American Academy of Pediatrics or The G I Handbook

American Academy of Pediatrics: Immunizations & Infectious Diseases: An Informed Parent's Guide

Author: American Academy of Pediatrics

Informed by the expertise of the American Academy of Pediatrics, this authoritative guide to immunizations and infections in children covers a wide range of subject matter in easy-to-understand terms. Divided into four parts, this resource covers immunizations, antibiotics, prevention, and infection control, and also gives summaries of various infectious diseases. Readers will learn what exactly an infectious disease is; the differences between bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites; and about contagions and incubation times. Parents, school nurses, librarians, and anyone else who comes into contact with children will find this handbook indispensable. A 2004 Childhood Immunization Schedule and a sample child vaccination record are also included.

Library Journal

Parents face increasingly complex decisions about their children's health-especially in the debates about vaccine safety. In this weighty manual rooted in evidence-based research, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) contends, among other things, that immunizations are essential and safe. Editor Fisher oversees a wide variety of pertinent information: facts and figures on vaccines, including safety, side effects, and risks from disease; recommendations and schedules for immunizations (special children like preterm babies are addressed); the prevention and treatment of illnesses and/or injuries caused by food, insects or animals, and sexual transmission; and infectious agents like anthrax and plague that could be used in a terrorist attack. Antibiotics garner special attention, with emphasis on appropriate use and guidelines for parents. An overview of infectious diseases provides brief descriptions and covers signs and symptoms, when to call the doctor, diagnostic and treatment procedures, prognosis, and prevention. While the reading level is quite high, this is an excellent reference for parents, complete with a glossary and a brief listing of resources. It enters a crowded field of both pro- and anti-immunization titles but will stand out because of the AAP imprimatur. Highly recommended.-Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans' Hosp., Tampa, FL Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

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The G. I. Handbook: How the Glycemic Index Works, and how to Choose the Right Carbohydrates for Weight Control and Sustained Energy Levels

Author: Barbara Ravag

G.I., which is short for Glycemic Index-or blood-sugar index-must be maintained at an optimal level for weight control and sustained energy levels. Author Barbara Ravage recommends prudent dietary habits as she focuses on the varying effects of different carbohydrates on blood-sugar levels. Readers who follow her guidelines will conclude that it's neither difficult nor disagreeable to substitute low GI-rated foods for others with higher ratings. For instance, she suggests pasta rather than potatoes, berry fruits rather than bananas, and wine rather than beer with meals. She also offers advice on cooking and processing foods for optimal GI ratings. Extensive charts list the GI ratings of everyday foods, specifying the grams of carbohydrates each serving yields. For easy reference, foods are grouped into types that include: breads and bread products; cereals and grains; cookies, crackers, and cakes; fruit and fruit juices; vegetables and legumes; rice and pasta; milk and dairy foods, sweets and chocolate; and drinks. Here's a wealth of no-nonsense information in a compact volume for health-conscious readers.