From Booklist
The human digestive system is a complicated, elegant network of tubes and organs. This encyclopedia does a wonderful job of offering insight as to how it functions when healthy, as well as when things go terribly wrong. In addition to the entries, the reader will find very helpful appendixes, including contact information for U.S and Canadian health departments and organizations, U.S and Canadian poison-control centers, and reliable Web sites for information regarding digestive diseases. The entries, however, are where the real value is. There are more than 300 of them, ranging in length from just a paragraph or two to multiple pages. They cover topics such as Acid blocking agents, Contaminated food or water, Crohn's disease, Obesity, Steroids, and Vitamin deficiencies. The discussion of various cancers related to the digestive system is 21 pages long and includes entries on diseases such as anal, colorectal, esophageal, and stomach cancer. Causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnoses, and courses of treatment are discussed. Many entries include bibliographic information, and cross-references are appropriately placed throughout the text. The index is very well developed and detailed.Public libraries of all sizes and academic libraries with consumer-health collections would benefit from having this volume. Densely packed with dependable information, it will be of value not only to the student but also to individuals who are taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle, as well as patients struggling to understand diagnoses and medicalspeak. Scottie Wallace
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From Book News, Inc.
Until recently, physicians generally believed that stress and certain foods cause peptic ulcers. Dr. Minocha (U. of Mississippi Medical Center) uses this example to show how far gastroenterology has come in diagnosing and treating digestive disorders. Following an introduction to the normal functioning of the digestive system, its medical problems, and remedies, A-Z entries provide information on specific disorders, symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic tools, treatments, and the roles of nutrition and weight control in prevention. Appendices include resources, prevalence data, and a body mass index chart. Adamec is a Florida-based medical writer.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Booklist, Jan 2005
"Dependable information...of value not only to the student but to individuals who are taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle."
Library Journal, December 15, 2004
This helpful encyclopedia can serve as either a primary source or an additional avenue for those seeking further information."
Choice, February 2005
"Distinctive resource, written for nonphysicians...useful for students in health-related fields and for consumers seeking specific information."
Encyclopedia of the Digestive System and Digestive Disorders FROM THE PUBLISHER
"More than 61 million Americans suffer from chronic and acute digestive diseases, and 135 million cases of food-borne digestive diseases occurred in the year 2000 alone. Now more than ever, health-conscious people must understand the intricacies of the human digestive system. The Encyclopedia of the Digestive System and Digestive Disorders is an invaluable resource for those interested in gaining a deeper knowledge and awareness of this complex and vital body system." This comprehensive volume provides a detailed guide to the sophisticated functioning of the gastrointestinal system and to various threats to good digestive health. More than 300 in-depth entries clearly discuss the medical problems of the digestive system, normal digestive function, diseases and disorders, causes, treatments, pathological problems, and preventative measures.
SYNOPSIS
Until recently, physicians generally believed that stress and certain foods cause peptic ulcers. Dr. Minocha (U. of Mississippi Medical Center) uses this example to show how far gastroenterology has come in diagnosing and treating digestive disorders. Following an introduction to the normal functioning of the digestive system, its medical problems, and remedies, A-Z entries provide information on specific disorders, symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic tools, treatments, and the roles of nutrition and weight control in prevention. Appendices include resources, prevalence data, and a body mass index chart. Adamec is a Florida-based medical writer. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
Addressing the gastrointestinal system, normal digestive functions, diseases, and preventive measures in more than 300 alphabetically arranged entries, this reference is indeed timely; over 61 million Americans suffer from digestive diseases. Entries on specific disorders (e.g., acid reflux, gallstones, and ulcers) include definitions, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, when applicable. Extensive appendixes identify U.S. and Canadian organizations, associations, support groups, and poison control; they also list helpful web sites and suggested readings and present a Body Mass Index (BMI) chart. As coauthors of How To Stop Heartburn, Minocha (digestive diseases, Univ. of Mississippi Medical Ctr.) and Adamec (The Encyclopedia of Diabetes) are experienced consumer health writers, and their readable, accessible style should appeal to all, from young adults to senior citizens. Although similar to Omnigraphics's Gastrointestinal Diseases & Disorders Sourcebook (1996) and Digestive Diseases & Disorders Sourcebook (1999), this volume is more up-to-date and authoritative, given the authors' solid credentials. In addition, its appendixes are appropriate for medical personnel. Bottom Line This helpful encyclopedia can serve as either a primary source or an additional avenue for those seeking further information on the topic. Recommended for consumer health collections, particularly in public libraries.-Rebecca Raszewski, Drexel Univ. Health Sciences Libs., Philadelphia Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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