TABLE OF CONTENTS

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The collection development feature in the April 1996 issue of Library Journal recommends titles for a basic library collection on disability. The annotated bibliography focuses on recent books to help adults who have a broad range of disabilities. Topics include career planning, college resources, assistive technology, the accessible home, gardening, family and child care, and recreation and travel. Organizations to contact for specific kinds of information are listed. Also discussed are magazines that focus on independent living and include reviews of publications. Recommended guidelines for selecting titles in the subject area are included.

Klauber J. An enabling collection for people with disabilities. Library Journal 1996 April : 53-56.

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO RESEARCH YOUR OWN MEDICAL QUESTIONS

The special supplement to the July issue of the Harvard Health Letter offers helpful suggestions to people who are researching a personal health question. Their first suggestion? Ask a librarian. As the author explains "Next to extensive consultations with your doctor, which are next to impossible in the age of managed care, the local library is the best place to get your questions answered." The article gives specific suggestions on what books to consult first and which ones to consult for specific kinds of information. Useful online databases, such as MEDLINE and the Health Reference Center, are discussed. Also discussed are telephone information services, such as the Cancer Information Service, and other governmental information clearinghouses. Of course, the Internet is mentioned as an important resource with the caveat that "...it's important to remember that you shouldn't believe everything you see on your monitor". A brief list of the "best" websites and recommendations of useful books are included.

Gillyatt P. How to answer your own medical questions. Harvard Health Letter 1996 July;21(9):9-12.

FREE MEDLINE SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET

Several websites now offer free MEDLINE searching for its viewers. Yes, free MEDLINE! Don't ask any questions, just try out the three sites listed here. All of these sites offer the entire MEDLINE database from 1966 to the present. All require a one-time registration.

The mission of The ALS Association is to discover the cause and cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a fatal neuromuscular disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. These motor neurons die as a result of the disease which causes the brain to lose its ability to start and control muscle movements. With all voluntary muscle action affected, patients in the later stages of the disease are totally paralyzed; yet, through it all, their minds remain intact.

Principle activities of the ALS Association include: funding and monitoring basic scientific research directed at identifying the cause, prevention, and a possible cure for ALS; serving as a vital link for patients and their families to information, counseling, physician referrals, in-home visits, respite care and guidance in disease management; stimulating volunteerism and community support by educating the public and health professionals about the nature of the disease; and increasing awareness of ALS and the Association at all levels of government to encourage research and programs to make care and treatment accessible and affordable for all ALS patients.

The Association publishes informative booklets and brochures on many aspects of ALS. One especially noteworthy title is "Basic home care for ALS patients", which is written specifically for families of persons who have ALS. Topics discussed include diet and nutrition, bathing, elimination, physical activity and recreation, and psychological support. A list of suggested readings is included.

For more information, contact: The ALS Association, 21021 Ventura Blvd, Suite 321, Woodland Hills, CA 91364; telephone: 818/340-7500. The patient hotline telephone number is 800/782-4747.

BRAIN TUMOR INFORMATION

The American Brain Tumor Association recently published a new edition of their excellent publication "A Primer of brain tumors: a patient's reference manual". The 63 page booklet was published to help persons who have brain tumors and their family and friends learn about, and better understand, brain tumors. The booklet provides information about the structure of the brain and spine, the effects of tumors on the brain, symptoms, diagnosis and standard treatments for brain tumors, an introduction to clinical trials, and information for parents of children with brain tumors. The booklet also provides a list of resources for additional information as well as a list of other publications available from the Association. Although the price for the booklet is listed at $1.25, we were able to get a single copy free. For information, contact: The American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4110; telephone: 847/827-9910 or 800/886-2282 (patient line).

NEW INFORMATION FROM THE CDC AIDS CLEARINGHOUSE

The Centers for Disease Control National AIDS Information Clearinghouse recently issued a supplement to their extensive 1994 catalog of AIDS education and prevention materials. The catalog lists prevention and risk reduction education materials for general audiences, young people, and racial and ethnic groups as well as materials that can be used in work settings. Also included are publications for people living with HIV/AIDS and for caregivers. Many of the publications are available in Spanish and several titles are available in other languages.

This newest supplement includes new publications, new editions of publications, price changes, and discontinued titles. For a free copy of the supplement and a copy of the complete catalog, contact: CDC National AIDS Clearinghouse at 1-800-458-5231 (voice) and 1-800243-7012 (TTY). Ask for free samples of their publications.

