Overkill: Repairing the Damage Caused by Our Unhealthy Obsession with Germs, Antibiotics, and Antibacterial Products - Hardcover

Dr. Kimberly Thompson; Debra Fulghum Bruce

3.57

7 ratings by Goodreads

9781579545345: Overkill: Repairing the Damage Caused by Our Unhealthy Obsession with Germs, Antibiotics, and Antibacterial Products

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1579545343 ISBN 13: 9781579545345

Publisher: Rodale Books, 2002

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Are you guilty of overkill?

Experts warn that if we don't stop overusing antibiotics and antibacterial products now , we will shoulder the blame for creating a warrior class of drug-resistant supergerms that will threaten not only our children but their children and beyond. Hard evidence exists that the crisis has already begun. But understanding the long-term effects of antibiotic abuse is one thing, and taking responsibility for our own health day after day, year after year, is another. Or is it?

In this timely and thought-provoking reference, Dr. Kimberly M. Thompson tells you exactly what you need to do to protect and promote your family's good health without endangering their future. Because, let's face it--there is no real comfort in winning the battle against germs if we are destined to lose the war.

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Review:

Popping antibiotics to quiet every ear infection has been likened to dropping nuclear bombs to quiet every enemy. Simply put, it's overkill. Risk assessment expert Kimberly M. Thompson, Sc.D., beseeches individuals to become germ savvy in order to prevent new, more resistant bacteria from reaching epidemic proportions. Busting myths and highlighting facts about food safety, cleaning products, medicines, and immune systems, Thompson plows through 31 common illnesses "that are treated--and mistreated--with antibiotics." Each segment briefly describes the ailment and its causes, signs, and symptoms. Thompson also provides specific preventive measures and treatment options for each illness, based on the reader's "RQ," or Risk Quotient (determined via an initial survey that assesses one's personal health risk profile). Those who score a low RQ for bacterial infection receive gentle prescriptions: avoid, hydrate, wash, supplement, immunize. Folks in the medium- to high-risk categories will find information about herbal remedies, helpful foods, or salves; they might also find direct orders to stop smoking, spend more time exercising, or "work with your doctor." A useful primer on food-borne and household pathogens, recipes for natural cleaners, and special attention to high-risk populations (including children and immune-compromised people) round out this vital home resource. --Liane Thomas

From the Inside Flap:

Overkill exposes the alarming consequences of our society's addiction to cleanliness and our unhealthy dependence on antibiotics. From the Age of Ignorance to the golden Age of Miracles to our current concerns about drug resistance and germ warfare, professional risk analyst Kimberly M. Thompson explores how our society came to be addicted to antibiotics; why we need to take responsibility for our own health; and what we can do as individuals, parents, and guardians in this Age of Risk Management.

A critical 50-point questionnaire about family characteristics, current health, hygiene and home care practices, food preferences and preparation, and occupation and leisure activities determines your personal level of health risk, or Risk Quotient (RQ). You'll find personalized guidelines for addressing the most common health conditions safely and effectively in both children and adults at all RQs, as well as the best strategies for killing germs in your home's "hot spots," avoiding the common causes of food poisoning, and handling special situations such as caring for a newborn or a bedridden loved one or living in a dormitory or apartment.

This book arms you with the accurate, cutting-edge information you need including bonus recipes for making your own cleaners, so you can lead your life without risking...overkill.

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