Allergy A_Z

Age range: Birth - Adult

Allergies are a fact of modern life, in a way they weren’t a hundred years ago. Modern chemicals, additives and our fast-moving lifestyle mean a higher percentage of children have asthma, while conditions like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are increasingly common.

But what are allergies and how can they be treated? Can ADHD be ‘cured’ by a change in diet? Can the symptoms of asthma be minimised? Jane Thurnell-Read attempts to answer these questions – and many others – in her book Allergy A to Z.

Her book isn’t one you will read cover to cover. It is a combination of general background information, followed by various indexes and appendices which will be consulted when necessary.

I suffer from migraines, hayfever, asthma and eczema. I have four children – two with asthma, two with hayfever, one with eczema, one with ADHD, one with year-round allergies. So this book is relevant to me and my family and I found it interesting reading, albeit somewhat patchy.

It begins with an introduction detailing the author’s expertise in the field, then continues with sections on allergies and why they are increasing. Then there is a section on some of the symptoms that can be attributable to allergies. This is followed by chapters on allergy signs in children, detecting allergies and ways to correct them.

These are often interesting and I discovered some things I didn’t know before reading this book. Obviously, a lot of these pages are aimed at specific kinds of allergies or symptoms, so you will find yourself skipping to the relevant parts of each chapter.

The main part of the book is taken up with the Allergy A to Z of the title. This is a comprehensive guide to a wide range of things which can cause allergies from unpronounceable chemical names to common foods. As well as checking out items which you know someone in your family is allergic to, you might also find out some answers or other areas to research further.

After the A to Z section, there is a useful list of E numbers, a list food groups and a pollen calendar.

Overall, the book is written in a way which is easy to read, easy to understand and does not seek to confuse the average reader by using over-complex terminology nor to patronise those with a bit more knowledge on the subject.

Karen Inskip-Hayward - June 2005

www.healthandgoodness.com

"Health visitor and journalist June Thompson's book has much to recommend it. Claimed as 'the complete guide to caring for your child's skin', it contains a directory of infectious rashes with symbols, photographs, lists of symptoms, guidelines for treatment using conventional and alternative remedies.

It is undoubtedly useful for parents wishing to confirm the cause of a mystery rash or mark on their child's skin. I found the sections on alternative treatments interesting and useful, as approaches from several disciplines (herbalism, homeopathy, aromatherapy, for example) were included.

However, although most of the information and advice is easy to follow, the language used can be complex with medical jargon making an occasional appearance.

The photographs provide a helpful aid, but advanced or extreme cases are usually shown - this could worry the parent unnecessarily! Therefore it would be useful to see a small range of rashes for each condition to help early identification, rather than just show the worst case scenario. Also, I was surprised to find minimal information about heat rash and only one example of skin irritation caused by allergy. More details and several photographs would be useful for the many readers considering these common causes of skin rash.

'Spots, Birthmarks and Rashes' is an easy-to-use guide but has some limitations, and with that in mind I would recommend it as a basic reference to be used in conjunction with a more definitive text."

Charlotte

"I have had this book for about three months now, and it is the most used item in my house! (well, okay, apart from the bottle opener...only joking!)

When I first received the book I flicked through it, and although I thought is was well set out, and had some useful tips in, I didn't think I would really use it. Boy, was I wrong! First of all I read the chapter on skin conditions and eczema. My daughter gets very bad eczema but since reading the tips in this book it has lessened considerably.

But I have also gone to the book for reference nearly every week. It describes rashes, marks and spots that children can get, and, more importantly, it has large, clear photos. So every time one of my children has had a little rash or whatever (which, lets face it, happens all the time) I have gone to the book, compared the rash to the photos in the book, and it has ALWAYS reassured me. I no longer call the doctor at every rash, fearing meningitis, although of course you must always be aware of it. The book also has a section on meningitis, and reiterates all the signs we should look out for.

It also lists cures, preventions, and remedies to aid your rash, which is great. My health visitor saw the book when she was round here on a visit, and she read it, and was amazed! She has since bought a copy, and recommends it wherever she goes.

I think it would be a brilliant book for a nursery or childminder, or any conscientious parent. My verdict - indispensable."

Suzie

www.amazon.co.uk

"Oh no!", I said to my partner when this book arrived for me to review. The words on the front cover - "How a woman's diet can protect her child from disease in later life". I thought it's a bit late for me to be reading a book like this with a 16 month boy running round the house!! Not to be deterred, I settled down for the read.

The book shows how poor nutrition in the womb, the food a mother eats before and during her pregnancy, and the choice and variety of foods given to a child until they are 3 can protect against heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Supported by the British Heart Foundation, this book details case studies, defines a balanced diet, how to achieve this diet, gives cultural differences and there reasons.

Although very scientific at times (definitely a book to be read in peace and quiet!), this book is very informative and I can see now how it is useful to parents that already have children as well as those expecting and definitely for those planning children. If someone can offer a way that us parents/parents can try and ensure a healthy start and a healthier future for our children who am I to argue!!!!!!!!

Lisa

"I found this book to be rather a mixed bag. The overall premise of the book - explaining how a woman's diet before, during and after pregnancy can affect her child's development - is a fascinating one.

Most pregnant women would already have been bombarded with information on what foods to eat and to avoid during pregnancy, however this book goes much further into explaining the effects of your diet on your baby by looking at the long term implications of your diet before, during and after pregnancy

It also examines what effect factors such as birth weight, socio-economic and geographical conditions can have on both your diet and your child's growth and susceptibility to disease in later life. It also includes advice on good diets for pregnancy and also good weaning menus for your child.

I found the book very interesting overall, although at times the tone was to me, overly medical. The author has tried as much as possible to explain his research in a clear, no-jargon style which should be easily understandable by all readers, and he does use some excellent case studies and anecdotes, however at times the book becomes rather technical and complex from a lay person's point of view.

Overall, a very informative book that provides a new view on the causes of diseases such as stroke and heart disease. If you are looking for a detailed look at the long term effects of nutrition during pregnancy then this is definitely the book for you. If you are looking for a quick guide to good nutrition during pregnancy then you will find this book too technical and involved, as the advice regarding pregnancy and weaning diets can be found in more concise formats in the majority of pregnancy books and magazines.

It certainly isn't light bedtime reading, but if you can stick with it through the more technical explanations then you will definitely learn a lot of valuable information which may very well protect your child in later life. I am currently expecting twins so reading this book while pregnant did make me determined to read the whole book and glean as much advice as possible from it. In all honesty however, if I wasn't pregnant, I don't think I would have managed to stick with it to the end. Very informative, but definitely one for people looking for a lot more than the usual pregnancy advice!"

Nana

www.amazon.co.uk