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Nurse Florence®, What is Type 2 Diabetes?

In Nurse Florence, What is Type 2 Diabetes? by Michael Dow, students Condi, Jean, and Sonia embark on a lunchtime discussion about the future of the planet, sparked by a lesson on climate change. Their conversation takes a curious turn as they ponder whether a disease could affect the human body in the same way climate change impacts the Earth. Their curiosity leads them to Nurse Florence in the cafeteria, where they receive a thorough, yet gentle, explanation of type 2 diabetes, its symptoms, and its effects on the body.

This latest installment in the Nurse Florence series once again delivers valuable health information in a way that is both engaging and accessible. Before reading this book, I, like many others, had heard of diabetes and knew people affected by it, but I struggled to grasp exactly what type 2 diabetes is and how it impacts the body. Through the ever-inquisitive trio of Jean, Condi, and Sonia, I gained a clear understanding of the disease in a manner that was easy to digest. Nurse Florence carefully explains the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes, shedding light on the factors that can contribute to the progression of the disease over time. She also provides practical advice on managing diabetes, emphasizing the importance of working with healthcare providers to adjust diet, exercise, and medications as needed. Diabetes can indeed be a daunting topic, but Nurse Florence’s approach is reassuring. She highlights the many ways to manage the disease and encourages readers to take proactive steps in protecting their health. The illustrations by Tim Kaney further enhance this message, portraying Nurse Florence with a warm and compassionate demeanor. Her calming presence, combined with the clear, informative content, makes the complex topic of type 2 diabetes approachable and less intimidating.

Designed for readers aged 7 and up, this book is a valuable tool for both parents and educators who want to teach children about type 2 diabetes in a non-threatening way. Whether read independently or together, Nurse Florence, What is Type 2 Diabetes? continues the series’ mission to educate and empower readers, one step at a time. This latest entry is a testament to the series’ enduring quality and importance.

Pages: 154 | ISBN : 1312585994

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Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Systems of the Human Body

Nurse Florence: Tell Me About the Systems of the Human Body by Michael Dow offers a delightful exploration of human biology for young readers. The story follows best friends Sonia, Condi, and Jean as they navigate a well-deserved lunch break after learning about the workings of government. Curious about whether the human body operates in a similar way, with different parts working together, they sit down with Nurse Florence, who takes them on an engaging tour of the body’s systems during their meal.

This book is a fantastic introduction to the major systems that keep our bodies functioning. Nurse Florence, ever patient and knowledgeable, explains everything from the skeletal system to respiration in a way that’s both accessible and engaging. The narrative moves quickly, keeping young readers interested while still managing to cover each system thoroughly. The illustrations by Roland Harrison of the body systems are clear and well done, making complex concepts easier for young minds to grasp. These visuals complement Nurse Florence’s explanations, helping to reinforce the information presented in the text. Nurse Florence: Tell Me About the Systems of the Human Body is a strong educational resource. It’s particularly well-suited for teachers and parents looking for a book that introduces biology in an engaging and understandable way. The book also covers puberty and the reproductive system. While Nurse Florence touches on these topics lightly, the glossary provides more scientific details.

Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Systems of the Human Body, is an excellent overview of the human body’s major systems. It’s great for its educational value and the way it brilliantly introduces young readers to human biology. Perfect for children aged 10 and up who are eager to learn about the amazing systems that make up the human body, this book is a great pick for curious minds ready to explore the wonders of biology.

Pages: 59 | ISBN : 1312775270

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Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Hypothalamus

After a hectic morning at school, best friends Condi, Sonia, and Jean eagerly head to the cafeteria. As they walk, their conversation shifts to what they learned about leadership and the qualities a leader must have to run a business smoothly. This sparks their curiosity—could a part of the body be a leader, too? Just in time, Nurse Florence appears, ready to satisfy their curiosity. The trio is about to embark on a fascinating journey, uncovering the secrets of the hypothalamus.

