TABLE OF CONTENTS

If your library is considering developing a special consumer health program, whether it's a separate center with a complete array of information resources or simply an enhanced collection of up-to-date books, please feel free to contact Healthnet for assistance. We can help by recommending specific resources such as books, pamphlets, and consumer health databases and by providing training for your staff in medical reference tools and techniques. We can tailor the program to fit your individual needs and provide the training at your library. And as always, we can provide you with assistance in answering those difficult medical questions.

Please feel free to call Healthnet for assistance at 860/679-4055.

The January 1995 issue of Library Journal has an article with a bibliography on health concerns of African Americans. Cheryl Hamburg, the author of the article, points out that although African Americans suffer and die from the same diseases as other Americans, they are also at increased risk for some conditions that have poor outcomes for recovery. She also points out that mortality statistics indicate a sustained decline in life expectancy for black males and females. African Americans can find information about the diseases that affect them by consulting general medical guides, but targeted information that considers cultural interests and needs may be more effective. Hamburg describes some of the governmental and private sources of health information for minority populations and also gives some basic advice on weeding and providing medical information. The bibliography includes 23 book titles and 3 periodical titles.

Hamburg C. A critical care collection for African Americans. Library Journal 1995 January; p. 53-56.

HEALTH DANGERS OF THE INTERNET

Marion Burros, a food editor for the New York Times, describes in her column "Eating Well" some of the dangers of using the Internet as a source of diet and health information. She points out that many of the subscribers to commercial on-line services, such as Prodigy or CompuServe, are nutrition-supplement salespeople who give free advice that coincidentally includes using their products. Burros spent about five hours following health related chats on three commercial services and found that bogus claims are often made and questionable practices are frequently recommended. She checked some of the advice she found with several experts and had her suspicions confirmed that the health information given was inaccurate, unsupported by scientific research, and often downright dangerous.

Burros also cites a recent article in Tufts University Diet and Nutrition Letter that was written by a registered dietitian who spent over 60 hours looking for diet and health information on the Internet. The author, Ira Milner, found that a manager of one of the health forums is a lobbyist for the nutritional supplement industry and another is the owner of a company that sells health products.

Burros M. Eating well. New York Times 1995 February 1 : C3.

The Atlanta Reproductive Health Centre has an interesting homepage on the Web. The focus of this site is on reproductive technology and includes information on in vitro fertilization, female and male infertility, donor insemination, and contraception. Other topics covered include sexually transmitted diseases, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, and other gynecological problems. Each topic is explained clearly and succinctly and medical jargon is held to a minimum. Also included with each topic description is a glossary of technical terms. One of the features on this site is "Miracle Babies and Other Happy Endings", an on-line book for couples with fertility problems. The book can be read chapter by chapter or by selecting a specific topic in the table of contents for viewing. The book includes a separate image gallery.

Perhaps the most interesting feature is "Ask the Doctor a Question" which allows the viewer to request information about a personal gynecological health concern. The request is submitted via a questionnaire (which asks for personal medical information a person may not be want to transmit over the Internet) and the response is sent via e-mail. Other features on this site include links to related homepages, such as the Women's Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, Duke University's Women's Health Resource, and Gynecologic Self-care which is a Barnard College student guide. An M.D. who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology manages this site.

Gaucher disease can be diagnosed at any time -- from infancy to adulthood -- by a simple blood test. Since the disease can affect many different organs and cause widely varied symptoms, it is often misdiagnosed or confused with more common disorders. Although anyone can carry the gene that causes Gaucher disease, it primarily affects Jewish people of Eastern European or Ashkenazic descent.

NGF distributes educational materials to its members and publishes a newsletter that describes the latest medical progress, treatment information, announcement of seminars, and health insurance issues. The Foundation has also developed an exercise manual specifically for Gaucher patients. A Care Program helps secure insurance coverage for patients who cannot afford the premiums. NGF also sponsors symposia for health providers, researchers and patients, and manages a toll-free medical hotline that provides answers to questions related to diagnosis and treatment and gives referrals to treatment centers and physicians. For more information about the National Gaucher Foundation, contact: National Gaucher Foundation, 19241 Montgomery Village Avenue, E-21, Gaithersburg, MD 20879; telephone: 301/990-3800.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (formerly The American Fertility Society) has a 10 page bibliography of resources related to infertility. The list includes books on adoption, donor insemination, assisted reproductive technology, emotional aspects of infertility, endometriosis, general infertility, insurance issues, menopause, and general reproductive health concerns. Each entry includes the author, title, publisher, date, price and a brief annotation. The bibliography is free. Contact: American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 1209 Montgomery Highway, Birmingham, Alabama 35216-2809; telephone: 205/978-5000. Ask for a list of their patient information publications.

INFORMATION ON ACUTE LOW BACK PROBLEMS

The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) has published a new clinical practice guideline on acute low back problems in adults. The guideline contains information on the management of acute low back problems in working-age adults. Topics covered include initial assessment of patients who have low back problems, red flags indicating the presence of a serious underlying medical condition, initial management, special studies and diagnostic considerations, and further management considerations.

