“To more fully understand women’s experiences with HIV infection we must gain a better understanding of how, and to what extent, they restructure their everyday lives to manage and cope with their illness, as well as the obstacles to such reorganization.” This book tells the stories of 37 women who are infected with HIV. It talks of their personal efforts in dealing with HIV, explaining what they have done which may or may not have been successful in doing. The book points out how important relational resources, such as AIDS activism, support groups, and social support, are in the day-to-day coping. Women with HIV/AIDS are many times subjected to many social problems, including their socioeconomic status, sexual preference, and lifestyle differences. With the rapid increase of HIV infection in women of color, it is important that researchers continue to study these problems, using some of the techniques that have been provided in this book. This would be a highly recommended book for those who are in the fields of medical sociology, women’s studies, public health, and community health.
1198. Death and Dying: Opposing Viewpoints, edited by James Haley. 2003. Greenhaven Press/Thomson Gale, 27500 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3535. 224p., bibliog., index. (Opposing Viewpoints Series). ISBN 0-7377-1224-4, 0-7377-1223-6pbk. $32.45, $21.20pbk. (Descriptors: Death; Terminal Care; Euthanasia; Assisted Suicide)
The topic of death and dying has had continued coverage over the years. Individuals who are terminally ill seek the help of professionals and non-professionals to end their life of suffering. Individuals who are terminally ill with an AIDS-related condition have sought out help in ending their life quickly so that they do not have to suffer or make their loved ones suffer while they die. Some countries have legalized euthanasia, but the United States is “in a state of denial when it comes to matters related to death and dying.” We do not like the word “die.” Instead we skirt around the word by saying, “we go to our eternal rest” or “we expire.” We have developed a large network of hospice care “in order to help people travel contentedly through the last stage of their lives.”
This small book explores many viewpoints surrounding death and dying. The first chapter discusses “How should end-of-life care be improved?” Views on hospice care are presented as well as physician-assisted suicide. The second chapter “How can people cope with death?” discusses such topics as spiritual peace, nontraditional funerals, and grief. In the third chapter, “Should effort to expand the human life span be pursued?,” delves into immortality, cryonic suspension and nano nonsense and cryonics. Finally the last chapter discusses the profound, “Is there life after death?” Here we read pro and con arguments for life after death and even reincarnation.
All in all this is a very interesting book. Not the book that will make you cheery and happy but definitely one that will make you think what will happen as you grow older. Recommended for all libraries.
1199. Discovery of the AIDS Virus, edited by Lisa Yount. 2003. Greenhaven Press/Thomson Gale, 27500 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3535. 138p., bibliog., index. (At Issue in History). ISBN 0-7377-1352-6, 0-7377-1353-4pbk. $27.45, $18.70pbk. (Descriptors: History)
This is a well written history of the discovery of the AIDS virus, beginning with the early 1980s discovery of an unusual disease in young, previously healthy homosexual men to AIDS activism. It provides many opposing viewpoints such as whether or not HIV causes AIDS. In the section on “Society Confronts AIDS” we read of America’s response to AIDS verged on hysteria, the federal government’s response, and how AIDS activism helped and hurt the gay community. “The first decade of the AIDS epidemic brought out both the best and the worst in American society. It produced great acts of courage and compassion among some, such as health care workers who risked their lives to care for people with the disease before its cause and methods of spread were known. It also produced cruelties, stemming from fear, that cost many their jobs, education, or homes, and forced suffering people to die virtually alone.”
This is a recommended book for all libraries. It is written for the layperson and raises lots of questions that we should all be considering.
1200. Immune System, by Pam Walker, Elaine Wood. 2003. Lucent Books/Thomson Gale, 27500 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3535. 96p., illus., bibliog., index. (Understanding the Human Body). ISBN 1-59018-151-4. $27.45. (Descriptors: Immune System; Juvenile Literature)
Written for the adolescent and layperson, this small book outlines the scientific basis of the immune system and what it means to us. It covers the structure of the immune system and how it works, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and new medical technologies. A small glossary and bibliography help to make this a good resource for high school students. Recommended.
