Easy for You to Say

Teenagers are plagued by questions about sex, contraception, family, friends, school, body image, drugs, alcohol, and their career. A chronic condition like asthma, Crohn’s disease, spina bifida or cancer could complicate the already confusing issues one faces as a teen.

Traditionally, youth with chronic illnesses and diseases have been inundated with advice on a medical level, but not a human one. Miriam Kaufman, M.D., the "purple-haired expert" in adolescent medicine at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto has written "Easy for You to Say: Questions and Answers for Teens Living with Chronic Illness or Disability."

Miriam Kaufman is a staff physician at The Hospital for Sick Children and has spent the last 10 years working with teens who have chronic illnesses and diseases. She says about her book, "I felt it was time to translate some of this important information into English, out of whatever language it is that doctors, nurses and social workers speak."

In a comprehensive question-and-answer format, Kaufman assures kids with chronic conditions that they are just like any other teens. Her honest, objective feedback is divided into chapters for easy reference -- everything from "Friends and Dating" to "School and Work" to "SEX!"

An informative look at the issues faced by teens with chronic conditions, "Easy for You to Say" also provides insight into their parents, doctors, friends and family. Above all, this book empowers young people with chronic illnesses and disabilities who want to be liberated from wonder, gain better control of relationships and make informed choices in their lives.

Miriam found publisher Key-Porter Books quite willing to enlarge the print of "Easy for You to Say" so that it would be easier for people with varying levels of ability to read. The publisher also endeavoured to find a printing company that would use a rare bindery process that allows the book to be flattened into an open position -- without losing all its pages to the floor.

"Easy for You to Say" by Miriam Kaufman, published in softcover by Key Porter Books, is 256 pages and costs $18.95. ISBN: 1-55013-619-4.