Ann Walker – författare

Few people doubt that the mother's milk provides the best food for the full-terrn infant during the first few months of life, when the digestive, absorptive and excretory systems are relatively immature. The develop­ ment of the digestive enzymes is detailed in Chapter 4. The significance of this immaturity first emerged as a consequence of the pioneering work of Professor Robert McCance and Dr Elsie Widdowson in human nutrition, when they studied the electrolyte and nitrogen excretion of babies and young animals. To quote Professor McCance, 'Inefficient though the kidneys were by adult standards, they were capable ofmaintaining homeo­ stasis, provided the infant and animals were growing while being fed on food of exactly the right composition - that is, the milk of the mother. ' (Ashwell, 1993). One should not forget that although the mother protects the developing baby against much nutritional abuse, the baby may be still be affected by matemal nutrition, and this is discussed in Chapter 2. The superior qualities of breast milk are still recognized, and research continues to discover yet more factors in breast milk significant to the health of the baby for possible inclusion in formulas. The immature stage of development ofthe baby means that while enough nutrients for optimal growth of all tissues are required, excessive quantities may cause intoxica­ tion. Tight specifications are essential, since unlike the adult the newbom depends on a single food.

First published in 1990, this book provides a broad coverage of the subject of human nutrition. Starting with a discussion of the basic chemistry or the major food substances it goes on to deal with the digestion, absorption and metabolism of food and with the normal and abnormal functioning of the major organs involved in metabolism. The concept of a balanced diet is discussed in detail and the special dietary requirements of various human groups are considered together with the problems of over- and under-nutrition. The final chapter covers the ways in which we deal with food from production to consumption.

Few people doubt that the mother''s milk provides the best food for the full-terrn infant during the first few months of life, when the digestive, absorptive and excretory systems are relatively immature. The develop­ ment of the digestive enzymes is detailed in Chapter 4. The significance of this immaturity first emerged as a consequence of the pioneering work of Professor Robert McCance and Dr Elsie Widdowson in human nutrition, when they studied the electrolyte and nitrogen excretion of babies and young animals. To quote Professor McCance, ''Inefficient though the kidneys were by adult standards, they were capable ofmaintaining homeo­ stasis, provided the infant and animals were growing while being fed on food of exactly the right composition - that is, the milk of the mother. '' (Ashwell, 1993). One should not forget that although the mother protects the developing baby against much nutritional abuse, the baby may be still be affected by matemal nutrition, and this is discussed in Chapter 2. The superior qualities of breast milk are still recognized, and research continues to discover yet more factors in breast milk significant to the health of the baby for possible inclusion in formulas. The immature stage of development ofthe baby means that while enough nutrients for optimal growth of all tissues are required, excessive quantities may cause intoxica­ tion. Tight specifications are essential, since unlike the adult the newbom depends on a single food.

Talk with the animals something we can all do!Now you can communicate better with your animals. All you need is a love and understanding of them as individuals and personalities in their own right, and a willingness to listen, watch and learn.Ann Walker shares with us a lifetime of experiences and shows how the rewards of getting through to animals can be worthwhile even spectacular. Her own affinity with donkeys, ponies, mules, cats, dogs and sheep has had some surprising results at times!This book explains why animals are valuable companions for young and old, for the sick and disabled, and as partners for the blind.Ann Walker, popular Prime Time columnist and animal breeder, will help you develop day-to-day understanding with the animals who share your life.

Popcorn McDaniels is not looking forward to his first summer vacation away from home. He soon discovers however, that when he opens his spirit to the new, the reward is of great value.