Whatever your health concerns you will find expert advice on hand in the latest edition of this essential medical reference guide. This authoritative, quick-reference book covers every aspect of health and medicine, and includes all the latest significant medical developments. Endorsed by the BMA this is a must for every household.

The science of human nutrition and its applications to health promotion continue to gain momentum. In the relatively short time since the release of the first edition of this Encyclopedia, a few landmark discoveries have had a dramatic multiplying effect over nutrition science: the mapping of the human genome, the links between molecular bioenergetics and lifespan, the influence of nutrients on viral mutation, to name a few.

But perhaps the strongest evidence of the importance of nutrition for human health comes from the fact that almost 60% of the diseases that kill humans are related to diet and lifestyle (including smoking and physical activity). These are all modifiable risk factors.

The Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition is a health reference product designed to inform and educate readers about a wide variety of diets, nutrition and dietary practices, and diseases and conditions associated with nutrition choices. The Gale Group believes the product to be comprehensive, but not necessarily definitive. It is intended to supplement, not replace, consultation with a physician or other healthcare practitioners. While The Gale Group hasmade substantial efforts to provide information that is accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date, The Gale Group makes no representations or warranties of any kind, includingwithout limitation, warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, nor does it guarantee the accuracy, comprehensiveness, or timeliness of the information contained in this product. Readers should be aware that the universe of medical knowledge is constantly growing and changing, and that differences of opinion exist among authorities. Readers are also advised to seek professional diagnosis and treatment for any medical condition, and to discuss information obtained from this book with their healthcare provider.

“There are two types of physicians — those that are free men and those that are slaves. The slaves, to speak generally, are treated by slaves, who pay them a hurried visit, or receive them in dispensaries. A physician of this kind never gives a servant any account of his complaint, nor asks him for any; he gives him some imperial injunction with an air of finished knowledge, in the brusque fashion of a dictator, and then is off in haste to the next ailing servant …. The free practitioner attends free men, treats their diseases by going into things thoroughly in a scientific way; and takes the patient and his family into his confidence. Thus he learns something from the sufferers, and at the same time instructs the invalid to the best of his powers. He does not give his prescriptions until he has won the patient’s support …. Now which of the two methods is that of the better physician or director of the bodily regimen?”

Smith’s General Urology, 17th edition, provides in a concise format the information necessary for the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases managed by urologic surgeons. Our goal has been to keep the book current, to the point, and readable. Medical students will find this book useful because of its concise, easy-to-follow format and organization and its breadth of information. Interns and residents, as well as practicing physicians in urology or general medicine, will find it an efficient and current reference, particularly because of its emphasis on diagnosis and treatment. The 17th edition is a thorough revision of the book. New chapters to this edition include: “Pharmacology of the Lower Urinary Tract,” “Female Urology,” and “The Aging Male.” The book has been reviewed and updated throughout, with emphasis on current references. The several illustrations have been further modernized and improved, including many fine anatomic drawings and the latest imaging techniques. Since the 11th edition, the following translations have been published: Chinese, French, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish. We greatly appreciate the patience and efforts of our McGraw-Hill staff, the expertise of our contributors, and the support of our readers.