Health and Medical Issues Today – serie

Every day, newspapers and television news programs present stories on the latest controversies over healthcare and medical advances, but they do not have the space to provide detailed background on the issues. Websites and weblogs provide information from activists and partisans intent on presenting their side of a story. But where can students - or even ordinary citizens - go to obtain unbiased, detailed background on the medical issues affecting their daily lives? This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides readers and researchers a balanced, in-depth introduction to the medical, scientific, legal, and cultural issues surrounding mental health and its import in today's world of healthcare.This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides everything a student requires to understand the issues involved in mental health and provides a springboard for further research into the issue.

Every day, newspapers and television news programs present stories on the latest controversies over healthcare and medical advances, but they do not have the space to provide detailed background on the issues. Websites and weblogs provide information from activists and partisans intent on presenting their side of a story. But where can students - or even ordinary citizens - go to obtain unbiased, detailed background on the medical issues affecting their daily lives? This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides readers and researchers with a balanced, in-depth introduction to the medical, scientific, legal, and cultural issues surrounding alternative medicine and its importance in today's world of healthcare.Alternative Medicine is organized to provide students and researchers with easy access to the information they need:Section 1 provides overview chapters on the background information needed to intelligently understand the issues and controversies surrounding complementary and alternative therapies, such as the theories that serve as the foundation for alternative treatments.Section 2 offers concise examinations of the contemporary issues and debates that provoke the most heated disagreements and misunderstandings, such as the debates over the efficacy of alternative treatments and whether the government should regulate herbal treatments.Section 3 includes reference material on alternative medicine, including primary source documents from important clinicians and researchers in the debate over alternative treatments, a timeline of important events, and an annotated bibliography of useful print and electronic resources.This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides everything a student requires to understand the issues involved in alternative medicine and serves as a springboard for further research into the issue.

Every day, newspapers and television news programs present stories on the latest controversies over healthcare and medical advances, but they do not have the space to provide detailed background on the issues. Websites and weblogs provide information from activists and partisans intent on presenting their side of a story. But where can students - or even ordinary citizens - go to obtain unbiased, detailed background on the medical issues affecting their daily lives? This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides readers and researchers a balanced, in-depth introduction to the medical, scientific, legal, and cultural issues surrounding gene therapy and its import in today's world of healthcare.Gene Therapy is organized to provide researchers with easy access to the information they need. Section 1 provides overview chapters on the background information needed to intelligently understand the issues and controversies surrounding gene therapy, such as the history of theories of the gene and recent developments in clinical trials. Section 2 offers capsule examinations of the contemporary issues and debates that provoke the most heated disagreements and misunderstandings, such as whether or not humans should tinker with genetic material and who pays for genetic therapies. Section 3 includes reference material on stem cells, including primary source documents from important players in the struggle over gene therapy, a timeline of important events, and an annotated bibliography of useful print and electronic resources. This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides everything a student requires to understand the issues involved in gene therapy and provides a springboard for further research into the issue.

Every day, newspapers and television news programs present stories on the latest controversies over healthcare and medical advances, but they do not have the space to provide detailed background on the issues. Websites and weblogs provide information from activists and partisans intent on presenting their side of a story. But where can students - or even ordinary citizens - go to obtain unbiased, detailed background on the medical issues affecting their daily lives? This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides readers and researchers a balanced, in-depth introduction to the medical, scientific, legal, and cultural issues surrounding sports medicine and its import in today's world of healthcare.This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides everything a student requires to understand the issues involved in sports medicine and provides a springboard for further research into the issue

Every day, newspapers and television news programs present stories on the latest controversies over healthcare and medical advances, but they do not have the space to provide detailed background on the issues. Websites and weblogs provide information from activists and partisans intent on presenting their side of a story. But where can students - or even ordinary citizens - go to obtain unbiased, detailed background on the medical issues affecting their daily lives? This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides readers and researchers a balanced, in-depth introduction to the medical, scientific, legal, and cultural issues surrounding organ tranplants and its import in today's world of healthcare.Organ Transplantation is organized to provide readers with easy access to the information they need: Section 1 provides overview chapters on the background information needed to intelligently understand the issues and controversies surrounding organ transplants, such as how organs are procured and who determines who gets an organ. Section 2 offers capsule examinations of the contemporary issues and debates that provoke the most heated disagreements and misunderstandings, such as controversies over who deserves to get an organ, and the concerns over xenotransplantation Section 3 includes reference material on organ transplantation, including primary source documents from important players in the debates, a timeline of important events, and an annotated bibliography of useful print and electronic resources.This volume in the Health and Medicine Today series provides everything a student requires to understand the issues involved in organ transplantation and provides a springboard for further research into the issue.

