Best Consumer Health Books 2005

The year 2005 was one of transition. It was the year the “sandwich generation” of baby boomers began to retire in large numbers while also caring for their children as well as their parents. Patient safety was a major concern as counterfeit drugs were pulled from the market and hospitals scrambled to curtail errors by putting medical records online and barcodes on patient wristbands. All the while, avian flu lurked in the background, threatening a new pandemic.

Despite these dramatic events, cardiovascular disease remains the chief cause of death in the United States, and obesity continues to be a major health problem and contributing factor in heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. While technology helps physicians diagnose and treat many conditions, simple things such as good nutrition and exercise can prevent disease and promote wellness.

Publishers took note, offering many books on diet, fitness, and living with chronic disease. They also commemorated the 50th anniversary of the development of the polio vaccine, offered options to infertility, and led readers to exotic rain forests to discover plants with healing powers. Patrons come to the library to research health stories they hear or read about in the news. They also want to discover ways to improve their health and participate in their care. These books will help them achieve those goals.

Arnot, Bob, M.D. Seven Steps To Stop a Heart Attack. S. & S. 276p. illus. index. ISBN 0-7432-2557-0. $25; pap. ISBN 0-7432-2559-7. $19.
Arnot, former chief medical correspondent for NBC, provides an excellent overview of heart disease, detailing risk factors, diagnostic tests, and treatment options. Most important, he explains who should request these tests, how to interpret them, and what questions to ask healthcare providers. Interviews with leading cardiologists, as well as constant reminders of the importance of diet and exercise in both treatment and prevention, make this an excellent choice for consumer health collections. (LJ 12/04)

Beaser, Richard S., M.D. & Amy P. Campbell. The Joslin Guide to Diabetes: A Program for Managing Your Treatment. 2d ed. Fireside: S. & S. 431p. illus. index. ISBN 0-7432-5784-7. pap. $16.
Diabetes is one of the major chronic illnesses affecting Americans today, with over one million new cases diagnosed annually and 160,000 deaths from diabetes complications. Boston’s Joslin Diabetes Center, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, is a major treatment facility. Beaser, director of professional education, and Campbell, a dietitian, have updated this classic manual, first published in 1924. They offer the latest information on diabetes management: insulin pumps, current diet plans, weight management and exercise, foot care, and long-term complications. The authors target children and adult diabetics and offer specific advice for pregnant women. (LJ 9/15/05)

Boston Women’s Health Book Collective. Our Bodies, Ourselves: A New Edition for a New Era. Touchstone/Fireside: S. & S. 832p. illus. index. ISBN 0-7432-5611-5. pap. $24.95.
This classic work, completely revised and updated, continues to empower and inspire women to learn about their bodies and maintain their health. Over 400 women and some men contributed data and personal stories on topics such as pregnancy and birth, hormone replacement therapy, exercise and nutrition, sexuality, relationships, mental health, and the politics of women’s health. A web site (http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/) offers additional data. The contemporary design and new illustrations have given this essential source a fresh look. (LJ 4/15/05)

Debono, Patty Doyle & others. The Conception Chronicles: The Uncensored Truth About Sex, Love & Marriage When You’re Trying To Get Pregnant. Health Communications. 281p. illus. ISBN 0-7573-0238-6. pap. $12.95.
Infertility affects 6.1 million American women and their partners. Coping with the pain and stress of treatment and the questions from well-meaning friends and family can be daunting. Three women who have been there provide reassuring support in this book filled with useful information along with what many others on this subject lack, humor. They “tell it like it is,” with personal stories and practical medical details. All three have been successfully treated for infertility and are still happily married and enjoying their children. (LJ 7/05)

Delehanty, Hugh & Elinor Ginzler. Caring for Your Parents: The Complete AARP Guide. Sterling. 221p. illus. index. ISBN 1-4027-1739-3. $19.95.
Caring for aging parents is a difficult task. Two AARP staff members provide information on everything from the first difficult conversation with parents about their changing situation to coping with terminal illness and death. The book has a wealth of data on long-distance caregiving, financial matters, community-based and professional case management, Medicare, and age-related physical changes. It also has resources for caregiver support. The glossary and checklists in the appendix are very useful. (LJ 7/05)

Fincham, Jack E. Taking Your Medicine: A Guide to Medication Regimens and Compliance for Patients and Caregivers. Pharmaceutical Products Pr. 179p. illus. index. ISBN 0-7890-2859-X. pap. $22.95.
Taking medicine properly is vital, and pharmacist Fincham provides useful, understandable instructions in this small book. He explains how to read a prescription and what to ask physicians and pharmacists about those medicines. He also discusses the importance of compliance, generic drugs, drug interactions, choosing a pharmacist, and mail-order pharmacies. He includes valuable information about drug assistance programs and online resources.

