Amazon.com Review
The way to a man's health is through a woman, says CBS Medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay.
From Boys to Men is an engaging, informative manifesto that urges every woman to become Dr. Mom. "Men begin life as more fragile beings, then compound it with attraction to risk, an aversion to self care and an arsenal of unhealthy habits," notes Senay. Culture is the culprit, and being raised as a man is dangerous to your health. For this reason, Senay begins with sons. Using lively case histories and bulleted checklists, she covers a compendium of critical issues including penis care, attention deficits, food fights, bully behavior, the smell of teen spirit, rules of the road, not inhaling, and safe sex. For women who sit at the grownups' table, with husbands, partners, and lovers, the goals are prevention and collaboration rather than nagging. Whether offering advice about symptom denial, finding good fats, or prostrate health, or recognizing warning signs of cancer, heart disease, alcoholism, and diabetes, Senay offers life-saving information. Some readers may challenge rather than accept the gender gap that creates male aversion to medical care. Senay might have devoted more ink to raising self-care-savvy sons--who learn the example of both parents--rather than underlining the idea that mother knows best. Whether you accept Senay's premise of men who will be boys and women as health-care educators, this is an insightful and readable resource.
--Barbara Mackoff
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Publishers Weekly
Women shouldn’t have to make all the medical decisions for their families, yet according to authors Senay and Waters, women almost always become their families’ medical managers. And while this role creates "extra responsibilities, extra worry and a lot of extra stress," most women are willing to take it on because they want their husbands, fathers and sons "to live long, healthy lives." It is for such women that Senay (a medical correspondent for CBS News) and Waters (a former editor and writer for WebMD and Health magazine) have created this comprehensive laywoman’s reference guide to male health. Beginning with the development of the male fetus and ending with the typical medical conditions of middle-aged and elderly men, the book attempts to unveil the mysteries and confusion women may have about the opposite sex. Difficulty dealing with questions about sex from a curious preteen boy? Having trouble understanding the raging hormones of an adolescent son? "Take a deep breath, calm down," say Senay and Waters. Moms are advised to be composed and laid back when talking to their sons, creating an environment where they can share their feelings freely and without embarrassment. Frustrated with the cavalier attitude of an overweight husband? Chapter 10 teaches readers the six stages of change so that they can give the most helpful advice at the right time. Well organized, excellently researched and written in friendly, jargon-free prose, Senay and Waters’s book gives women the knowledge they need to help keep their loved ones healthy. Now, if only the authors would write a book for women about women as well.
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--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
