and date old hand-me-downs? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, Need to Know? Antique Marks is for you.Packed with thousands of clear illustrations, the book shows hallmarks on silver, gold and platinum, as well as those on Old Sheffield Plate, pewter, pottery and porcelain. Complete with a history of hallmarks and how to read them, Need to Know? Antique Marks is absolutely indispensable.The book provides:Full hallmarks for silver from London, Edinburgh, York, Norwich, Exeter, Dublin, Newcastle, Chester, Glasgow, Birmingham and Sheffield, along with maker’s marks from these cities.Up-to-date hallmarks for gold and platinum.Old Sheffield plate marks, showing the variety of maker’s marks.Pewter marks and a selection of pewter touch marks.Pottery and porcelain marks showing both letter and name marks, and symbol marks.Full international hallmarking conventions and information on oriental ceramics.Advice on spotting a bargain and avoiding the fakes.Histories of the major manufacturers

An introduction to the universe covering everything from the big bang and our understanding of the universe over time, to the earth's formation, the Sun and how it affects us, the Moon and planets, black holes and galaxies.The companion volume to `Need to Know? Stargazing’ and by the same author, this book focuses on the basic history and science of the universe, rather than on the practical skywatching aspects. It includes information on:• Outrageous philosophy: weird notions and early ideas about the Universe including ancient Egyptian and Greek cosmology• How the universe began: creation theories and the expanding Universe, from the Big Bang to the formation of the Sun and the appearance of life and humans• The Earth's formation and the origin of the Moon• The structure and composition of planet and the atmosphere, volcanoes, mountain formation and geological catastrophes; past, present and future• The Solar System• Star types and their formation, development and demise• Types of galaxy• Professional instruments, research and space observatoriesIn particular, `Collins Need to Know? Universe’ also asks what we know about the future: the future of man, and space travel. Will we be able to colonize planets? Will the universe expand or crunch, and could there be alternative universes out there?

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to identify, pick and cook edible mushrooms. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with colour photos and expert advice throughout.From identifying and picking edible mushrooms to growing your own mushrooms, from recipes for seasonal dishes to important information on poisonous species, this book provides all the helpful information you need to relish the exhilarating experience of collecting wild mushrooms.An introduction to what fungi is and where you can find mushrooms (as well as issues of access and trespass, bye-laws etc), it also covers all the equipment you might need and how to dry, pickle and preserve your mushrooms.Over 75 of the best edible species with warnings about poisonous lookalikes are detailed, along with advice on where you will find them and when, and recipes for seasonal dishes.Finally, the book covers growing your own mushrooms (and the kits available), the food value and medicinal uses of fungi, hallucinogenic mushrooms (and the law), and fungi in folklore.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to say whatever you want creatively with hand-made greeting cards. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy ebook format with colour photos and expert advice throughout.Why spend a small fortune on generic high street greeting cards when you can create your own personalised message with just a few pieces of paper and the right book to guide you?This book is your essential companion to making your own cards. It provides everything you need to create something imaginative and individual to give at Christmas, birthdays and every other occasion you can think of.You’ll find out what materials you can use, learn fascinating new ways to use them and be fired by the wealth of ideas this book has to offer.As a step-by-step guide to techniques ranging from calligraphy to bead work and embossing, this book won’t fail to inspire you with ideas for every event and every person.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to lose weight in the way that’s best suited to your body and lifestyle. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with colour illustrations and expert advice throughout.The basics of all the different diets are explained – from Atkins to the Glycemic Index diet, together with their pros and cons. There are several 28-day plans to suit different personalities, offering readers a flexible approach to dieting.Portion guidelines, calorie guides and nutritional content tables of ready meals and fast foods arm readers against hidden fats and sugars.Easy-to-follow exercise plans promote a healthy approach to weight loss and help you achieve your ideal shape quicker.Contents include:1. The big picture: assessing your weight and shape2. Healthy weight, healthier you3. What causes a weight problem?4. The science of losing weight5. All about healthy eating6. Choosing a diet or weight loss method7. Exercise: the energy booster8. Stay slim for life: weight maintenance9. Personal record chart

No matter what kind of diet you follow, you will have to consume fewer calories than you burn off. Easy to say and more difficult to do, so this book covers the theory, the planning and living with a low-calorie diet, complete with recipes and detailed information on the nutritional values of many foods.Fed up or left hungry by fad diets? This book really is the best method for weight loss. Controlling calories is the key to long-term success, because you have to consume fewer calories than you burn off before your body will shed some of its fat stores.This book includes expert tips and advice on balancing your calorie intake to suit your lifestyle and your weight loss needs. There are also comprehensive and authoritative tables for calorie intake and expenditure.Plus: finding your ideal weight; simple menus and delicious low-calorie recipes; nutritional value of food; how to control portion sizes; calorie-burning activities, including exercises for the desk-boud; treats to keep you motivated.