1201. AIDS: Opposing Viewpoints, edited by Tamara L. Roleff. 2003. Greeenhaven Press/Thomson Gale, 27500 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3535. 219p., bibliog., index. (Opposing Viewpoints). ISBN 0-7377-1136-1, 0-7377-1135-3pbk. $32.45, $21.20pbk. (Descriptors: Public Opinion)
Ever since the CDC identified a new disease in 1981 that is now known as AIDS, there has been continued controversy surrounding its discovery, how it is spread, its control, and all of the political ramifications surrounding the disease. The overriding question is always, “Does HIV cause AIDS?” “The NIAID, the CDC, and other government health organizations, as well as almost every scientist and AIDS researcher accepts the hypothesis that HIV causes AIDS.” This well written book delves into many of the views surrounding AIDS beginning with the state of the global AIDS epidemic and the policies that should be adopted for HIV testing. The third chapter discusses how the spread of AIDS can be controlled, giving, of course, the pros and cons of the use of condoms, vaccines, and educational initiatives. The last chapter delves into the ever-controversial aspects of treating AIDS. This is a well-written book that will give one a lot to think about. The facts are presented and the viewpoints are fully explored. Recommended for all libraries.
1202. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, edited by Louise I. Gerdes. 2003. Greenhaven Press/Thomson Gale, 27500 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3535. 172p., bibliog., index. (Contemporary Issues Companion). ISBN 0-7377-0837-9, 0-7377-0836-0pbk. $32.45, $21.20pbk. (Descriptors: Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Social Aspects)
“More than twenty-five diseases are spread primarily through sexual activity. Not including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that leads to AIDS, the most common of these sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis.” Needles to say the cost to our health care system is tremendous. Much of this cost could be reduced with more education on sexually transmitted diseases. The more we are aware of what the diseases are, the more likely we will conform to methods that will help prevent their spread. Unfortunately, there cannot be 100% control of STDs.
The first chapter covers “The Nature of Sexually Transmitted Diseases." The first part presents the overview of the silent STD epidemic and is followed by discussions on chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and human papillomaviruses. The second chapter, “The Impact of Sexually Transmitted Diseases,” brings home the facts about how STDs affect everyone, even those who never had an STD. Chapter three discusses prevention and treatment. The arguments, pro and con, for the use of condoms are presented as well as various educational initiatives that are in place. The last chapter delves into the challenges of STDs, providing personal stories. This is a recommended book for all libraries.
1203. Making an Impact in HIV and AIDS: NGO Experiences of Scaling Up, by Jocelyn DeJong. 2003. ITDG Publishing/Stylus, PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605. 175p., bibliog., index. ISBN 1-85339-539-0. $15.95. (Descriptors: Social Aspects; Policies; Strategies; Institutional Implications)
What is meant by “scaling up?” It may mean “increasing the size or level of activity of a particular organization” or “enlarging the scope of the activities of an organization in order to reach more people.” On the output side, “scaling up may entail increasing the absolute numbers of people reached, or it could include expansion to other geographic areas.” However you look at the situation, there has been an increase in scaling up HIV/AIDS programs and services over the recent years. It is recognized the communities, non-government organizations (NGOs), governments, and other stakeholders that much more needs to be done to address the consequences of HIV/AIDS. One does not scale up instantaneously, but rather over a period of time. If one does it too quickly, errors can be made, that may have devastating effects on the populations served.
Much of the material is an outgrowth of the Horizons/Alliance seminar held in September 2000 in Windsor, UK, at which case studies of NGOs’ scaling up experiences were presented. The first part of the book outlines the importance and urgency of scaling up HIV/AIDS responses. This is followed with strategic considerations that include strategies, partnerships, alliances, cost, and challenges. The final section delves into institutional implications, including the internal dimensions of scaling up and the implications for donors and NGO support organizations in HIV/AIDS. A recommended book for all HIV/AIDS organizations and government agencies.
1204. Inside Story on AIDS: Experts Answer Your Questions, by Seth C. Kalichman. 2003. American Psychological Association, 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002. 357p, bibliog., index. ISBN 1-55698-984-2. $14.95. (Descriptors: Popular Works; Miscellanea)
“This book represents a collection of questions that people phoned into AIDS hotlines and asked online.” It is the first book to answer the general public’s questions about AIDS and not the questions experts think you have. The answers are based on scientific studies. Uncertainty or controversy on certain issues is pointed out. The questions are grouped within several categories: What are HIV and AIDS; How does HIV cause AIDS; How does a person get HIV; Who is at risk for AIDS; Can I get AIDS from…; What should I know about HIV testing; How are people with AIDS cared for; What are the legal aspects of AIDS; and How is AIDS prevented. Also included are suggested readings, a glossary, symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS-defining opportunistic illnesses, and directory of local and national resources of HIV/AIDS. This is a unique approach to educating the public based on questions that they may ask. A highly recommended book for all libraries from school to university.
