Classic Titles
Writen by:
Lea K. Starr, B.Sc., M.L.S.
Manager
Western Regional Operating Partner
Canadian Health Network
Level 5, 350W. Georgia St.
Vancouver, BC, V6B 1B6
Phone: 604-331-4115
Fax: 604-331-4119
July 2000
2010 update by:
Elyse Pike, Health Sciences Librarian
Grey Bruce Health Services
Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada
Norma Graham,
Hanover Public Library,
Hanover, Ontario, Canada
Edited with additional updates by:
Francesca Frati, MLIS
Health Sciences Library
Patient and Family Resource Centre
Jewish General Hospital
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Good Sites Where Books are Listed
Consumer Health Information Service of the Toronto Reference Library. This well regarded service has posted a strong list at:
www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/uni_health_index.jsp
http://chis.wikidot.com
[While the Toronto CHIS was sadly closed on May 8 2009, most of the online resources are still available as of September 2010- the “Building a consumer health library” section on the wiki has been transferred to the CAPHIS site you are currently visiting and you will find future updates here.]
[See Bibliography and Collection Development for more lists.]
Avoid Books with the following
- Testimonials
- Reliance on philosophies that supercede scientifically proven theories.
- Books that push particular commercial products
- Books that advocate harmful treatment
- Books that promote discrimination
- Books on finding the Best Doctors or the Best Hospitals don't usually contain Canadian Information because health care is not for profit like in the US. So far hospitals and their owners (Provincial governments) are not competing for patients. Likewise, physicians don't work for various health care companies so they are not evaluated in the same ways that they are across the border.
Despite all the above suggestions for choosing good books, sometimes the recommendation of a friend or your own intuition is the best help when choosing a book especially if it is on life style change, smoking cessation or the acceptance of death.
The comments attached to this list of books are not mine. I pulled them various other lists. I have chosen the books which appeared on several lists or which in my own experience are the classics in various areas. If I were building my own health library at home I would choose a couple of the more general texts and then probably choose the disease based titles that I needed. [Some comments and reviews where possible have been added for the 2010 update of this list. They have also been taken from various lists and have been cited where possible.].
Classic Titles:
Wellness and Alternative & Complementary Medicine
Drugs and Pharmaceutical Guides
General Family Medical Guides
Komaroff AL. Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster; 2004. ISBN 0684863731 $16.92
The linking of a web site to the text of this exhaustive compendium of consumer health information assures readers that it will never go out of date. Though the publisher promises that the site will be free, it will only "make sense" when used in conjunction with the printed version. The topics covered are not substantially different from those found in any other quality consumer health encyclopedia (e.g., Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, LJ 12/90), but the format differs substantially, and the treatment of all topics is more in-depth. Divided into ten parts, the text begins with a discussion on how to navigate current healthcare systems; the major areas then covered include health maintenance, how diseases are diagnosed, symptom management illustrated by numerous decision trees, and diseases and disorders. There are also sections on the management of health problems specific to men and women, adolescents, children, and the aged, with a profusion of line drawings and exceptionally understandable explanations of the benefits and risks of a variety of treatments, both surgical and nonsurgical. "Home remedies" for a variety of ailments are included, as are current opinions from Harvard physicians. Appendixes consist of medical terminology, information resources (including web sites), and medical forms. This low-priced, content-heavy work is highly recommended for all public and consumer health libraries. -- Stone M. [Book review]. Library Journal. Aug 1999. 124( 13); 78. (1999 edition)
Porter R, ed. Merck Manual Home Health Handbook. Home Edition. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories; 2009. ISBN. 0911910301 $26.37
This home edition contains nearly all the information found in the Merck Manual, but is written for the lay reader. A comprehensive, accessible guide organized around organ systems and medical specialties. Appendices contain information on legal issues, medical tests, drug names, and referral organizations, including some Web sites.