Glazer, Ellen Sarasohn & Evelina Weidman Sterling. Having Your Baby Through Egg Donation. Perspectives. 384p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-944934-32-3. $24.95.
For many infertile women, egg donation is the only option for pregnancy. The authors, a clinical social worker and a public health consultant, have created a detailed guide for anyone considering this method. They concentrate on the psychosocial aspects of parenting a child conceived this way and discuss finding and choosing a program and/or donor and the legal, ethical, and religious ramifications. They also offer tips on sharing information with family members and the child. A bibliography and resource list supplement their worthwhile advice. (LJ 4/15/05)

Harrington, Candy. Barrier-Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. 2d ed. Demos. 292p. illus. index. ISBN 1-932603-09-3. pap. $19.95.
The editor of Emerging Horizons, the leading travel magazine for the disabled, provides a comprehensive guide for travelers who use canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. She covers everything from choosing a travel agent to getting through airport security. The inclusion of details on disability laws and rights, accessible hotel rooms, cruises, and traveling with disabled children, plus a resource guide, makes this a very beneficial book. (LJ 6/15/05)

Kluger, Jeffrey. Splendid Solution: Jonas Salk and the Conquest of Polio. Putnam. 366p. illus. index. ISBN 0-399-15216-4. $25.95.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the approval of Salk’s polio vaccine, Kluger uses Salk’s personal papers and the March of Dimes archives to examine the development of the vaccine. He also interviews Salk’s sons and other key people involved in the research and considers the attempts by the World Health Organization to eradicate polio. A fascinating look at modern medical history. (LJ 1/05)

Minkin, Mary Jane, M.D. & Carol V. Wright. A Woman’s Guide to Menopause and Perimenopause. Yale Univ. 413p. illus. index. ISBN 0-300-10435-9. pap. $18.
Minkin, an obstetrician/gynecologist at Yale, and freelance writer Wright explain the Women’s Health Initiative study, which showed that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) actually increased the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer. By putting these risks in perspective, discussing treatment options for menopausal symptoms, including alternative therapies, and providing current information about women’s health concerns and fitness, the authors have created an essential resource. (LJ 1/05)

Montz, F.J., M.D. & Robert Bristow, M.D. with Paula J. Anastasia. A Guide to Survivorship for Women with Ovarian Cancer. Johns Hopkins. 224p. index. ISBN 0-8018-8090-4. $39.95; pap. ISBN 0-8018-8091-2. $15.95.
Ovarian cancer is highly treatable if diagnosed early, but the lack of specific symptoms makes early detection extremely difficult. The authors, gynecologic oncologists and a nurse at Johns Hopkins, provide the latest information on diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, pain management, and alternative therapies. Throughout, they stress survivorship—living life to the fullest while facing the challenges of this devastating disease. The authors tell patients that they must be well informed and take control of their care. This book gives them the tools to do just that. (LJ 5/15/05)

Rogers, Judith. The Disabled Woman’s Guide to Pregnancy and Birth. Demos. 528p index. ISBN 1-932603-08-5. pap. $24.95.
Disabled women who choose to have children face obstacles beyond the normal discomforts of pregnancy. Rogers, a respected researcher at Through the Looking Glass, a national resource center for disabled parents, has updated her 1991 guide. A mother of two, Rogers, who has cerebral palsy, interviewed 90 women of diverse ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability and reviewed the literature through 2004 for this edition. The guide covers everything from planning the pregnancy to parenting issues, including how to get a wheelchair into an examining room. Exercise, diet plans, and a resource list round out this essential guide. (LJ 8/05)

Ross, Cecily. Love in the Time of Cholesterol: A Memoir with Recipes. McGraw-Hill. 260p. ISBN 0-07-146494-8. $22.95.
Ross, a senior editor and food writer for Toronto’s Globe and Mail, and her husband, Basil Guinane, loved cooking and good food. When Basil suffered a near-fatal heart attack, the couple knew that major lifestyle changes were inevitable. They stocked up on lentils and beans, read heart-healthy cookbooks, and ended up cheating from time to time. The ensuing guilt led them to a more moderate approach. Ross describes their experience, including Basil’s recovery from bypass surgery, with wit and emotion. She includes humorous anecdotes about family, including dogs, and delicious, low-cholesterol recipes. (LJ 11/15/05)

