This series of four easy-to-read books, developed by the Institute for HealthCare Advancement (IHA), cuts through medical jargon and speak to readers in plain, understandable language about a variety of health topics. Each book is available in either English or Spanish, and the Child book is also available in Vietnamese.
The cost is $12.95 per book, plus shipping and handling. To order any of the “What To Do For Health” Books, or for more information, visit the Institute for HealthCare Advancement web site at www.iha4health.org and click on “Bookstore.” You can also reach IHA by phone: (800) 434-4633 or email: info@iha4health.org
1. “What To Do When Your Child Gets Sick” – Book and Adult Education Curricula
This book is written for parents and caregivers of children and provides easy to understand information on more than 50 common medical problems of childhood, including earaches, vomiting, burns, choking and broken bones. Illustrations complement the text and instruct the user on how to take a temperature, care for cuts and scrapes, what to do for colds and flu, when to call the doctor and safety tips. Diagrams of a child’s body at the beginning of the book indicate page numbers where information concerning the body part can be found. There is space to write notes at the beginning of each chapter and each section provides a simple definition of the topic and gives a description of each condition, what the caretaker can do at home, as well as when to call a doctor. This 180-page book includes an excellent glossary and index. (Note: in addition to Spanish and English, this book is now available in Vietnamese).
Health Education Literacy Program (HELP) Curriculum
The Institute for HealthCare Advancement, with a grant from the State of Louisiana Department of Education, created a multi-level, comprehensive curriculum for ESOL or basic reading courses to go along with “What To Do When Your Child Gets Sick.” Each of the 20 Units in the curriculum corresponds to sections in “What To Do When Your Child Gets Sick,” and includes a unit index, word bank, scenarios at 3 levels and 5 activities: speaking, listening, reading, writing and thinking (each with 3 levels). The teacher can assess each student and prepare appropriate level exercises in each area. The curriculum includes more than 1,300 pages of innovative adult education materials and is available free of charge. An assessment tool, as well as textual and visual glossaries are included.
View PDF Unit samples of the HELP Curriculum:
The complete HELP Curriculum is free and can be downloaded in it’s entirety from the IHA Web site, www.iha4health.org or by calling IHA at (800) 434-4633 to have a CD-ROM mailed to you.
2. “What To Do When You’re Having A Baby”
This easy-to-read and use book was written by nurses in plain language and is geared for expecting parents. The book begins with an outline of how to use it, as well as a quick list of “when to get help.” The book discusses the do’s and don’ts during pregnancy, a month-by-month outline of the stages of pregnancy, discomforts often experienced during pregnancy, warning signs, labor and the first few days of a newborns life. The book also includes space to write down questions for the doctor, appointments, doctor’s instructions and baby’s kick counts in the later months. “What To Do When You’re Having A Baby” is 185 pages, including a glossary and index.
3. “What To Do for Teen Health”
This book covers all the major concerns and questions parents will encounter with children during their pre-teen and teen years. The book uses everyday language with illustrations to discuss teen health and development issues, including body changes, rules and discipline, anger, dating and sex. It provides parents with a list of warning signs, such as signs of drug and alcohol use, depression, suicide and eating disorders. The book offers practical strategies on ways to talk with and feel closer to teens and how to help them in school. Each topic is addressed using questions: What is it? Did you know? What can I do? When should I get help? “What To Do For Teen Health” is 161 pages, including a glossary and index.
4. “What To Do for Senior Health”
Written in plain language by a medical doctor and two nurses, this 209-page book provides easy-to-understand information on body changes as one ages, and encourages seniors to take control of their healthcare and well-being. Topics include: Medicare/Medicaid, medicines, nutrition, exercise, osteoporosis, talking with the doctor, end-of life choices and safety tips. Space is provided to write down important phone numbers, medications and health information. The book includes a glossary and index.
