This new series is directed to healthcare professionals who increasingly need information on holistic approaches to chronic illness in response to the growing demand from patients. Managed care has deferred responsibility for initial diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions to primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals. The University of California's Institute for Health and Aging predicts that by 2020, 134 million Americans will have some form of chronic condition that will cause personal limitations or disabilities. Only about 33% of these patients will be "elderly". This book provides current information of use to both health care providers and patients. The first part of the book covers material relevant to all chronic illnesses in both children and adolescents. This includes the effects on the child and family, problems of access, nutritional issues, complementary medicine, child abuse and ethical issues. The second part covers the majority of chronic illnesses.
