236 NURSE EDUCATION TODAY

It is essential reading for all midwives and a vital reference book to keep in clinical areas and health studies libraries.

KOSEMARY D. SMITH

BEd (Hm) SRN SCM MTD

The Psychology of Health Marian Pitts & Keith Phillips Routledge 1991 308pp illus ISBN:&415-04115-5 514.99 PB

Health psychology is a recently recognized branch of the discipline, dealing with the psychologicial aspects of health, ill-health and health care systems.

This book provides an introduction to this fasci- nating held, aimed mainly at psychology students, but also relevant to others including nurses. It contains chapters from a number of specialists in the held, and each chapter is well-referenced, often with research- based material. I found it well-written and lucid; it is scholarly, yet able to capture and hold the attention of someone not an expert in the held.

It is divided into three sections. The first provides an overview of the history and development of health psychology and some of the early research and out- lines the main principles. The second looks at patient behaviour and how illness is managed, while the third covers specific health issues and explores the ways in which the principles introduced earlier are applied. Issues covered include stress and coping, life events, compliance, responses to treatment, primary preven- tion of AIDS, coronary heart disease, the role of the family in the health of children and many others.

I would certainly recommend this book to staff teaching on both registration and postregistration courses. It should certainly be on students’ reading lists, and available on the shelves of nursing libraries.

SUSAN SIMMONS

BSc MSc RGN RMN Cert Ed

Handbook of Family Planning 2nd Ed Nancy Loudon Ed Churchill Livingstone 1991 484pp illus ISBN: &443-3964-X f22.50 PB

This new edition provides an excellent reference book of up to date, research based information. It is clearly written and well presented, offering a concise, com- prehensive view of the family planning services in the UK, with discussion of the current methods available, contemporary issues and controversies.

Two new chapters include an outline of sexually transmitted diseases and the potential for improve- ment of current methods and new contraceptive techniques. There are also very useful chapters on medico-legal and ethical aspects, well woman screen- ing, natural family planning methods and sexual

problems and their management. Its use as a reference book is made easy by an outline of contents at the beginning of each chapter, using main subject headings, and topics discussed under each heading. To aid practice there are clear diagrams, some step by step guidelines, e.g. taking cervical smears, counsell- ing couples with sexual difhculties and examples of the advice and information given to patients using par- ticular family planning methods or undergoing certain procedures. Each chapters concludes with a reference list and a further reading list follows some chapters.

This up-to-the-minute book, relevant to all disci- plines involved in advising on family planning, pro- vides excellent value and is highly recommended.

VIVICN SMITH

SRN SCM ADM PGCEA

Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology 3rd Ed Elaine N Marieb Benjamin Cummings 1991 48Opp illus ISBN: 0-8053-4804-Z f25.95 PB

This text utilises a systems approach to the subject in which style and layout is stimulating, allowing the

individual to relate its application to practice at rel- evant stages throughout the book. A variety of ap- proaches have been used for the illustrations; these are not only relevant but also stimulate the interest of the reader, and so allow opportunity to clarify the text.

Each chapter is drawn together by a summary, supported by a set of review questions, giving the reader the opportunity to regect upon the knowledge gained. The appendix and glossary supply a com- prehensive list of subject words; along with their root meaning.

This text would make a valuable contribution to the biological science element of any preregistration nurs- ing programme. It would also assist those individuals undertaking post registration study, who wish to review their knowledge on the subject. My only anxiety relates to the binding which I feel is somewhat flimsy, compared to other texts within a similar price range.

MICHAEL WALL

RGN RNT Dip N BEd Horu

Child Health David Baum & Susanna Graham-Jones Penguin 1991 288pp illus ISBN: o-14-01 1184-O 27.99 PB

This book is aimed at parents/families to help them make decisions concerning their child’s health. It is arranged in alphabetical order to enable them to quickly look up a particular situation. Information is given on causes and symptoms and appropriate action to take, which may involve calling the doctor.