Every day, newspapers and television news programs present stories on the latest controversies over healthcare and medical advances, but they do not have the space to provide detailed background on the issues. Websites and weblogs provide information from activists and partisans intent on presenting their side of a story. But where can students - or even ordinary citizens - go to obtain unbiased, detailed background on the medical issues affecting their daily lives? This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides readers and researchers a balanced, in-depth introduction to the medical, scientific, legal, and cultural issues surrounding mental health and its import in today's world of healthcare.This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides everything a student requires to understand the issues involved in mental health and provides a springboard for further research into the issue.

Every day, newspapers and television news programs present stories on the latest controversies over healthcare and medical advances, but they do not have the space to provide detailed background on the issues. Websites and weblogs provide information from activists and partisans intent on presenting their side of a story. But where can students - or even ordinary citizens - go to obtain unbiased, detailed background on the medical issues affecting their daily lives? This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides readers and researchers with a balanced, in-depth introduction to the medical, scientific, legal, and cultural issues surrounding alternative medicine and its importance in today's world of healthcare.Alternative Medicine is organized to provide students and researchers with easy access to the information they need:Section 1 provides overview chapters on the background information needed to intelligently understand the issues and controversies surrounding complementary and alternative therapies, such as the theories that serve as the foundation for alternative treatments.Section 2 offers concise examinations of the contemporary issues and debates that provoke the most heated disagreements and misunderstandings, such as the debates over the efficacy of alternative treatments and whether the government should regulate herbal treatments.Section 3 includes reference material on alternative medicine, including primary source documents from important clinicians and researchers in the debate over alternative treatments, a timeline of important events, and an annotated bibliography of useful print and electronic resources.This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides everything a student requires to understand the issues involved in alternative medicine and serves as a springboard for further research into the issue.

Every day, newspapers and television news programs present stories on the latest controversies over healthcare and medical advances, but they do not have the space to provide detailed background on the issues. Websites and weblogs provide information from activists and partisans intent on presenting their side of a story. But where can students - or even ordinary citizens - go to obtain unbiased, detailed background on the medical issues affecting their daily lives? This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides readers and researchers a balanced, in-depth introduction to the medical, scientific, legal, and cultural issues surrounding gene therapy and its import in today's world of healthcare.Gene Therapy is organized to provide researchers with easy access to the information they need. Section 1 provides overview chapters on the background information needed to intelligently understand the issues and controversies surrounding gene therapy, such as the history of theories of the gene and recent developments in clinical trials. Section 2 offers capsule examinations of the contemporary issues and debates that provoke the most heated disagreements and misunderstandings, such as whether or not humans should tinker with genetic material and who pays for genetic therapies. Section 3 includes reference material on stem cells, including primary source documents from important players in the struggle over gene therapy, a timeline of important events, and an annotated bibliography of useful print and electronic resources. This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides everything a student requires to understand the issues involved in gene therapy and provides a springboard for further research into the issue.

Every day, newspapers and television news programs present stories on the latest controversies over healthcare and medical advances, but they do not have the space to provide detailed background on the issues. Websites and weblogs provide information from activists and partisans intent on presenting their side of a story. But where can students - or even ordinary citizens - go to obtain unbiased, detailed background on the medical issues affecting their daily lives? This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides readers and researchers a balanced, in-depth introduction to the medical, scientific, legal, and cultural issues surrounding sports medicine and its import in today's world of healthcare.This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides everything a student requires to understand the issues involved in sports medicine and provides a springboard for further research into the issue

The history, symptoms, prevention, and current issues surrounding HIV and AIDS are discussed, along with a focus on special populations struggling with the disease.Once thought to be a disease of homosexuals and drug abusers, AIDS has now impacted people across cultures, genders, and sexual orientations. Despite activism, new research, and treatments, many people are still dying from this disease. HIV/AIDS offers a comprehensive, one-volume resource that traces the history of the disease, and discusses prevention, along with current research and treatment. It examines issues such as care giving, health care settings, human rights, pregnancy, and insurance. The incidence and prognosis for the disease among special populations, as well as their needs and struggles, are covered in detail. These groups include: drug and alcohol abusers, the gay and lesbian community, minority communities, pediatric patients, prisoners, senior citizens, and women. With education the key to both prevention and care of those infected, this volume is an invaluable resource for students and general readers.

