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THE BABY AND CHILD A TO Z MEDICAL HANDBOOK by

THE BABY AND CHILD A TO Z MEDICAL HANDBOOK

By

Pub Date: March 1st, 1986
Publisher: HP Books

An encyclopedic reference guide to children's common illnesses, with lists of symptoms and suggestions for treatment, by British author and doctor Stoppard. Stoppard (wife of playwright Tom Stoppard) has compiled here a comprehensive list of typical ailments that affect infants to 10-year-olds. Each is described with a list of symptoms, an evaluation of how serious the problem is, what you should do first, whether you should consult the doctor (and what the doctor might do), and what you can do to help. The range of ailments goes from ingrown toenails and cradle cap to scarlet fever and leukemia, and Stoppard includes entries for temper tantrums, nightmares, and growing pains (there is even an entry entitled ""penis caught in zipper""). While the tone here is definitely British (one entry is called ""failure to thrive""), the problems are universal and Stoppard's advice is sound. A plus is the section on emergency first-aid (resuscitation, dealing with bleeding, shock, drowning, and choking) and safety in and out of the home (including advice on avoiding strangers; safe toys; etc.). While Stoppard doesn't put forth a philosophy of child-care, her advice on the treatment of childhood illnesses is indispensable, and her arrangement of material makes this reference book handy and easy to use.