Press Releases: Mental Health, Naturally

WFUBMC Press Release :  New Book Stresses Natural Approach to Mental Health

Journal of Child Neurology Release

Natural Triad Press Release

Book Calendar:  A Blog About Books:  Review of Mental Health, Naturally

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine:  Review of Mental Health, Naturally.  Review by William Benda, MD.

Has anyone noticed how our integrative/complementary and alternative medicine field tends to focus on a different theme every couple of years, such as food as medicine, public policy, or environmental issues? It now appears that 2010 is the year of mental health, with at least three major conferences on the docket and a number of new books dedicated to natural approaches for not only anxiety and depression, but afflictions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders as well.

Mental Health, Naturally: The Family Guide to Holistic Care for a Healthy Mind and Body, by Kathi Kemper, MD, MPH, Chair for the Center for Integrative Medicine at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, comprises 500 pages of text followed by 100 more listing resources and references, not to mention a hefty index. I have been an admirer of Kemper for some time, and am frequently affected by the stresses of clinical duties, literary deadlines, and personal responsibilities. So it was with more than usual interest that I opened the front cover and began to read.  More ...

American Academy of Pediatrics   News Release: "Mental Health, Naturally—first-of-its-kind, comprehensive guide to nonprescription therapies for mental and physical well-being."  For release: March 1, 2010

CHICAGO -- Many parents wonder how to handle a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety or depression – or even one who is struggling with day-to-day stress. In her new book, Mental Health, Naturally: The Family Guide to Holistic Care for a Healthy Mind and Body (American Academy of Pediatrics, March 2010), pediatrician and holistic medicine expert Kathi J. Kemper, MD, MPH, FAAP, provides practical guidance to those who seek natural methods of treatment.

Dr. Kemper is a leading international authority on complementary therapies for children.  With up-to-date research, illustrative examples and a practical approach for individuals and families, Mental Health, Naturally provides a comprehensive overview of mental health disorders, outlines specific strategies for improving mental health, and offers detailed approaches for those suffering from ADHD, anxiety, stress and substance abuse.

Dr. Kemper also covers fundamental techniques used to combat mental health problems such as maintaining proper nutrition, rest and exercise, while detailing stress-management practices and methods such as acupuncture, homeopathy, massage and chiropractic and osteopathic therapies. Detailed chapters on dietary supplements, a chapter on advocacy, and a section with action plans and additional resources also are provided.

Mental Health, Naturally will be available in bookstores nationwide in March. The guide may also be ordered on the new AAP Web site for parents, HealthyChildren.org. For interviews or review copies, please contact the AAP Department of Communications. Cover art is available.

About the author: Kathi J. Kemper, MD, MPH, FAAP, is recognized internationally as the leading authority on holistic, integrative and complementary therapies for children. She is the chairperson of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Complementary, Holistic, and Integrative Medicine. She is the Caryl J. Guth chair for holistic and integrative medicine at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the 2008 recipient of the inaugural Leadership Award from the Integrative Pediatrics Council. Dr. Kemper lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
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The FAAP designation following a pediatrician’s name stands for Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatricians with a FAAP designation have obtained board certification in pediatrics and made an ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and advocacy for children.  For more news from AAP, visit the AAP News Room at: http://www.aap.org/newsroom

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Kemper, Kathi J., M.D. Mental Health, Naturally: The Family Guide to Holistic Care for a Healthy Mind and Body. American Acad. of Pediatrics. 2010. c.600p. index. ISBN 978-1-58110-310-6. pap.

In spite of its rather intimidating size, this is a very readable book on the entire gamut of holistic approaches—everything from nutrition to magnets—for treating some of the most prevalent mental health issues. Kemper (chair of complementary and integrative medicine, Wake Forest Univ.) is eminently qualified to summarize voluminous research data (her book has 70 pages of references) and advocate for nontraditional therapies. Multiple summary tables and work sheets facilitate effective use of the information. She also offers proactive suggestions to address the factors that contribute to mental health problems in the family, school, and broader community. Verdict:  Families dealing with mental health issues and health-care practitioners will find this a useful summary of the typical uses and research basis for the entire range of alternative approaches to relieving stress, anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and depression. (Index not seen.)—Paula McMillen, Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas.