Best Consumer Health Books 2006

By Barbara Bibel -- Library Journal, 5/1/2007

If 2006 were reduced to one word, fat could easily take the cake. Our national weight problem—127 million Americans are pushing the scales, and nearly half of that group are obese, according to recent studies—made big headlines, some going so far as to suggest that the overweight contribute to global warming. This health crisis spurred many others, namely proliferations in heart disease and type 2 diabetes, which is even appearing in children owing to poor eating habits—too much fast and junk food—and lack of physical activity.

As in 2005, aging boomers and the increasing population of seniors faced chronic conditions and escalating drug prices, while many Americans had no health insurance at all. To boot, the Medicare drug plan caused major confusion and failed to save seniors much money in the end.

Speaking of medicine, the pharmaceutical industry continued to wield influence in both the health policy and drug safety arenas. There were several recalls of best-selling new medications because of serious side effects, in addition to much talk but no real effort to ensure that the industry submits all of its data from clinical trials to the Food and Drug Administration.

The federal government, for its part, repeated a past behavior, inserting itself into private health issues such as abortion and end-of-life decisions. The Terry Schiavo case and numerous attempts to bypass Roe v. Wade at the state level reveal an administration that wants to control life and death in the United States.

Consumer health writers took on these issues, as well as depression, anxiety, and relatively unknown conditions like celiac disease and restless-legs syndrome, with zeal. Selecting the best of the best is never easy, but the following titles can be prescribed with confidence for most libraries.

All About Your Eyes: A Practical Guide in Plain English from the Physicians at the Duke University Eye Center.Duke Univ. ed. by Sharon Fekrat, M.D., FACS & Jennifer S. Weizer, M.D.212p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-8223-3660-0. $64.95; pap. ISBN 978-0-8223-3699-0. $16.95.

Here, two ophthalmologists provide an overview of the eye and eye disease, explaining basic anatomy and physiology, vision problems and correction options, and specific conditions. The entries for conditions, ranging from one to two pages in length, indicate symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis as well as two reliable web sites for further information. With a glossary. (LJ 2/15/06)

Boston Women's Health Book Collective.Our Bodies, Ourselves: Menopause.Touchstone: S. & S. 350p. ISBN 978-07432-7487-6. pap. $15.Wingert, Pat & Barbara Kantrowitz.Is It Hot in Here? Or Is It Me? The Complete Guide to Menopause.Workman. 736p. ISBN 978-0-7611-3808-2. pap. $19.95.

These two excellent menopause guides supply information about symptoms, therapeutic options, and how to cope with hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, and sleep and memory problems. Is It Hot in Here? gets into more detail about the physical aspects of menopause, while Our Bodies, Ourselves offers greater depth about the psychosocial and political issues, plus personal stories from a diverse group of women. (Is It Hot in Here?, LJ 12/06; Our Bodies, Ourselves, LJ 8/06)

Colby, William H.Unplugged: Reclaiming Our Right To Die in America. AMACOM: American Management Assn. 272p. index. ISBN 978-0-8144-0882-7. $24.95. Kiernan, Stephen P.Last Rights: Rescuing the End of Life from the Medical System.St. Martin's. 301p. index. ISBN 978-0-312-34224-1. $25.95.

Here are two treatments of end-of-life issues. Kiernan uses personal stories to demonstrate both the good and the bad aspects of terminal care. He tells patients and their families how to take control so that the end will be comfortable and intimate. Colby, a lawyer involved in the landmark right-to-die case of Nancy Cruzan, discusses the medical, legal, and ethical concerns without bias. Citing the Terry Schiavo, Karen Quinlan, and Cruzan cases, he encourages readers to consider their own needs and prepare in advance, presenting coverage of living wills, healthcare power of attorney, the rights of the disabled, hospice care, and euthanasia. (Unplugged, LJ 6/1/06; Last Rights, LJ 11/1/06)

Emmons, Henry with Rachel Kranz.The Chemistry of Joy: A Three-Step Program for Overcoming Depression Through Western Science and Eastern Wisdom.Fireside: S. & S. 290p. index. ISBN 978-0-7432-6507-2. pap. $14.

Psychiatrist Emmons offers a fine treatment plan for depression that intermingles traditional Western medicine with alternative therapies rooted in Eastern traditions. He believes that antidepressants combined with diet and exercise regimens, nutritional supplements, and spiritual and psychological exercises achieve the best results. Scientific studies support his recommendations. (LJ 11/15/05)

Faúndes, Anibal & José Barzelatto. The Human Drama of Abortion: A Global Search for Consensus.Vanderbilt Univ. 200p. index. ISBN 978-0-8265-1525-4. $59.95; pap. ISBN 978-0-8265-1526-1. $24.95.

