The Facts on File Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine is a comprehensive, four-volume reference perfect for a wide audience--from students to health professionals to lay readers--looking for reliable, accurate, accessible health information. Under direction of the Medical Advisory Review Panel, this authoritative reference features contributions from a diverse group of medical professionals--including psychologists, dermatologists, pulmonary and critical care specialists, gynecologists, cardiologists, ophthalmologists, gastroenterologists, and many others. A wide range of topics are covered, from infancy to old age, paying attention to differences between genders and ethnic groups. Related body systems are grouped together in Volume 1 through Volume 3, with general health information in Volume 4. Each section is organized A to Z and provides an invaluable overview, discussing history, current research, and breakthroughs. All four volumes are extensively cross-referenced (both within the volume and with the other volumes). Each volume includes an index. A separate index in Volume 4 includes entries from all four volumes, and Volume 4 also includes several appendixes and lists of helpful resources.