In a weighty, fact-filled volume that is sure to make waves, Healy, former director of the National Institutes of Health, sounds a ringing cry for women to wake up and take charge of their health. "A woman's sense of herself, her degree of personal power, her ability to use her talents in society are all tightly linked to her overall health and well-being," she asserts. In exhaustive detail, Healy focuses on 10 key issues in women's health, including nutrition, sexually transmitted diseases and Alzheimer's disease, presenting historical background, facts, figures and advice on self-care, prevention and treatment. Each section features sidebars on "Studies to Watch For" and closes with "What Women Can Do Personally and Politically." Readers may take exception to some of Healy's frank statements, e.g., that silicone implants "have been shown to be free from any major health risks" and such opinions as that women must have access to safe and legal abortions. Healy supports her statements, however, with cogent arguments based on scientific and anecdotal data.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
During many decades of distinguished cardiological practice, Healy discovered and has demonstrated the second-class health status of American women. Here she identifies and examines the major health issues for women from adolescence to old age: nutrition, reproductive health, sexually transmitted diseases, menopause, cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression and anxiety, osteoporosis, and the Alzheimer's characteristics peculiar to female patients. These vital issues are presented as part of a call for empowerment: "A woman's sense of herself, her degree of personal power, her ability to use her talents in society are all tightly linked to her overall health and well-being. When women demand equal care, we declare our equal capacity to contribute fully to society." Boxed sidebars throughout contain information on what research is still needed as well as on what is in progress. A good addition to both health and women's studies collections. Whitney Scott
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