Scott L, ed. Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. 4th ed. New York: Time Inc. Home Entertainment; 2009. ISBN 1603200770 $32.97
This excellent home health boo
k presents authoritative, current medical information for each family member from newborn to elderly. The book is not intended to teach readers to perform independent self-diagnosis but can help them better understand their body and mind and to help readers become a more active partner in their health. – Swanton J. [Book Review]. Library Journal, Dec 1990. 115(21); 120. (1990 edition)
AMA.The American Medical Association Complete Guide to Prevention and Wellness. Hoboken: Wiley; 2008. ISBN:0470251301 $25.55
Nutrition, exercise, health issues, reproductive health and aging are all covered in this informative, no-nonsense guide. Whether anything sets this book apart from many others like it (i.e., the Mayo Clinic guides) is debatable. The information is decidedly up-to-date and well organized. As the title says, the goal of the book is disease prevention and overall wellness rather than a discourse on methods for treating problems once they've occurred. Anyone new to the idea of wellness will find this guide a wonderful first course on the subject. Specifically, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and pulmonary issues are covered, as is bone health, digestive health and diabetes. The mind-body connection is fully acknowledged, as is the link between spirituality and well-being. Helpful graphs, charts and illustrations throughout further complement the book's comprehensiveness. –Publishers weekly
Goldman DR. ed. American College Of Physicians Complete Home Medical Guide. 2nd Amer. ed. New York: Dorling Kindersley; 2003. ISBN: 0789496739 $31.50
Dorling Kindersley has joined the American College of Physicians to produce a vital, richly illustrated, multimedia product. The book contains articles on over 700 diseases with additional information on surgery, medications and rehabilitation. Also included in the package is a CD-ROM on basic anatomy on physiology. An exceptional value.
Engel J, Benvie S. The Complete Canadian Health Guide: Revised Edition. Toronto: Key Porter Books; 2005. ISBN: 1552636666 CAD$25.17
Overall Rating: Very good
Strengths: Evidence-based, comprehensive home reference book
Weaknesses: References to original articles or suggestions for further reading are not provided
Audience: Well-educated health care consumers -- Duncan V. The complete Canadian health guide, revised edition [Book review]. Can Fam Physician, Feb. 2008. 54(2):252. Accessed August 11 2010 from: www.cfp.ca/cgi/content/full/54/2/252
Women’s Health
Ammer C. Encyclopedia of Women’s Health. 6th ed. New York: Facts on File; 2009. ISBN: 0816074089 $19.95 (alternate title in Amazon: The New A-Z of women’s health)
The latest edition of The Encyclopedia of Women's Health will not disappoint librarians seeking a current, compact, readily understandable resource for people interested in women's health issues. It continues its tradition as a trustworthy guide through a complex, often overwhelming sea of gender-relative information. –Booklist, ALA
Boston Women’s Health Book Collective. Our Bodies, Ourselves: A New Edition for a New Era. Paw Prints; 2008. ISBN: 143529257X $34.95 (2009 edition exists but not avail through Amazon or Chapters/Indigo)
The original edition of 1970's now-classic Our Bodies, Ourselves has sold more than three million copies, and the revised and expanded edition will likely prove equally popular among women of all ages… Like its predecessor, this volume is wide in scope (but lacking in depth), and has a profoundly feminist perspective as it emphasizes sexual health, reproductive rights, community-based organization and the political, economic and social conditions that limit women's access to quality health care. Much of the new information details recent health research on women's needs and inequities in medical care for men and women, and reflects the experiences of different ethnicities, sexual preferences and economic backgrounds.–Publishers Weekly (2005 edition).
Love S. Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book. 5th ed. Cambridge: Da Capo Press; 2010. ISBN: 0738213594 $15.84
Dr. Susan Love, a practicing breast surgeon, performs a feat of literary magic. She transmits the serious and somewhat confusing subject of female breasts into a provocative and enlightening book that engages the reader. Here is a book that gives you everything you wanted to know about your breasts but were afraid to ask - or perhaps never thought to ask. Love covers the healthy breast, common problems, their causes, treatments and living with breast cancer. But she also examines the profound psychological hold our breasts have over our lives… – DSouza I. [Book review]. Canadian Woman’s Health Network, accessed August 17 2010 from: www.cwhn.ca/en/node/39617 (1995 edition)
Roberts BH. How to Keep from Breaking Your Heart: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Cardiovascular Disease. 2nd ed. Sudbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett; 2009 ISBN: 9780763748494 $19.95
Dr. Roberts, a board certified cardiologist and Director of the Women's Cardiac Center at the Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, shows how differences in symptoms, testing, treatment, and attitudes regarding female vs. male heart disease have resulted in inordinate illness and death amongst women. She then presents a clear, authoritative roadmap for readers to improve their cardiac health. By explaining how to improve your cardiac health and, where necessary, find the best treatment possible, Dr. Roberts provides a practical resource for women concerned about the terrifying statistics. This book is a wakeup call for women and those who care about them. –Publisher’s product description