The history, symptoms, prevention, and current issues surrounding HIV and AIDS are discussed, along with a focus on special populations struggling with the disease.Once thought to be a disease of homosexuals and drug abusers, AIDS has now impacted people across cultures, genders, and sexual orientations. Despite activism, new research, and treatments, many people are still dying from this disease. HIV/AIDS offers a comprehensive, one-volume resource that traces the history of the disease, and discusses prevention, along with current research and treatment. It examines issues such as care giving, health care settings, human rights, pregnancy, and insurance. The incidence and prognosis for the disease among special populations, as well as their needs and struggles, are covered in detail. These groups include: drug and alcohol abusers, the gay and lesbian community, minority communities, pediatric patients, prisoners, senior citizens, and women. With education the key to both prevention and care of those infected, this volume is an invaluable resource for students and general readers.

Nutrition addresses the most hotly debated topics in the news today: obesity, food safety, irradiation, and vegetarianism and also describes the currently accepted principles of good nutrition for men, women, and children.Despite the abundance of advice on food and diet, more Americans are obese than ever before, diabetes rates are skyrocketing, and more foods are recalled due to contamination. It is high-time for non-biased answers to the question of what is healthy and safe to eat. Nutrition provides those answers. The book explains basic guidelines for healthy eating, along with the government's role in nutrition. It examines the issues of food safety and technology and the debates about genetically modified foods, organic foods, and vegetarian dining. Food bans, such as those on transfats are discussed, as are vitamins and supplements. After tracing the history of the study of nutrition and identifying principal researchers, the book examines seven major controversies in nutrition today. This basic guide to healthy eating will give both students and adults the tools they need to choose a diet that is healthy and safe.

Nutrition addresses the most hotly debated topics in the news today: obesity, food safety, irradiation, and vegetarianism and also describes the currently accepted principles of good nutrition for men, women, and children.Despite the abundance of advice on food and diet, more Americans are obese than ever before, diabetes rates are skyrocketing, and more foods are recalled due to contamination. It is high-time for non-biased answers to the question of what is healthy and safe to eat. Nutrition provides those answers. The book explains basic guidelines for healthy eating, along with the government's role in nutrition. It examines the issues of food safety and technology and the debates about genetically modified foods, organic foods, and vegetarian dining. Food bans, such as those on transfats are discussed, as are vitamins and supplements. After tracing the history of the study of nutrition and identifying principal researchers, the book examines seven major controversies in nutrition today. This basic guide to healthy eating will give both students and adults the tools they need to choose a diet that is healthy and safe.

This comprehensive overview of the many types of animal-assisted therapy provides the perfect reference for students, general readers, pet owners, animal care specialists, psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, and mental health professionals.The use of animals for therapy is a burgeoning form of treatment for individuals with physical, emotional, or psychological illnesses. Written for students and general readers, Animal-Assisted Therapy offers a historical overview of the practice, detailing its growth and the many ways it is practiced today. Filled with illustrative examples, such as successful programs where children with reading problems read aloud to canine companions, the book illuminates the expansive nature and effectiveness of this therapy as it is practiced both generally and among special populations, including children, the elderly, autistic individuals, and the incarcerated. The book also provides specific information that will be of interest to pet owners who want to get involved in these programs and includes information on U.S. government requirements allowing guide dogs in public and private facilities.

This comprehensive overview of the many types of animal-assisted therapy provides the perfect reference for students, general readers, pet owners, animal care specialists, psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, and mental health professionals.The use of animals for therapy is a burgeoning form of treatment for individuals with physical, emotional, or psychological illnesses. Written for students and general readers, Animal-Assisted Therapy offers a historical overview of the practice, detailing its growth and the many ways it is practiced today. Filled with illustrative examples, such as successful programs where children with reading problems read aloud to canine companions, the book illuminates the expansive nature and effectiveness of this therapy as it is practiced both generally and among special populations, including children, the elderly, autistic individuals, and the incarcerated. The book also provides specific information that will be of interest to pet owners who want to get involved in these programs and includes information on U.S. government requirements allowing guide dogs in public and private facilities.

