LJ Best Consumer Health Books 2010
By Barbara Bibel Dec 2, 2010The year 2010 is historic because it marks the passage of a U.S. health-care reform bill as well as midterm elections that sent to Congress people looking to repeal it. Meanwhile, the public is waiting to see what it all means.
It also saw the rise of personalized medicine, with genetics and electronic health records promising a more individualized approach to treatment despite the fact many of the possible applications are still in the preliminary stages of research. Publishers responded to these developments with a fascinating selection of books—titles on the ethics of research and basic health guides for Latinas, seniors, and people with Down syndrome. Here are the best I encountered.
Against Health: How Health Became the New Morality. New York Univ. 217p. ed. by Jonathan M. Metzel & Anna Kirkland. ISBN 9780814795934. pap. $22.
This essay collection attacks the notion that health is a monolithic concept, arguing instead for a norm with diverse meanings in different cultures. Despite what the title may imply, the academic contributors are not against health and, in fact, seek new ways to improve health through relevant activism. Engaging reading for anyone concerned with public health. (LJ 10/1/10)
Boyd. David R. Dodging the Toxic Bullet: How To Protect Yourself from Everyday Environmental Health Hazards. Greystone, dist. by PGW. 214p. ISBN 9781553654544. pap. $21.95.
A leading Canadian environmental lawyer, Boyd partnered with the David Suzuki Foundation to produce this primer. He outlines daily hazards ranging from air and water pollution to unsafe consumer products. He then offers steps that people can take to avoid or minimize these dangers and encourages them to advocate for a clean environment. With resources for research. (LJ 4/0/10)
Buckley, Julie A., M.D. Healing Our Autistic Children: A Medical Plan for Restoring Your Child's Health. Palgrave Macmillan. 238p. ISBN 9780230616394. pap. $18.
As a pediatrician and the mother of an autistic child, Buckley knows her subject well. Here, she provides clear explanations of the treatment options available for children on the autism spectrum. She also provides action lists to help parents keep track of issues and extensive references for further information. An excellent book for parents of newly diagnosed children. (LJ 2/1/10)
Chicoine, Brian, M.D., & Dennis McGuire. The Guide to Good Health for Teens & Adults with Down Syndrome. Woodbine House. 391p. ISBN 9781890627898. pap. $29.95.
There is ample pediatric care for children with Down syndrome (DS), but once they are older, it is difficult to find. The authors—founders of Chicago's Adult Down Syndrome Clinic—present a wealth of information for those assisting adults with DS, e.g., how to find a physician willing to care for adult DS patients, deal with diagnosis and treatment for people with communication problems and mental challenges, manage sexuality, and navigate end-of-life issues. A valuable work for both libraries and caregivers. (LJ 9/15/10)
Cohen, Todd J., M.D. A Patient's Guide to Heart Rhythm Problems. Johns Hopkins. 211p. $45. ISBN 9780801897740; pap. ISBN 978-0-8018-9775-7. $16.95.
Cardiologist Cohen (director of electrophysiology, Winthrop Univ. Hosp.) explains how the heart works and discusses abnormal rhythm patterns that can cause problems. He also covers the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and devices used to treat them. Appendixes address important information for patients about when electrophysiology studies, pacemaker or cardioverter implantation, or biventricular therapy is appropriate. Singular for its coverage of cardiac arrhythmias.
Collins, Francis S., M.D. The Language of Life: DNA and the Revolution in Personalized Medicine. Harper. 332p. ISBN 9780061733178. $26.99.
Collins (director, National Insts. of Health & former director, National Human Genome Inst.) offers readers information to help them understand how genetics and DNA contribute to health. Noting that many diseases are hereditary, he discusses the latest medical genetics research and how it can apply to medical care. He also uses case histories to illustrate his points and predicts what the future will bring. (LJ 1/10)
Delgado, Jane. The Latina Guide to Health: Consejos and Caring Answers. Newmarket. 240p. ISBN 9781557048547 pap. $15.95.
Clinical pyschologist Delgado (CEO, National Alliance for Hispanic Health) has written a guide for Latinas available in both English and Spanish (ISBN 9781557048554). It contains useful information about psychosocial and environmental issues, access to health care, common diseases and conditions, and medical decision making. An excellent addition to all consumer health collections and home libraries. (LJ 2/1/10)
Fields, Stanley & Mark Johnston. Genetic Twists of Fate. MIT. 234p. ISBN 9780262014700. $24.95.
Fields (genome sciences & medicine, Univ. of Washington) and Johnston (biochemistry & molecular genetics, Univ. of Colorado) explain the basics of genetics and inherited diseases using case histories of famous people to illustrate how genes can cause illness. The information is easy to understand, and readers will gain an understanding of their DNA and why a small change in its structure may put them at risk for certain diseases or behaviors. (LJ 10/1/10)
Fox, Jackie. From Zero to Mastectomy: What I Learned and You Need To Know About Stage 0 Breast Cancer. Honyocker Pr. 117p. ISBN 9780578054162. pap. $12.95.