1205. African American Women and HIV/AIDS: Critical Responses, 3dited by Dorie J. Gilbert, Ednita M. Wright. 2003. Praeger, 88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881. 269p., bibliog., index. ISBN 0-275-971279, 0-275-97128-7pbk. $69.95, $24.95pbk. (Descriptors: African American Women)
“By the year 2005, African Americans are estimated to represent over 60 percent of all AIDS cases in the United States.” This is the first book to focus strictly on African American women and AIDS. It highlights the life stories, relationship dynamics, challenges, and perseverance of African American women. This is the fastest growing group of HIV/AIDS infected individuals. The first part of the book “the aim is to reconstruct the meaning of individual and group risks for HIV-infection, as this pertains to African American women.” It tries to answer the question of why African American women are so over-represented among U. S. AIDS cases. The second part discusses the “individual and collective (family and community) concerns about and responses to the AIDS crisis among African Americans.” Historically the Black churches have been the pillars of hope for the African American community. “But churches are now being challenged to rethink moral codes (specifically the teaching that homosexuality is a sin) that keep them, as an organized body, from leading the fight against AIDS.”
Part 3 “is devoted to our young women who face incredible challenges to a healthy coming of age in the midst of the AIDS crisis, which is already ravishing African American adolescents, especially those in poor, urban environments.” This group of women is in need of a sensitive approach to prevention. The last part delves into public policy. It addresses he need for change and describes one Black-initiated agency that responds holistically to HIV prevention and intervention needs of Blacks.
An outstanding book that brings forth the issues that are confronting the Black communities throughout the United States. Researchers will be able to build on what is presented and present new ideas on how to combat this disease in the urban and poor areas of the United States where so many of the Blacks now reside. Highly recommended for all academic libraries.
1206. Protecting the Future: HIV Prevention, Care, and Support Among Displaced and War-Affected Populations, by Wendy Holmes. 2003. Kumarian Press, 1294 Blue Hills Ave., Bloomfield, CT 06002. Edited and published for the International Rescue Committee. 228p., illus., bibliog., index. ISBN 1-56549-162-9. $29.95. (Descriptors: Prevention; Patient Services; Non Governmental Organizations; Refugees; Community Health)
It is no secret that in the time of war and other crisis, individuals are vulnerable to the rapid spread of infections, including cholera, measles, and malaria. Sexually transmitted infections including HIV are prevalent because, in crisis situations, women and men are often subjected to sexual assaults and may have to exchange sex for money or food in order to survive. “The HIV epidemic presents a challenge to humanitarian agencies both in the acute emergency phase and afterward. During the acute emergency phase it is essential to provide easy access to condoms, to screen blood for transfusion for HIV, and to protect vulnerable populations from rape.” This is a manual to help those humanitarian agencies. The first part provides some basic up to date information about HIV infection. The second part deals with efforts to engage the local community. This means getting the stakeholders to buy in. The third part covers strategies and interventions that contribute to HIV prevention and care and the fourth part covers the issues of health care services.
This is an excellent manual that should be in the hands of all humanitarian agencies throughout the world. It presents general approaches that should be tailored to the specific area at hand. Each country is different with its religious and historical aspects that will dictate how to proceed and how fast to proceed. Politics always is at the forefront, so there needs to be a keen understanding of how a particular area is governed before doing anything. Recommended for all academic libraries and for those institutions training volunteers.
1207. Sex and Tourism: Journeys of Romance, Love, and Lust, edited by Thomas G. Bauer, Bob McKercher. 2003. Haworth Hospitality Press/Haworth Press, 10 Alice St., Binghamton, NY 13904-1580. 216p., bibliog., index. ISBN 0-7890-1202-2, 0-7890-1203-0pbk. $49.95, $24.95pbk. (Descriptors: Sex Tourism; Sexual Behavior; Travelers)
“This book introduces the reader to the complex relationship that exists between human intimacy and sexuality that occurs during travel.” The book contains 14 chapters discussing sex, love, romance, and tourism. In the last section, “The Dark Side,” a chapter is devoted to AIDS and Tourism: A Deadly Combination. The chapter discusses the rapid rise of tourism in Vietnam. With tourism there is the trend for increased prostitution and that in turn will mean more incidence of HIV if there are no safe guards in place before the tourism peaks. It is estimated that during the Vietnam War in 1973 there were as many as 300,000 to 500,000 prostitutes in South Vietnam. That number is surely much larger now that tourism has increased. “Vietnam should review the prostitution policies in Thailand and try to learn from the successes and failures of government policy toward the sex industry.” A strong educational thrust needs to be made now before tourism becomes a major industry in this country. This is an interesting book that covers one of those taboo topics. Recommended for all academic libraries.