NEW PUBLICATIONS FROM THE CROHN'S AND COLITIS FOUNDATION

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are known collectively as inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's disease affects the lining of the lower portion of the small intestine and the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine exclusively. Both conditions cause abdominal pain and diarrhea, with and without bleeding, and can occasionally cause pain in joints. These are lifelong illnesses and flare-ups can be life threatening. Although there is no cure for inflammatory bowel disease, medications can alleviate inflammmation and discomfort and surgery is sometimes indicated in severe cases.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America has several new publications on inflammatory bowel disease. New titles include: "Questions & answers about ulcerative colitis - including a glossary of IBD terms", "Medications for inflammatory bowel disease", "Questions & answers about emotional factors", and "Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis & your child : a parent's guide to diagnosis and treatment". For information, contact: Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, Inc., 386 Park Avenue South, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10016-8804; telephone: 800/343-3637.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT HEPATITIS

The American Liver Foundation has two recent publications on hepatitis. "Getting hip to hep: what you should know about hepatitis A,B, &C" describes the different forms of hepatitis, how they are contracted and transmitted, symptoms of the disease, and treatments. Diagnostic tests are also discussed as are prevention strategies. "Viral hepatitis: everybody's problem?" similarly describes the different forms of hepatitis as well as transmission, symptoms, and treatments. This brochure uses a question and answer format to convey information such as whether or not a person can get hepatitis more than one time, if hospitalization is necessary if a person has hepatitis, and if hepatitis causes cancer. For information and copies of these brochures, contact: The American Liver Foundation, 1425 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009; telephone: 201/256-2550 or 800/223-0179.

The following titles were recently reviewed by Healthnet and may be of interest to public libraries and health sciences libraries that have a consumer health collection. They are not part of the Health Center library collection.

The Harvard guide to women's health. Karen J. Carlson, Stephanie A. Eisenstat, Terra Ziporyn. Harvard University Press, 1996. 718 p. (ISBN 0-674-36768-5), $39.95.

This A-Z guide, which encompasses 300 entries, aims to answer a myriad of questions women may have about all aspects of their health and medical care. The wide range of topics covered include anxiety, depression, occupational hazards, postpartum issues, menstrual disorders, herpes, and breast reconstruction. Other important topics covered include high blood pressure, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and thyroid disease.

Most entries are two or three pages in length and many are accompanied by simple black and white illustrations. References to related topics in the guide are given at the end of each entry. A separate chapter lists resources for additional information on specific topics and an index is included. A comprehensive guide worthy of consideration for consumer health collections.

Essential heart book for women. Morris Notelovitz and Diana Tonnessen. St. Martin's Press, 1996. 305 p. (ISBN 0-312-13968-3), $23.95.

The number-one killer of American women, heart disease, is thoroughly discussed from a woman's viewpoint in Dr. Notelovitz's book. Its recommendations are based on studies done on women. An introductory chapter compares physiological and social differences between men and women that affect women's risk for heart disease.

The book begins with an explanation of normal heart function, including illustrations. There are detailed, easy-to-understand discussions of major and minor risk factors, diagnostic tests, and practical suggestions on how to reduce risk by increasing exercise level and modifying diet. Included are discussions of the advisability of using hormone replacement therapy, preventive drugs, and drug treatment for coronary artery disease patients.

A list of resource organizations, a glossary of medical terms, and a selective bibliography are included. The appendix provides instructions on determining body-mass index, height and weight tables, calcium intake questionnaire, and a walking fitness test. Recommended as a useful background resource.

The following titles were recently added to the UCHC Library collection and may be of interest to public libraries:

Answering your questions about AIDS. Seth C. Kalichman. American Psychological Association, 1996. 271 p. (ISBN 1-55798-339-9), $19.95. (UCHC Library Call #: WC/503/K14a/1996)

This book is based on questions that the American public is asking about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) according to statistics of the Milwaukee AIDS Project and Houston AIDS Foundation. Both groups maintain hotlines and respond to thousands of questions about AIDS. They provided the author with information on typical questions they receive from the public.

In a question and answer format, Kalichman, an assistant professor of Psychology at Georgia State University and author of articles and books on AIDS, provides basic information about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS. The questions and answers are arranged in chapters on topics such as HIV infection and how it causes AIDS; sex, drugs, and AIDS; people at risk; AIDS transmission; HIV testing; care for people with AIDS; ethics and the law; and AIDS prevention. The answers are brief but complete and are clearly written and understandable for the average reader.

