BMA Complete Family Health Encyclopedia (British Medical Association Complete Family Health Encyclopedia)

Member Name: scarlett

Product:	British Medical Association Complete Family Health Encyclopedia
Date:	14/07/00 (295 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: All you need to know about everything medical

Disadvantages: none

Everyone should own a copy of this book, especially those with families, as it is so very useful. It is expensive to buy at around £30 but it contains so much information on everything medical that it’s worth every penny.

The book begins with several one or two page sections covering general topics such as immunization, diagnostic techniques and methods of treatment. There is a lot of advice and topic information here but for more specific information about a particular subject you must go to the next section – ‘The A to Z of Health and Medicine’.
This is the main section of the book; it is a very comprehensive collection of information covering practically every known illness, treatment, operation and drug - and virtually everything else connected in any way with medicine.

Each subject has it’s own list of sub-headings which cover the most important aspects. Illnesses, for example, have a short general description then detailed descriptions of causes, symptoms and diagnosis and treatment.
Some areas, such as headaches, also have a chart you can go through answering yes or no to various questions until you reach a possible cause of your symptoms. You are then directed to the appropriate area of the book for more information, or advised to visit your doctor (immediately, or make an appointment, depending on the severity of the possible cause)

Also covered are the various diagnostic tests such as CT scanning, laryngoscopy and allergy testing. You are told how and why these tests are performed, and you are given a really good idea of what to expect if you are going to have any of these done.

Most common operations are included too, usually with clear drawings and very comprehensive descriptions of how and why each operation is done. There is a section with details of the normal recovery period, how long you can expect to be in hospital, whether drainage tubes will be necessary etc and a sectio
n covering outlook – how your life may be affected, how long before you are back to normal, any changes you may need to adjust to after the operation and so on.
This is all information that it is essential to know before undergoing a medical procedure, but which is so often only sketchily covered by your GP and consultant.

Next in the book is an A to Z of drugs. They are listed as brand names (such as Night Nurse) and generics (such as paracetamol). There is a brief description of each one and a page number where you can find full information in the main A to Z section.

All in all if you want to know about anything from Delhi belly to Rocky Mountain spotted fever then this is the book for you.
It’s great for looking up possible causes for weird symptoms before dashing off to your GP, often you will find an exact description of what you have and realise it’s not so serious after all!!
Do not read it if you are even slightly squeamish (it does go into a lot of detail – and many illustrations are included), or if you are a hypochondriac!!

Summary: