Book Review: Naturopathic Pediatric Essentials
Stacie Deyglio, ND
- Title: Naturopathic Pediatric Essentials
- Author: Susan Roberts, ND
- Publisher: Healing Mountain Publishing, LLC
- Available from: www.healingmountainpublishing.com
- Pages: 163
- Style: Soft cover
- Copyright: 2003
- MSRP: $24.95 US
Between having a child of my own and treating children in practice, Susan Roberts’ Naturopathic Pediatric Essentials is a resource I look to often.
Dr. Roberts has compiled a concise reference manual of procedures, techniques and formulas for treating common pediatric complaints. In doing so, she has created one of the only books written on the subject that is solely for the naturopathic pediatric physician.
Her book is divided into eight chapters, discussing allergic complaints, gastrointestinal disorders, skin diseases, infectious diseases, respiratory diseases, eye complaints, behavioral problems and child abuse. The chapters include descriptions of the most common disorders of that category. For example, chapter four addresses common infectious diseases and opens with a detailed evaluation of the pediatric clinical common fever. Dr. Roberts includes the definition, function and history, diagnosis, naturopathic treatment and conventional treatment of each clinical disorder. Naturopathic treatment protocols include hydrotherapy, botanical medicine, homeopathy, diet and nutritional supplementation. The most notable aspect of the chapters is the inclusion of resourced data tables that support the clinical discussion of common diagnosis.
Dr. Roberts also offers wise clinical tips from her many years of experience in practice. For example, “To augment the otoscopic exam in diagnosis of acute and chronic otitis media consider using an acoustic reflectometer … This devise is valuable to objectively track the progress of treatment. Children enjoy the ‘Star Wars’-type sound the device emits, and parents also appreciate being able to see the objective findings” (p. 60). In this way, the book best reflects the Docere principle. Dr. Roberts has not only provided examples of how to teach patients about health, but also has provided a firm advantage for NDs to practice with.
The appendix is generous, containing information on essentials of pediatric pharmacy, clinical tips, select medication dosages, pediatric CBC differentials, a warming socks handout, how to introduce solid food, goat milk formula, oral health, steam inhalation for children, vaccine checklist by age, growth charts and medications that contain lactose.
Dr. Roberts also includes a section of handouts and forms, which includes documents for a complete pediatric intake, immunization record, well child exam, developmental milestones, child development chart, temporary authorization to treat a child and three-cent neurological exam.
Stacie Deyglio, ND received her baccalaureate degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from the College of Mt. St. Vincent in New York. Her personal health issues paved the way to discovering naturopathic medicine in 1999. Resonating with the philosophy and principles of naturopathic medicine, Dr. Deyglio graduated from the University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2003. As a medical student, she was involved in student government, fundraising and the generation of two successful student-run health fairs. Dr. Deyglio’s interests include relating integrative therapeutics to the health of pediatric and geriatric populations. Currently residing in Phoenix, Dr. Deyglio is an avid bookworm, and is actively creating her practice.