Nurse Florence: Tell Me About the Hypothalamus by Michael Dow is yet another outstanding addition to the “Nurse Florence” series. Each time I open one of these books, I find myself learning right alongside Sonia and her friends. This time, Nurse Florence introduces readers to the hypothalamus—the brain’s very own CEO. Despite its small size, this crucial part of the brain plays a massive role in managing everything from homeostasis to metabolism. Understanding how the brain and body collaborate to keep us healthy is nothing short of enlightening. The illustrations by Sela Goldfarb bring a delightful vibrancy to the pages, reminiscent of top-tier children’s animation. The author does a commendable job of presenting complex medical information without oversimplifying it. Instead of watering down the content, the book takes care to explain challenging terms in a way that’s accessible to young readers and adults alike. A glossary at the back further breaks down the terminology, encouraging readers to delve deeper into their own research. This book does touch on topics like human reproduction and puberty, complete with scientific terminology. It’s essential to ensure that young readers are ready for these discussions before diving in. Aside from this consideration, the book is well-suited for readers aged 10 and up who are eager to learn more about the human brain and body.

Nurse Florence: Tell Me About the Hypothalamus by Michael Dow is rich in information and provides educational value. This latest adventure in the beloved series is perfect for families, educators, and anyone interested in exploring biology through a friendly and engaging story.

Pages: 64 | ISBN : 1304260399

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Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Pancreas

Nurse Florence, Tell Me About Pancreas, by Michael Dow, RN, MS, MHA, MSM, with illustrations by Jasmine Nguyen, offers a unique exploration into the digestive system, focusing on the pancreas. The story unfolds during a lunchtime chat where Nurse Florence enlightens Cody, Jean, and Sonia about the intricacies of this essential organ. Through this engaging conversation, the nurse delivers clear explanations, patiently addressing all the girls’ queries. Vibrant visuals accompany the lesson, transforming complex medical concepts into easily digestible information.

This educational book is a part of Dow’s series aimed at raising awareness on crucial health topics. This particular edition zeroes in on the pancreas, a critical yet often overlooked part of the digestive system. Drawing inspiration from a real-life nursing pioneer, Dow uses Nurse Florence as a vehicle to impart valuable medical knowledge to his readers. The narrative is crafted with care, presenting Nurse Florence as a knowledgeable yet approachable guide. The story is grounded in real medical science, making the information both relevant and accurate. The book’s brevity and brisk pacing make it an easy read, ensuring readers quickly grasp the fundamental concepts about the pancreas. Nguyen’s illustrations are vibrant and engaging, strategically placed throughout the book to hold the reader’s attention. These visuals serve not just to entertain but also to reinforce the information being presented. I feel the vocabulary may be challenging for some, but it’s well-suited for young readers eager to learn. The inclusion of a pronunciation guide further enhances the educational value, helping readers improve their language skills while they learn about the pancreas.

Dow has succeeded in creating a read that is both informative and enjoyable with Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Pancreas. He provides young readers with a fun-filled journey into the world of medical science.

Mental Health is Complicated

Michael Dow Author Interview

Nurse Dorothea Presents A Comprehensive Discussion on Mental Well-Being explores the intricacies of mental health and offers practical advice for improving mental well-being through a blend of storytelling and practical advice. Why was this an important guide for you to write? 

I’m a Registered Nurse at a psychiatric hospital.  Upon learning my background, many people have been asking me when I would tackle this tough subject of mental health.  The timing was right this year, and we launched book (this book) on May 29th.  It is truly taking a whole time to produce this series.  These are much harder books for me to write than the Nurse Florence® series.  I wish I could just have my company’s name on the book cover but have been told by my distributor that the author’s name must also be on the front cover for global distribution approval.  Mental health is complicated, and I think I have let people know from the page count of book (596 pages).  I think we may have done the impossible to present this topic in a way that teenagers can grasp.  Adolescence is challenging and becoming a young adult has many obstacles so we hope this series will help make the transition more smoothly.

