Personal and public health / health education Books

Book SynopsisThis text comprises an extensive compilation and discussion of the theory, methodologies and practice of evaluating health promotion initiatives in Europe and the Americas.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe construct ‘‘quality of life (QoL)’’, since the 1980s, when it was introduced, is being used mainly in the context of health problems. Areas of one’s life that contribute to QoL are good physical and mental health, efficient cognitive functioning, social support, being able to meet the requirements of professional life, positive emotions, etc (Power, 2003). Work on subjective well-being (SWB), on the other hand, was developed in the context of healthy everyday life; it also has a history of more than 30 years. During this 30-year period factors that have an impact on SWB, such as SES, gender, health, age, and religiosity have been identified (Diener, 2000). A third independent line of research pertains to what has been called Positive Psychology (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000), that is, an emphasis on human strengths, such as optimism, hope, wisdom, positive emotions, resilience, etc., which contribute to positive functioning in life. Recently, SWB has been associated to human strengths and to the movement of positive psychology but this did not happen for QoL, possibly because of its emphasis on people with health problems. However, QoL can be conceived of as a generic term that pertains to all people, healthy or not. In this sense, it is closely related to SWB defined as happiness (Diener, 2000). Also, QoL encompasses positive emotions that go beyond happiness and has the advantage that it can be applied to many different domains of life such as interpersonal relations, health-related situations, and professional and educational strivings. Moreover, the mechanism(s) that underpin QoL and SWB can be studied in relation to people’s goals and strengths of character, that is, from a positive psychological perspective. Such a perspective can reveal the specificities of “quality” in the various domains of life and, specifically, the positive emotions and strengths that contribute to a happier, healthier, and more successful life, even in face of adversity. Therefore, despite the differences among the three theoretical traditions, namely QoL, SWB, and positive psychology, it is possible to find the common ground they share and each of them can benefit from notions developed in the others. The aim of the present book is to bring together these three traditions, show the interactions of variables emphasized by them, and give an integrative perspective from the positive psychology point of view. It also aims to extend the range of life situations in which one can look for quality and which go beyond the traditional emphasis of QoL on health problems. Thus, the content of the proposed book covers different age populations (from children to older adults), healthy and people facing health problems as well as people facing problems in their interpersonal lives or in their pursuits. It also discusses factors that contribute to marital satisfaction, well being in the school context, and things that people value and cherish. The chapters refer to notions such as happiness, interest, resilience, wisdom, hope, altruism, optimism, and spirituality/religiosity that represent unique human strengths. Finally, it emphasizes the role of goals and motivation that connect SWB with self-regulation and managing of one’s life priorities. To conclude, the chapters included in the proposed edited book aim at bringing to the fore new theoretical developments and research on QoL, SWB, and positive psychology that bridges previously distinct theoretical traditions. The proposed book covers a broad range of topics, addresses different theoretical interests and paves the way for a more integrative approach. Finally, it brings together an international set of authors, from USA, Europe, Australia, and Asia.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews:“This is a series of discussions, studies, and literature reviews, both supporting and disputing, of the psychological factors associating quality of life (QoL), subjective well-being (SWB), and positive psychology at the individual and social level. Each chapter focuses on specific contexts in which the three constructs are applied. … this book is intended for scholars interested in the field of positive psychology, its research, and application.” (Howard A. Fox, Doody's Book Reviews, April, 2013)Table of Contents1. Introduction - Anastasia Efklides and Despina Moraitou.- Part I: Quality of life, well-being, and positive psychology.- 2. Hierarchical needs, income comparisons and happiness levels - Stavros A. Drakopoulos.- 3. Goals and plans: Their relationship to well-being - Andrew MacLeod.- 4. Living in accordance with one's implicit motives: Cross-cultural evidence for beneficial effects of motive-goal congruence and motive satisfaction - Jan Hofer and Holger Busch.- 5. Positive psychology and subjective well-being homeostasis: A critical examination of congruence - Robert A. Cummins.- 6. Life satisfaction in adults: The effect of religiosity, worry and perceived physical health state - Maria Platsidou.- 7. Altruism and health: Theoretical perspectives - Carolyn E. Schwartz, Brian R. Quaranto, and Kurt Gray.- 8. Marital quality and well-being: The role of gender, marital duration, social support and cultural context - Eleni Pateraki and Pagona Roussi.- Part II: Positive psychology and human strengths.- 9. The role of dispositional optimism in physical and mental well-being - Nathaly Rius-Ottenheim, Roos C. van der Mast, Frans G. Zitman, and Erik J. Giltay.- 10. The relation of optimism to cardiac patients’ subjective health through illness representations: Does the level of optimism matter? - Evangelos C. Karademas, Elvisa-Foteini Frokkai, Evangelia Tsotra, and Rania Papazachariou.- 11. Wise thinking, hopeful thinking, and positive aging: Reciprocal relations of wisdom, hope, memory, and affect in young, middle-aged, and older adults - Despina Moraitou and Anastasia Efklides.- 12. Dispositional hope and action-state orientation: Their role in self-regulated learning - Georgia Papantoniou, Despina Moraitou, Magda Dinou, and Effie Katsadima.- 13. One ingredient in the mix: Interest and psychological well-being - Mary Ainley.- 14. From burnout to engagement during transition from school to work - Katariina Salmela-Aro.- 15. A comparative study of resilience in Greece and Cyprus: The effects of negative life events, self-efficacy and social support on mental health.- Sophie Leontopoulou.- 16. Subject Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThese are turbulent times in which it becomes increasingly important to survive and thrive despite stressful circumstances. Hardiness is the pattern of attitudes and skills that provides the courage and strategies that helps people be resilient by turning potential disasters into growth opportunities and fulfillment, thereby enhancing their performance, sense of fulfillment, and health. Hardiness as the pathway to resilience under stress has become of considerable interest, it is beginning to have an influence on the emerging emphasis of positive psychology by expanding this approach beyond mere happiness, to the courage and strategies needed to make the most of difficult times.The book starts with the special value of hardiness in being resilient by not only surviving, but also thriving under stress, and thereby achieving fulfillment in living. The book then elaborates on the pattern of attitudes and skills of hardiness that form the pathway to this needed resiliency. It discusses the 30 years of validational research and practice that is available concerning hardiness. The book offers various applications of hardiness assessment and training that can contribute to a better life. These include, among others, how hardiness can be trained in school and emphasized in psychotherapy, how hardiness facilitates the intimacy and longevity of relationships, and what organizations need in order to perform successfully in these turbulent times. The book is of interest to academics, industrial and organizational psychologists, clinical psychologists, mental health professionals, and professionals in public health, social work, sociology and human resources.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews:“Maddi offers comprehensive coverage of the hardiness construct. … it would be an excellent textbook in many psychology classes; the themes relate to counseling, clinical, developmental, community, social, cognitive, neuro-, and organizational psychology. Although the book primarily captures the history of hardiness research and the current state of hardiness investigations, it also conveys content on the topic of human growth. … It covers so much potentially engaging material and is so geared toward 21st-century challenges that it deserves a wider audience.” (Dolores E. McCarthy, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 58 (25), June, 2013)“This short book contributes to a growing body of literature aiming to provide an overview of psychological concepts and frameworks and their application to real life settings. Hardiness is written in such a way that the concepts described are easily accessible to a wide audience particularly those who do not have a strong psychological background. … provide a starting point for academics interested in pursuing research this area. … Hardiness will be of most interest for individuals or organisations seeking enhance resilience to stress.” (Felicity Ann Cowdrey and Sasha Louise Walters, Applied Research in Quality of Life, Vol. 8, 2013)Table of ContentsPreface.- Chapter 1: The Importance of Resilience in Daily Living.-Chapter 2: Personal Hardiness as the Basis for Resilience.- Chapter 3: Thirty Years of Hardiness Validational Research and Practice.- Chapter 4: Hardiness Assessment and Training.- Chapter 5: Raising Hardy Children.- Chapter 6: Applying Hardiness to Teaching and Counseling.- Chapter 7: Hardiness as a Relationship and Work Facilitator.- Chapter 8: How Hardiness Facilitates Functioning in Military and Safety Roles.- Chapter 9: The Importance of Hardy Organizations.- Chapter 10: The Psychology of Possibilities.- References.-

Read more less

Book SynopsisChapter 1 Introduction.- Chapter 2 Public Hospital Doctors’ Narratives in Hong Kong.- Chapter 3 Narrative Interviews.- Discussion.- Conclusion: Moving Forward.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTable of ContentsSection I: Shifting the Focus to the Patient 1. The Problem of Health Literacy 2. The Patient's Perspective 3. Education Theory Section II: Effective Teaching and Learning 4. Information Exchange 5. The Science and Theories of Learning 6. Health Promotion Theories Section III: Patient Knowledge 7. Patient Learning 8. Informational Seasons of Knowledge 9. The Brain and Memory Section IV: Information Delivery Methodology 10. The PITS Model 11. The Medagogy Conceptual Framework 12. Assessing Patient Knowledge Using the Understanding Personal Perception Tool 13. Partnership: The NEW Model of Healthcare 14. Legal Implications Associated with Patient Education Appendices References Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe artificial noise in our lives is a debris field of arbitrary and often harmful signals. Our lives are riddled with sound: heavy-footed neighbours, an ambulance screeching nearby, white noise from the television. Unsurprisingly, the noisy environment in which we live has an immense impact on our concentration, alertness, and feelings of anxiety.To help us manage the rubble that hinders our mind and well-being, Bernie Krause whisks us through the practical steps that each one of us can take to reduce the unhealthy noise in your life and realize the healing powers of certain acoustic encounters. Along the way, we explore the difference between harmful noise and the signals that make us feel good, between noise as a stressor and soundscapes that serve to boost our emotional and physiological health and stimulate our productivity.By following his suggestions you''ll discover what a wide variety of sound signatures represent; which ones you like, which ones you don''t

