Keeping Healthy

Children's Literature - Deanna D'Antonio

Keeping Healthy is one of six books published as the "Teen FAQ" series by Black Rabbit/Arcturus. Planned and produced by Discovery Books Ltd., it maintains Discovery's distinctive magazine format/style, with information provided in a variety of forms—paragraphs of text, question-and-answer boxes, pop-up bubbles, picture captions, aside quotes, etc. Unlike some of the other books in the series, this layout isn't as much of a distraction or hindrance. Arguably the best of the series, Keeping Healthy follows a logical order with information kept consistent and relevant. The very definition of a healthy lifestyle the book adopts encompasses not just physical well-being (and steps to take to achieve that, even for kids with disabilities), but the importance of maintaining a healthy mind and attitude and the vital role of cultivating good self-esteem. The book provides common sense advice and practical tips regarding physical activity, diet, eating disorders, the benefits of exercise on the brain, anabolic steroid use, the effects of bullying, depression (its different causes, types and levels of severity), good hygiene, balancing work and play and the effects of undue stress, self-examination (breast for girls, testicular for boys), vaccinations, proper food preparation, precautionary safety measures (i.e. - wearing seat belts when driving and helmets when cycling), etc. Of course, touching upon so many factors means none are covered with any degree of depth (some of the aforementioned topics are acknowledged in one comment box or a single sentence), though a list of additional resources including web sites, hotlines and books is included in the back. The single greatest fault with the book rests with its failure to mention HIV and AIDS in the section concerning sexual health, despite the inclusion of several STIs (STDs in American English). No rationale is present for the conspicuous absence of this important topic. Omitting talk about the prospect of HIV and AIDS does a grave disservice to readers. Reviewer: Deanna D'Antonio