Can you share with us a little about the research required to put this book together? 

I started with a brainstorming session that lasted days to come up with all the main points to be discussed.  Then, I scoured the internet for reliable, trustworthy sources of information about the topics.  Many of the articles and publications overlapped so I had to synthesize the info.  I maintained hope in my mind that I would be able to sift through all of the info and find the pieces of information necessary to pass on.

What is it about Dorothea Dix’s contributions to healthcare that made her the perfect model for your book’s main character?

Dorothea Dix lived in the early 1800s, and she lobbied legislatures to stop chaining people with schizophrenia because they were terrifying.  I consider her one of the first to help remove the stigma of mental illness.  I like to tell my patients that we humans are just one life event away from a mental health crisis.  Let’s be kind to one another since we don’t know each other’s struggles.

Do you have more Nurse Dorothea books planned? If so, what topic will the next installment cover? 

Dow Creative Enterprises® will be publishing a new book every 5 weeks for the next 10 years.  Book 2 published weeks ago, Nurse Dorothea presents Managing Impulsivity.  Book 3 should publish in the next couple of weeks: Nurse Dorothea presents Why Coping Skills Work and What are Some That Can Be Done Anytime and Anywhere.

Author Links: Facebook Website

We are starting the process of removing stigma about mental health issues. Let’s share ideas of the journey to well-being and seek to understand others as they are instead of how we wish them to be. By learning to know ourselves and trying different coping skills that are specific to the situation that we find ourselves in, we can achieve balance and peace. As we deepen our self-awareness and harness tailored coping mechanisms for diverse situations, we pave the path to equilibrium and serenity. Let’s foster an environment conducive to both individual and collective growth within our society. By doing this, we unlock potentials previously unattainable, empowering us to fully cultivate our knowledge, skills, and abilities. With gratitude in our heart, peace in our mind, and confidence in our capabilities, we can face the future with bravery, courage, and determination to help make the best lives for ourselves and others that we possibly can. If society wants something we have never had, we’re going to have to do something that has never been done. Dow Creative Enterprises® Help Civilization Reach Its Potential® Ages: Puberty to 99+

Bones Are Amazing

Michael Dow Author Interview

Nurse Florence, Tell Me About the Bones follows three friends who, after seeing a classmate recovering from a broken arm, ask the school nurse about how broken bones heal. What was the inspiration for your story?

​Simply, it was time to write a book about bones.  Bones are amazing and kids should know how they work.

You provide a lot of interesting information and present difficult concepts in a way that is understandable to even those outside the medical field. Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?

Eating nuts and seeds are also good for your bones.

How do you hope your work will impact your readers?

There is a nursing shortage in the United States and it continues to grow.  We need more kids interested in the health professions.  I hope to make health information accessible for all so that many, many people will consider a career in the health sciences.  The health professions are very challenging for many reasons, and we need capable minds pursuing jobs in these fields.  I hope these books help prepare more future scientists.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

In 2023, we published a book every 10 days.  In 2024, we have accelerated to a new Nurse Florence® book every 5 days.  We have also launched a mental health series for teenagers and adults titled Nurse Dorothea.  We publish a new Nurse Dorothea every 5 weeks.  The next book is published in order of completed drawings so I kind of never know which will be the next.  I have about 30 other children’s book series in mind and hope one day to be a full-time author so that I can write three books a day.  This is a lot of fun for me.

Author Links: Facebook | Website

Sometimes it seems only a nurse can bring technical information down to an understanding that an ordinary person can grasp. The Nurse Florence® book series provides high quality medical information that even a child can grasp. By introducing young kids to correct terminology and science concepts at an early age, we can help increase our children’s health literacy level as well as help to prepare them for courses and jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We need more scientists so I hope that many children will enjoy this book series and consider a job involving science. Introducing Some Medical Words to Kids in Every Book® A Movement of Global Health Promotion and Literacy Dow Creative Enterprises® Help Civilization Reach Its Potential

The Brain and Time

Michael Dow Author Interview

Nurse Florence®, How Do We Understand Time? follows three friends discussing with the school nurse how the same period of time can feel like it’s going by fast or slow, depending on what you are doing. What gave you the idea of writing about this topic for children? 