Read more less

Book SynopsisProviding a fascinating overview of healthcare spending and cost-containment mechanisms in the US, this book explores the consequences of managed care for the community with particular attention paid to doctor-patient relationships. The author studies this significant relationship from a social perspective arguing that shifting financial risk onto doctors in a profit-making system seriously damages patient trust. In addition this undermines overall social capital, which in turn has been linked to health outcomes. Including case study examples and policy implications, this insightful text explores an important, though little-discussed outcome of healthcare reform and will be a welcome addition to the current healthcare literature.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Conflicting Values in a Troubled Health Care System 2. Bluffing, Puffing and Spinning 3. Trust: The Scarcest of Medical Resources 4. The Doctor-Patient Relationship in a Social Context 5. Conserving Medical Trust for the Sake of Social Capital 6. Law, Its Meaning, and Its Effect on Social Capital 7. Employer Leadership in the Era of Workplace Rationing Conclusion: Protecting Medical Trust, Conserving Social Capital

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe study of death and dying truly crosses disciplinary boundaries. Scholars in the field represent a wide spectrum of disciplines in medicine, nursing, social work, sociology, psychology, philosophy, health education and the humanities. The volumes in this collection therefore take a broad and interdisciplinary approach and cover a wide range of materials, including classic studies that have helped frame the field, significant research that has influenced the development of the field, and current cutting-edge material. Moreover, the work brings together theory, research and clinical practice.Table of ContentsVolume I: The Human Encounter with Death Part 1: The Death System Part 2: Death—Historical Perspectives Part 3: Death in Philosophy and Religion Part 4: Death in Music, Art and Literature Part 5: The Emergence of Death Studies Volume II: Developmental Perspectives Part 1: Children’s Understanding of Death Part 2: Adolescent Experiences with Death Part 3: Adult Perspectives on Death Part 4: Death in Later Life Volume III: Illness, Dying and Death Part 1: Coping with Life-Threatening Illness and Death Part 2: Care of the Dying: Hospice and Palliative Care as International Social Movements, Ethics of Assisted Suicide Part 3: Modes of Death Part 4: Care for the Caregivers Volume IV: Loss and Grief Part 1: Funerals, Memorials and Rituals Part 2: Understanding Grief and Loss—Early Perspectives Part 3: Challenging the Paradigm—New Understandings of Grief

Read more less

Book SynopsisKnowledge-in-Practice in the Caring Professions explores the nature and role of knowledge in the practical work of the caring professions. It focuses on knowledge of the practical over the theoretical, looking at the application of theory and the implementation of skill, judgment and discretion. Containing contributions from experts in a variety of fields, the research within this book offers a unique perspective on professional practice as multi-disciplinary, illustrating shared and overlapping understandings in knowledge-in-practice between the different professions as well as understandings that are distinctive to each discipline. It underlines that in order to effectively address the range of social, psychological and health problems facing contemporary societies, professionals need to engage in cooperative models of practice.Trade Review'The breadth of the contributions is a major strength of this volume. The insights each brings from philosophy, history, theory and practice provide engaging and accessible reflections on the imperatives for, and implications of, the relationship between knowledge and practice. The fact that knowledge and practice are foregrounded in ways that enhance both is a refreshing approach.' Joan Orme, Glasgow School of Social Work, UK 'Central to the viability and credibility of health professions is the ability to serve those in need with the right combination of expertise and services in the right way, at the right time, at the right cost. Facilitating a much needed dialogue between professions and offering a bridge to the future of health through cooperative models of practice, this is a must read across health professions in education and practice.' Gayla Rogers, University of Calgary, Canada 'This book addresses a relevant issue which has been largely overlooked in health sciences until recently. 'Knowledge-in-practice' or 'practice-wisdom' refers to the professional know-how of actual clinical practice as opposed to the theoretical knowledge or know-what. The tension between know-what and know-how is not new. The introduction and Chapters 1 and 2 provide an excellent review of the origins of this debate.' International Journal of Integrated Care 'The editors and chapter authors of Knowledge-in Practice pay considerable attention to the forms of knowledge in professional practice and a major attraction of the book is gaining an inside understanding of the thinking processes of various disciplines...' Aotearoa New Zealand Social WorkTable of ContentsIntroduction, Heather D'Cruz, Struan Jacobs, Adrian Schoo; Chapter 1 Ideas of knowledge in practice, Struan Jacobs; Chapter 2 Information, knowledge and wisdom in medical practice, P.B. Greenberg; Chapter 3 The practice of the psychiatrist, Alex Holmes; Chapter 4 Social work knowledge-in-practice, Heather D'Cruz; Chapter 5 Disability: a personal approach, Lisa Chaffey; Chapter 6 Knowledge in the making: an analytical psychology perspective, Joy Norton; Chapter 7 Knowledge to action in the practice of nursing, Alison Hutchinson, Tracey Bucknall; Chapter 8 The risky business of birth, Frances Sheean, Jennifer M. Cameron; Chapter 9 Skills for person-centred care: health professionals supporting chronic condition prevention and self-management, Sharon Lawn, Malcolm Battersby; Chapter 10 Knowledge and reasoning in practice: an example from physiotherapy and occupational therapy, Megan Smith, Sylvie Meyer, Karen Stagnitti, Adrian Schoo; Chapter 11 Using knowledge in the practice of dealing with addiction: an ideal worth aiming for, Peter Miller; Chapter 12 Conclusions: Knowledge-in-practice in the caring professions: reflections on commonalities and differences, Heather D'Cruz, Struan Jacobs, Adrian Schoo;

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe essays selected for this volume focus on issues that arise when attempting to design, review and undertake research involving human participants who are experiencing a private or public emergency. The main themes discussed by the essays are: the distinctive and significant ethical questions as to how research participants can be treated during emergency settings; the ethical challenges raised by emergencies for researchers undertaking research and its effects on the nature of research pursued; and procedural obstacles raised by emergencies which can affect the quality of good research ethics review. The volume is unique in that it is the first collection to exclusively deal with all of the central ethical aspects of conducting human subject research in the context of emergency.Table of ContentsContents: Introduction; Part I Consent: Informed consent in emergency research: a contradiction in terms, Malcolm G. Booth; Decision-making capacity and disaster research, Donald L. Rosenstein; To be or not to be: waiving informed consent in emergency research, Charles R. McCarthy; Waived consent for emergency research, Norman Fost; Deferred consent in emergency intensive care research: what if the patient dies early? Use the data or not?, T.C. Jansen, E.J.O. Kompanje, C. Druml, D.K. Menon, C.J. Wiedermann and J. Bakker; Ethical considerations on consent procedures for emergency research in severe and moderate traumatic brain injury, E.J.O. Kompanje, A.I.R. Maas, M.T. Hilhorst, F.J.A. Slieker and G.M. Teasdale. Part II Emergency and Critical Care Medicine: Balancing ethical principles in emergency medicine research, Eugenijus Gefenas; Has emergency medicine research benefited patients? An ethical question, Kenneth V. Iserson; Ethical and legal issues in emergency research: barriers to conducting prospective randomized trials in an emergency setting, C. Anne Morrison, Irwin B. Horwitz and Matthew M. Carrick; Ethics and research in critical care, Henry J. Silverman and Francois Lemaire; Lessons from everyday lives: a moral justification for acute care research, Andrew D. McRae and Charles Weijer; The ethical analysis of risk in intensive care unit research, Charles Weijer. Part III Vulnerable Populations: The concept of vulnerability in disaster research, Carol Levine; Vulnerable populations in emergency medicine research, Tammie Quest and Catherine A. Marco; Ethical issues in research involving victims of terror, Alan R. Fleischman and Emily B. Wood; Ethical issues pertaining to research in the aftermath of disaster, Lauren K. Collogan, Farris Tuma, Regina Dolan-Sewell, Susan Borja and Alan R. Fleischman; A second tsunami? The ethics of coming into communities following disaster, Theresia Citraningtyas, Elspeth MacDonald and Helen Herrman. Part IV Public Consultation