Boston Women's Health Book Collective.Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth.London: Simon & Schuster; 2008. ISBN: 0743274865 $10.20
In this third spin-off of Our Bodies, Ourselves, the self-described women's health "bible" first published in the 1970s, the Boston Women's Health Book Collective focuses on pregnancy, birth and recovery. This book will help women make confident and informed choices about the birth process as they negotiate the healthcare system and balance their options. The chapters are arranged chronologically along the journey into motherhood, with useful sections on the physical and emotional changes of each trimester, fetal development and prenatal testing. Other topics include choosing a healthcare provider, prenatal testing, labor, pain management, recovery, breastfeeding, emotional ups and downs and many other issues. The text is interspersed with pertinent personal narratives, as well as with more than 70 black and white photos and illustrations; the emphasis is on up-to-date information, probing the use-and overuse-of various practices and medical interventions. – Publishers Weekly
Boston Women's Health Book Collective. Our bodies, Ourselves: Menopause. New York: Simon & Schuster; 2006. ISBN: 0743274873 $10.88
For decades, millions of women have relied on Our Bodies, Ourselves to provide the most comprehensive, honest, and accurate information on women''s health … includes definitive information from the latest research and personal stories from a diverse group of women. --Worldcat abstract
Men's Health
Men's Health (EDT). The Male Body: The Owners Manual: The Ultimate Head-to-Toe Guide to Staying Healthy and Fit for Life. St. Martins Press; 2010. ISBN:1605298182 $14.95
Described in the introduction as a health book for men written "like an owner's manual for a car or computer," this valuable compilation is, however, no mere technical primer. The authors, who are Rodale writers, use the best elements from Men's Health magazine-including straight-shooting descriptions, a wry sense of humor and a high estimation of their audience's intelligence-to cover physiological systems (body as "machine"), body parts (an alphabetically arranged maintenance guide) and fitness. The first section, "Maximizing Your Machine," is a well-written guide to health topics including body shape, energy, stress, sex, sports injuries and sleep. The fitness guide suggests exercises for basic muscle groups. The heart of this volume beats in the 300-plus pages on "Body Maintenance," covering more than 95 separate parts of the male body machine. Illustrated alphabetical entries (from the Achilles tendon to wrists) fulfill its authors' intention to show men "how to use your machine properly; how to maintain it; how to troubleshoot problems. – Publishers Weekly (1996 edition)
Children’s Health
Linden DW, Doron MW, Paroli ET. Preemies: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies. 2nd ed. Simon & Schuster; 2010. ISBN: 1416572325 $17.15
Although one out of ten children born in this country is born prematurely, until now there has never been an authoritative, practical, and encouraging reference tool for their parents. This book is just that, a work in the "Dr. Spock" genre that will prove to be a bible for parents of "preemies." Linden and Emma Paroli, who each have children born prematurely, have joined forces with Mia Weschler Doron, a physician whose specialty is neonatology, to produce the book they wish had been available to them when they needed it. The authors cover myriad issues, ranging from a discussion of risk fa ctors for prematurity, through possible and probable problems in the newborn's life and early years, to long-term prognoses. They do this primarily in a question-and-answer format, with lots of accompanying information. Their book should handsomely meet the needs of families dealing with premature infants and in fact is certain to be a blessing to them. Enthusiastically recommended for all public library collections. –Katz LMG. [Book Review]. Library Journal Jun 15, 2000. 125(11); 105 (2000 edition)
Leach P. Your Baby & Child. 3rd edition completely rev. London: Dorling Kindersley; 2010. ISBN: 1405348496 $20.88
This updated version of the child-rearing standard by renowned British psychologist Leach is touted by the publisher as the "essential guide fully revised for today's family." Although the five chapter subdivisions based on the child's age remain the same, and some of the opening essays on each age are lifted almost verbatim from the 1989 edition (Knopf), critical updates in some areas of concern, such as SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), make this an essential purchase. In addition to physical growth and progress, Leach addresses the psychosocial needs of children. She also includes parent concerns and responses similar to those found in Workman's "What To Expect" series. Public and academic libraries would do well to stock the new version of this primer on children and their development for circulation as well as for the reference shelf.—Williams L. Library Journal. Nov 15, 1997. 122(19); 71 (1997 edition)
Schmitt BD. Your Child's Health: The Parents' One-Stop Reference Guide to: Symptoms, Emergencies, Common Illnesses, Behavior Problems, and Healthy Development. New York: Bantam Books; 2005. ISBN: 0553383698 $14.28
This is the third edition of a standard child care encyclopedia. While wide ranging the book's greatest value is as a guide to coping with illness or injury. Schmitt succinctly describes symptoms and provides clear directions for first aid as well as advice on such topics as when to call 911, when to go to the Emergency Room, and when to call the doctor immediately. Every public library will want a copy for prospective parents to browse, as there's a lot of information here.
