Bibliography of Consumer Health Books
Created May 2005 by Lily Liu, MLS, AHIP, Arkansas Consumer Health Information Network Resource Task Force, Arkansas Children's Hospital Library, 800 Marshall Street, Little Rock, AR 72202
Updated May 2010 by Ellen Fusfeld and Cara Helfner, Faulkner Hospital Patient/Family Resource Center, Boston, MA
Core Reference Books
Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. 4th ed. New York: Time; 2009. 1448p. $49.95. (ISBN: 9781603200776). This book offers broad range of medical information from prevention to treatment, from infancy to old age. It is a good home guide to quick medical reference.
Porter R. Merck Manual of Medical Information-3rd Home Edition. 3rd ed. Whitehouse Station, New Jersey: Merck & Co., Inc; 2009. 2500p. $39.95 (ISBN 9780911910308). This edition contains nearly all the information covered in the physicians' version of the Merck Manual, with the addition of a chapter on over-the-counter drugs, anatomy and physiology, and in-depth information about diseases, causes, and treatment.
National Organization for Rare Disorders. NORD Compendium of Rare Diseases and Disorders. New Rochelle, New York: Mary Ann Leibert; 2007. 800p. $89.95. (ISBN 9780913113417). This guide describes signs and symptoms of a disease, its causes, related disorders, and standard and investigational treatments, plus organization information and web site links.
Dictionary
Mosby’s Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing and Health Professions. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Mosby; 2009. 2240p. $41.95. (ISBN: 9780323049375). This dictionary explains medical terms in fairly easy-to-understand language, with color illustration.
Specific Topics
Aging and Caregiving
Beers MH. The Merck Manual of Health and Aging: The Comprehensive Guide to the Changes and Challenges of Aging - for Older Adults and Those Who Care for and about Them . Whitehouse Station, New Jersey: Merck & Co., Inc; 2005. 961p. $29.95 (ISBN: 9780911910360). This book covers virtual everything about aging: nutritional needs, finding a doctor, surgery, understanding tests, rehabilitation, and long term care.
Alternative Therapy
Gruenwald J. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 4th ed. Montvale, New Jersey: Thomson PDR; 2007. 1100p. $59.95. (ISBN: 9781563635120). This book is based on the findings of the German Regulatory Authority "Commission E" and it offers information on over 600 common botanicals. Each entry describes the action and pharmacology, usage and precaution, dosage and consequences of overdoses.
Arthritis
Foltz-Gray D. The Arthritis Foundation's Guide to Good Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. 3rd ed. Atlanta: Arthritis Foundation; 2006. 320p. $16.95. (ISBN: 9780912423500). Edited by leading physicians and experts in the fields of rheumatology and rheumatoid arthritis, this book provides information on how to understand and live well with arthritis.
Cancer
Hartmann LC and Loprinzi CL. Mayo Clinic: Guide to Women's Cancers. Rochester, MN: Mayo Clinic; 2005. 640p. $34.95. (ISBN: 9781893005334). This book is a thorough, in-depth reference to know the latest information about female-specific types of cancer, including the latest discoveries of genetic research, practical advice for living with the day-to-day physical and emotional stresses of cancer.
Children's Health
Shu J. American Academy of Pediatrics Baby & Child Health. New York: DK Publishing Inc.; 2006. 352p. $19.95. (ISBN: 9780756617837). This book covers more than 120 childhood illnesses, from genetic disorders and hormonal problems to rashes and infectious diseases.
Berg FM and Debroff S. Underage and Overweight: America's Childhood Obesity Epidemic--What Every Parent Needs to Know. Long Island City, New York: Hatherleigh Press. 2005. 464p. $16.95. (ISBN: 9781578261932). This book offers a seven-point plan for raising healthy children that focuses on changing the way families think about food and physical activity. It also points out things teachers, caregivers and communities can do to help children.
Chronic Pain
Murphree RH. Treating and Beating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Definitive Guide for Patients and Physicians. 4th ed. Homewood, Alabama: Harrison & Hampton Publishing; 2009. 464p. $19.95. (ISBN: 9780972893848). In this book, Dr. Murphree explains how FMS and CFS are diagnosed and the underlying conditions that contribute to them. He also discusses traditional medicine, how to reduce or eliminate chronic muscle aches.
Cosmetic Surgery
Lewis W. America's Cosmetic Doctors and Dentists: A Consumer Guide. 2nd ed. New York: Castle Connolly Medical, Ltd.; 2005. 399p. $29.95. (ISBN: 9781883769888). This book lists certified doctors, prices, photos, possible risks and recovery time for different kinds of surgeries. It prepares patients with questions to discusses with their doctors.
Diabetes
Hanas R. Type 1 Diabetes in Children, Adolescents & Young Adults--and their Caregivers. 4th edition. London: Class Publishing; 2009. 400p. $24.95. (ISBN: 9781859592304). This book offers comprehensive information on how your body works to sweets, treats, and ice cream; from insulin injection technique to long-term complications. It comes with graphs and illustrations and references to articles and journals parents can further their research.
Drugs - Prescription and Non-prescription
Physician's Desk Reference. 65th ed. Montvale, New Jersey: Medical Economics Co.; 2011. 3440p. $89.95. (ISBN: 9781563637810). PDR contains information on over 2,500 pharmaceutical products. An illustrated product identification guide is provided as well as a section on diagnostic information.
