How toxic are the products we consume on a daily basis? Whether it’s triclosan in toothpaste, formaldehyde in baby shampoo, endocrine disruptors in water bottles, or pesticides on strawberries, chemicals in food and personal care products are of increasing concern to consumers. This book chronicles how ordinary people try to avoid exposure to toxics in grocery store aisles using the practice of “precautionary consumption.” Through an innovative analysis of environmental regulation, the advocacy work of environmental health groups, the expansion of the health-food chain Whole Foods Market, and interviews with consumers, Norah MacKendrick ponders why the problem of toxics in the U.S. retail landscape has been left to individual shoppers—and to mothers in particular. She reveals how precautionary consumption, or “green shopping,” is a costly and time-intensive practice, one that is connected to cultural ideas of femininity and good motherhood but is also most available to upper- and middle-class households. Better Safe Than Sorry powerfully argues that precautionary consumption places a heavy and unfair burden of labor on women and does little to advance environmental justice or mitigate risk.

Before the age of 20, more than half of teenagers have sex, and one out of four contracts a sexually transmitted disease. One million adolescent women become pregnant each year, and 80 percent of these pregnancies are unintended. This book provides comprehensive, straightforward information about sex, relationships, and birth control in reader-friendly terms, emphasizing informed consent and mutual respect. A tool for young adults coming to terms with their sexuality, this book is appropriate for teens to read on their own and will serve teachers, parents and health educators who work with young adults. It includes a curriculum guide that provides questions for discussion and background history on various topics, plus an appendix of resources for additional information on sexuality, birth control, teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and related topics—with addresses and Internet sites (when available).

Sex is a how-to topic. There are hundreds of manuals on how to have explosive, amazing, earth-shattering sex. There are exercise books for the muscles used during sex, cookbooks for meals that increase your desire, books about low sex drive, high sex drive, and everything in between. And yet, in most of these manuals, there is usually one small chapter about sexual health. In this age of breakthrough discoveries about potency and infection, new drugs to combat the full range of sexually transmitted diseases, new technologies for contraception and genital health - there is no single volume that fully explains this extremely important aspect of all the incredible sex going on- sexual health and fitness. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Sexual Health and Fitnessfills this market need. Written by Kate Bracy, a veteran nurse practitioner and sexual health expert, and Dr. Kathryn Arendt, respected gynecologist, this comprehensive book explains all aspects of sexual health and fitness for both men and women. In clear, jargon-free, and authoritative language, this book includes information on- The healthy functions of our sexual selves. Diet, exercise, and safe sex practices that can keep us healthy and at our peak fitness. Easy, simple personal hygiene regimens for top health. Current findings on prostate health and erectile dysfunction. In-depth explanations of the most widespread sexually transmitted diseases, their symptoms, prevention, and cures. The latest information on contraception and how it affects sexual health. The most up-to-date findings on sexual health as it is affected by age. The latest word on prescription and alternative supplements available to aid in sexual activities.