cover image Every Woman's Body

Every Woman's Body

Diana Korte. Ballantine Books, $15 (655pp) ISBN 978-0-345-38652-6

Korte, a medical journalist, takes a clear-eyed look at the issues and conditions that affect a woman's health throughout her life, emphasizing the importance of positive choices. She shows how to make good use of available medical care, from choosing a practitioner to seeking alternative treatments and second opinions. Readers won't be overwhelmed here by statistics or her discussion of the medical insurance maze. Because a good portion of the book is presented in an encyclopedic format--close to 100 entries on such topics as abortion, birth control options, breast cancer, incontinence, childbirth, rape and the consquences of diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure--it also makes for agreeable browsing. Especially important is the balanced information Korte supplies to help women make their own decisions, including questions to ask one's health care provider. Diagrams are helpful, as is an extensive directory listing close to 400 organizations that offer information or referrals. First serial to New Woman . (July)