Sears W, Sears M. The Baby Book. London: Thorsons; 2005. ISBN: 000719823X $19.79
William and Martha Sears, a pediatrician and a registered nurse respectively, team up with two of their doctor sons to update their 1993 guide to "attachment parenting." Advocating a "high-touch style of parenting to balance the high-tech life of the new millennium," the authors teach new parents how to bond with their babies through seven fundamental behaviors, including breastfeeding, "babywearing" and setting proper boundaries. When parents keep close to their babies by bringing them into bed at night and picking them up when they cry, the infants develop better, the authors argue; rather than becoming spoiled, they become more healthy and independent. From tips for a healthy birth, getting your baby to sleep and feeding him the "right fats," to information about early health concerns, the major steps in infant development and troublesome but typical toddler behavior, the authors of this comprehensive volume (who share their own parenting experiences along the way) are assured and reassuring experts. --Publishers Weekly (alternate paperback edition.)
Aging and Seniors Health
Tapp-McDougall Caroline. The Complete Canadian Eldercare Guide: Expert Solutions to Help You Make the Best Decisions for Your Loved Ones. Mississauga, Ont: John Wiley & Sons; 2008. ISBN: 0470834498 $20.48
The Complete Canadian Eldercare Guide provides the advice people need to make the tough decisions about housing, finances, legal planning, and independence and mobility—advice that is presented in a positive and energizing way. The book also offers guidance for the caregiver on work-life balance to help alleviate stress and anxiety. Complete Canadian Eledercare Guide: expert solutions to help you make the best decisions for your loved ones. @the window, 2007. 1(4). Accessed August 10 2010 from:
www.gov.ns.ca/psc/pdf/HealthyWorkplace/newsletters/attheWindow_Winter07.pdf
Margolis S. The Johns Hopkins Medical Guide to Health After 50. New York: Black Dog & Leventhal; 2006. ISBN: 1579124690 $35.50
This alphabetically arranged medical guide covers more than 100 of the most common ailments associated with aging, and includes information about treatments and prevention.
Beers, MH. The Merck Manual of Health & Aging: The comprehensive guide to the changes and challenges of aging-for older adults and those who care for and about them. New York: Ballantine Books; 2005. ISBN: 0345482743
As the American population ages, the demand for current, authoritative, easy-toread information about late-life health will intensify. In anticipation, Merck, best known for its Merck Manual and Merck Manual of Geriatrics, has prepared a guide to common age-related diseases and disorders written by experts in caring for older people. Although focusing primarily on health information and specific conditions, it covers a variety of other age-related issues: communicating with healthcare providers, long-term and end-of-life care, hospitalization, sexuality, elder abuse, driving, exercise, preventive care, and more. Charts, tables, line drawings of procedures, and marginal references to related chapters accompany the text. Additional chapters discuss the aging process and the demographics of aging. Essays by older adults along with their photos personalize the aging experience. Appendixes include a short list of organizational resources and tables of generic and trade drug names. Bottom Line More comprehensive than The Johns Hopkins Medical Guide to Health After Fifty but with fewer illustrations, this easy-to-navigate manual is an essential addition to consumer health and aging collections. -- Bensing K. Library Journal, Jul 2004. 129(12); 118. (2004 edition)
Mace NL, Rabins PV. The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life. 4th ed. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press; 2006. ISBN: 0801885094 $12.20
The 36-Hour Day follows the format of the previous two editions but has been thoroughly updated to incorporate new information on the latest research, several drugs that hold promise, and genetic aspects of Alzheimer's. The heart of the guide remains unchanged, focusing on helping families cope with this progressive and irreversible disease. Besides tips on how to care for the demented during the various stages of the disease the text discusses the different kinds of help available and how to seek it. -- McNally Bensing K. Library Journal, Apr 1, 2002. 127(6): 67. (1999 edition)
Petersen RC, Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic Guide Alzheimer's Disease. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Clinic; 2006. ISBN: 1893005410 $8.75
This guide is designed to help non-professionals understand dementia and its effects on your mind, the differences between dementia and changes associated with normal aging, and how to improve memory and maintain good mental function. -- National Institute on Aging, 2006.