Drawing on their firsthand knowledge of the dangers of illegal abortion, two Chilean physicians probe clinical and ethical aspects of the topic. They note the polarization associated with abortion and feel that a broad middle ground exists. Abortion, they argue, should be safe and legal, but there should also be efforts to reduce the need for it via birth control and education. (LJ 5/15/06)

Finger, Stanley.Doctor Franklin's Medicine. Univ. of Pennsylvania. 279p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-8122-3913-3. $39.95.

Last year marked the 300th anniversary of Benjamin Franklin's birth. Although most people are aware of his experiments with electricity, few realize that he also made contributions to medicine. He invented bifocals, popularized the smallpox vaccination, and debunked the popular idea of mesmerism. He also advocated for a healthy lifestyle with maxims urging moderation in the consumption of food and drink. An involving take on a lesser-known aspect of Franklin's life and work. (LJ 1/06)

Foa, Edna B. & Linda Wasmer Andrews.If Your Adolescent Has an Anxiety Disorder: An Essential Resource for Parents.Oxford Univ. 227p. illus. ISBN 978-0-19-518151-7. pap. $9.95.

One in a series of texts sponsored by the Adolescent Mental Health Initiative, this book by clinical psychologist Foa and science writer Andrews sets forth an overview of seven conditions: social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. Readers get the scoop on symptoms, treatment and recovery, and adolescent empowerment. Quotations from parents and teens, helpful tips from parents, a glossary, and a resource list make this a useful volume. (LJ 3/1/06)

Goldberg, Merle Cantor & others.Weight Loss Surgery: Is It Right for You?Square One, dist. by Ingram. 286p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-7570-0145-1. pap. $17.95.

Goldberg, a clinical social worker and lecturer on obesity and eating disorders, joins surgeon George Cowan and William Marcus to provide comprehensive information about weight-loss surgery. Readers will find coverage of the decision-making process, various surgical options, postoperative lifestyle adjustments, and the mental, physical, emotional, and environmental changes that patients face after the procedure. Chapters for family and friends who want to offer support—not found in other books on this subject—are welcome. The authors also discuss the ways that patients can sabotage the positive effects of the surgery. (LJ 6/1/06)

Green, Peter H., M.D. & Rory Jones.Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic.Collins. 334p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-06-076693-1. $22.95.

Celiac disease, a little-known autoimmune disorder, affects approximately two million Americans. The cause is gluten, a protein found in some grains that damages the digestive system. Green (director, Celiac Disease Ctr., Columbia Univ.) and science writer Jones explain the disease, its diagnosis, genetics, and possible complications. Since the only treatment is to avoid gluten, the book devotes seven chapters to the gluten-free diet. Appendixes list resources for gluten-free food as well as further reading and organizations for referral. (LJ 2/1/06)

Law, Jacky. Big Pharma: Exposing the Global Healthcare Agenda.Carroll & Graf. 266p. ISBN 978-0-7867-1783-5. pap. $15.95.

British journalist Law examines the pharmaceutical industry, noting its conflict of interest between corporate profit and public health. Corporate lobbyists pressure regulators, and the companies spend money on marketing rather than research. They also selectively disseminate the clinical data they release to regulatory agencies. Law states that the public and the medical profession can change this. A good follow-up to Marcia Angell's The Truth About the Drug Companies. (LJ 3/15/06)

Mahar, Maggie.Money-Driven Medicine: The Real Reason Health Care Costs So Much. Collins. 451p. ISBN 978-0-06-076533-0. $27.95.

Why is U.S. healthcare so expensive and inept? Financial journalist Mahar looks at doctors, hospitals, drug companies, insurance providers, and device manufacturers and finds that the traditional free-market economy doesn't work for healthcare. She cites the Veterans Health Administration as a model of efficiency and good care since it's not required to compete for “business” and suggests a return to patient-centered care, which is not a fee-for-service system. (LJ 5/1/06)

Nestle, Marion. What To Eat: An Aisle-by-Aisle Guide to Savvy Food Choices and Good Eating.Northpoint: Farrar. 611p. index. ISBN 978-0-86547-704-9. $30.

Nestle (nutrition, New York Univ.) explains how to eat well while she examines the economics, politics, and marketing methods of the food industry. She defines the terms wild, farm-raised, frozen, fresh, organic, and natural so that readers can make informed choices when shopping. She also talks about carbohydrates, omega-3s, transfats, pesticides, portion sizes, labels, additives, preservatives, nutrition claims, and food safety. (LJ 3/1/06)

Panagotacos, Peter, M.D.The Complete Book of Hair Loss Answers: Your Comprehensive Guide to the Latest and Best Techniques. 2d ed. Elite, dist. by Midpoint Trade. 240p. ISBN 978-0-9720028-7-5. pap. $15.

