This eclectic health volume from the editors of Prevention
covers a wide range of topics of interest to moms dedicated to helping maintain health in their families. Divided into five sections, the book offers tips on kids and teens, husbands, parents and moms themselves, as well as a useful general first-aid guide. While some of the topics fall under neither of the subtitle's categories, being neither health condition nor medical emergency (e.g., dating, sibling rivalry, bad grades), and other medical topics are oddly excluded (sore throats, diarrhea, Lyme disease), the collection nevertheless covers a vast range of topics. Along with standard advice provided by a variety of medical experts, the editors have also sniffed out herbal remedies such as sage for baldness, chamomile for stress, turmeric for arthritis and herbal pillows to aid sleep. Such alternative remedies differentiate this guide from standard health books, and readers seeking unique solutions to everyday health problems will find plenty of fresh ideas here. While the book takes a condescending tone toward husbands ("the hardest 'children' to take care of") and perpetuates gender stereotypes and inequities (making women responsible for the healthcare of children and men), the editors deftly address the medical problems of the elderly, a topic of interest to many women who are simultaneously involved in the care of kids and aging parents. This is a handy manual that busy moms may well want to add to their family health collection; hopefully, a companion volume for dads is in the works. 22 b&w illus. (Sept. 5)