Read more less

Book SynopsisHealth Communication and Mass Media is a much-needed resource for those with a professional or academic interest in the field of health communication. The chapters engage and expand upon significant theories informing efforts at mediated health communication and demonstrate the practical utility of these theories in on-going or completed projects. They consider how to balance the ethical and efficacy demands of mediated health communication efforts, and discuss both traditional media and communication systems and new web-based and mobile media. The book''s treatment is broad, reflecting the topical and methodological diversity in the field. It offers an integrated approach to communication theory and application. Readers will be able to appreciate the ways that theory shapes health communication applications and how those applications inform the further construction of theory. They will find practical examples of mediated health communication that can serve as models for their own effTrade Review’... the volume stands out as an important contribution to the field of health communication. Its theoretical, methodological, and topical breadth, its simple and straightforward manner of presentation, and its unique emphasis on both theory and practice would make it a valuable reference to academics and practitioners of health communication at various levels.’ Health Communication, 2014Table of ContentsContents: Foreword, Rafael Obregon; Preface; Part 1 Introduction: Communicating health through mass media: an overview, Rukhsana Ahmed and Benjamin R. Bates; Healthcare reform information sources in relation to information quality, information-seeking and uncertainty, Jennifer L. Bevan, Lisa Sparkes, Julia Ernst, Jessica Francies and Nicole Santora; Theory-based health campaigns: a winning combination, Micheline Frenette. Part 2 Health Communication and Web Media: Disease, representation, and public relations: a discourse analysis of HIV/AIDS websites, Vinita Agarwal, Margaret U. Da (TM)Silva and Greg B. Leichty; Managing sexual health and related stigma through electronic learning environments, Candy J. Noltensmeyer, Sara Peters, Rebecca J. Meisenbach and Heather Eastman-Mueller; Beneficial participation: lurking vs posting in online support groups, Galit Nimrod. Part 3 Health Communication and Mobile Media: Effectively promoting healthy living and behaviors through mobile phones, Bree Holtz and Lorraine Buis; Targeting young adult texters for public health emergency messages: a Q-study of uses and gratifications, Hilary N. Karasz, Meredith Li-Vollmer, Sharon Bogan and Whitney Offenbecher; Reaching the unreachable: how eHealth and mobile health technologies impact at-risk populations, Rowena L. Briones and Beth Sundstrom. Part 4 Health Communication and Communication Systems: Coming full circle in rural trauma: chronicling the development and testing of communication systems in rural trauma networks, Theodore A. Avtgis and E. Phillips Polack; From patient-based records to patient-centered care: reconfiguring health care systems for interoperable electronic health records, Nicole Mardis; The role of communication in health informatics integration success: case study of an Ontario pediatric critical care unit, Victoria Aceti and Rocci Luppicini. Part 5 Health Communication and Media Ethics: Doing good, doing right: the ethics of health communication, Seow Ting Lee; Eating disorders and obesity: conflict and common ground in health promotion and prevention, Hunna Watson and Julie McCormack; The ethics of disability representations on television, Tracy R. Worrell; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDuring the past decade since the first edition of this practical work was published, global prevalence of obesity has increased by epic proportions, and physical fitness levels have continued to decline. Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Health in Early Life, Second Edition analyzes cutting-edge longitudinal and cross-sectional data on morphological, nutritional, and functional characteristics related to environmental factors to assess how the lifestyle choices we make when we're young deeply impact overall health and wellness throughout our lives. Includes Step-by-Step Nutrition and Exercise PlansExtensively revised and updated, this definitive second edition synthesizes new, original research findings related to anthropometric and body composition data, dietary intake, cardiorespiratory function, motor and psychomotor skills, muscle strength, and biochemical and physiological parameters of preschool-age children. The boTrade ReviewPraise for the First Edition… clearly written, eloquently organized text, providing pertinent and useful information for anyone interested in the problems of nutrition, physical activity, and health in very young children.—Pediatric Exercise ScienceTable of ContentsIntroduction: First Steps to Optimal Health and Fitness throughout Life. Theoretical Considerations: What Can We Learn from the Natural and Experimental Models? Nutrition of Pregnant Mothers and Their Children in Early Life: Human Studies. Growth and Somatic Development of Preschool Children. Nutritional Status and Dietary Intake in Early Life. Functional Development and Physical Activity during Early Childhood. Influence of Varying Nutrition and Environment on Somatic Development and Physical Fitness. Development of Obesity and Its Influence on the Functional Capacity of Children and Youth. Influence of Environmental Factors. Influence of Motor Stimulation, Physical Education, and Spontaneous Physical Activity. Criteria for the Evaluation of Morphological and Functional Development in Preschool Children: Recommendations. Summary of Experimental Results. Perspectives: Physical Activity, Early Prevention of Diseases, and Development of Positive Health.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book explores how social determinants of health (SDH) impact the health of a variety of marginalized demographic groups in the United States. Chapters focus on the 13 groups that research demonstrates are most disadvantaged by SDH and, consequently, who suffer the most from ongoing health disparities in America. This includes Black and Hispanic individuals, the LGBTQIA+ community, women, the elderly, people with disabilities, veterans, and those living in rural areas, among others.Chapters follow a standardized format that makes it easy for readers to focus in on aspects of the subject that are of greatest interest. Each profile begins with a snapshot of that group's current state of health, including the biggest medical concerns and how other determinants of health may play a role. Next, each chapter takes an in-depth look at the four components of SDH: economic factors, educational access and quality, healthcare access and quality, and living environment and sTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) Populations 2. Black Populations 3. Disabled Populations 4. Elderly Populations 5. Hispanic, Chicanx, and Latinx (HLC) Populations 6. Homeless and Housing Insecure Populations 7. Incarcerated Populations 8. Indigenous Populations 9. Low-Income Populations 10. Rural Populations 11. Sexual and Gender Minority Populations 12. Veterans 13. Women and Girls Bibliography and Further Readings Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisHappiness: as elusive as a working inkjet printer, and as slippery as an eel covered in baby oil. When we chase happiness, it runs away like a cat when you''re trying to give it a bath, but the world of pop psychology is filled with competing advice that either claims it can help you catch it or warns you not to seek it out at all. Comedian Ariane Sherine is determined to help us find the true path to happiness, and public health expert David Conrad has the key: 50 well-selected research studies that show you exactly what to do to find happiness in your relationships, your friendships, your finances, your sex life and your career. Using wide-ranging evidence from around the world, Conrad and Sherine show us the true science behind what makes people happy and outline the simple, practical steps we can take to attain this too. This book has all the facts, stats and entertainment you could ever need to live a blissfully content life. And celebriti

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book offers a compelling account of the two-pronged fight against both leprosy and the discrimination that comes with it. Leprosy is generally weak against the immune system, yet it persists in populations with inadequate nutrition and weak resistance, due to poverty or lack of disease control measures. Thus the battle against leprosy has involved a highly effective multidrug therapy, and getting it to communities in need. 'The Last and Longest Mile' tells the story of the WHO's offering of this cure, free of charge across the world, in 1995–9, through vital funding from the Nippon Foundation; and of how the Foundation has continued pursuing elimination of leprosy in the years since. Yohei Sasakawa, the organisation's chairman, has personally travelled the world to lead the struggle against the disease, and particularly to combat discrimination against leprosy patients or ex-patients and their families--an effort that has lagged behind the campaign to eradicate the disease itself. Award-winning writer Fumihiko Takayama accompanied Sasakawa on his seven-year global crusade from 2009. Here he recounts the milestones of their journey, explores the important advances and setbacks experienced along the way, and reveals the personal sense of mission that drives the tireless Yohei Sasakawa.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book explores the impact of Covid-19, and the associated state lockdown, on rural lives in a former homeland in South Africa. The 2020 Disaster Management Act saw the state sweep through rural areas, targeting funerals and other customary practices as potential 'super-spreader' events. This unprecedented clampdown produced widespread disruption, fear and anxiety. The authors build on path-breaking work concerning local responses to West Africa's Ebola epidemic, and examine the HIV/AIDS pandemic, to understand the impact of the Covid crisis on these communities, and on rural Africa more broadly. To shed light on the role of custom and ritual in rural social change during the pandemic, Covid and Custom in Rural South Africa applies long-term historical and ethnographic research; theories of people's science, local knowledge and the human economy; and fieldwork conducted in ten rural South African communities during lockdown. The volume highlights differences between developments in Southern Africa and elsewhere on the continent, while exploring how the former apartheid homelands-commonly, yet problematically, represented as former 'labour reserves'-have since been reconstituted as new home-spaces. In short, it explains why rural people have been so angered by the state's assault on their cultural practices and institutions in the time of Covid.Trade Review'The authors expertly craft contextualised narratives and illustrate how communities, customs, home spaces and healthcare systems have developed into their contemporary forms.' -- Anthropology Southern Africa'Bank and Sharpley show how the pandemic exacerbated inequality, cultural conflicts, power discrepancies and contested leadership in South Africa. An excellent book, well written and convincing in its analysis, and the detailed ethnography from the Eastern Cape is simply magnificent.' -- Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Professor of Social Anthropology, University of Oslo'This detailed study shows how Covid regulations in South Africa prevented the most impacted rural communities from seeking the consolation of custom as they tried to bury their dead. It powerfully criticises the inhumanity of biocentrism in a developing society.' -- Robin Palmer, Professor of Anthropology, Rhodes University'A devastating indictment of policy failures driven by arrogance and contempt toward "custom", this remarkable study also provides an exceptionally revealing account of the changing social and cultural conditions of South Africa's rural periphery. An important and deeply insightful book.' -- James Ferguson, Susan S. and William H. Hindle Professor, School of Humanities and Sciences, Stanford University'A compelling ethnography of accentuated precarity in South Africa's rural Eastern Cape, showing how the pandemic has preyed upon and exacerbated existing victimhood and vulnerabilities. Bank and Sharpley explore structural inequalities inherited from apartheid and compounded by corruption and lip-service to transformation under the ANC government.' -- Francis B. Nyamnjoh, Professor of Social Anthropology, University of Cape Town

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to promote and encourage mental health in their school, or evaluate their existing provision, in line with current government priorities. It covers not only the day-to-day practical steps you can take to meet the mental health needs of learners, but also a provides a whole bank of ideas for ensuring you adopt a whole-school approach to positive mental health. Pooky Knightsmith lays out tried and tested tools you can use to evaluate the overall mental health of a school, showing how to improve and support the mental health of staff, and how to ensure that the voice of every learner is heard and valued, including the most vulnerable - and that everyone involved with the school feels safe, healthy and happy. Pooky's simple 'litmus test' framework lays out six practical areas you can explore to implement change within your own school, with explanations, sheets to fill in, tips from loads of school staff, and case examples that break these ideas down into easily digestible chunks. This much-needed book is a jumping off point for meaningful change in all aspects of your school community that will promote, support and strengthen mental health at whole-school level.Trade ReviewPooky Knightsmith is the measured, pragmatic voice of reason that mental health in schools needs. If you're confused by the myriad options and opinions out there listen to this and you can't go far wrong. She is always coming from a place of pure kindness, rooted in a solid evidence base. -- Natasha Devon MBE, Mental Health CampaignerPooky champions everyone invested in the school environment! In this book she offers a clear and consistent way to develop a mentally healthy school; worksheets, action plans, tips and ideas, real-life experiences, inspiring quotes and suggestions for further reading are all offered in a genuine, supportive way. Pooky inspires you to make meaningful changes - as an individual as well as a team - that promote positive mental health in an educational setting and genuinely make a difference. -- Helen Cossar, School Counsellor, Durham Schools Counselling ServicePooky never fails in giving sound, practical, useful advice based on the most current thinking on Mental Health. As a school counsellor, her books are my go-to whenever I doubt my interventions or need support with how to work with parents or staff in the school. I particularly like her '8 top tips' in each chapter of how to make your school 'mentally healthier' and her vision of long-term impact rather than quick fixes. A must-have on your shelf in the school counselling room. I look forward to implementing and changing the mental health in schools with this tool. -- Amy Hill, School CounsellorPooky has been able to explain things in a clear, easy to understand format. The book has a whole-school approach and each chapter has ideas and action plans to challenge us. Many of these can be achieved almost immediately to congratulate and motivate, and there are examples of excellent practice that can be cherry picked from and signposting for further reading. The litmus test includes everything you need to ensure a mentally healthy school and the self-care toolbox is essential to maintain this. -- Helen Lilley, Emotional Health Resilience NurseStarting this book I knew which chapters I most needed, on working my way through I was gently but firmly challenged in each of the six areas. This is a sensitive guide that enables honest reflection and has some great ideas. Our school already employs many of the schemes and strategies, but this framework has been brilliant for providing a 'fresh eyes' review of where we are, where we want to be and most importantly a huge range of ways to get there. Clear and practical, well done Pooky! Top tip...never underestimate the power of a toilet door. -- Jo Weaver, Special Educational Needs Coordinator, Devonport High School for BoysPooky's book is an invaluable compendium of proactive ideas to make any school more mentally healthy. Say goodbye to hours wasted trying to collate resources because Pooky's book offers a concise, multifaceted approach in just 175 pages. I can really envision these ideas, on the ground level, making school a better place for student's like me. -- Angelette Medonca, Student, Henrietta Barnet SchoolKey to this new workbook is the strive for small successful changes rather than aiming for big changes and not achieving them. Although aimed at senior leadership, this book is equally useful for practitioners and encourages small wins with little or no budget impact, as well as whole school strategies.It was good to be reminded right at the start that staff wellbeing is at the heart of a mentally healthy school. This book has been written with this sentiment very much in mind. It is quick to read and easy to use. Chapter one encourages you to do a self-check on your own wellbeing. Chapter two then guides you on how to take an easy audit of your school. This gives you a baseline to start from and helps you to identify which areas you want to focus on and formulate your own tailor-made plan.Each chapter thereafter follows the same simple format, so it is easy to go straight to the section that is going to be most helpful. Highly recommended for all levels of staff that are committed to becoming a mentally healthy school -- Student Welfare Officer, Uffculme School

