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Empowering Families

Michael Dow Author Interview

Nurse Florence, What is Type 2 Diabetes? follows three friends who are curious about the human body and talk to the school nurse to find out whether a disease could affect the human body in the same way climate change impacts the Earth. Why was this an important topic for you to write a children’s book about?

Diabetes is a horrible disease.  Many people can develop severe complications after years of living with the disease like going blind or getting a foot amputated.  This disease is preventable by maintaining a healthy BMI, regular exercise and eating a well-balanced diet.  People need more knowledge to live healthier lives, and I hope the Nurse Florence series empowers a lot of families worldwide.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Ideas for prevention are important for me to include in any Nurse Florence book.  I don’t want to scare people about diseases they may get but want to give them actionable info to improve their lives.

What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?

That this disease is reversible with lifestyle changes.

Have you ever considered a spin-off series to Nurse Florence to teach kids about the different career options available in the medical field?

No, but Dow Creative Enterprises plans to publish about 30 other book series for kids.  The second one has already started and is called Nurse Dorothea.  It is about mental health for teenagers and young adults although it could be read by the elderly as well since we should be lifelong learners.  Visit www.nursedorothea.com for more info.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Book Review

Sometimes it seems only a nurse can bring technical information down to an understanding that an ordinary person can grasp. The Nurse Florence(R) 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

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(R), Why and How Do We Sneeze?

Nurse Florence(R): Why and How Do We Sneeze? by Michael Dow is an engaging and informative read that is sure to captivate young readers. The story follows three girls, Jen, Condi, and Sonia, as they explore the reasons why people sneeze. Through their lunchtime conversation with Nurse Florence, the girls learn about different types of allergens that can cause sneezing. The book introduces young readers to the world of science and medicine in a fun and creative way. What’s more, the author’s use of scientific terminology encourages young readers to learn and explore new concepts.

I appreciated the author’s approach to language, where he explains the use of bigger words, often found in prestigious schools, to aid in their understanding of the human body’s mechanics. The author does an excellent job of simplifying complex concepts, making the book easy to understand for young readers. The captivating illustrations in the book add an extra layer of engagement, bringing to life the different types of allergens and making the book an enjoyable visual experience.

I highly recommend Nurse Florence(R): Why and How Do We Sneeze? to parents, teachers, and anyone interested in introducing young readers to the world of science and medicine. It is an excellent resource for teachers looking for an exciting way to introduce scientific concepts to their students, with the added benefit of sparking their curiosity to learn more about the human body.

Pages: 58 | ISBN : 1387529749

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