Doctor and You

The Doctor and You is a book for any young child who will experience a trip to a doctor's office, hospital, or health clinic. The photographs familiarize children with many of the medical instruments and machines they are likely to encounter during their visit, allowing them to become more comfortable with doctors and hospitals. By showing how specific instruments are used to examine or treat them, children become comfortable with how they work and what they accomplish. Some of the tools examined include: a scale, a reflex hammer, a tongue depressor, an electronic thermometer, an ophthalmoscope, an otoscope, a stethoscope, blood pressure equipment, blood sampling equipment, a syringe, an X-ray machine, and casts for setting broken bones.Control over their own bodies is very important to young children. Their role with each medical tool is emphasized through a special feature called "Your Job" that briefly explains what children can do to help with the procedure, providing a positive and active role in their own health care. All information is presented in a positive manner. For instance, the book does not include "taking temperatures" because research has shown that many young children think this means that something is actually being removed from them. Potential fears associated with medical procedures, such as the belief that X-rays reveal secrets, are also addressed in a comforting and honest manner. A special page has been included for parents that offers pointers for discussions. Follow-up play activities geared towards helping children feel more comfortable about visiting a doctor are suggested. The Doctor and You is illustrated with 23 color photographs taken at a children's hospital and several line drawings.