Read more less

Book SynopsisHealth care professionals who endeavour to work holistically face a number of questions about spirituality. What is meant by `spirituality' as opposed to `religion'? What is its specific relevance to health care practice?This accessible book provides answers to these questions and offers a model for personal and professional development. Gillian White sets out a framework within which health care professionals can discuss spirituality and equip themselves to respond appropriately to the spiritual concerns of their patient in daily practice. She draws on her experience of sharing and discussing spirituality and spiritual care with other health care professionals and proposes that multi-professional health care teams should talk about spirituality in challenging but safe environments to develop shared understanding of it, and to increase their confidence about integrating spiritual care into their daily practise.This text is a useful contribution to the multi-disciplinary, whole-person approach in health care and will be of interest to all health care professionals, nursing staff and students in these fields.Trade ReviewGillian White's PhD thesis into how people learn about spirituality, offers many rich insights... a useful evidence-based contribution to the burgeoning field of spirituality and health literature. -- Nursing StandardIn many ways this book is best described as an "exploration". The author on her experience of working within health care to share and develop her experience and understanding of the importance of spirituality as an integral part of delivering effective health care...This is not a religious book, or a book written to explore specific differences in belief and spiritual practice. But for a multi-disciplinary team interested in reflecting on what spirituality means to them as individuals and in the context of their health care roles, it provides much to drawn upon. -- Richard Bryant-Jefferies, head of Equalities and Diversity, CNWL NHS Foundation TrustThis is a well-written and useful book and I recommend it to all who have an interest in spirituality in health care... What comes through very clearly in eight relatively short chapters is a deep experiential knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of British health care, and a real commitment to the well-being, defined in its broadest sense, of patients, clients and service users... Gillian White makes a valuable contribution to the literature on spirituality in health care practice, and complements the growing catalogue of Jessica Kingsley Publishers' related titles. -- The Journal of Interprofessional CareTo ask questions about spirituality is to delve into the heart of what it means to be human. What marks this book out from many others is the way it charts, and comments upon, the journey taken by a multi-professional health care team which took the risk of exploring this rich theme in a structured, disciplined way. Spirituality is not an easy concept to define or to explore, but this book makes a strong case for taking the risk. White offers suggestions for other professionals who wish to make a similar journey. It promises to be equally rewarding. -- Community CareTable of ContentsPreface. Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction: Finding a voice for the spirit. 2. Spirituality and the holistic approach. 3. Learning about spirituality in the multi-professional team. 4. Developing opportunities to talk about spirituality. 5. Understanding spirituality. 6. Spiritual care. 7. Outcomes and opportunities. 8. Conclusion: The journey continues. Appendix 1: A short course on spirituality. Appendix 2: Suggested outline for groups wishing to explore spirituality. References. Further Reading. Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisConstipation, Withholding and Your Child is a positive, accessible guide to dealing with the common problems of stool withholding, soiling and wetting in young children. It gives insight into the perspectives of both children and parents, enabling a clear understanding of the issue.Using friendly and informal language, the book examines the different causes of toileting problems, including the arrival of siblings and difficulties at school, and provides practical techniques and strategies to help children overcome these problems. It emphasises the importance of diet and offers advice on how to make using the toilet less frightening, the benefits of keeping a stool diary chart, and what laxatives and medications to use in different circumstances. It provides tips on how to tackle inappropriate lavatorial behaviour sensitively and addresses the issues particular to children with special needs.This book is a reassuring, informative and non-patronising guide to help children overcome toileting problems. It is useful for parents and all professionals who work with children.Trade ReviewThis book would be particularly useful for parents but is also interesting for professionals and especially those dealing with babies and young children. -- National Childminding AssociationConstipation, Withholding and Your Child is easy to read and introduces humour into a taboo subject while acknowledging the complexity of the problem. Cohn talks in plain language that can easily be understood by parents, health care professionals and older children. It uses a relaxed storybook style that encourages children to discover their own solutions...This book covers all aspects of the condition. It is an excellent resource for all those involved in the care of children with constipation and soiling. It will also serve as a helpful guide for parents, many of whom feel they have been left to cope alone.It could also inspire parents to continue with a management programme, knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel if they persist with the medication, the toilet routine and treatment plan. -- Children NowTable of Contents1. Introduction. 2. Mr Poo - A Children's Story About Constipation and Stool Withholding. 3. The Life Cycle of the Stool - From Food to Poo. 4. How Can You Tell If It's Normal or Not? 5. It's Not Constipation - It's Stool Withholding? 6. Are We Missing Something Serious? 7. What are the Signs of Stool Withholding? 8. It's Not a Wee Problem - Constipation and Urinary Problems. 9. This Is Not a Book About Toilet Training, but…a Few Tips 10. The Holy Grail - Sensible Use of the Toilet 11. Milk, Water and Fibre. 12. Which Method? 13. Medication for Constipation. 14. Soiling (Encopresis). 15. Wetting (Enuresis). 16. Bedwetting and Medication. 17. If Things Don't Go According To Plan - Theories and Strategies for Improving Results 18. Happy Families…and Real Ones. 19. Children with Other Issues. 20. Schools. Appendix: A High Fibre Diet. Contacts and Further Information. Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe issue of 'recovery' has been increasingly prioritised by policymakers in recent years, but the meaning of the concept remains ambiguous. This edited collection brings together the thoughts and experiences of researchers, practitioners and service users from the fields of health, addiction and criminal justice and centres on current developments in addiction policy and practice. Tackling Addiction examines what recovery, addiction and dependence really mean, not only to the professional involved in rehabilitation but also to each individual client, and how 'coerced treatment' fails to take account of recovery as a long-term and ongoing process. Chapters cover the influence of crime and public health in UK drug policy; the ongoing emphasis on substitute prescribing; the role of recovery groups and communities; and gendered differences in the recovery process and implications for responses aimed at supporting women.Tackling Addiction will be essential reading for practitioners, researchers, policy makers and students in the fields of addiction, social care, psychology and criminal justice.Trade ReviewThis book is useful as a tool of reflection about policy direction, focus of treatment and the client's goals continuing to be across a broad range of objectives. It encourages broad thinking about incorporating recovery into policy development, program design and supporting recovery as a client objective in treatment. -- Drug and Alcohol ReviewTackling Addiction is a great addition to the ongoing debate on how to best help and meet the needs of people with drug addiction. -- Metapsychology Online ReviewsThe chapters of 'Tackling Addiction: Pathways to Recovery' embody the interdisciplinary nature of the subject area. Drawing together knowledge from a range of experts in the field, the narratives of academics, researchers, practitioners and drug users are blended to construct a comprehensive and interesting insight into the ambiguous concept of recovery... The book deals with the complex issue of recovery in an accessible and thought provoking way... The book deals with this interesting but complex debate in an accessible and edifying manner... The book draws the information on recovery together into one easily accessible and comprehensive source, which for many is an invaluable resource in an area where the literature is extremely fragmented and widely dispersed across a range of disciplines. -- British Journal of Community JusticeThis is a powerful book, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to refresh their motivation to work therapeutically in addiction. -- Clinical Psychology ForumTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. List of Contributors. Introduction. Margaret S. Malloch, University Of Stirling, UK and Rowdy Yates, University Of Stirling, UK. 1. The Road Less Travelled? A Short History of Addiction Recovery. Rowdy Yates and Margaret S. Malloch. 2. Mapping Routes to Recovery: The Role of Recovery Groups and Communities. David Best, University of The West Of Scotland, UK. 3. Recovery in the Project: A South East Alternative Journey. Dharmacarini Khuladarini, Turning Point Scotland, UK. 4. Women in Recovery. Betsy Thom, Middlesex University, UK. 5. The Therapeutic Community as a Recovery Oriented Treatment Pathway and the Emergence of a Recovery Oriented Integrated System. George De Leon, NYU School Of Medicine, USA. 6. NW ROIS: Recovery Oriented Integrated Systems in North-West England. Mark Gilman, National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, UK and Rowdy Yates. 7. The Therapeutic Community as a Method of Intervention. Wendy Dawson, Ley Community, Oxford, UK and Albert Zandvoort, The Bayberry Clinic, UK. 8. Voices of Recovery. David Bryce, Carl Edwards, Maggie, Mary G. and Annemarie W. 9. Recovery, a Clinical Reality. Brian Kidd, University Of Dundee and NHS Tayside Substance Misuse Services, UK. 10. Evidence and Policy - Crime and Public Health in UK Drug Policy. Alex Stevens, University Of Kent, UK. 11. Recovery, Desistance and 'Coerced' Drug Treatment. Tim McSweeney, King's College London, UK. 12. Some Concluding Reflections and Future Considerations. Margaret S. Malloch and Rowdy Yates.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe spiritual factors associated with healing are increasingly being acknowledged by modern medicine. Our definition of what constitutes health has expanded beyond the purely medical, yet the delivery of modern medicine to the patient often fails to take this into account. Doctors, anthropologists, psychologists and sociologists have all written on the subject, but thus far the literature has been fragmented between the disciplines.David Aldridge presents the first unified approach to the subject. In Spirituality, Healing and Medicine he evaluates the existing literature from across the disciplines to ascertain just how effective and influential spiritual healing may be on the patient's physical and psychological well-being. He encourages us to redefine treatment strategies and the ways in which we understand health, and argues that the spiritual elements of experience help the patient to find purpose, meaning and hope in the face of sickness. It is in the understanding of suffering and the need for deliverance from it, he suggests, that the traditions and aims of medicine and spirituality meet.Trade ReviewI warmed to this fine book, both for the subject matter and its sanity. The book is worth its cover price for the second chapter alone. There are sections on "Science and Religion as Ways of Knowing", "Spirituality and Religion in Medicine", "Meanings", Transcendence", "Vital Energy", "A Postmodern perspective", "Belief in Action", and "A Challenge to Science". It is difficult to summarise the wisdom contained here. I admire the author's occasional blunt honesty. He writes for example, "Even within modern medicine, we have difficulty in defining health". It is important to realise that health is so much more than the simple absence of symptoms." This is a rich and rewarding book, though application and discernment are both required to get the best from it. Psychiatrists familiar with John Swinton's remarkable "Spirituality and Mental Health Care" will naturally seek out and absorb the wisdom of this excellent companion volume, covering different but closely related ground. Many discerning health care workers, keeping abreast of developments in human spirituality relevant to our inter-related professions, will want to read it too. The true bonds, holding us all together, are after all spiritual in nature. -- Spirituality and Psychiatry NewsletterDavid Aldridge makes it clear that he does not propose spiritual healing as an alternative to modern healthcare delivery. He has evaluated literature from all disciplines concerned with healthcare to discover the influence that spirituality has on the physical and psychological well-being of the patient.The concept of spirituality is complicated and at times difficult to identify with and because of this can be devalued in importance to the holistic care of a patient. Different religions and beliefs are explored in the text and many problems that occur are highlighted. The fact that prayer as a spiritual activity is undertaken by the patient and not applied to him/her by another person should be recognised as giving comfort so therefore welcomed by the practitioner. The point which comes over extremely clearly is that all members of the healthcare profession should be willing to accept that a patient's spirituality helps him/her find hope in the face of illness and should be and used alongside the medical treatment. -- Journal of Community Nursing... although the subject is philosophical, that does not mean it is impractical. I began the book with a prejudiced mind-set centred on the meaning of spirituality, but soon found myself a fellow traveller of the author on the road to the meaning of medicine (and life). -- Family PracticeThis is the first to attend so thoroughly to the intersect of theology and medicine - and it's a gem of a book.It is in the experience of suffering and the consequent need of relief, Aldridge believes, that both medicine and religion share a common goal. Using case studies to bring his arguments to life, he illustrates what he calls "healing narratives in the context of a performed life". Patience, grace, prayer, meditation, hope, forgiveness, and fellowship are as important, he says, as medicine or surgery. Many researchers are attempting to demonstrate this assertion; studies on prayer are the most promising at present. But many of these efforts neglect to tease apart the elements of healing that are so difficult to grasp: the difference between spirituality and religion, for example, or the forms of prayer. This is Aldridge's great strength. It makes sense.It's a great read, and any nurse in search of meaning in the midst of tragedy and suffering (not to mention his or her own well-being) need look no further than this for a starting point. -- Accident and Emergency NursingThe great value of this book is that it reveals the new insights that can be gained by viewing sickness in its social setting and regarding health and illness not as inflictions from without, but as performances which are being constantly enacted by individuals within their social environment. This is the thesis which the author developed in his earlier books on music therapy and suicide. It is a welcome change of outlook: a philosophy of hope which offers the continuing opportunity of healing by changed perceptions and behavioural responses. The book discusses the use of prayer, meditation and therapeutic touch, but as the author stresses it "is not an evangelical tract for spiritual healing, simply an argument for diversity in the culture of health care that includes the spiritual." The development of this argument raises several important issues. It offers the promise that the growing use of complementary therapies will help to narrow the gap between the users and providers of health care. It also suggests that health and sickness can often be different ways of reacting to a given situation rather than opposite poles of a sick-well continuum. -- www.healthsourceuk.comTable of Contents1. Healing narratives in the context of a performed life. 2. Meaning, purpose and power. 3. Religion: The everyday forms of spiritual life. 4. Lifestyle, charismatic ideology and a praxis aesthetic. 5. Lost and found. The perpetual story. 6. Prayer and healing. 7. Pluralism and treatment: Healing today. Index.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book examines all aspects of narrative medicine and its value in ensuring that, in an age of evidence-based medicine defined by clinical trials, numbers, and probabilities, clinical science is firmly embedded in the medical humanities in order to foster the understanding of clinical cases and the delivery of excellent patient care. The medical humanities address what happens to us when we are affected by a disease and narrative medicine is an interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes the importance of patient narratives in bridging various divides, including those between health care professionals and patients. The book covers the genesis of the medical humanities and of narrative medicine and explores all aspects of their role in improving healthcare. It describes how narrative medicine is therapeutic for the patient, enhances the patient–doctor relationship, and allows the identification, via patients' stories, of the feelings and experiences that are characteristic for each disease. Furthermore, it explains how to use narrative medicine as a real scientific tool. Narrative Medicine will be of value for all caregivers: physicians, nurses, healthcare managers, psychotherapists, counselors, and social workers.“Maria Giulia Marini takes a unique and innovative approach to narrative medicine. She sees it as offering a bridge – indeed a variety of different bridges – between clinical care and ‘humanitas’. With a sensitive use of mythology, literature and metaphor on the one hand, and scientific studies on the other, she shows how the guiding concept of narrative might bring together the fragmented parts of the medical enterprise”.John Launer, Honorary Consultant, Tavistock Clinic, London UKTrade Review“Examining some of narrative medicine’s foundational ideologies, Maria Giulia Marini discusses the epistemological value of interdisciplinary connectedness in ‘Narrative Medicine: Bridging the Gap between Evidence-Based Care and Medical Humanities’. … the book holds interesting ideas for medical humanities to further explore. … The book is intended for a wide readership, and different audiences may benefit from various portions of the material.” (Sandra Weems and Paulette Hahn, Centre for Medical Humanities, centreformedicalhumanities.org, May, 2016)“The book has a high value for the contents, and the merit to spread Narrative Medicine out of circumscribed environments, potentially communicating with anybody, in Italy and worldwide. … ‘Narrative Medicine. Bridging the Gap between Evidence-Based Care and Medical Humanities’ is an unique work for the analysis of the sustainability of an humanistic approach … . We wish this book will be read by patients, caregivers, doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists … .” (Stefania Polvani, MedicinaNarrativa.eu, April, 2016)Table of Contents1 Evidence Based Medicine and Narrative Medicine: a harmonic couple.- 2 Bridging from mythology to contemporary care: the art of listening.- 3 Bridging from oral tradition to writing: the art of empathy.- 4 The tower of Babel: the language of physicians, patients and providers of care.- 5 Patient narrative as a probe for successful coping.- 6 The muted desire for well-being and the abuse of the word “normality” in medicine.- 7 Bridging the gap between personalization of care and research.- 8 The industry of illness-centered movies in medical humanities.- 9 Designing health care based on patient’s needs and rights.- 10 Building a bridge between economic investment and medical humanities: the fears to overcome.- 11 A selection of narratives.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFirst Published in 2004. This is Volume I of six of a series on medical imaging systems techniques and applications. This subject area exemplifies a meaningful manifestation of the power of the technologies of the second industrial revolution. The first chapter in this volume on cardiovascular systems emphasizes the importance of accurate measurements of cardiac shape and dynamics as they reflect the scope of cardiac diseases, the major cause of mortality in developed countries today. Cardiac imaging plays an important role in this regard, and almost the only one in this clinical context.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPeople have searched for the fountain of youth everywhere from Bimini to St. Augustine. But for a steadfast group of scientists, the secret to a long life lies elsewhere: in the lowly lab worm. By suppressing the function of just a few key genes, these scientists were able to lengthen worms' lifespans up to tenfold, while also controlling the onset of many of the physical problems that beset old age. As the global population ages, the potential impact of this discovery on society is vastas is the potential for profit. With The Longevity Seekers, science writer Ted Anton takes readers inside this tale that began with worms and branched out to snare innovative minds from California to Crete, investments from big biotech, and endorsements from TV personalities like Oprah and Dr. Oz. Some of the research was remarkable, such as the discovery of an enzyme in humans that stops cells from aging. And some, like an oft-cited study touting the compound resveratrol, found in red wineproved high

