Gastroenterology

IN Part I of this book practical health education is offered at all the critical periods of life's development, from womb to tomb. The book is enjoyable to read, but some medical data may only be read and understood by the more educated public, and not by socially deprived people in the community. An admirable attempt is made however to educate about what constitutes 'Health and Non-Health' and how to live with 'normal abnormalities'. Structure and function of the sex organs are well related to advice about normal sex, and the pros and cons of different methods of contraception. All conceivable questions that might be asked by women in relation to pregnancy, the newborn, the pre-school and school years are posed and answered in simple terms. Infant feeding and preventive paediatric care are dealt with particularly well. The authors make quite clear to the lay person how to recognize an unwell child and what to do in terms of selfcare or use of health services. Problems of adolescence and marriage are handled tersely, in terms of defining communication difficulties and what to do about them. Corrective measures are offered to cope with the risks posed by the unhealthy life style of many middle-aged and elderly people. There is valuable insight offered into the process of ageing in life and the different responses of the elderly to sickness compared with younger persons. Principles of health care of the elderly are made clear.