Eating Disorders
Lock J. Help Your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder. New York: Guilford Press; 2005. 296p. $17.95. (ISBN: 9781572309081). This book explains what eating disorders are about and which treatments work best. It gives practical suggestions and encouragement.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Sorokie AM. Gut Wisdom: Understanding and Improving Your Digestive Health. Pompton Plain, New Jersey: New Page Books; 2008. 256p. $16.99. (ISBN: 9781564147530). This easy-to-understand guide offers specific procedures one can use to alleviate indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, and many other common ailments.
Genetic Disorders
Narins B. The Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders. 2nd ed. Farmington Hills, Michigan: Gale; 2005.1345p. $428.00. (ISBN: 9781414403656). An A-Z guide to genetic disorders, each entry includes a definition and a description of the disorder, genetic profile, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Heart Disease
Freeman MW and Junge C. Harvard Medical School Guide to Lowering Your Cholesterol. New York: McGraw-Hill. 2005. 272p. $16.95. (ISBN: 9780071444811). This book provides the latest information on diagnosis, traditional and alternative treatments, home remedies, and lifestyle changes that can make a difference in people's health.
Learning Disability
Biel L and Peske NK. Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Integration Issues. Updated ed. New York: Penguin; 2009. 464p. $16.00. (ISBN: 9780143115342). This book is about children with sensory integration problems, people who have difficulty processing everyday sensations and exhibit unusual behaviors.
Reiff MI. ADHD: A Complete and Authoritative Guide. 2nd ed. Elk Grove Village, Illinois: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2011. 350p. $15.95. (ISBN: 9781581104516) This book discusses the diagnosis of ADHD, commonly coexisting conditions, treatment options, the role of medications, and behavior therapy.
Mental Health
Kantor M. Understanding Paranoia: A Guide for Professionals, Families, and Sufferers. Westport, Connecticut: Praeger Publishers; 2008. 272p. $39.95 (ISBN: 0313363196). This book helps readers understand the causes and treatment of this disease and gives examples how to effectively treat and help people with paranoia.
Pregnancy and Child Birth
Kendall-Tackett KA. Depression In New Mothers: Causes, Consequences, And Treatment Alternatives. London, England: Routledge; 2009. 224p. $41.95. (ISBN: 9780415778398). This book addresses fatigue, pain, negative birth experiences, infant characteristics, and psychosocial factors that can cause postpartum depression, including treatment options that are safe for use with breastfeeding mothers.
Mindell JA. Sleeping Through the Night: How Infants, Toddlers, and Their Parents Can Get a Good Night's Sleep. New York: HarperResource. 2005.
368p. $14.95. (ISBN: 9780060742560). Dr. Mindell uses short case studies to illustrate four sources of sleep problems and encourages the reader to keep a sleep log to see what is keeping him/her up at night. Tips are also given to new parents on how to make from bassinet to crib and from crib to bed, deal with night terrors and nighttime fears and other issues.
Smoking Cessation
Carr A. The Easy Way to Stop Smoking: Join the Millions Who Have Become Non -Smokers Using the Easyway Method. New York: Sterling; 2010. 224p. $12.95. (ISBN: 9781402771637). This revolutionary bestseller helps smokers discover the psychological reasons behind their dependency, explains in detail how to handle the withdrawal symptoms, shows them how to avoid tempting situations, and enables them to stay smoke free.
Thyroid Disorders
Rosenthal MS. The Thyroid Sourcebook for Women. 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2008. 272p. $17.95. (ISBN:9780071597258). This new edition features the latest research on thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer, and their effect on women's health and lives.
Weight Loss
Hensrud D. Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight for Everybody. Rochester, Minnesota: Mayo Clinic; 2005. 319p. $22.95. (ISBN: 9781893005341). This book gives step by step guidance that teaches people how to reach and maintain their ideal weight by healthy eating and physical activities.
Hochstrasser A. The Patient's Guide to Weight Loss Surgery: Everything You Need to Know about Gastric Bypass and Bariatric Surgery. Revised ed. Long Island City, New York: Hatherleigh Press; 2009. 256p. $15.00. (ISBN: 9781578263158). This book gives detailed information on the four different types of weight loss surgery, the risks and negative aspects of the procedures and how to cope with emotional ups and downs.
Wellness
American Institute for Cancer Research. The New American Plate Cookbook: Recipes for a Healthy Weight and a Healthy Life. Berkeley, California: University of California Press; 2005. 312p. $25.95. (ISBN: 9780520242340). This book is written by a team of cooks, nutritionists, food writers, and scientists. It includes 200 recipes that combine sound nutrition with culinary ingenuity that will help reduce risk of serious health problems like cancer and heart disease.
Dahm D. Mayo Clinic Fitness for Everybody. Rochester, Minnesota: Mayo Clinic; 2005. 320p. $22.95. (ISBN: 9781893005372). This book gives general information on physical fitness and tips on how to create a personal wellness program to maintain health.
Women's Health
Peeke P. Body for Life for Women: A Woman's Plan for Physical and Mental Transformation. Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Publishing; 2009. 272p. $18.95. (ISBN: 9781605298283). This book incorporates nutrition, exercise and a sound mind to create a blueprint for staying healthy at every stage of life. Dr. Peeke explains why a woman’s attitude about managing the stresses of life while honoring her mind and body is so important.
Boston Women's Health Book Collective. Our Bodies, Ourselves: A New Edition for a New Era. New York: Touchstone; 2005. 848p. $26.00. (ISBN: 9780743256117). This updated edition includes the latest on nutrition and exercise, relationships, sexuality, and sexual health, complementary health practices, reproductive choices, pregnancy, childbearing, aging, medical testing and procedures.