When Fox was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer, also called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), her doctor said that it was not very serious, but she soon learned that the treatment was the same as that for other breast cancers. This chronicle of her diagnosis, treatment, and breast reconstruction will help women diagnosed with this condition learn about their options and make decisions regarding their medical care. (LJ 9/1/10)
Graber, Alan L., M.D., & others. A Life of Control: Stories of Living with Diabetes. Vanderbilt Univ. 184p. ISBN 9780826517333. $39.95; pap. ISBN 9780826517326. $19.95.
Diabetes is a major U.S. health problem; this distinctive book presents the stories of 40 people living with the disease, including a nurse who uses uncontrolled diabetes to lose weight despite the danger, a businessman who has to fight with his insurance provider, and a woman utilizing a trained service dog to avoid diabetic coma. There is also a glossary; information about prevention, complications, and new technologies; and a list of relevant websites. (LJ 10/1/10)
Lachs, Mark, M.D. Treat Me, Not My Age: A Doctor's Guide to Getting the Best Care as You or Your Loved One Gets Older. Viking. 386p. ISBN 9780670022106. $27.95.
As people age, navigating the health-care system becomes more difficult. Lachs (geriatrics, Weill Cornell Medical Coll.) discusses for seniors and their caregivers the aging process, ageism in society, choosing and communicating with a physician, financial issues, medications, complementary and alternative medicine, and end-of-life planning. Writing in a witty, conversational style, Lachs provides a great deal of useful information.
Moynihan Ray & Barbara Mintzes. Sex, Lies and Pharmaceuticals: How Drug Companies Plan To Profit from Female Sexual Dysfunction. Greystone, dist. by PGW. 257p. ISBN 9781553655084. pap. $17.95.
Moynihan, an investigative reporter, and Mintzes, a pharmacologist who studies drug safety and effectiveness, look at the efforts of drug companies to market their products by creating new diseases for them to treat. In this case, the new disorders—hypoactive sexual desire disorder and female sexual dysfunction—supposedly affect 43 percent of all women. The survey generating this data was, in fact, a marketing effort planned by a major pharmaceutical company. The book also talks about grassroots efforts to expose these schemes and find alternative ways to address women's sexual difficulties. (LJ 10/1/10)
Mukherjee, Siddhartha, M.D. The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer. Scribner. 416p. ISBN 9781439107959. $28.
Oncologist and cancer researcher Mukherjee (Columbia Univ.) calls his book a biography, but it is really an in-depth look at the history of cancer, attempts to discover possible causes, the personalities of those involved in early endeavors to eradicate it, and the current state of cancer research. Vignettes dealing with some of the author's patients add to the picture. A fascinating look at a very complex subject.
Potter, Steven. Designer Genes: A New Era in the Evolution of Man. Random. 188p. ISBN 9781400069057. $25.
Developmental biologist Potter (Children's Hosp. Medical Ctr., Cincinnati) explains the latest developments in genetics that will allow parents to choose a child's genetic makeup. Of course, this is still years away, but the ethical implications are enormous. The explanations of the science are fascinating and easy to understand; the discussion of the possible applications is thought-provoking. (LJ 8/10)
Quest, Penelope. Reiki for Life: The Complete Guide to Practice for Levels 1, 2, & 3. Penguin. 320p. ISBN 9781585427901. pap. $16.95.
A popular alternative therapy using energy transfer to create balance and wholeness, Reiki was developed in Japan in the early 20th century and came to the United States in the 1930s. Reiki Master Quest provides an explanation and instructions for practicing Reiki from beginning to advanced levels. Essential. (LJ 5/15/10)
Rankin, Lissa, M.D. What's Up Down There?: Questions You'd Only Ask Your Gynecologist If She Was Your Best Friend. St. Martin's. ISBN 9780312644369. pap. $14.99.
Rankin, a gynecologist who maintains the website www.owningpink.com, provides the answers to common questions about female anatomy and physiology, sexuality, fertility, childbirth, menopause, and more. She also gives women a pep talk to increase their self-confidence. (LJ 10/1/10)
Skloot, Rebecca. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Crown. 369p. ISBN 9781400052172. $26.
HeLa cells are an integral part of modern medical science, responsible for advances like the polio vaccine and chemotherapy, but their origins are problematic. With sensitivity and novelistic skill, science writer Skloot tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor African American tobacco farmer whose cancer cells (HeLa) were taken without her or her family's permission. A true story about bioethical issues, legal battles, and family history. (LJ 12/09; see also Our Inaugural Top Ten.)
Speid, Lorna. Clinical Trials: What Patients and Healthy Volunteers Need To Know. Oxford. 208p. ISBN 9780199734160. pap. $19.95.
Hundreds of thousands of people around the world participate in clinical trials each year, many patients with serious illnesses, others healthy volunteers who want to help and/or make money. Clinical trials are complex, and potential volunteers need to know what is involved. This handbook provides an excellent overview, questions to ask, resources for further research, and a glossary. Speid is a research pharmacologist and drug-development consultant.
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