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is about how you listen and what you hear, about how to have a dialogue with the sounds around you. Marcia Jenneth Epstein gives readers the impetus and the tools to understand the sounds and noise that define their daily lives in this groundbreaking interdisciplinary study of how auditory stimuli impact both individuals and communities. Epstein employs scientific and sociological perspectives to examine noise in multiple contexts: as a threat to health and peace of mind, as a motivator for social cohesion, as a potent form of communication and expression of power. She draws on a massive base of specialist literature from fields as diverse as nursing and neuroscience, sociology and sound studies, acoustic ecology and urban planning, engineering, anthropology, and musicology, among others, synthesizing and explaining these findings to evaluate the ubiquitous effects of sound in everyday life. Epstein investigates speech and music as well as noise and explores their physical anTrade Review"Personal, descriptive, and filled with anecdotes and everyday life examples, Sound and Noise often addresses the reader in the second person, posing ethical questions and dilemmas and raising controversial issues. An excellent and provocative book." Barry Truax, Simon Fraser University and editor of Handbook for Acoustic Ecology

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe book is intended as a practical guide to setting up, staffing and running eating disorders services. The guidance and advice given is based on the experience of the eating disorder service at the Royal Free, which does not have specialised beds, but which is nevertheless considered to offer one of the best services in the UK.Trade Review"I would definitely recommend this book. It will appeal to a wide audience due to its easy-to-read format and will be applicable to different people … Informative and full of useful advice." (Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, July 2008)Table of ContentsAbout the Author vii Acknowledgements ix Introduction xi Chapter 1: Establishing a Home-oriented Service 1 Chapter 2: Staff 19 Chapter 3: Initial Outpatient Assessment 32 Chapter 4: Physical Assessment and Monitoring 57 Chapter 5: Psychological Interventions 80 Chapter 6: Day Care 103 Chapter 7: Liaison and Outreach 122 Chapter 8: Inpatient Care 141 Chapter 9: Rehabilitation: Dealing with Seed 165 Chapter 10: Technical and Academic Aspects 177 References 191 Index 193

Read more less

Book SynopsisIncisively written, this new edition of a popular guide first published in 1996 slices through the rhetoric of health promotion. Its penetrating analysis quickly reveals health promotion's conceptual roots, providing an enlightening map of their web of theory and practice. David Seedhouse proves that health promotion, a discipline intended to improve the health of a population, is prejudicedevery plan and every project stems first from human valuesand argues that only by acknowledging this will a mature discipline emerge. To help speed progress the author proposes a positive, practical theory of health promotion destined to inspire anyone who wishes to create better health. This new edition includes three new chapters on conventional health promotion, radical and foundational health promotion and mental health promotion, providing examples of the use of foundational health promotion.This new edition also adds five new teaching exercises, incorporates and updates the guide foTable of ContentsIntroduction. Part One the magpie profession. Dialogue One Health promotion on offer: all models available. Dialogue Two Where's the beef? Chapter One Glad to be vague. Chapter Two Hollow words - and how to reveal them. Chapter Three Evidence and ethics. Dialogue Three Progress so far. Part Two Prejudice first, evidence second. Chapter Four What drive health promotion? Chapter Five The political tap roots of health promotion. Dialogue Four The outsider. Chapter Six The outsider problem. Part Three The foundations theory of health promotion. Chapter Seven An introduction to the foundations of health promotion. Chapter Eight Tough questions. Dialogue Five The end of illusion. Chapter Nine Ethics and health promotion. Chapter Ten Rational health promotion. Dialogue Six Time to face the music. Dialogue Seven Seven strategies for health. References. Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis applied statistics book examines sampling methods from a biomedical standpoint. The authors draw on their work at the National Cancer Institute, helping practitioners analyze real-world health data even with no prior experience in survey methods.Trade ReviewThe book fulfills the authors' purpose of providing neededexpertise for statisticians who are limited in their knowledge ofsurvey research. There are excellent questions at the end of eachchapter so it would make a good textbook for a course in surveyanalysis. (Journal of Official Statistics, Vol. 16, 2000) A strength of this book is the exercises at the ends of eachchapter [...]. This makes the book ideal either for independentstudy or for a survey methods course at final year undergraduate orpostgraduate level. Since the book is based on the two authors'many years of experience working in this field, it shows highlevels of sound judgement and good advice. (Biometrics, 2000) The analytic components of books about survey sampling oftenrestrict their discussion to the analysis of relatively simpleparameters of interest, such as population means and linearregression slopes. On the other hand, texts not devoted to surveysampling rarely discuss in detail the effect of complex sampledesigns on data analysis. This book provides a great service to thehealth research community by tying together the tools of modernstatistical analysis and survey research in one package. Korn andGraubard write clearly and concisely, using well-chosen examples toilluminate potentially confusing concepts. (JASA, March 2001) If you are involved in analyzing data from very large surveys, thenyou will want to buy this book. Statisticians who enjoy expandingtheir horizons in statistics by reading practical and usefulstatistics books should also get a copy of the book. More and moreof this health-survey data becomes available all the time, soperhaps data analysis no longer needed in industry can find a newhome somewhere analyzing health-survey data. (Technometrics, May2001, Vol. 42, No. 4) "...provides a great service to the health research community bytying together...tools of modern statistical analysis and surveyresearch...." (Journal of the American Statistical Association)Table of ContentsBasic Survey Methodology. Statistical Analysis with Survey Data. Sample Weights and Imputation. Additional Issues in Variance Estimation. Cross-Sectional Analyses. Analysis of Longitudinal Surveys. Analyses Using Multiple Surveys. Population-Based Case-Control Studies. Appendices. References. Indexes.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book not only combines the elements of risk assessment (dietary exposure and toxicity, but also positions them within the broader picture, which includes environmental fate of pesticides, identification of the exact nature of the residues and the international standards for acceptable levels of food pesticide residues in food and water.Trade Review"...as someone working in the field, I will value this book as an excellent source of fundamental information..." (Chemistry & Industry, 15 Mar 2004) "...very well-documented..." (International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Vol.84, No.14 - 15, 10 - 20 December 2004) "...a concise and well-organised work..." (Applied Organometallic Chemistry, Vol 19 (9), September 2005)Table of ContentsContributors. Series Preface. Preface. 1. Introduction (Denis Hamilton and Stephen Crossley). 2. Environmental Fate of Pesticides and the Consequences for Residues in Food and Drinking Water (Jack Holland and Phil Sinclair). 3. Pesticide Metabolism in Crops and Livestock (Michael W. Skidmore and ´ Arp´ad Ambrus). 4. Effects of Food Preparation and Processing on Pesticide Residues in Commodities of Plant Origin (Gabriele Timme and Birgitt Walz-Tylla). 5. Toxicological Assessment of Agricultural Pesticides (Mike Watson). 6. Diets and Dietary Modelling for Dietary Exposure Assessment (J. Robert Tomerlin and Barbara J. Petersen). 7. Chronic Intake (Les Davies, Michael O’Connor and Sheila Logan). 8. Acute Intake (Kim Z. Travis Denis Hamilton, Les Davies, Matthew O’Mullane and Utz Mueller). 9. Natural Toxicants as Pesticides (John A. Edgar). 10. International Standards: The International Harmonization of Pesticide Residue Standards for Food and Drinking Water (Wim H. Van Eck). 11. Explaining the Risks (Sir Colin Berry). Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisREAD ALL ABOUT IT! David Spiegelhalter has recently joined the ranks of Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Stephen Hawking by becoming a fellow of the Royal Society.Originating from the Medical Research Council's biostatistics unit, David has played a leading role in the Bristol heart surgery and Harold Shipman inquiries. Order a copy of this author's comprehensive text TODAY! The Bayesian approach involves synthesising data and judgement in order to reach conclusions about unknown quantities and make predictions. Bayesian methods have become increasingly popular in recent years, notably in medical research, and although there are a number of books on Bayesian analysis, few cover clinical trials and biostatistical applications in any detail. Bayesian Approaches to Clinical Trials and Health-Care Evaluation provides a valuable overview of this rapidly evolving field, including basic Bayesian ideas, prior distributions, clinical trials, observational studies, evidence synTrade Review"This is a terrific book and should be on the shelf of every professional that works in clinical trials or health-care evaluation. It gives a thorough pragmatic introduction to Bayesian methods for health-care interventions, provides many example along with data and software to reproduce the analyses, guides readers to areas where Bayesian methods are particularly valuable, and includes an excellent set of exercises." (Journal of the American Statistical Association, June 2009) "Bayesian Approaches to Clinical Trials and Health-Care Evaluation' is a clear and comprehensive text for biostatisticians who want to understand and apply Bayesian statistical methods to clinical research." (Journal of Clinical Best Practices, Nov 2008) "…an indispensable resource for all students and investigators who plan to incorporate Bayesian methods into their research." (The Annals of Pharmacotherapy, January 2005) "...a valuable resource for libraries, and those who are involved in quantitative health care evaluation..." (Royal Statistical Society, Vol.168, No.1, January 2005) "...The technical material is presented in an accessible style, and the examples given clearly illustrate the principles under discussion..." (Short Book Reviews, Vol.24, No.3, December 2004) "...Bayesian analysis seems set to reach a wider audience with the publication of [this] introductory level text..." (Financial Times, 16 April 2004) "...very well laid-out and easy to follow...a very good resource for teaching students..." (Statistical Methods in Medical Research, Vol 14, 2005) "I would use with pleasure and interest this book as a textbook..." (Metron Journal, Vol.63, No.2, 2005) "...I can pay the authors no higher tribute than to say that I would be proud to have written this book. It is elegant and it is destined to becoming a classic in the field." (Statistics in Medicine, 15th July 2005) "...a generous supply of exercises...I recommend it very highly..." (Clinical Trials, No.1 2004) "...Bayesian analysis seems set to reach a wider audience with the publication of [this] introductory level text..." (Financial Times, 16 April 2004) "...a generous supply of exercises...I recommend it very highly..." (Clinical Trials, No.1 2004)Table of ContentsPreface. List of examples. 1. Introduction. 1.1 What are Bayesian methods? 1.2 What do we mean by ‘health-care evaluation’? 1.3 A Bayesian approach to evaluation. 1.4 The aim of this book and the intended audience. 1.5 Structure of the book. 2. Basic Concepts from Traditional Statistical Analysis. 2.1 Probability. 2.1.1 What is probability? 2.1.2 Odds and log-odds. 2.1.3 Bayes theorem for simple events. 2.2 Random variables, parameters and likelihood. 2.2.1 Random variables and their distributions. 2.2.2 Expectation, variance, covariance and correlation. 2.2.3 Parametric distributions and conditional independence. 2.2.4 Likelihoods. 2.3 The normal distribution. 2.4 Normal likelihoods. 2.4.1 Normal approximations for binary data. 2.4.2 Normal likelihoods for survival data. 2.4.3 Normal likelihoods for count responses. 2.4.4 Normal likelihoods for continuous responses. 2.5 Classical inference. 2.6 A catalogue of useful distributions*. 2.6.1 Binomial and Bernoulli. 2.6.2 Poisson. 2.6.3 Beta. 2.6.4 Uniform. 2.6.5 Gamma. 2.6.6 Root-inverse-gamma. 2.6.7 Half-normal. 2.6.8 Log-normal. 2.6.9 Student’s t. 2.6.10 Bivariate normal. 2.7 Key points. Exercises. 3. An Overview of the Bayesian Approach. 3.1 Subjectivity and context. 3.2 Bayes theorem for two hypotheses. 3.3 Comparing simple hypotheses: likelihood ratios and Bayes factors. 3.4 Exchangeability and parametric modelling*. 3.5 Bayes theorem for general quantities. 3.6 Bayesian analysis with binary data. 3.6.1 Binary data with a discrete prior distribution. 3.6.2 Conjugate analysis for binary data. 3.7 Bayesian analysis with normal distributions. 3.8 Point estimation, interval estimation and interval hypotheses. 3.9 The prior distribution. 3.10 How to use Bayes theorem to interpret trial results. 3.11 The ‘credibility’ of significant trial results*. 3.12 Sequential use of Bayes theorem*. 3.13 Predictions. 3.13.1 Predictions in the Bayesian framework. 3.13.2 Predictions for binary data*. 3.13.3 Predictions for normal data. 3.14 Decision-making. 3.15 Design. 3.16 Use of historical data. 3.17 Multiplicity, exchangeability and hierarchical models. 3.18 Dealing with nuisance parameters*. 3.18.1 Alternative methods for eliminating nuisance parameters*. 3.18.2 Profile likelihood in a hierarchical model*. 3.19 Computational issues. 3.19.1 Monte Carlo methods. 3.19.2 Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. 3.19.3 WinBUGS. 3.20 Schools of Bayesians. 3.21 A Bayesian checklist. 3.22 Further reading. 3.23 Key points. Exercises. 4. Comparison of Alternative Approaches to Inference. 4.1 A structure for alternative approaches. 4.2 Conventional statistical methods used in health-care evaluation. 4.3 The likelihood principle, sequential analysis and types of error. 4.3.1 The likelihood principle. 4.3.2 Sequential analysis. 4.3.3 Type I and Type II error. 4.4 P-values and Bayes factors*. 4.4.1 Criticism of P-values. 4.4.2 Bayes factors as an alternative to P-values: simple hypotheses. 4.4.3 Bayes factors as an alternative to P-values: composite hypotheses. 4.4.4 Bayes factors in preference studies. 4.4.5 Lindley’s paradox. 4.5 Key points. Exercises. 5. Prior Distributions. 5.1 Introduction. 5.2 Elicitation of opinion: a brief review. 5.2.1 Background to elicitation. 5.2.2 Elicitation techniques. 5.2.3 Elicitation from multiple experts. 5.3 Critique of prior elicitation. 5.4 Summary of external evidence*. 5.5 Default priors. 5.5.1 ‘Non-informative’ or ‘reference’ priors: 5.5.2 ‘Sceptical’ priors. 5.5.3 ‘Enthusiastic’ priors. 5.5.4 Priors with a point mass at the null hypothesis (‘lump-and-smear’ priors)*. 5.6 Sensitivity analysis and ‘robust’ priors. 5.7 Hierarchical priors. 5.7.1 The judgement of exchangeability. 5.7.2 The form for the random-effects distribution. 5.7.3 The prior for the standard deviation of the random effects*. 5.8 Empirical criticism of priors. 5.9 Key points. Exercises. 6. Randomised Controlled Trials. 6.1 Introduction. 6.2 Use of a loss function: is a clinical trial for inference or decision? 6.3 Specification of null hypotheses. 6.4 Ethics and randomisation: a brief review. 6.4.1 Is randomisation necessary? 6.4.2 When is it ethical to randomise? 6.5 Sample size of non-sequential trials. 6.5.1 Alternative approaches to sample-size assessment. 6.5.2 ‘Classical power’: hybrid classical-Bayesian methods assuming normality. 6.5.3 ‘Bayesian power’. 6.5.4 Adjusting formulae for different hypotheses. 6.5.5 Predictive distribution of power and necessary sample size. 6.6 Monitoring of sequential trials. 6.6.1 Introduction. 6.6.2 Monitoring using the posterior distribution. 6.6.3 Monitoring using predictions: ‘interim power’. 6.6.4 Monitoring using a formal loss function. 6.6.5 Frequentist properties of sequential Bayesian methods. 6.6.6 Bayesian methods and data monitoring committees. 6.7 The role of ‘scepticism’ in confirmatory studies. 6.8 Multiplicity in randomised trials. 6.8.1 Subset analysis. 6.8.2 Multi-centre analysis. 6.8.3 Cluster randomization. 6.8.4 Multiple endpoints and treatments. 6.9 Using historical controls*. 6.10 Data-dependent allocation. 6.11 Trial designs other than two parallel groups. 6.12 Other aspects of drug development. 6.13 Further reading. 6.14 Key points. Exercises. 7. Observational Studies. 7.1 Introduction. 7.2 Alternative study designs. 7.3 Explicit modelling of biases. 7.4 Institutional comparisons. 7.5 Key points. Exercises. 8. Evidence Synthesis. 8.1 Introduction. 8.2 ‘Standard’ meta-analysis. 8.2.1 A Bayesian perspective. 8.2.2 Some delicate issues in Bayesian meta-analysis. 8.2.3 The relationship between treatment effect and underlying risk. 8.3 Indirect comparison studies. 8.4 Generalised evidence synthesis. 8.5 Further reading. 8.6 Key points. Exercises. 9. Cost-effectiveness, Policy-Making and Regulation. 9.1 Introduction. 9.2 Contexts. 9.3 ‘Standard’ cost-effectiveness analysis without uncertainty. 9.4 ‘Two-stage’ and integrated approaches to uncertainty in cost-effectiveness modeling. 9.5 Probabilistic analysis of sensitivity to uncertainty about parameters: two-stage approach. 9.6 Cost-effectiveness analyses of a single study: integrated approach. 9.7 Levels of uncertainty in cost-effectiveness models. 9.8 Complex cost-effectiveness models. 9.8.1 Discrete-time, discrete-state Markov models. 9.8.2 Micro-simulation in cost-effectiveness models. 9.8.3 Micro-simulation and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. 9.8.4 Comprehensive decision modeling. 9.9 Simultaneous evidence synthesis and complex cost-effectiveness modeling. 9.9.1 Generalised meta-analysis of evidence. 9.9.2 Comparison of integrated Bayesian and two-stage approach. 9.10 Cost-effectiveness of carrying out research: payback models. 9.10.1 Research planning in the public sector. 9.10.2 Research planning in the pharmaceutical industry. 9.10.3 Value of information. 9.11 Decision theory in cost-effectiveness analysis, regulation and policy. 9.12 Regulation and health policy. 9.12.1 The regulatory context. 9.12.2 Regulation of pharmaceuticals. 9.12.3 Regulation of medical devices. 9.13 Conclusions. 9.14 Key points. Exercises. 10. Conclusions and Implications for Future Research. 10.1 Introduction. 10.2 General advantages and problems of a Bayesian approach. 10.3 Future research and development. Appendix: Websites and Software. A.1 The site for this book. A.2 Bayesian methods in health-care evaluation. A.3 Bayesian software. A.4 General Bayesian sites. References. Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe main question addressed in this book is whether individuation of the contents of thoughts and linguistic expressions is inherently holistic. The authors consider arguments that are alleged to show that the meaning of a scientific hypothesis depends on the entire theory that entails it, or that the content of a concept depends on the entire belief system of which it is part. If these arguments are sound then it would follow that the meanings of words, sentences, hypotheses, predictions, discourses, dialogs, texts, thoughts and the like are merely derivative. The implications of holism about meaning for other philosophical issues (intentional explanation, translation, Realism, skepticism, etc.) will also be explored. Authors discussed include Quine, Davidson, Lewis, Bennett, Block, Field, Churchland, and others. The book is intended for all those interested in language, mind, metaphysics or epistemology.Trade Review"The informality and freshness of style is like a conversation with the reader - the authors bring a new and much needed rigour to their critique of holism." Oliver Sacks "Fodor and Lepore's discussion of holism is unrivalled in argumentative density and philosophical energy, and it will certainly lead to a storm of new activity." MindTable of ContentsPreface. 1. Introduction: A Geography of The Issues. 2. Confirmation Holism and Meaning Holism: W. V. O. Quine. 3. Meaning Holism and Radical Interpretation: Donald Davidson. 4. Meaning Holism and The Inextricability Thesis: David Lewis. 5. Meaning Holism and The Normativity of Intentional Ascription (and A Little More about Davidson): D. C. Dennett. 6. Meaning Holism and Conceptual Role Semantics: Ned Block. 7. State Space Semantics (and A Brief Conclusion): Paul Churchland.