1208. Ageing and Poverty in Africa: Ugandan Livelihoods in a time of HIV/AIDS, by Alun Williams. 2003. Ashgate, 101 Cherry St. Ste. 420, Burlington, VT 05401-4405. 256p., illus., bibliog., index. ISBN 0-7546-3180-X. $89.95. (Descriptors: Rural Aged; Uganda; Poor Aged; Poverty; social Aspects; Rural Conditions)
“The lives of many older people in developing countries are dramatically, and, most frequently, negatively, influenced by the social and economic changes that accompany the development process.” Young rural adults migrate to the cities, undermining the traditional extended family system. In sub-Saharan Africa the HIV/AIDS epidemic magnifies the problems that elders face when the younger working population is dying from HIV/AIDS. Older women are especially vulnerable when they become the caregivers for the sick and the surviving children whose parents have died of AIDS. Poverty becomes the major risk for these ageing populations. This poverty includes money, basic needs to survive, and capabilities to maintain a life that is beyond just existence.
This book discusses all aspects of ageing and poverty in Uganda, including the role of the elders, rural economy, health of the elders, social status, the impact of HIV/AIDS, vulnerable livelihoods, and the sustainable livelihoods for the aged. It is depressing to read of the difficulties of just living from day to day in a country such as Uganda. “Perhaps it is not surprising that, in developed countries there is little understanding of or sympathy for the hardships of the aged in the poorest countries of the world, and that development programmes frequently ignore the needs of the aged. The aged in other cultures rarely figure in appeals for international charitable support, where the appealing eyes and swollen bellies of starving children are found more productive than the lined faces and stooped bodies of the aged.”
This is a revealing discussion that should be a wakeup call for everyone. The essential foundations of a family are ignored when we ignore the aged, especially in these underdeveloped areas where the aged have to take care of the very young. A recommended book for all academic libraries.
1209. Atlas of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS, 3rd edition edited by Stephen A. Morse, Ronald C. Ballard, King K. Holmes, Adele A. Moreland. 2003. Mosby, 11830 Westline Industrial Drive, St Louis, MO 63146. 408p., color illus., bibliog., index. ISBN 0-7234-3227-9. $189.00. (Descriptors: Sexually Transmitted Diseases; HIV Infections).
First published in 1990 with a second edition in 1996, this third edition continues to provide and excellent visual atlas of the “etiologic agents, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory diagnosis and current treatment recommendations for sexually transmitted infections, including opportunistic infections associated with AIDS.” The excellent color illustrations and succinct text provide essential and practical information about STDs and AIDS. It is a book for the specialist and practicing physician, providing quick access to revealing indicators of the various diseases that are described. For each disease there is an introduction that gives background information, epidemiological information, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, and treatment. A good selection of references for additional reading is provided at the end of each chapter. This is a must book for all medical libraries and a highly recommended book for those physicians who encounter STDs on a regular basis.
1210. AIDS: Science and Society, 4th edition by Hung Y. Fan, Ross F. Conner, Luis P. Villarreal. 2004. Jones and Bartlett, 40 Tall Pine Drive, Sudbury, MA 01776. 229p., illus., bibliog., index. ISBN 0-7637-0086-X. $39.95. (Descriptors: Social Aspects)
The four editions of this book are an outgrowth from The Biology of AIDS. As with the first edition, “The purpose of this text is to provide the nonspecialized student with a firm overview of AIDS from biomedical and psychosocial perspectives.” Cellular and molecular descriptions of the immune system and the AIDS virus are provided as well as the consequences of HIV infection from cell to organism. The focus is on fundamental principles and how they apply to AIDS. The book is patterned after a course that was taught at the University of California, Irvine, on AIDS Fundamentals. One quickly realizes that there is a great amount of information in this small compact book. After a brief introduction there is a discussion of epidemics, the immune system, and virology as it pertains to AIDS. This is followed with chapters on the clinical manifestations of AIDS and epidemiology. Chapter seven covers modes of HIV transmission and personal risk factors while chapter 8 delves into individual assessments of HIV risk. Prevention of AIDS is the focus of chapter 9 and the next two chapters cover the human and societal dimensions of living with AIDS. The last chapter discusses the future directions in combating AIDS. This is an excellent small book that provides a wealth of information understandable to the educated layperson as well as academic students. It is highly recommended for all libraries.