From Afghan and Airedale to Westie and Wolfhound, Collins need to know? Dog Breeds profiles all the most popular breeds. Whether you’re choosing a new pet or just want to know more about a variety of breeds, this is your one-stop guide to dogs of all shapes and sizes.Contains everything you need to know about choosing the right dog for you and your family. All the most popular dog breeds are featured, with appealing colour pictures of each and a detailed analysis of their character and temperament, appearance, health and hereditary problems and ease of training.

Whilst GI (Glycaemic Index) diets are very popular, it is also important to know the GL (Glycaemic Load) per portion to get the full picture on how a meal or snack will affect you. This clear introduction to GI and GL explains how following a low GI/GL diet can help you lose weight and keep blood sugar levels under control.Do you want a food programme that will keep you healthy and boost your energy levels? Want clarification on good carbs and bad carbs?The Glycaemic Index (GI) is a simple measure of the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. The Glycaemic Load (GL) refines this to allow for everyday portion sizes. The GI+GL Diet points you to foods that regulate blood sugar levels and help you to control your weight.Still unclear? This book will explain it all, by including: basic GI+GL rules, shopping lists, recipes, and advice for eating out; practical ways to fit low GI+GL foods into your lifestyle; clear explanation of Glycaemic Index and Glycaemic Load

Think better. Be happier.Is your style of thinking affecting your feelings? Could you make some basic changes and improve your self-esteem, motivation, and happiness?CBT is already a medically approved method of treating depression, and is now growing in popularity as a self-help mechanism.Need to Know? Cognitive Behavioural Therapy will enable you to assess your own thought patterns, and will show you how to modify your thinking so that you respond better to whatever life throws at you.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to own or look after a horse or pony. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with colour photos and expert advice throughout.Owning and caring for a horse or pony is fun and rewarding, but there are many responsibilities and procedures to remember too. From choosing and housing a horse to saddling up and checking the hooves, `Collins Need to Know? Horse and Pony Care’ contains all the information you need, presented in a clear and accessible format.Produced in association with the world-renowned British Horse Society, the leading authority on both horse welfare and rider safety, this indispensable guide is written in an authoritative yet user-friendly style, covering everything from selecting your horse to grooming and healthcare.Contents include:• Choosing a horse• Housing• Grass management• Safety and equipment• Handling your horse• Grooming• Feeding and diet• Healthcare

This practical and accessible book is the ultimate guide to riding safely and confidently. Produced in association with the British Horse Society, this book will appeal to beginners of all ages, as well as more experienced riders who want to improve their horsemanship and expand their knowledge.Collins need to know? Riding is full of expert advice and specially-commissioned colour photographs to explain and demonstrate all aspects of riding. From making informed choices about selecting a riding school to mastering the basics and building on them to become a better rider, author Margaret Linington-Payne, Director of Standards at the BHS, gives you up-to-date information on everything you need to know.Contents include:• Selecting a riding school• Preparing to ride• Your first lesson: the basics• Learning to walk, halt, trot and canter• Progressing and getting the most out of your lessons• Refining your riding skills• Hacking out• Learning to jumpPlus handy glossary and directory of contacts and resources.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to survive and succeed on the golf course. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with colour photographs and expert advice throughout.Thinking about taking up golf but don't know where to start? Need to know about the best equipment? Want to know how to get beyond the basics to perfect your game?This introductory handbook for all beginners and newcomers to the game uses ultra-clear step-by-step photography to show you how to master the basic skills and techniques, covering: basic rules; choosing the right clubs; building a good swing; course etiquette; mastering advanced skills.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to make the most of your digital photos. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with colour photos and expert advice throughout.Over three billion digital photos are sitting on hard discs in the UK alone – yet the potential they contain remains largely unfulfilled, and many are in danger of being lost forever if a computer crashes.This is the next step for digital photographers: they have bought a camera; they have taken some photos; now they want to do something with them.This book is full of practical and creative ideas that will appeal to the beginner and the experienced photographer alike. So whether you want to remove an ex–partner from your photos, use your images to make brilliant gifts, create a stunning digital scrapbook or DVD slideshow, or sell your images to make money, this book has all the ideas, tips and answers you will need.