As the world becomes more connected, the threat of pandemics becomes more serious, and being informed about fast-spreading illnesses is more important now than ever before. Readers explore global diseases of the past and present, how modern outbreaks are controlled and treated, and how doctors and scientists are working to prevent pandemics in the future. In-depth sidebars, full-color photographs, annotated quotes from medical experts, and discussion

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How big of a concern is teen pregnancy in today's society? What options do teens have once they get pregnant? This controversial issue is examined in depth, presenting young adults with information from all sides of the debate. Graphs and full-color photographs highlight the discussion of the underlying social factors that are the root causes of teen pregnancy to make readers better informed about these issues. A list of websites gives pregnant

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Although racism still exists in the United States, it has generally become more subtle, leading some to deny that it is still a problem. Now that institutional segregation is no longer considered acceptable, some people argue that racism as a whole has been eradicated. Readers discover that this mindset ignores covert, or hidden, racism, which often deals with assumptions: for example, that a black mother does not have a husband or that all Hispanic...

Drug abuse is not a new phenomenon, but it seems as though the problem has become worse in recent years, especially as prescription opioid and heroin abuse has skyrocketed. Is this an accurate view, or has the media inflated the problem? Which drugs are at the forefront of this current national crisis? Readers discover the answers to these questions and many more as they explore well-researched, unbiased text. Through full-color photographs, detailed...

According to the FBI, 33,000 violent street gangs, motorcycle gangs, and prison gangs, with nearly 1.4 million members, are criminally active in the U.S. today. One of the most notorious and dangerous gangs, Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, originated in Los Angeles and has as many as 50,000 members. The Justice Department credits gangs with illegal smuggling, transportation, and distribution of large amounts of drugs in the United States. This expansive...

The National Institute of Health states that methamphetamine increases the amount of dopamine in the brain, a chemical that is involved in body movement, motivation, pleasure, and reward. The drug causes an intense high which fades quickly. Nearly 1.2 million people reported using the drug in the past year, while 440,000 people reported using it in the past month. This crucial edition delves into the history of methamphetamine as a recreational drug...

The Internet has made it easier than ever for people to connect, but their interactions are not always friendly. Any perceived fault can cause someone to be attacked by a cyber-mob-a group of people intent on humiliating someone online. Relatable text addresses this relatively new phenomenon, giving readers information about the rise of cyber mobs, the social and psychological effects on their victims, and ways to combat them. Engaging sidebars provide...

Body image is the mental picture you have of your body that influences factors like confidence, weight control, and self-esteem. This expansive volume delves into the complex topic of body image. The book discusses what body image is, how society and culture affect body image, and if advertising distorts body image. Readers are provided with discussion questions, a list of organizations to contact, and a comprehensive index.

Due to economic factors, larger portion sizes in restaurants, and sedentary lifestyles caused by an increase in our use of technology, obesity rates have risen steadily in the last decade. This, in turn, has created a multimillion-dollar diet industry that often preys on people's desire to lose weight quickly and easily. Through full-color photographs and engaging sidebars, readers will learn about the complex causes of obesity, as well as ways to...

In the United States, the rights of people under the age of 18 are a hotly debated and frequently misunderstood topic. Certain rights are protected for students by the U.S. Constitution, but many people are unsure of what those rights are. Some people eve