1211. AIDS Education and Prevention: An Interdisciplinary Journal, volume 15, nos. 4, 5, 6, August, October, December, 2003, edited by Francisco S. Sy. Guilford Publications, 72 Spring St., New York, NY 10012. ISSN 0899-9546. $225 institutions; $65 individuals. (Descriptors: Education; Prevention)
This journal is committed “to providing professionals with state of the art information about AIDS and related issues.” It highlights “existing and theoretical models of AIDS education and prevention, including their development, implementation, and evaluation. A highly recommended journal for all academic libraries.
Volume 15, no. 4, August 2003 covers: “If HIV Prevention Works, Why Are Rates of High-Risk Sexual Behavior Increasing Among MSM?,” by Jonathan Elford, Graham Hart; “HIV Testing and Counseling: Test Providers’ Experiences of Best Practices,” by Ted Myers, Catherine Worthington, Dennis J. Haubrich, Karen Ryder, Liviana Calzavara; “Context Matters: The Educational Potential of Gay Bars Revisited,” by Ian Warwick, Nicola Douglas, Peter Aggleton, Paul Boyce; “Peer HIV/AIDS Education with Volunteer Trishaw Drivers in Yaan, People’s Republic of China: Process Evaluation,” by Wang Shuguang, Paul Van de Ven; “HIV/AIDS and the African refugee Education Program in New Zealand,” by Heather Worth, Nikki Denholm, Johanna Bannister; “Rumor, Gossip and Blame: Implications for HIV/AIDS Prevention in the South African Lowveld,” by Jonathan Stadler; and “Revaluation of Risk Among Gay Men,” by Kane D. Race.
Volume 15, no. 5, October 2003 covers: “Correlates of Sexual Risk Behaviors among HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men,” by Jeffrey T. Parsons, Perry N. Halkitis, Richard J. Wolitski, Cynthia A. Gómez, Seropositive Urban Men’s Study Team; “Interests in HIV Prevention Topics of HIV-Seropositive Men Who Have Sex with Men,” by Cari Courtenay-quirk, Richard J. Wolitski, Colleen Hoff, Jeffrey T. Parson, Seropositive Urban Men’s Study Team; “HIV/STI Associated Risk Behaviors among Self-Identified Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender College Students in the United States,” by Lisa L. Lindley, Thomas J. Nicholson, Molly B. Kerby, Ning Lu; “Risk Behavior and Social-Cognitive Determinants of Condom use among Ethnic Minority Communities in Amsterday,” by Louise C. W. Wiggers, John B. F. de Wit, Mitzi J. Gras, Roel A. Coutinho, Anneke van den Hoek; “gender Differences in the Context of Sex Exchange among Individuals with a History of Crack Use,” by T. K. Logan, Jennifer Cole, Carl Leukefeld; and “HIV Prevention with Jail and Prison Inmates: Maryland’s Prevention Case Management Program,” by Robert L. Bauserman, Damaris Richardson, Michael Ward, Madeleine Shea, Claudia Bowlin, Naomi Tomoyasu, Liza Solomon.
Volume 15, no. 6, December 2003 covers: “A Research-Based Tool for Identifying and strengthening Culturally Competent and Evaluation-Ready HIV/AIDS Prevention Programs,” by Patricia Vinh-Thomas, Megan M. Bunch, Josefina J. Card; “Respondent Perspectives on Self-Report Measures of Condom Use,” by Cynthia Waszak Geary, Jean-Paul Tchupo, Laura Johnson, Claude Cheta, Tiburce Nyama; “Prevalence and Risk Behaviors of Chinese Men Who seek Same-Sex Partners via the Internet in Hong Kong,” by Joseph T. F. Lau, Jean H. Kim, Mason Lau, H. Y. Tsui; “HIV/AIDS Knowledge, Beliefs, and Behavior among Women of Childbearing Age in India,” by Prasanna Ananth, Cheryl Koopman; “HIV and STD Testing in Prisons: Perspectives of In-Prison Service Providers,” by Olga Grinstead, David W. Seal, Richard Wolitski, Timothy Flanigan, Christine Fitzgerald, Jill Nealey-Moore, Joh Askew, Project Start Study Group; “HIV Risk Behavior History of Prison Inmates in Hungary,” by V. Anna Gyarmathy, Alan Neaigus, Szabolcs Számadó; and “Assessing the HIV/AIDS Health Services Needs of African Immigrants to Houston,” by Lila Rosenthal, Deborah P. Scott, Zeman Kelleta, Astatkie Zikarge, Matthew Momoh, Judith Momoh-Lahai, Michael W. Ross, Andy Baker.