Read more less

Book SynopsisHealth promotion is high on the political agenda - it has been highlighted in the Health Service reforms, achieved recognition as an important dimension of public policy, and has come to be seen as an essential aspect of the work of all health professionals. There is widespread disagreement as to what health promotion is or indeed ought to be. Attempts have been made through academic literature to resolve these uncertainties, largely resulting in further controversy. Such abstract discussions have not been aimed at the specific needs of health professionals like nurses. This book not only takes up the conceptual challenges but meets the practical demands of health care settings.Table of ContentsPart 1 Introduction: What is health:; Introduction; Thinking about health; Attempts to define health; Defining health; Fitness, wholism and well-being; Conclusion; References; Further reading; What is Health Promotion: Health promotion from first principles; Health promotion in literature; References; Further reading; Social and Political Issues in Health Promotion: Inequalities in health; Making sense of society; Causes of ill-health and the health promotion agenda; Justice and health promotion; Power and health promotion; References; Further reading Ethical Issues in Health Promotion: Health promotion with adults - helping people to stop smoking; Health promotion with people with learning disabilities - working towards an ordinary life; Mental health promotion - early detection of depression in primary care; Promoting children's health - learning about health eating; Elements of ethical evaluation; Making ethical judgements; References; Further reading; Part 2: Health Promotion - Practice:; Case Studies of Health Promotion with Adults - Nurses working with People Who Wish to Stop Smoking: Introduction; Health costs associated with smoking; Helping people who wish to stop smoking; How coronary care nurses might help patients wanting to give up smoking; How nurses might help patients to stop smoking; Making the choice of not smoking easier; Constraints on people's choices about smoking; Conclusion; References; Health Promotion and the School Age Child: Educational context; Constraints; Teaching about health; Health promotion; Conclusion; References; Promoting Mental Health: Introduction; Mental health and mental illness; The health of the nation; Mental health targets; Mental health and primary care; Depression and nursing practice; Mental health and hospital nursing; Self-care; Conclusion; Sources of information; References; Promoting Health for People with Learning Difficulties: Introduction; The nature of learning disabilities; The nature of care provision; Maintaining valued and integrated lifestyles; People's rights; Service design; Proposed model for promoting health and social well-being; Examples of health promotion for people with learning disabilities; Summary and conclusion; References; Promoting Effective Drug Taking by Elderly People in the Community: Introduction; Medicines for the elderly - use, misuse and limitations; Health, medicine and medicine-taking - the elderly individual's perspective; An alternative approach - working together towards health and effective drug taking; The partnership approach in practice - some personal observations; When ideals conflict - professional v. client aims; Coping with reluctance - self care v. professional care; The accountability dilemma - client empowerment v. client safety; Food Poisoning as a Case study of Health Promotion: Nature of, and necessary conditions, for food poisoning; Circumstances which permit food poisoning; Changing eating habits; Environmental changes; Opportunities for health promotion; Conclusion; References; Homeless Families - A Health Promotion Challenge: Introduction; Numbers of homeless; Homeless families and health in Ealing in 1989; Homelessness and health; Conclusion; References; Health Promotion and Cancer Care: Cancer as a health problem; Cancer as a preventable disease; Cancer care as a context for health promotion; The scope of health promotion in cancer care; References; Health Promotion and Nursing Practice: Shifting the balance of effort and resources; Public and community health; Collaboration; Communication strategies; Changing behaviours; Can we adopt health promotion in nursing?; Reference; Appendix: Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion Appendix: Useful Addresses Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisReviewing previous research and presenting new empirical data from Sweden and elsewhere, the authors of this revised volume examine basic concepts, possible hypotheses, explanatory models, and policy solutions for the biological and social causes of the differences in health between men and women.

Read more less