As with other clinical practice guidelines, there is a complete guide for clinicians, a separate quick reference guide for clinicians, and a patient guide. You can get a copy of any or all of these publications by calling AHCPR at 1-800-358-9295. Single copies are free. While you're at it, ask to be placed on the mailing list to receive AHCPR's monthly publication "Research Activities" which announces new guideline releases. If you would like to write to AHCPR, their address is: Information Resources Center, DHHS, Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, 2101 E. Jefferson St., Ste 501, Rockville MD 20852.

ANTIOXIDANTS -- A HOT ISSUE!

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recently published a new pamphlet to help answer questions related to the latest scientific evidence linking antioxidants to lower cancer risk. "Taking a closer look: antioxidants" describes how antioxidants affect the cancer process and identifies known antioxidants and the foods in which they are found. This informative pamphlet cautions against using supplements to get "too much of a good thing" and encourages healthy eating to reduce cancer risk. References to the journal literature are given and a partial list of research grants awarded to AICR for antioxidant and cancer research is also included. For a free copy of this pamphlet, contact: The American Institute for Cancer Research, Department HP, 1759 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009.

ALLERGY SEASON IS HERE

Although most people welcome the warm weather of spring, allergy sufferers dread the thought of trees leafing out, flowers blooming, and grass turning green. Many people are also sensitive to other allergens, such as animal dander and house dust, which compound their misery. The American Academy of Allergy & Immunology publishes pamphlets on allergies and asthma in adults and children. These pamphlets cover a wide range of topics including triggers of asthma, hives, use of steroids for asthma and allergies, anaphylaxis, and childhood asthma. The publications are informative and have an appealing format. Although the publications are not free, single issues cost only 50 cents. Use the enclosed green flyer to order publications from the Academy. Their address is: American Academy of Allergy & Immunology, 611 E. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53202; telephone: 414/272-6071.

Alternative medicine: the definitive guide. James Strohecker and the Burton Goldberg Group. Future Medicine Publishing, Inc., 1994. 1068 p. (ISBN 0-9636334-3-0), $59.95.

This comprehensive guide describes alternative therapies and common medical conditions that may benefit from specific therapies. The first section discusses health care in general and includes a tirade against "establishment medicine". Section two describes over 40 therapies including acupuncture, aromatherapy, cell therapy, homeopathy, oxygen therapy, and Qigong. Each description discusses how the therapy works and the medical conditions benefited by the therapy. Also included is a list of organizations to contact for more information about the therapy and a list of books to read. The third and fourth sections describe over 200 medical conditions or problems and specific alternative therapies that are used to treat the condition. Sources for additional information and a list of recommended readings are included for most of the major conditions discussed.

Medical problems covered range from very minor conditions, such as dandruff, to more serious diseases, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis. A glossary and chapter references to the alternative and conventional medical literature are included. Statistical summaries should be used with caution and with the understanding that the goal of this book is to advance alternative therapies and emphasize the dangers of conventional medicine. As an example of the questionable use of statistics, a small chart in the section on heart disease lists drugs that are associated with heart failure. No mention is made that many of the drugs are prescribed for serious, life-threatening conditions for which the drugs may be used as a last resort. The illustrations don't elaborate on the text, plus they are unattractive. Caveats aside, this is still an important guide to alternative therapies.

The cancer recovery eating plan: the right foods to help fuel your recovery. Daniel W. Nixon with Jane A Zanca. Times Books (Random House), 1994. 451 p. (ISBN 0-8129-1983-1), $25.00.

Dr. Nixon, a noted authority on cancer, explains how cancer patients can aid their recovery by following an individualized nutritional plan for the specific type of cancer. Not all types of cancer are included, because as Dr. Nixon explains, not all cancers are affected by diet. The specific types of cancer he discusses include cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, lung, head, neck, esophagus, cervix, bladder, and skin. He describes the relationship between diet and cancer with respect to treatment and prevention and discusses the role of specific nutrients such as calcium, fiber, and carbohydrates. He also discusses unproven nutritional programs for cancer such as laetrile and macrobiotics. The nutritional advice includes recipes as well as meal plans. In a separate section, he offers a three month plan to help the patient gradually adopt sound nutritional practices, and includes advice on reading food labels, shopping for food, and stocking the kitchen. A directory of cancer resources is provided.

Diabetes sourcebook. Edited by Karen Bellenir and Peter D. Dresser. Omnigraphics, 1994. (Health Reference, Vol. 3). 827 p. (ISBN 1-55888-751-2), $80.00

This third volume in the Omnigraphics series uses the same format as the previous volumes (Cancer Sourcebook and Alzheimer's, stroke, and 29 other neurological disorders). The information included here is a compilation of articles previously published by the National Institutes of Health and the Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center. Basic information is given on the causes and treatment of the different types of diabetes and their complications. Statistical information on prevalence and morbidity and mortality is also provided. Other topics covered include pancreas transplantation, end stage renal disease, and diabetes research. An annotated list of cookbooks for diabetics, a directory of diabetes organizations, and a list of diabetes educational materials in Spanish and other languages are included.

