The Short Child: A Parents' Guide to the Causes, Consequences, and Treatment of Growth Problems [Paperback]

Paul Kaplowitz (Author), Jeffrey Baron (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 6, 2006

O YOU WORRY ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S GROWTH?For the millions of parents concerned about their child's height, there is now an authoritative resource of comprehensive information to reassure and guide them in seeking help. This groundbreaking book by two of America's leading pediatric endocrinologists offers reliable guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of growth disorders, from helping parents determine whether their child's height is normal to understanding when it's necessary to seek the advice of a specialist. Parents will also learn about:* The role of genetics, nutrition, and hormones in their child's growth* The social and psychological impact of short stature* Methods for estimating the height a child will be as an adult* Important topics of concern to discuss with their child's doctors* Medical conditions that cause short stature* The most up-to-date research on treatment, including the controversial use of growth hormone-so you and your physician can decide what's right for your child.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'His fans should embrace it as eagerly as they have THE SWORD OF SHANNARA' Publishers Weekly 'By far the best of Terry Brooks' many wonderful novels...I couldn't put it down.' John Saul

About the Author

Dr Kaplowitz is Chief of Endocrinology at Children's National Medical Center, Washington DC. Dr Barron is Chief of Growth and Devlopment at the National Institute of Health. Between them they have over 40 years experience in researching and treating growth disorders.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Life & Style; 1 edition (June 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446696528
• ISBN-13: 978-0446696524
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #305,520 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must-have", October 3, 2006

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Short Child: A Parents' Guide to the Causes, Consequences, and Treatment of Growth Problems (Paperback)

The Short Child: A Parents' Guide To The Causes, Consequences, And Treatment Of Growth Problems by Paul Kaplowitz MD, Ph D (Chief Of Endocrinology, Children's National Medical Center). & Jeffrey Baron MD (Pediatric Endocrinologist) is a straightforward guide written especially for parents, guardians, and lay readers about growth problems in children as a medical issue and the options for treating it. Chapters discuss how genetics, nutrition, and hormones affect growth; the physical and psychological impact of short stature; controversy over the use of growth hormones; and the pros and cons of various available treatments as well as how specialists determine whether treatment is a preferred option. Detailed and offering examples as well as charts and graphs to clarify its principles, The Short Child is highly readable and a "must-have" for any parent wrestling with what, if anything, to do for a child who may or may not be too small.

4.0 out of 5 stars must read!, July 6, 2006

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Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Short Child: A Parents' Guide to the Causes, Consequences, and Treatment of Growth Problems (Paperback)

As the parent of a child who falls below the third percentile in both height and weight, I found this book enormously helpful and informative.

Drs. Kaplowitz and Baron--both pediatric endocrinologists--have written an easily accessible reference guide for anyone who is concerned with their child's height (and 5% of children under the age of 14 fall below the normal range on the growth charts).

Early chapters discuss normal growth patterns and explore how genetics, hormones, and nutrition play a part in the growth process. All of this potentially overwhelming information is presented in an easy-to-understand and straightforward style that is refreshing compared to the medical-speak that so many books of this genre seem to fall victim to. Each chapter seems to naturally flow into the next without being stilted or stuffy, and ends with a succinct "key points to keep in mind" section that is extremely efficient at reviewing the information provided.

Later chapters cover topics such as the multitude of causes of short stature, the social and psychological impact of short stature on children, and various treatments that are available today.

The use of growth hormones is touched upon in an unbiased and informative manner, giving parents a brief overview of the effectiveness, costs and potential risks of this controversial topic. Also included are instructions for properly measuring your child, and plotting height and weight on growth charts. After reading this, parents should feel more confident in approaching their own healthcare providers with questions and concerns specific to their situation--and to come back to this book repeatedly for guidance and information.

The Short Child is a reassuring and instructive guide that covers a sensitive topic affecting millions of families. Drs Kaplowitz and Baron write with an ease that comes from in-depth knowledge of their topic.

Armchair Interviews says: Parents can reap the benefits of having such expertise at their fingertips, day or night, no appointment necessary, by reading this informative book.