Tania Heller – författare

"If I gain any weight, I'll lose all control." These words, spoken by a 14-year-old anorexia nervosa patient, show just how serious eating disorders can be for teenagers, disturbing numbers of whom are dissatisfied with their bodies. For some, mostly girls, thoughts about food and their bodies consume their lives and lead to such life-threatening eating disorders as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.This guide to eating disorders for teenagers, their families, and others involved in their lives defines what the diseases are, considers who suffers from them and why, discusses the warning signs and complications, and covers associated disorders. It also provides information on body dysmorphia and the treatment and prevention of eating disorders. Numerous resources that can provide help are listed.

With respect to both physical activity and nutrition, lifestyles of most young Americans have changed dramatically over time. Decades ago, young people often walked miles to attend school, visit friends, or even see a doctor. There was no television to watch, and no Internet to provide hours of visiting without leaving the house. Rather than choosing from an array of pre-packaged and highly processed foods, families tended to cook at home and spent time enjoying meals together.One of the unfortunate results of such lifestyle changes is a sharp rise in obesity, now being identified in a younger and younger population. The problem has reached epidemic proportions. With the increase in childhood and adolescent obesity comes a host of other illnesses and conditions: diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cancer, along with low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.Written for both youth and parents, this work covers the causes and effects of the rise in childhood obesity while presenting straightforward guidelines and recommendations for getting assessed and treated. Information is provided on healthy nutrition and physical activity for young people, tools for self-monitoring and medical conditions associated with weight gain. Numerous helpful resources are listed. Throughout the text, teens themselves describe their weight-related struggles and successes.

Changes in the healthcare field have threatened the once sacred relationship between patient and physician. While much has been written for physicians and other healthcare providers on the subject of the doctor-patient relationship, information tailored for patients remains lacking. This volume offers practical information to help patients make the most of their interaction with their doctors. Among the topics are finding the right physician, gaining telephone access, ensuring good communication between health care providers, protecting personal information, seeking a second opinion, and using walk-in clinics. In-depth interviews with primary care physicians and medical specialists provide a unique perspective on issues of importance to patients, from pediatrics to geriatrics.