Health issues- books for young people

The Library has received some new books for young people about various topical issues. The first one “Body image” by Ann Harth explores the influences on body image and self-esteem. An Australian publication, this brief book delivers lots of good food for thought in a bright, magazine style format. A second book; “Too fat? Too thin? The healthy eating handbook” is a British publication. It is also presented in a bright, attractive format with sections on body image, healthy eating, portion size, BMI, eating disorders, food groups, balanced diets and the benefits of exercise.

“Youth with bipolar disorder: achieving stability” by David Hunter and Phyllis Livingston tells a story about a young girl who develops bipolar disorder. This story is presented as a simple novel, with coloured information pages at the end of each chapter. These pages discuss the symptoms and possible causes of bipolar disorder, and treatment and techniques to maintain mood stability. This book is a US publication, presenting a lot of information in an easy-to-read format.

Another volume in the same series is “Youth with conduct disorder: in trouble with the world” by Kenneth McIntosh and Phyllis Livingston. This one tells the story of an angry, destructive boy who is diagnosed with conduct disorder. Again, each chapter of the novel is followed by a series of coloured information pages, which describe what conduct disorder is, its possible causes and treatments, and some ways of coping. While these two books are aimed at teenagers, they could help people of all ages to develop a better understanding of these disorders.