This book offers a comprehensive introduction to historic and contemporary efforts to regulate tobacco and reduce the staggering number of people who die from using tobacco products.With calls for greater government regulation of tobacco culminating in the historic June 2009 passage of federal antismoking legislation, Tobacco could not be more timely. It is the most authoritative and accessible volume available on the evolution of tobacco consumption as well as efforts to protect consumers from its dangers.Tobacco focuses on five key issues: tobacco excise taxation and health policy; the often misleading advertising of cigarettes and "low tar/nicotine" alternatives; the role of the Food and Drug Administration in regulating tobacco; education and prevention efforts aimed at children and teens; and environmental tobacco health risks, including second hand smoke. It is an eye-opening introduction to the entire history of efforts to regulate tobacco—from its beginnings in the Progressive Era of the early 20th century to recent efforts to uncover suppressed medical reports, ban smoking ads, and get smoking out of the movies.

This book offers a comprehensive introduction to historic and contemporary efforts to regulate tobacco and reduce the staggering number of people who die from using tobacco products.With calls for greater government regulation of tobacco culminating in the historic June 2009 passage of federal antismoking legislation, Tobacco could not be more timely. It is the most authoritative and accessible volume available on the evolution of tobacco consumption as well as efforts to protect consumers from its dangers.Tobacco focuses on five key issues: tobacco excise taxation and health policy; the often misleading advertising of cigarettes and "low tar/nicotine" alternatives; the role of the Food and Drug Administration in regulating tobacco; education and prevention efforts aimed at children and teens; and environmental tobacco health risks, including second hand smoke. It is an eye-opening introduction to the entire history of efforts to regulate tobacco—from its beginnings in the Progressive Era of the early 20th century to recent efforts to uncover suppressed medical reports, ban smoking ads, and get smoking out of the movies.

A prize-winning medical writer offers an explanation of modern diagnostic medical imaging technologies—and the issues that result from their use and misuse.Medical Imaging describes the discovery and development of diagnostic imaging technologies, explaining how the technologies work and exploring some of the issues that such powerful and expensive technologies create. The book begins with the discovery of X-rays in 1895 and traces the history of imaging technology through today’s tools, such as X-ray computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional imaging by positron emission tomography (PET), and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The contribution of these expensive technologies to the rising cost of healthcare in the United States and the unequal distribution of imaging diagnostic facilities, particularly in developing countries, is also considered. In addition, the book explores ethical questions that have surfaced in the past, including the reportability of incidental findings during a scan and admissibility of medical images as evidence in courts of law , and such newly emerging issues as the application of imaging tools in lie detection and the mammography guidelines controversy of 2009.Various charts and illustrations show medical imaging modalities, Medicare medical imaging costs, distribution of imaging costs, physicians' fees by modality, nuclear imaging probes, and medical imaging physicsA glossary defines key terms necessary to understanding medical imaging technology such as "positron," "half-life," and “tomography," as well as acronyms such as "MRI,", "PET," "SPECT," and "CT"Presents documents including early popular science articles on X-ray technology and its abuse

A prize-winning medical writer offers an explanation of modern diagnostic medical imaging technologies—and the issues that result from their use and misuse.Medical Imaging describes the discovery and development of diagnostic imaging technologies, explaining how the technologies work and exploring some of the issues that such powerful and expensive technologies create. The book begins with the discovery of X-rays in 1895 and traces the history of imaging technology through today''s tools, such as X-ray computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional imaging by positron emission tomography (PET), and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The contribution of these expensive technologies to the rising cost of healthcare in the United States and the unequal distribution of imaging diagnostic facilities, particularly in developing countries, is also considered. In addition, the book explores ethical questions that have surfaced in the past, including the reportability of incidental findings during a scan and admissibility of medical images as evidence in courts of law , and such newly emerging issues as the application of imaging tools in lie detection and the mammography guidelines controversy of 2009.

