From Publishers Weekly
"According to a Harvard study, Americans now pay more visits to alternative practitioners in a year than they do to primary care physicians.... They're spending $250 million a year on homeopathic remedies, and close to $4 billion on nutritional supplements.... But is this stuff safe for kids?" Yes, claim physicians Ditchek and Greenfield, practitioners of "integrative pediatrics" (as derived from Andrew Weil's Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona). In this clear and compassionate guide, the authors combine the best of alternative and conventional treatments, medications and lifestyle choices to bolster children's immune systems, address health questions with the least invasive but most effective treatment available from the pantheon of global medical practices, and offer recommendations for common illnesses like ear infections and asthma. They conclude with a 12-month program whereby families can incorporate integrative choices into their lives. Seeking to address the "whole child," Ditchek and Greenfield's expansive reach includes issues like societal messages, physical fitness and environmental dangers and their impact on children's health. For quick reference, call boxes highlight critical topics, including "Ten Reasons Our Kids Are Couch Potatoes" and a "Summary of Useful Herbs for Children," and a comprehensive appendix of resources for everything from vaccinations to ADHD, with an array of Web sites, is included. Friendly, balanced and commonsensical, this demystification of nontraditional medical practices and options will be appreciated by parents of children of all ages. Agent, Richard Pine. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Integrative pediatrics combines natural healing therapies with conventional medical treatments. The physician-authors, both experienced and trained in traditional medicine, have written a thorough guide for parents who are interested in complementary methods of prevention and healing and are looking for a reliable text directed at pediatricians unfamiliar with alternative treatments. Section 1 discusses preventive medicine, including strengthening the immune system, vaccination, proper use of antibiotics, nutrition, rest and exercise, and protecting children from environmental and cultural hazards. Section 2 covers complementary therapies that can safely be used on children, including massage, therapeutic touch, botanical and homeopathic medicines, acupuncture, acupressure, Reiki, and other energy systems. Section 3 addresses the use of integrative treatments for common pediatric complaints such as respiratory illnesses, sore throats, ear infections, colic, upset stomachs, asthma, allergies, and attention disorders. Complete with extensive references and resources, this book neatly balances traditional pediatrics with naturopathic/herbal healing books and is recommended for childcare and natural health collections. Anne C. Tomlin, Auburn Memorial Hosp., NY Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
More Americans are willing to try alternative medicines and treatments but are understandably more cautious when it comes to experimenting with treatments for their children. In this book, two physicians and a writer on health offer parents practical guidance on integrating conventional and alternative medicine. The integrative approach they suggest involves doctor-patient partnership and respect for and use of the body's own healing abilities, which are particularly impressive in children. Case studies illustrate the effectiveness of such integrative medicine in treating childhood ailments ranging from colic to sore throats to attention deficit disorder. Integrating health-consciousness into daily life and examining alternative treatments, nutrition, lifestyle, and "even spiritual influences" on health are emphasized; and the differences between conventional and alternative medical treatments, including chiropractic, osteopathy, massage, botanical medicine, and acupuncture, are explained. This isn't just a book of cures; rather it is one of advocacy for using both conventional and alternative medical practices in raising healthier children. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Book Description
As more and more Americans and their doctors seek alternative approaches to health care, isn't it time we offer our children the benefits of integrative medicine? Written by two conventionally trained physicians, Healthy Child, Whole Child offers a new generation of parents the best of modern medicine and scientifically proven alternatives to aid their children's physical, emotional, and psychological health. Included are treatment strategies for the most common childhood diseases, sound advice about everything from television watching to herbal remedies, and the latest information on many of the hot-button issues -- including vaccines, antibiotics, and diet -- that have arisen in the past decade.Filled with compassion, common sense, and the knowledge of two experienced physicians (and parents) who understand the importance of treating the whole child, this book reflects the changing face of modern medicine. It is an invaluable resource for mothers and fathers who want the best for their children today, tomorrow, and for years to come.Healthy Child Whole Child offers the most up-to-date mix of conventional and alternative advice for parents, including: The 6 myths (and one true statement) about vaccinations
The 10 powerhouse foods for your kids
The 7 questions you need, to ask to find out if your child is overweight
The 16 herbs that are safe and effective for children
How to receive more integrative care from your current pediatrician


About the Author
Stuart H. Ditchek, M.D., is a practicing pediatrician, a diplomat of the American Board of Pediatrics, a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and five children.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
As more Americans turn to some form of alternative medicine to cure and prevent illness, a natural question arises: Is it safe for children? This guide to pediatric health -- which deserves a place on every family's bookshelf -- offers parents advice on integrating the best of conventional and alternative medicine to ensure their children's optimum health.

The book's authors -- Dr. Russ and Dr. Stu, as they like to be called -- are both distinguished physicians in conventional medicine who went on to study under integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Andrew Weil. They are more than equal to the task of prescribing methods of treatment that focus on mind-body wellness and make use of children's naturally superior healing abilities. In Healthy Child, Whole Child, the authors make recommendations for common childhood ailments, from colds and recurrent ear infections to diabetes and ADHD. The suggestions are complementary and include such alternative therapies as yoga, herbal remedies, Chinese medicine, and vibrational therapy. Thorough explanations of these non-conventional forms of medicine appear in the preceding chapters, so that by the time readers get to the recommendations, they already have a grasp of the different options.

By recognizing the validity and value of conventional Western medicine (Drs. Stu and Russ advocate vaccinations, for example), and yet placing emphasis on the prevention of disease and the importance of a partnership between doctor and patient toward the common goal of total health -- encompassing physical, emotional, spiritual -- this book accomplishes a rare feat: the graceful melding of Eastern and Western medical philosophies.

In the very first chapter of the book, Dr. Russ describes hoping for a world where doctors "use the best, safest, and least invasive therapies from all medical systems to prevent illness and enhance health." By the last chapter -- which describes the Healthy Child, Healthy Family Program and is not to be missed, even by those who eschew non-conventional medicine -- it is crystal clear that the authors have indeed formulated such an approach. In this wonderful, unique book they articulate it to you, the reader, so that you may take advantage of it on your child's behalf. (Karen Burns)

FROM THE PUBLISHER

At a time when caring for your children has become increasingly complex and parents are bombarded with new and conflicting information, Doctors Ditchek and Greenfield provide authoritative and thorough advice for raising healthy kids. As devoted fathers and as open-minded but conventionally trained physicians, they blend the best of conventional medicine with alternative approaches for keeping children healthy.

With the goal of optimizing children's natural healing systems, the authors offer reliable information on the prevention of as well as the latest conventional and alternative treatments for common childhood ailments -- from colic to ear infections, asthma, allergies, viral illnesses, and more -- and explain which therapies are safe and effective for children. You will learn how to prevent ear infections without having to resort to powerful antibiotics, why immunization is important, and what you can do about childhood obesity, the number-one health problem among American children today. In Healthy Child, Whole Child, you'll find a complete program to keep your children healthy from birth to their preteen years; you'll receive practical suggestions on how you can incorporate healthy behaviors and attitudes into your family's daily lives; and you'll learn about other healing approaches such as mind/body medicine, herbs, and acupuncture, which can be included in good pediatric care.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

"According to a Harvard study, Americans now pay more visits to alternative practitioners in a year than they do to primary care physicians.... They're spending $250 million a year on homeopathic remedies, and close to $4 billion on nutritional supplements.... But is this stuff safe for kids?" Yes, claim physicians Ditchek and Greenfield, practitioners of "integrative pediatrics" (as derived from Andrew Weil's Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona). In this clear and compassionate guide, the authors combine the best of alternative and conventional treatments, medications and lifestyle choices to bolster children's immune systems, address health questions with the least invasive but most effective treatment available from the pantheon of global medical practices, and offer recommendations for common illnesses like ear infections and asthma. They conclude with a 12-month program whereby families can incorporate integrative choices into their lives. Seeking to address the "whole child," Ditchek and Greenfield's expansive reach includes issues like societal messages, physical fitness and environmental dangers and their impact on children's health. For quick reference, call boxes highlight critical topics, including "Ten Reasons Our Kids Are Couch Potatoes" and a "Summary of Useful Herbs for Children," and a comprehensive appendix of resources for everything from vaccinations to ADHD, with an array of Web sites, is included. Friendly, balanced and commonsensical, this demystification of nontraditional medical practices and options will be appreciated by parents of children of all ages. Agent, Richard Pine. (Aug.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal