Changes in the healthcare field have threatened the once sacred relationship between patient and physician. While much has been written on the subject of the doctor-patient relationship for physicians and other healthcare providers, information tailored for patients remains lacking. This welcome volume offers practical information to help patients make the most of their interaction with their doctors. Among the topics discussed are finding the right physicians, gaining direct telephone access to a doctor, ensuring good communication between health care providers, protecting personal health 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. The personal relationship between doctor and patient remains the foundation of healing and good practice, and this guide offers valuable advice for protecting and maximizing this crucial relationship.

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 for hours on end. Instead of spending time chatting to friends on the internet, one would often have to pay an actual visit. Rather than choosing from a current 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 in 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, too: 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. Here, information is provided on healthy nutrition and physical activity for young people, tools for self-monitoring and medical conditions associated with weight gain. Numerous resources that can provide help are listed. Several interviews with teens who describe their struggles and successes are included, as well.

"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.

Everything They Don't Tell You, Everything You Need to Know

Becoming a doctor is so much more than acing your MCATs, living through med school, then getting the perfect residency. It is a career that demands long hours on little to no sleep, constant continuing education, and a tough decision about which of the many types of medicine you want to practice. But with the right guide, you can make the right choices each step of the way.

On Becoming a Doctor calmly and thoroughly walks you through each academic, physical, and emotional step you'll take on your way to a successful career in medicine, and it includes interviews with many different specialists to help you choose a medical path.

This Essential Insider Advice Will Show You: Financing all of the costs of medical school The ups and downs of working with insurance companies Perspectives on a variety of medical fields The educational, physical, and emotional realities of the journey Interviews with doctors in many different specialties Working with other doctors and the administration

On Becoming a Doctor covers everything you need to know about medical school, residency, specialization, and practice.