The cost for this book is too high, especially considering there are better and less expensive sources of information available from the American Diabetes Association and the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. If you want information in a convenient package, then spend the money. If it's quality you want, look elsewhere.

Doctor, what should I eat? : nutrition prescriptions for ailments in which diet can really make a difference. Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D. Random House, 1995. 425 p. (ISBN 0-679-42818-6), $25.00.

Rosenfeld, somewhat of a maverick in medical circles, takes an unusual approach to the management and treatment of seventy common medical conditions where "...nutrition can make a difference." By describing for the patient what to eat and not eat for each of the medical disorders, Rosenfeld departs from the conventional practice among physicians of prescribing pills for common disorders and disregarding lifestyle changes that may be more effective. Common disorders covered include acne, Alzheimer's disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, cataracts, fluid retention, gallstones, halitosis, high blood pressure, lactose intolerance, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis. He is careful not to make any wild claims about how nutrition and diet can help prevent or treat a disease and cites studies to support what he says. Unfortunately, he fails to give complete references for the studies. A useful book, but limited because of the lack of references.

Mayo Clinic complete book of pregnancy & baby's first year. Robert V. Johnson, editor-in-chief. Morrow, 1994. 750 p., illus. (ISBN 0-688-11761-9) $30.00.

This latest book from the prestigious Mayo Clinic is an absolute "must" if you answer reference questions related to pregnancy and childbirth. It is comprehensive and up-to-date and covers all aspects of pregnancy and baby care through age one. Although this book includes the usual information found in many other pregnancy books the format and style of writing are exceptional and make the information more accessible and easy to understand. An outstanding feature is the clearly written descriptions of the kinds of prenatal tests and why and how they are used. Another notable feature is the excellent coverage of such topics as complications of pregnancy, stopping or delaying preterm labor, cesarean delivery, the premature baby, and when a baby is born with medical problems. The baby care section discusses milestones in the baby's first year, common illnesses and medical conditions, handling emergencies, breastfeeding and returning to work. This is an excellent addition to reference and circulating collections.

The patient's desk reference: where to find answers to medical questions. Melvyn N. Freed and Karen Graves. Macmillan, 1994. 388 p. (ISBN 0-02-897153-1), $60.00.

This reference book attempts to help readers locate health information by presenting sources in a unique format. Sources are presented in a listing as answers to a specific question. For example, in the section on "Where should I go to find health information in printed sources", specific sources are given to such questions as "Where should I go to find information about the use of specific drugs during breast feeding?" and "Where should I go to find a discussion of headaches, including their types, causes, and treatments?" A descriptive profile of each of the printed resources is given in a separate chapter. Similar chapters describe computerized databases to use for specific questions, organizations to contact, health information resources in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and local governmental information resources. The same question/resource format is used in each chapter with an accompanying detailed resource list.

Even with the extensive subject/resource index, the information is often difficult to locate. Since the information is arranged according to the format of the resource, the reader must look in several different sections to locate all of the potential resources, for instance, on asthma. In spite of its shortcomings, this book can be an invaluable aid in helping the reader finds answers to medical questions.

Teenage health care : the first comprehensive family guide for the preteen to young adult years. Gail B. Slap and Martha M. Jablow. Pocket Books, 1994. 530 p. (ISBN 0-671-75412-2) pap. $14.00

Written for the parent, this book covers a full range of medical and social issues of adolescence. It discusses normal growth and development; special issues such as sports, nutrition, sleep, and eating disorders; psychological and behavioral issues including alcohol and drug use, anxiety, depression, suicide, and learning and behavior problems; sexuality and reproduction; and medical conditions. The section on medical conditions is organized by different systems of the body and includes information on everything from acne to cancer. Most of the information is very basic and, in some instances, is too brief to be helpful. A separate chapter of resources lists organizations, hotlines, support groups, and books and pamphlets for further information. Recommended because it provides useful information on teenage health in one convenient source.

Women's cancers: how to prevent them, how to treat them, how to beat them. Kerry A. McGinn and Pamela J. Haylock. Hunter House, 1993. 432 p. (ISBN0-89793-103-3) $26.95; (ISBN 0-89793-102-5), pap. $16.95;

Written by two nurses, one a breast cancer survivor and the other the daughter of a cancer patient, this book reviews prevention and treatment options for breast cancer and common and rare gynecological cancers. Self-help and self-care strategies are also covered. The first part of the book describes cancer and the theories about the causes for different cancers, how cancer is diagnosed, and how it is treated locally and systemically. Complementary and alternative treatments for cancer are discussed as are psychological issues related to a diagnosis of cancer. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are discussed in Part 2 and gynecological cancers are covered in Part 3. Part 4 is devoted to a discussion of when treatment ends and issues related to employment, sexuality, pregnancy, and menopause. A glossary and a bibliography of resources are included. A helpful guide that discusses complex issues related to women's cancers in a thoughtful and authoritative manner.