Intended as a reference tool for college students, this book examines the origins of and controversies associated with birth control in the United States.Issues regarding access to, education about, and practice of birth control have played a pivotal role in religious, social, and political conflicts throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. In the 21st century, controversies surrounding birth control remain at the forefront of current political debates over topics as varied as women's rights, social welfare initiatives, federal healthcare funding, consumer protection and physician liability, and informed consent. Birth Control provides a historical background of premodern practices, describes birth control in the 19th–20th centuries, and discusses all currently available types of contraceptive systems, including both artificial and natural methods. The treatment of contemporary public debates on birth control addresses questions posed on practical, ethical, religious, and moral grounds, presented respectfully and in a balanced fashion.

Intended as a reference tool for college students, this book examines the origins of and controversies associated with birth control in the United States.Issues regarding access to, education about, and practice of birth control have played a pivotal role in religious, social, and political conflicts throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. In the 21st century, controversies surrounding birth control remain at the forefront of current political debates over topics as varied as women's rights, social welfare initiatives, federal healthcare funding, consumer protection and physician liability, and informed consent. Birth Control provides a historical background of premodern practices, describes birth control in the 19th–20th centuries, and discusses all currently available types of contraceptive systems, including both artificial and natural methods. The treatment of contemporary public debates on birth control addresses questions posed on practical, ethical, religious, and moral grounds, presented respectfully and in a balanced fashion.

Including up-to-date details about Medicare in light of the 2010 Health Care Reform bill, this book will help readers understand past concerns about the program, as well as current issues and ways to address them.Medicare is an important source of health-care coverage for almost all Americans aged 65 and over. It can also be one of the most confusing subjects with which citizens must contend. Among the first books to examine the impact of the 2010 health-care reforms on the program, Medicare reviews Medicare's history, explores its current coverages and problems, and takes a look at its probable future.Readers will learn about attempts to pass Medicare legislation, as well as about many of the important changes that have occurred since 1965. They will read about continuing cost concerns over the years and about modifications in both hospital and physician payment approaches. Critically for today's readers, the book examines current issues, such as drug coverage, HMO/managed care options, long-term-care coverage, the demographic-based funding crisis, Medicaid, and the impact of recent health-care reforms. The goal throughout is to help consumers understand Medicare so we can insure that the program remains strong.Primary documents detailing parts of the legislationA timeline of events in the history of Medicare

Including up-to-date details about Medicare in light of the 2010 Health Care Reform bill, this book will help readers understand past concerns about the program, as well as current issues and ways to address them.Medicare is an important source of health-care coverage for almost all Americans aged 65 and over. It can also be one of the most confusing subjects with which citizens must contend. Among the first books to examine the impact of the 2010 health-care reforms on the program, Medicare reviews Medicare's history, explores its current coverages and problems, and takes a look at its probable future.Readers will learn about attempts to pass Medicare legislation, as well as about many of the important changes that have occurred since 1965. They will read about continuing cost concerns over the years and about modifications in both hospital and physician payment approaches. Critically for today's readers, the book examines current issues, such as drug coverage, HMO/managed care options, long-term-care coverage, the demographic-based funding crisis, Medicaid, and the impact of recent health-care reforms. The goal throughout is to help consumers understand Medicare so we can insure that the program remains strong.

This concise, up-to-date volume compiles information and materials documenting illicit drugs and their use from multiple perspectives.Illicit drug use is a deeply embedded characteristic of most societies, resulting in illness, death, crime and violence, terrorism, imprisonment, property confiscation—and massive allocations of government resources. Illicit Drugs provides comprehensive information for those seeking to understand the nature and scope of this far-reaching problem, as well as major issues of concern and debate surrounding it.Organized thematically, the book begins with an overview of illicit drug use and abuse, including its history and risk factors. The scope of illicit drug use in the United States is covered, including conditions that encourage the practice, costs, related policies and programs, and prevention and treatment considerations. The book looks at populations at risk, including children and youth, women, older adults, and racial and ethnic minorities. International aspects of illicit drugs, such as production, trafficking, and consumption are also examined.