1212. Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education for Adolescents and Children, Volume 5, no. 3-4 2003, edited by Julio Morales, Marcia Bok. Haworth Press, 10 Alice St., Binghamton, NY 13904-1580. ISSN 1069-837X. $60 individual; $95 institutional; $110 library. (Descriptors: Prevention; Education)
This is an HIV/AIDS prevention and education journal that touches on all aspects of the disease as it is related to adolescents and children. This issue covers: “Parent-Child Communication About Sexuality: A review of the Literature from 1980-2002,” by Colleen DiIorio, Erika Pluhar, Lisa Belcher; “Psychosocial Factors Impacting Condom Use among Adolescents: A Review and Theoretical Integration,” by Gary W. Harper, Sybil G. Hosek, Richard Contreras, Mimi Doll; “Parent Attitudes and Support of School-Based Sexuality and HIV/AIDS Education Programs in a Local School District,” by Richard Sawyer, Barbara Marrese, Michael J. Scicchitano, Tom Lehman, Anita Bhuyan; “Victims of Community Violence and HIV Sexual Risk Behaviors Among African American Adolescent Males,” by Dexter R. Voisin; “Challenges and New Directions in the Rural Setting: Implementation of the “Focus on Kids” HIV Risk Reduction Program,” by Dawn D’Alessandri, Lesley Cottrell, Robert Pack, Alia Rai, James Burns, Carole Harris, Bonita Stanton; and “Effects of a Brief Sexual Education Intervention of the Knowledge and Attitudes of Chinese public School Students,” by C. Y. Ming, C. K. Seng, C. Y. Ping, C. K. Fai, F. Y. Wing, H. W. Man, H. B. Kei, W. Y. Mun, W. M. Yee.
1213. Canadian HIV/AIDS Policy and Law Review, volume 8, no. 2, August 2003, edited by Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network . Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, 417 Saint-Pierre, Ste 408, H2& 2M4. ISSN 1195-5252. for information contact publisher at info@aidslaw.ca. (Descriptors: Legal Aspects; Social Aspects)
This journal summarizes the HIV/AIDS policy and law developments in Canada. There are two feature articles in this issue: “Human Rights in Vancouver: Do Injection drug Users Have a Friend in City Hall” and “Recent Developments in Privacy Legislation.” Also included are Canadian news, international news, global access to treatment, HIV/AIDS in the Courts—Canada, and HIV/AIDS in the Courts—International.
1214. Sexual Health Information for Teens: Health Tips about Sexual Development, Human Reproduction, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Including Facts about Puberty, Reproductive Health, Chlamydia, Human Papillomavirus, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Herpes, AIDS, Contraception, Pregnancy, and More, edited by Deborah A. Stanley. 2003. Omnigraphics, 615 Griswold St., Detroit, MI 48226. 391p., bibliog., index. (Teen Health Series). ISBN 0-7808-0445-7. $58.00. (Descriptors: Teenagers; Health and Hygiene; Sexual Health; Reproductive Health; Puberty; Sexually Transmitted diseases; Sex Instruction for Teenagers)
This volume in the well-received Teen Health Series provides “information about all aspects of sexual health, from what’s normal and what’s not during puberty to facts on how sexually transmitted diseases are spread.” It also addresses hygiene, diseases of the reproductive system that are not sexually transmitted, pregnancy and contraception, and societal issues such as date rape. There is a good section of directories of resources for additional help and information. The 7 sections cover: “What Happens at Puberty,” “Reproductive Health for Girls,” “Reproductive Health for Boys,” “Sexuality and Social Issues,” “Preventing Pregnancy,” “Avoiding Sexually Transmitted Diseases,” and “If You Need More Information.”
This is a book for the teenager, written in terminology that they can understand. It does not talk down to them but with them, pointing out the many important aspects of sexual health. Although some of the topic may be taboo in some family societies, it is important that there is a book of this type that the teenager can go to for answers. It is not biased and discusses contraception, condoms, and the morning after pill. HIV and STDs are stressed. This is a must book for all school libraries and also for public libraries. Families may want to purchase copies for their private use. Highly recommended.