Simon, Harvey B., M.D. The No Sweat Exercise Plan: Simple Steps To Lose Weight and Improve Your Health Without Spending Hours in the Gym. McGraw-Hill. 253p. illus. index. ISBN 0-07-144832-2. $21.95.
Exercise is important for good health, but most people do not get enough. Simon, a cardiologist at Harvard Medical School, overcame his own lack of exercise when his wife pushed him out the door to go jogging. He realized that his patients needed motivation to stick to a fitness regime, so he devised a system that works with daily activities. His book shows readers how to assess their exercise needs and rate their level of movement. They will be pleasantly surprised to learn that taking out the garbage and vacuuming can contribute to fitness. The book includes simple exercises for cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, balance, and strength, as well as information on safety, nutrition, and preventive care. An excellent, commonsense guide. (LJ 9/15/05)

Taylor, Leslie. The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs: A Guide to Understanding and Using Herbal Medicinals. SquareOne. 519p. illus. index. ISBN 0-7570-0144-0. pap. $23.95.
Taylor, a naturopath who created the Tropical Plant Database, introduces readers to the rain forest environment, methods of plant preparation, and herbal recipes for treating common ailments. She describes approximately 75 plants in detail, providing scientific and common names, dosage, preparation, chemical composition, traditional and modern usage, clinical research, and contraindications and interactions. Tables showing “Worldwide Ethnomedical Uses” for each plant, a resource list, and an extensive bibliography complete this utilitarian book. (LJ 4/15/05)

Torelli, Julius, M.D. with George Ryan. Beyond Cholesterol: 7 Life-Saving Heart Disease Tests That Your Doctor May Not Give You. Griffin: St. Martin’s. 210p. index. ISBN 0-312-34863-0 [ISBN 978-0-312-34863-2]. pap. $13.95.
Everyone is familiar with cholesterol and its role in heart disease, but current research indicates that there are other factors that play a part. Torelli, director of the Integrative Cardiology Center in High Point, NC, explains this research and its implications. He suggests seven other tests that may be useful: C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, homocysteine, fasting insulin, ferritin, lipoprotein (a), and a calcium heart scan. He provides a clear overview of heart disease and notes for whom these tests are appropriate. He also suggests medications and lifestyle changes that may be of value. The unique focus makes this a highly effective volume. (LJ 8/05)

Weil, Andrew, M.D. Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Physical and Spiritual Well-Being. Knopf. 320p. index. ISBN 0-375-40755-3. $27.95.
Weil, a well-known authority on alternative medicine and director of the program in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona, explains the aging process and discusses various anti-aging therapies—and why they don’t work. He then offers tools that help one to age well: good nutrition, a few well-chosen supplements, adequate rest and sleep, stress reduction, and a satisfying social and spiritual life. The Weil name alone will attract readers. (LJ 9/1/05)

Weisberg, Jeffrey, M.D. & Gene Hawes. Safe Medicine for Sober People: How To Avoid Relapsing on Pain, Sleep, Cold, or Any Other Medication. Thomas Dunne Bks: St. Martin’s. 242p. index. ISBN 0-312-30547-8. pap. $14.95.
Recovering addicts face a constant struggle to remain drug-free. Since many prescription and nonprescription medications contain alcohol or other addictive ingredients, they can lead to recidivism. Weisberg, a physician who treats addicts, and Hawes, who collaborated with him on Rx for Recovery: The Medical and Health Guide for Alcoholics, Addicts, and Their Families, have written a useful book about medications and their potential for altering moods and bringing on backslides in addicts. They discuss the nature of addiction and the various types of drugs—analgesics, sleeping pills, psychotropic drugs, etc.—noting which are safe for people in recovery and which are not. This books fills a genuine need as traditional drug references do not include this information. (LJ 12/04)

Wilson, Daniel J. Living with Polio: The Epidemic and Its Survivors. Univ. of Chicago. 300p. photogs. index. ISBN 0-226-90103-3. $29.
Wilson, a polio survivor, paints a vivid portrait of the epidemic based on 150 personal narratives plus historical materials. He examines this disease and its effects along with considering the social, psychological, and physical challenges of being disabled in America today. A fitting tribute to the 50th anniversary of the development of the polio vaccine. (LJ 4/15/05)