A list of suggested readings, a glossary, and a directory of local and national resources for HIV/AIDS are included. A good, up-to-date, basic introduction to AIDS.

Health insurance: how to keep it, or improve what you've got. 2nd edition. Robert Enteen. Demos Vermande, 1996. 307 p. (ISBN 1-888799-01-3), $24.95. (UCHC Library Call #: W/100/ E61h/1996)

This timely, informative guide is designed to help answer many of the questions readers have about how to find adequate and affordable health insurance and to evaluate and improve the coverage they have.

Dr. Enteen, the chief advisor on health insurance for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, provides a step-by-step guide to locate and evaluate coverage, compare costs, and obtain the maximum benefits from insurance plans. He discusses the current trends toward managed care, recent state-by-state improvements in health insurance options, and whether and how to buy long-term-care insurance. He also talks about private and government plans, where to go if you are turned down for coverage or if you think you've been treated unfairly, how to appeal a claim and what to do if you have a "preexisting condition." Appendixes include definitions of health insurance terms and a summary of state health care reforms. A directory of government and private organizations to contact for information and assistance with problems is also included.

Living with multiple sclerosis: a wellness approach. George H. Kraft and Marci Catanzaro. Demos Vermande, 1996.103 pp. (ISBN 1-888799-00-5) , $13.95. (UCHC Library Call #: WL 360 K89 1996)

Can a person with a chronic disease have a healthy life? A national teleconference produced by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides suggestions on how MS patients can function optimally within the constraints of their illness. During part of the conference, a physician and a nurse provided answers to questions posed by MS patients and their families. The "wellness" conference's question-and-answer portion is published in this informative, easy-to-read book. It provides practical information on problems MS patients encounter daily. Topics discussed include possible causes, diagnosis, effective exercise, balance, fatigue, diet, managing stress, drug treatment, alternative therapies, effect on family members, sexuality, and pregnancy. A list of suggested exercise videos is included.

Lyme disease. the cause, the cure, the controversy. Alan G. Barbour. Johns Hopkins University Press.,1996. 258 p. (ISBN 0-8018-5224-2), $35.95, (ISBN 0-8018-5245-5), pap. $15.95. (UCHC Library call number: WC/406/B239/1996)

The diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease has been the subject of controversy in the news recently. Dr. Barbour's book provides extensive background on Lyme disease's history, diagnosis and treatment. The book's tone is respect for the patient as a participant in the process of identifying and treating Lyme disease. Dr. Barbour's stated goal is encouraging informed patient choice. He emphasizes the complexity of scientific research and the patient's need for information on all sides of a controversial medical issue.

In readable language, he discusses the logical process of diagnosis, appropriate laboratory tests, and their strengths and deficiencies. Using hypothetical examples, he explains possible variation of symptoms among patients. He clarifies post-Lyme disease syndrome and chronic Lyme disease. In the chapter, "If it isn't Lyme disease, what is it?", he includes a discussion of other diagnoses with similar symptoms. The final chapter gives suggestions about avoiding Lyme disease transmission. A resource list of associations and state health departments is included. A thorough and topical health resource.

The people's pharmacy. Completely new and revised. Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon. St. Martin's Press, 1996. 477 p. (ISBN 0-312-14126-2), $16.95. (UCHC Library Call #: QV/ 704/ G734p/1996)

Joe and Theresa Graedon, a pharmacologist and medical anthropologist respectively, update valuable information for the consumer who is seeking sound advice on the whole spectrum of prescription and non-prescription medications and health care products.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription drugs are discussed in separate sections arranged according to the medical condition for which the drug may be used. Possible side effects and drug interactions are noted in each description. A separate section discusses self-treatment for such common conditions as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, constipation, and sunburn. Profiles for 100 commonly used prescription drugs are discussed in a separate chapter. Each profile gives indications for use, special precautions, side effects and interactions and information on how to take the medication. Other topics covered include the process by which the FDA approves drugs, home remedies that may be as effective as more expensive OTC's and prescription drugs, and how to save money on medicines. Do's and don'ts for taking OTC's, how to read a prescription, and using a computer to access health information are also discussed.

Unlike other drug guides, the Graedon's style is lively, informal and often humorous. This does not, however, detract from the valuable information they offer.