Taking Charge of Our Bodies : A Health Handbook for Women

Contents: Preface. Introduction. 1. Nutrition and exercise. 2. How our bodies work. 3. Common health problems. 4. Sexuality: knowing our bodies. 5. Birth control. 6. When we become mothers. 7. Pregnancy-related problems. 8. Common gynaecological problems. 9. Mental health. 10. Gynaecological interventions. 11. Menopause. 12. Cancer. Index.

"Taking Charge of Our Bodies draws on women\'s experiences to evaluate scientific information. It explores our feelings about menstruation, abortion, contraception and notes the ways in which women are affected by AIDS, tuberculosis, cancer, mental distress, blood pressure and osteoporosis. It discusses problems affecting sexual relationships, confusions about same-sex love and singles. Information about pregnancy, childbirth, back pain and menopause are given in detail.

Reading this book is like listening in -- say, on a lunchtime conversation in office or a discussion in a women\'s group. This is what the doctor says, so this is how a diaphragm works, fairness creams can lead to cancer . . . Women\'s concerns are rarely addressed by medical practitioners who seldom factor in overwork, lack of family support, inadequate nutrition or social norms while handling health problems. These issues shape the way this book provides information about the problems women face. First-person accounts, diagrams and charts enrich the book. Well-researched and forthright, Taking Charge of Our Bodies is a perfect guide to a thinking woman\'s quest for health."