The Good Health Fact Book (Reader's Digest)

Provides answers to more than one thousand vital questions about human health and medical issues, providing a host of facts and tips about nutrition, sex, the environment, chronic illness, mental health, and other important topics. 20,000 first printing.

Offering a strong focus on prevention, this is a well-thought-out, upbeat look at how one can achieve a healthier style of living. By way of example, see comprehensive chapters on smart eating and keeping fit, even self-care. The editors did not overlook, either, the necessary lifestyle transitions that people must make in their middle and later years. Chronic health problems such as arthritis, heart disease and hypertension are addressed, and chapters on mental health and sex and family life are included. Numerous charts, checklists and quizzes help readers to achieve their health and fitness goals and increase understanding of potentially complex issues. What's more, the editors discuss health insurance options--even who's who and who does what at hospitals. Another topic is environmental health: thought-provoking coverage of such timely concerns as VDT safety on the job and the possibility of radon in the basement. Although some readers may balk initially at the Q & A format (1000 questions and answers), it makes for easy browsing. Illustrated.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

What makes this latest entry into the self-help book arena appealing is its common-sense approach coupled with an eye-catching and attractive presentation. Addressing ways to get and stay healthy in a question/answer format, The Good Health Fact Book uses personal case histories to illustrate successful behavior changes. From chapters on diet, exercise, chronic health problems, and staying mentally healthy to choosing your doctor and environmental issues, this book treats a wide variety of subjects relevant to life in the 1990s. Of particular value is the A-to-Z guide on emergency medical situations, as well as the appendix of professional and government health organizations. While similar in scope to "Prevention's" Giant Book of Health Facts ( LJ 12/90), this volume takes a more proactive, personal approach to living and staying well. For those wishing more in-depth information, Donald Louria's Your Healthy Body, Your Healthy Life: How To Take Control of Your Medical Destiny ( LJ 10/15/89) may be useful. Recommended for consumer health collections and health science center libraries.
- Janet M. Coggan, Univ. of Florida Libs., Gainesville
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.