Muscular Dystrophy or Child and Adolescent Obesity

Muscular Dystrophy

Author: Alan E H Emery

The muscular dystrophies are a group of genetic diseases that severely affect children and adults. For sufferers and their family, the illness presents enormous physical and psychological challenges. Written specifically for people with muscular dystrophy and their families, this book answers many of the questions asked about how and why muscular dystrophy occurs, and how it will affect the life of a recently diagnosed child.

As well as presenting the reader with advice and an explanation of muscular dystrophy, the book also guides the reader towards further information on societies and support groups around the world, and reliable internet resources. It also contains a full glossary to aid the reader in their understanding of the disease.

The different types of muscular dystrophy are described throughout with a minimum of technical jargon. Questions relating to exercise, physiotherapy, surgery, and the emotional effects of the diseases are answered, and advice is given on the problems of schooling and choice of career.

Since publication of the first edition in 1994, the genes for almost all the different types of dystrophy have been identified, enabling prevention through genetic counselling, therefore relieving some of the worry for affected families. Drawn from his many years of experience treating patients, Professor Emery provides authoritative, yet compassionate advice for people living with this illness.

Interesting book: Hedgehogs and Foxes or To Change China

Child and Adolescent Obesity: Causes and Consequences, Prevention and Management

Author: Walter Burniat

This book addresses the ever-increasing problem of obesity in children and adolescents, the long-term health and social problems that arise from this, and approaches to prevention and management. It covers all aspects of obesity from epidemiology and prevention to recent developments in biochemistry and genetics, and to the varied approaches to management which are influenced by social and clinical need. A foreword by William Dietz and a forward looking "future perspectives" conclusion by Philip James embrace an international team of authors, all with first hand experience of the issues posed by obesity in the young.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: Roula Tzianetas, RDN, BASc (University of British Columbia)
Description: This overview of childhood obesity includes literature from various studies that look at the causes, consequences, and prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
Purpose: The purpose is to increase awareness of childhood obesity and the complexity of this health concern among health professionals and society. In addition, the authors intend to provide some practical expertise. The objectives are very worthy and this collaboration is greatly needed to disseminate a collection of research on childhood obesity. Although the book provides information on the causes, consequences, and treatment options for childhood obesity, there is limited information on the outcomes of some of the treatment strategies (i.e., how do things work in practice? What strategies work and do not work with children).
Audience: According to the authors, the book is primarily written for health and research workers. It is also suggested that the book will reach a wider group of individuals that the authors have not specified. In my opinion, the book is written at a level for health professionals and I do not believe it is user-friendly for the general population. The majority of the authors have a wide variety of experience in certain areas of childhood obesity.
Features: The book addresses a variety of topics that relate to childhood obesity. It begins with a description of the pathology, epidemiology, and sociological issues surrounding obesity. It provides a synopsis of the possible clinical outcomes of childhood obesity and an overview of the prevention strategies such as diet, activity, and drug therapies. Most interesting is the concluding chapter that focuses on future issues and research opportunities in this area. While the authors' intentions may have been good, I question the use of the drawing on the cover. As health practitioners working with children, we need to have empathy, but I found that the drawing may be interpreted in a negative manner by individuals who live with obesity. I think it continues to perpetuate the stigma associated with obesity and would prefer a comprehensive picture of body images on the cover. Realizing that the book cannot cover every topic extensively, I would like to have seen a review of how some of the practical applications work with children living with obesity. Specifically, reviewing the current research on behavior modification (i.e., why do some children change; what influences their change; what are their experiences; what works and doesn't work with regards to behavior modification and the outcomes of these strategies). Lastly, the use of the term "slimming" is an important issue. The authors need to present their interpretation and use of this term, since it can be misinterpreted. It may conjure up an image of needing to be "thinner" where our goal as health professionals is to encourage healthy weights for children so that they can live healthy lives.
Assessment: This book covers a complex topic taking into consideration a wide variety of determinants of obesity. The synopsis of the material is very useful to health professionals as it provides updated information and raises many questions for future research.

Rating

3 Stars from Doody

Table of Contents:

	List of contributors
	Foreword
	Preface
Pt. I	Causes	1
1	Measurement and definition	3
2	Epidemiology	28
3	Molecular and biological factors with emphasis on adipose tissue development	50
4	Nutrition	69
5	Physical Activity	93
6	Psychosocial factors	109
Pt. II	Consequences	129
7	Clinical features, adverse effects and outcome	131
8	The obese adolescent	154
9	Prader-Willi and other syndromes	171
10	Hormonal and metabolic changes	189
11	Risk of cardiovascular complications	221
Pt. III	Prevention and management	241
12	Prevention	243
13	Home-based management	270
14	Dietary management	282
15	Management through activity	307
16	Psychotherapy	327
17	Drug therapy	345
18	Surgical treatment	355
19	Interdisciplinary outpatient management	361
20	Interdisciplinary residential management	377
21	The future	389
	Index	403