Midwife, dentistry and medical how-to books.

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All,

First, I am not associated with any of the companies/organizations below. I found about these books on another link, and bought one of the books. I'm forwarding on my opinions and some info I have found.

I just bought "Where There Is No Dentist" from Amazon.com (published by the Hesperian Foundation). It's a very straight-forward book discribing how to diagnose dental problems and some solutions while "out in the field" and no medical help is available. I paid `$12 (includes shipping) for it and received it in 3 days. It was highly rated on Amazon.com, and I agree. It's straight-forward, has excellent drawings of trouble spots and indiactions of where trouble might be and has handy tips of how to fix problems, even with the most basic (or home-made) equipment.

Also published by the Hesperian Foundation is "A Book For Midwives": 'By Susan Klein. Is written for midwives, traditional birth attendants, community health workers and anyone concerned about the health of pregnant women and their babies. The book is an invaluable tool for midwives facilitating education...the author emphasizes helping pregnant women stay healthy, giving good care and dealing with pregnant women during labor, childbirth and afterbirth, family planning, breastfeeding, and homemade, low-cost equipment. 528 pages.' I don't know if Amazon will carry the Midwives' book, but they do carry the others, so it's worth a shot.

Also available (thought the reviews for it on Amazon.com weren't top-notch) is "When There Is No Doctor". 'By David Werner, Carol Thuman, and Jane Maxwell. Is perhaps the most widely used health care manual in the world. The book provides vital, easily understood information on how to diagnose, treat and prevent common diseases. Special importance is placed on ways to prevent health problems, including cleanliness, a healthy diet and vaccinations... 512 pages.'

It seems to be more 3rd-world oriented, but it may be helpful. I've not bought this book, so I don't really have an opinion on it.

If you don't go online with Amazon.com, here's The Hesperian Foundation's info:

The Hesperian Foundation P.O. Box 11577 Berkeley, California 94712-2577 USA

Phone: (510) 845-4507 Fax: (510) 845-0539

e-mail: hesperianfdn@igc.apc.org

-- Deb M. (vmcclell@columbus.rr.com), November 23, 1999

Answers

Deb: Thanks for the info, I bought both "Where There is No Dentist" and "WHERE There Is No Doctor" (most people think it is "WHEN") and they are ok. The dentist one might come in handy, but the doctor one contained information I already knew. Also, there is a lot of info about contagious diseases particular to third world countries (esp. South America) and while I found that interesting, it probably won't be needed information.

It depends on your level of medical knowledge, but I guess I had more than I realized, b/c I read almost nothing in the dr book I didn't already know.

HOWEVER, keep in mind, I do still think it is a good book for people w/out a lot of medical knowledge to have! Also, get a GOOD first aid book and a couple of pocket first aid books. I keep one of my smaller ones in the minivan at all times (along w/a first aid kit).

Thanks again, Deb.

P.S. Fractal might be interested in the midwife book. His wife is expecting her first baby on January 9th!

-- preparing (preparing@home.com), November 23, 1999.


You can buy dental "first aid kits" in the pharmacy section of Walmart. They are small and inexpensive, but might provide enough relief for a sufferer to allow them to get more lasting help. Get several.

-- Liz Pavek (lizpavek@hotmail.com), November 23, 1999.

The State of Alaska has a very comprehensive nurse-midwife system. If you contact their Public Health Nursing Director, you can purchase their handbook. I used to work in that office, and even if the book hasn't been updated since I was there, it is still a treasure.

-- Liz Pavek (lizpavek@hotmail.com), November 23, 1999.

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