Healthy Child, Whole Child: Integrating the Best of Conventional and Alternative Medicine to Keep Your Kids Healthy FROM OUR EDITORS
The Barnes & Noble Review
As more Americans turn to some form of alternative medicine to cure and prevent illness, a natural question arises: Is it safe for children? This guide to pediatric health -- which deserves a place on every family's bookshelf -- offers parents advice on integrating the best of conventional and alternative medicine to ensure their children's optimum health.
The book's authors -- Dr. Russ and Dr. Stu, as they like to be called -- are both distinguished physicians in conventional medicine who went on to study under integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Andrew Weil. They are more than equal to the task of prescribing methods of treatment that focus on mind-body wellness and make use of children's naturally superior healing abilities. In Healthy Child, Whole Child, the authors make recommendations for common childhood ailments, from colds and recurrent ear infections to diabetes and ADHD. The suggestions are complementary and include such alternative therapies as yoga, herbal remedies, Chinese medicine, and vibrational therapy. Thorough explanations of these non-conventional forms of medicine appear in the preceding chapters, so that by the time readers get to the recommendations, they already have a grasp of the different options.
By recognizing the validity and value of conventional Western medicine (Drs. Stu and Russ advocate vaccinations, for example), and yet placing emphasis on the prevention of disease and the importance of a partnership between doctor and patient toward the common goal of total health -- encompassing physical, emotional, spiritual -- this book accomplishes a rare feat: the graceful melding of Eastern and Western medical philosophies.
In the very first chapter of the book, Dr. Russ describes hoping for a world where doctors "use the best, safest, and least invasive therapies from all medical systems to prevent illness and enhance health." By the last chapter -- which describes the Healthy Child, Healthy Family Program and is not to be missed, even by those who eschew non-conventional medicine -- it is crystal clear that the authors have indeed formulated such an approach. In this wonderful, unique book they articulate it to you, the reader, so that you may take advantage of it on your child's behalf. (Karen Burns)
FROM THE PUBLISHER
At a time when caring for your children has become increasingly complex and parents are bombarded with new and conflicting information, Doctors Ditchek and Greenfield provide authoritative and thorough advice for raising healthy kids. As devoted fathers and as open-minded but conventionally trained physicians, they blend the best of conventional medicine with alternative approaches for keeping children healthy.
With the goal of optimizing children's natural healing systems, the authors offer reliable information on the prevention of as well as the latest conventional and alternative treatments for common childhood ailments -- from colic to ear infections, asthma, allergies, viral illnesses, and more -- and explain which therapies are safe and effective for children. You will learn how to prevent ear infections without having to resort to powerful antibiotics, why immunization is important, and what you can do about childhood obesity, the number-one health problem among American children today. In Healthy Child, Whole Child, you'll find a complete program to keep your children healthy from birth to their preteen years; you'll receive practical suggestions on how you can incorporate healthy behaviors and attitudes into your family's daily lives; and you'll learn about other healing approaches such as mind/body medicine, herbs, and acupuncture, which can be included in good pediatric care.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
"According to a Harvard study, Americans now pay more visits to alternative practitioners in a year than they do to primary care physicians.... They're spending $250 million a year on homeopathic remedies, and close to $4 billion on nutritional supplements.... But is this stuff safe for kids?" Yes, claim physicians Ditchek and Greenfield, practitioners of "integrative pediatrics" (as derived from Andrew Weil's Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona). In this clear and compassionate guide, the authors combine the best of alternative and conventional treatments, medications and lifestyle choices to bolster children's immune systems, address health questions with the least invasive but most effective treatment available from the pantheon of global medical practices, and offer recommendations for common illnesses like ear infections and asthma. They conclude with a 12-month program whereby families can incorporate integrative choices into their lives. Seeking to address the "whole child," Ditchek and Greenfield's expansive reach includes issues like societal messages, physical fitness and environmental dangers and their impact on children's health. For quick reference, call boxes highlight critical topics, including "Ten Reasons Our Kids Are Couch Potatoes" and a "Summary of Useful Herbs for Children," and a comprehensive appendix of resources for everything from vaccinations to ADHD, with an array of Web sites, is included. Friendly, balanced and commonsensical, this demystification of nontraditional medical practices and options will be appreciated by parents of children of all ages. Agent, Richard Pine. (Aug.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Library Journal
Integrative pediatrics combines natural healing therapies with conventional medical treatments. The physician-authors, both experienced and trained in traditional medicine, have written a thorough guide for parents who are interested in complementary methods of prevention and healing and are looking for a reliable text directed at pediatricians unfamiliar with alternative treatments. Section 1 discusses preventive medicine, including strengthening the immune system, vaccination, proper use of antibiotics, nutrition, rest and exercise, and protecting children from environmental and cultural hazards. Section 2 covers complementary therapies that can safely be used on children, including massage, therapeutic touch, botanical and homeopathic medicines, acupuncture, acupressure, Reiki, and other energy systems. Section 3 addresses the use of integrative treatments for common pediatric complaints such as respiratory illnesses, sore throats, ear infections, colic, upset stomachs, asthma, allergies, and attention disorders. Complete with extensive references and resources, this book neatly balances traditional pediatrics with naturopathic/herbal healing books and is recommended for childcare and natural health collections. Anne C. Tomlin, Auburn Memorial Hosp., NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Home
