THE MEDICAL SELFCARE BOOK OF WOMEN'S HEALTH

Routine self-help suggestions on some of women's common health concerns. The authors (Hasselbring is an editor of Medical Self-Care magazine) place commendable emphasis on self-care, on being an informed medical consumer, and on practical measures that can support and enhance medical treatment; but readers will wish for a more comprehensive, wider-ranging health guide. Part I here, ""Reproductive Health,"" deals with pap smears, vaginal infections, premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, endometriosis, toxic shock, sexually transmitted diseases, and hysterectomy. This is not the most up-to-date information: the authors state, for instance, that ""Since a hysterectomy does not alter hormone levels from the ovaries, no hormone related changes occur""--ignoring recent findings that the uterus itself secretes hormones. Part II, ""Fertility and Childbirth,"" is more reproductive health, and covers the field in sketchy fashion: infertility, contraception, choices in delivery environment, ultrasound, episiotomy, and some aspects of childbirth after age 35. The authors go on to present a collection of pieces loosely grouped under the headings of ""Mind/Body Health"" (depression, anorexia/bulimia, addictions, rape, orgasm), ""Common Health Concerns"" (cancer prevention, heart disease, allergies, UTIs) and ""Staying Healthy"" (lesbian health, cosmetic hazards, breast health, weight concerns, aerobics, menopause). The end impression is of a collection of journal columns: topics of current interest, but sketchy and not absolutely up to date.