Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Infants & Children by Janet Zand, Rachel Walton, Robert Rountree

From the Publisher

Revised, updated, and expanded to reflect the latest thinking and information on children's health issues, Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child enables parents to combine the best of conventional and alternative approaches. Part One explains the full spectrum of techniques that can be employed to effectively treat childhood health problems, providing an overview of the history, fundamentals, and uses of conventional medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupressure, diet, and nutritional supplementation. Part Two contains a comprehensive A-to-Z guide to the various health problems of childhood, from acne to chickenpox to thumb-sucking. Finally, Part Three offers guidance on using the therapies and procedures suggested in Part Two, from locating acupressure points to preparing herbal remedies.

Written by a naturopathic physician, a medical doctor, and a pediatric nurse, this unique book gives parents easy access to current information and advice regarding their children's health and acts as a bridge between time-honored healing systems and mainstream medicine. Illustrated with line art.

Publishers Weekly

When a child becomes ill, most parents will seek the advice of a pediatrician, often without considering alternatives to traditional treatment. While this is frequently the best course of action-especially for a child who is critically ill-some alternatives may in fact be superior, equally beneficial or potentially less risky. Here the authors describe, in encyclopedic style, conventional treatments for a host of childhood ailments, and include alternative treatments, such as herbal and homeopathic remedies. They also provide a comprehensive discussion of the theories behind homeopathic medicine. Look for sections on encouraging good nutrition, medical emergencies, safety at home and away, and immunizations, as well as an extensive glossary, a bibliography for further reading, and listings of resources and hotlines. Although parents might not be inclined to experiment when their child is ill, nevertheless, they should be aware of available options. The authors give them that opportunity. (Sept.)

Library Journal

This unique text on children's health is written by a physician, a naturopath, and a registered nurse. Assuming that conventional medicine and alternative therapies can complement each other, they offer choices in healthcare. Their book contains three sections. The first offers an overview of the history, basic techniques, and uses of conventional medicine, homeopathy, acupressure, diet, and nutrition. It also includes information on choosing and working with health professionals, pregnancy, newborn care, and home safety. The second section is an alphabetical listing of childhood health problems with explanations and specific treatment approaches. Conditions requiring emergency care are highlighted and those needing conventional care, such as appendicitis, are indicated. Part 3 contains illustrated instructions for applying the treatments suggested in Part 2. The authors encourage parents to take first aid and childcare classes to become effective partners in their children's health maintenance. A glossary, bibliography, and lists of hotlines, resource organizations, and suppliers of alternative health products complete the book. Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child is an outstanding resource; highly recommended for all collections.-Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., Cal.

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