I love history and physics.  Albert Einstein was obsessed with light which is what helped give him the drive to discover the Theory of Relativity.  When I learned about the parts of the brain the help process time, I wanted to help people understand that our reality of time is also constructed by how our brain processes things.  Some diseases can affect the brain which may also affect the way the brain processes time.  I think that is really interesting.

In your book, you discuss the concept of time and how the brain processes it. You also introduce readers to topics like Parkinson’s disease and the methods scientists use to study the brain. How do you strike a balance between providing technical information and keeping your readers engaged without overwhelming them?

I don’t know.  I believe I have a gift of synthesizing complex info and bringing it down to the level of a child.  We should use our gifts to benefit the world and avoid concealing our gifts.

What’s the most surprising thing you learned while writing your books?

I am surprised that it is not discussed more and not openly known that time processing for people with Parkinson’s Disease can be different from the rest of us.  Knowing this can affect our understanding of our world.  Our world is complex, and we should embrace the complexity.   

What do you hope to teach or inspire in children reading your book?

I hope many children will consider careers in the health sciences. 

Author Links: Facebook | Website

Sometimes it seems only a nurse can bring technical information down to an understanding that an ordinary person can grasp. The Nurse Florence® book series provides high quality medical information that even a child can grasp. By introducing young kids to correct terminology and science concepts at an early age, we can help increase our children’s health literacy level as well as help to prepare them for courses and jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We need more scientists so I hope that many children will enjoy this book series and consider a job involving science. Introducing Some Medical Words to Kids in Every Book A Movement of Global Health Promotion and Literacy

Nurse Dorothea Presents A Comprehensive Discussion on Mental Well-Being

Nurse Dorothea Presents A Comprehensive Discussion on Mental Well-Being is a remarkable guide that delves into the intricacies of mental health, offering readers an engaging and insightful exploration of well-being. Framed as an interactive after-school club led by Nurse Dorothea, the book aims to demystify mental health topics and provide practical tools for managing emotions and life challenges. This blend of educational storytelling and practical advice makes it a valuable resource for young and adult readers seeking to improve their mental well-being.

The writing style is straightforward and inviting, making complex concepts accessible to a broad audience. One of the standout features is the way Dow seamlessly integrates scientific explanations with everyday scenarios. For instance, the section on neuron communication and brain function is particularly enlightening. Dow’s ability to explain such detailed biological processes in a manner that’s easy to grasp without oversimplifying is commendable. It’s like having a friendly chat with a knowledgeable mentor who genuinely cares about your mental health journey.

Another aspect I appreciated is the book’s focus on practical applications. The discussions on resilience and protective factors include actionable steps and personal reflections from fictional students. This approach helps readers relate the content to their own lives. For example, the Serenity Prayer is introduced as a tool for accepting life’s challenges and focusing on what can be changed. This blend of practical advice and philosophical insights provides a well-rounded perspective on mental health.

The book strongly emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and situational awareness, reinforcing these crucial concepts throughout. This consistent focus helps ensure readers understand these ideas. However, I think some sections, such as the explanation of systems thinking, could be even more engaging with additional real-life examples to help readers visualize these abstract ideas better.

Nurse Dorothea Presents A Comprehensive Discussion on Mental Well-Being is a comprehensive and compassionate guide to mental health. It’s perfect for anyone interested in understanding mental health better, whether they are students, educators, or simply individuals looking to enhance their emotional resilience.

Pages: 598 | ASIN: ‎ B0D9R53ZNS

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