Panagotacos (dermatology, Univ. of California–San Francisco) comes to the aid of men and women suffering from hair loss. He discusses the various causes, the history of hair-loss therapies, and the treatment options. He explains what works and points out bogus treatments, cosmetic treatments, and surgical treatments. Complete with a list of drugs that trigger hair loss, a resource list, and info about choosing a physician. (LJ 2/1/06)

Pikula, Donna.After the Diagnosis: How To Look Out for Yourself or a Loved One.Books 2 Help You. 273p. ISBN 978-0-9768970-0-2. pap. $16.95.

This excellent manual for patients and caregivers delves into strategies that will help them through treatment and recovery. Pikula, a dentist who has managed family members suffering from various illnesses, stresses the need for an advocate and tells readers how to choose one. She also coaches on asking the right questions, reading test results, finding reliable information, getting second and third opinions, and selecting the best doctors and hospitals. (LJ 4/15/06)

Riley, Laura, M.D. You & Your Baby™: Pregnancy; Your Ultimate Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide.Meredith. 455p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-696-22221-4. pap. $14.95.

van der Zile, Cornelia, M.D. & Jacqueline Tourville.Big, Beautiful, and Pregnant: Expert Advice and Comforting Wisdom for the Expecting Plus-Size Woman.Marlowe: Avalon, dist. by Publishers Group West. 273p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-1-56924-319-0. pap. $15.95.

These two physician-penned books provide information for pregnant women. You & Your Baby™ covers the basics of conception, labor, and delivery with full-color photographs of the developing fetus and a due-date calculator. Big, Beautiful, and Pregnant discusses the special needs of plus-size women, tackling issues such as infertility, gestational diabetes, hypertension, nutrition, and exercise. With a glossary and resource list. (Big, Beautiful, and Pregnant, LJ 5/15/06; You & Your Baby™, LJ 5/1/06)

Schneider, Edward, M.D. & Leigh Ann Hirschman. What Your Doctor Hasn't Told You and the Health Store Clerk Doesn't Know: The Truth About Alternative Treatment and What Works.Avery: Penguin Group (USA). 267p. index. ISBN 978-1-58333-252-8. pap. $19.95.

Schneider (dean emeritus, gerontology, Univ. of Southern California) and writer Hirschman look at 11 common conditions—e.g., sleep problems, menopause, depression—and common alternative treatments for each. They consider which treatments are effective based on current research and include recommended dosages. They also provide a “Top Ten” list of recommendations (e.g., sleep, diet, exercise, and supplements) for longevity. A balanced, useful resource. (LJ 4/15/06)

Shah, Sonia. The Body Hunters: Testing New Drugs on the World's Poorest Patients.New Pr., dist. by Norton. 242p. ISBN 978-1-56584-912-9. $24.95.

Shah, an investigative journalist, exposes the clinical trials of new drugs that take place in Third World countries with minimal ethical oversight. Informed consent is questionable, and the trials divert scarce resources from basic medical care for desperately poor people. (LJ 6/15/06)

Silver, Julie K., M.D.After Cancer Treatment: Heal Better, Faster, Stronger. Johns Hopkins. 269p. ISBN 978-0-8018-8437-5. $45; pap. ISBN 978-0-8018-8438-2. $16.95.

Cancer treatment can be as debilitating as the disease itself. Silver, director of RESTORE, an oncology rehabilitation program, and a breast cancer survivor, empowers patients with the necessary tools for a successful recovery: information about diet, fatigue, mental health, and both traditional and alternative medicines. Includes chapter bibliographies and an appendix of organizations for further assistance. (LJ 9/1/06)

Spence, J. David, M.D.How To Prevent Your Stroke.Vanderbilt Univ. 218p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-8265-1537-7. pap. $19.95.

Spence (neurology & clinical pharmacology, Univ. of Western Ontario) helps readers determine their risk for stroke with practical, easy-to-follow advice. He then tells them what they can do to prevent it. This volume includes a glossary of medical terms, a list of generic and brand-name drugs, and a guide to healthy meals, with tasty recipes and a list of cookbooks. (LJ 9/15/06)

Yoakum, Robert H. Restless Legs Syndrome: Relief and Hope for Sleepless Victims of a Hidden Epidemic.Fireside: S. & S. 239p. index. ISBN 978-0-7432-8068-6. pap. $14.95.

Yoakum knows of what he writes, as he suffers from restless-legs syndrome himself. His book will enlighten readers about this little-known neurological condition that affects ten to 15 percent of American adults, with coverage of diagnosis and treatment and advice about finding specialized medical help. Includes a resource list. (LJ 5/15/06)