This concise, up-to-date volume compiles information and materials documenting illicit drugs and their use from multiple perspectives.Illicit drug use is a deeply embedded characteristic of most societies, resulting in illness, death, crime and violence, terrorism, imprisonment, property confiscation—and massive allocations of government resources. Illicit Drugs provides comprehensive information for those seeking to understand the nature and scope of this far-reaching problem, as well as major issues of concern and debate surrounding it.Organized thematically, the book begins with an overview of illicit drug use and abuse, including its history and risk factors. The scope of illicit drug use in the United States is covered, including conditions that encourage the practice, costs, related policies and programs, and prevention and treatment considerations. The book looks at populations at risk, including children and youth, women, older adults, and racial and ethnic minorities. International aspects of illicit drugs, such as production, trafficking, and consumption are also examined.

This text provides up-to-date, comprehensive, and accessible information about alcohol use in western society and other cultures.In 2009, President Barack Obama hosted a friendly "beer summit" on the White House lawn in an attempt to diffuse a racially charged incident between a Caucasian policeman and an African American professor. In the United States, beer and other alcoholic beverage companies are often the main advertisers during television sporting event coverage. A study has found that 44 percent of American college students participate in binge drinking, while the NHTSA reports that over 31 percent of traffic fatalities involve a driver with an illegal blood-alcohol content level. In our culture, consumption of alcohol is both widely accepted as a healthy social norm and condemned as a crime.Alcohol provides information about how alcohol acts upon the body, the social problems related to alcohol use, medical disorders connected to alcohol use, alcohol use throughout world cultures and the American population, and public policy issues. This book also contains sections on adolescent and college student alcohol use.

This text provides up-to-date, comprehensive, and accessible information about alcohol use in western society and other cultures.In 2009, President Barack Obama hosted a friendly "beer summit" on the White House lawn in an attempt to diffuse a racially charged incident between a Caucasian policeman and an African American professor. In the United States, beer and other alcoholic beverage companies are often the main advertisers during television sporting event coverage. A study has found that 44 percent of American college students participate in binge drinking, while the NHTSA reports that over 31 percent of traffic fatalities involve a driver with an illegal blood-alcohol content level. In our culture, consumption of alcohol is both widely accepted as a healthy social norm and condemned as a crime.Alcohol provides information about how alcohol acts upon the body, the social problems related to alcohol use, medical disorders connected to alcohol use, alcohol use throughout world cultures and the American population, and public policy issues. This book also contains sections on adolescent and college student alcohol use.

This book provides a complete history of plastic surgery, a description of the modern techniques and choices available, and an overview of the controversies surrounding the choice to voluntarily change your physical appearance.Plastic surgery was historically considered a medical necessity. These were procedures specifically developed to treat burn or accident victims, to correct those born with cleft palates, or to repair extreme cases of cosmetic disfigurement, such as amputations performed as a punishment for adulterous men. Today, however, plastic surgery is a common option for those seeking to modify their normal and uninjured bodies to conform to an unrealistic, idealized model of perfection.This book presents the fascinating history of how therapeutic techniques were adapted to offer cosmetic changes to patients without disfiguring bodily flaws. The first section of Plastic Surgery details this evolution by tracing the history from development of the medical techniques to the choices currently available today. The second section digs deeper to examine the controversies and issues associated with plastic surgery, such as race, beauty, and gender reassignment. The third section offers primary documents produced by medical authorities regarding accepted procedures and practices, as well as an expansive glossary and timeline.

This book provides a complete history of plastic surgery, a description of the modern techniques and choices available, and an overview of the controversies surrounding the choice to voluntarily change your physical appearance.Plastic surgery was historically considered a medical necessity. These were procedures specifically developed to treat burn or accident victims, to correct those born with cleft palates, or to repair extreme cases of cosmetic disfigurement, such as amputations performed as a punishment for adulterous men. Today, however, plastic surgery is a common option for those seeking to modify their normal and uninjured bodies to conform to an unrealistic, idealized model of perfection.This book presents the fascinating history of how therapeutic techniques were adapted to offer cosmetic changes to patients without disfiguring bodily flaws. The first section of Plastic Surgery details this evolution by tracing the history from development of the medical techniques to the choices currently available today. The second section digs deeper to examine the controversies and issues associated with plastic surgery, such as race, beauty, and gender reassignment. The third section offers primary documents produced by medical authorities regarding accepted procedures and practices, as well as an expansive glossary and timeline.