THE NEW WOMAN'S GUIDE TO HEALTH AND MEDICINE

by Caroline Derbyshire ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1980

More of a reference-source on some diseases of women than a guide to health, and one of the less satisfying entries in an erratic new series. The author, Associate Director for Consumer Education at Mass. General, is brisk and impersonal. For the most part, she offers traditional advice (on finding a physician, menstrual problems, vaginal infections, sexually-transmitted diseases, birth control, surgery of the reproductive system, etc.); but here and there she tosses off a quick statement on a controversial issue. (For instance: ""Menstrual or period extraction is another way to control menstrual periods"" which eliminates fuss and bother, and gives a woman ""complete control of her body. But right now the long-term safety of using this method is unknown."") Cancer receives heavy emphasis: risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for ovarian, vaginal, breast, and other cancers are all discussed, sometimes in disproportonate detail for a general book on women's health (""Be sure to keep your radiotherapist aware of any problems"" with vomiting, hair loss, and the other side effects of radiotherapy). Nothing here is new, and considering the emphasis on specific illnesses rather than total well-being, readers would do better with one of the more complete guides already available.

Pub Date: April 1, 1980

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Appleton-Century/Prentice Hall

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1980

Categories: NONFICTION