Canadian Medical Association Complete Guide to Medical Symptoms

Jane Heath teaches psychology at Ryerson University.

As an all-purpose family guide to questions and concerns about health
issues, the CMA’s Complete Guide to Medical Symptoms will likely prove
useful.

The book begins with a brief outline of normal growth and development
in children, the structure and function of the child and adult body, and
maintaining good health in children and adults. The book concludes with
first-aid and nursing information, guides to medical tests and
medication, growth and weight tables, and some nicely organized charts
in which to register family medical records.

The rest of the book consists of symptom charts that are divided into
childrens’ problems, general medical problems, and those specific to
males and to females. Each chart describes a single symptom (such as a
cough) and explores possible causes by means of a sequence of yes or no
questions in a flowchart format. Responses to the questions lead to a
possible cause, and the book then discusses it, and either outlines
self-help measures or refers the reader to a doctor. Emergency
situations are clearly indicated. Two brief sections (“How to use the
charts” and “How to find the chart you need”) and a comprehensive
index make it easy to locate symptoms and to use the charts.

In general, much information is presented in an organized, concise, and
accessible manner. The guide is recommended as a useful source for
health and development information, and as a diagnostic handbook.