Molloy W, Caldwell P, Canadian Medical Association. Alzheimer's disease. Toronto: Key Porter Books; 2003. ISBN: 1552634833 $51.97
In this updated edition, readers will learn the latest information on: what Alzheimer’s does to the brain; how to distinguish Alzheimer’s from normal aging; related dementias, such as Picks disease; managing the various stages of decline; coping with anger, denial, and depression; and legal issues. Featuring case studies, diagrams and charts, Alzheimer’s Disease is designed for both quick reference and in-depth study. It is a thoughtful, compassionate guide to this complex condition.—Product description from publisher
Abramson A. The Caregiver's Survival Handbook: How to Care for Your Aging Parent Without Losing Yourself. New York: Perigee Trade; 2004. ISBN: 0399529985 $10.85 [NB 2011 revised edition forthcoming]
Abramson directs this sourcebook at "caregivers at both ends of the spectrum," so whether readers are occasionally helping their parents balance their checkbook or are regularly bathing, feeding and dressing elderly family members, they’ll find valuable advice in this volume. The author, an aging expert who frequently appears on the Today Show, covers a lot of ground, and does a better job with certain subjects than others. Her advice on healthcare issues—from making sure those over 65 get enough calcium to paying for prescription drugs—is sound, if sometimes basic. And for particular afflictions (e.g., Alzheimer’s, dexterity problems), readers may want something more specific. But Abramson excels when she addresses the guilt, frustration, anger, fatigue and burnout that befall many women (this book’s primary intended audience) when they’re caught between caring for parents, children, maintaining a home and pursuing a career. She includes advice and anecdotes from women going through such travails, and their stories, coupled with Abramson’s soothing, compassionate advice, are sure to bolster the sense of self of many adults who are dealing with caring for their aging parents. --Publishers Weekly
Berman Claire. Caring for Yourself While Caring for Your Aging Parents, How to Help, How to Survive. 3rd ed. New York: Henry Holts; 2006. ISBN: 0805079750 $11.55
Caregiving for an aging individual evokes an emotional roller coaster of feelings and needs in the caregiver, all of which call for recognition and resolution. Through an expert weave of personal stories, her own experience, and expert advice from others, author Berman (Making It As a Stepparent, Carol, 1992) speaks directly to the emotional, practical, and financial aspects of caregiving. Berman writes in an easy-to-read and -relate-to style. Among the topics she looks at in this unique emotional resource are communication, boundary-setting, attention to the caregiver's needs, the guilt involved in long-distance caregiving, sibling stress, decision-making, loss and grief, the nursing home dilemma, and the future picture for caregivers. She provides a listing of helpful resources, a caregiver bill of rights, and a suggested bibliography. This is truly a one-of-a-kind book, with practical suggestions aimed at validating and supporting the caregiver's emotional coping mechanisms. Highly recommended for general collections. – Malone L. Library Journal. Feb 1, 1996. 121( 2); 89. (1996 edition)
Wellness and Alternative & Complementary Medicine
Bauer B, Limburg P, Lee M, Sood A, Cutshall S et al. Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine: The New Approach to Using the Best of Natural Therapies and Conventional Medicine. 2nd ed. New York: Time Inc Home Entertainment; 2010. ISBN: 1603208364 $17.13
Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine, 2nd edition, remains a trusted, accessible guide to understanding what works and what doesn't in the world of complementary and alternative medicine- and how to put this information to use in your everyday life. This revised edition is fully illustrated and still offers the same practical advice by using the red light/green light rating system to evaluate treatments – Product description from the publisher
Kabat-Zinn, J. Coming to Our Senses: Healing Ourselves and the World Through Mindfulness. Hyperion. 2006. ISBN: 0786886544 $15.95.
AND
Kabat-Zinn J, University of Massechusettes Medical Center. Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. 15th anniversary edication. New York: Delta Trade Paperbacks; 2009. ISBN: 0385303122 $12.99 (accompanying guided meditation CDs are also available from Amazon and from Kabat-Zinn’s website: www.mindfulnesstapes.com)
Kabat-Zinn (former director, Stress Reduction Clinic, Univ. of Massachusetts Medical Ctr.) helped pioneer integrative medicine. In Coming to Our Senses, he teaches the Buddhist technique of mindfulness meditation as a means of reducing stress and anxiety, managing chronic pain, and promoting wellness. The emphasis is on the philosophical underpinnings of meditation practice, while Full Catastrophe Living explains the techniques of breathing, sitting meditation, walking meditation, and basic yoga postures. Both books are excellent. -- Graham C. Library Journal. May 1, 2006. 131(8); 31.
Drugs and Pharmaceutical Guides
Canadian books for the layperson are hard to find... A good drug handbook should be updated every year to include new drugs and those that have been withdrawn.
Griffith HW. Moore Stephen. Complete Guide to Prescription & Nonprescription Drugs 2011. 2010 ed. New York: Perigree; 2010. ISBN: 0399536205 $16.50
Revised and updated, this classic bestseller provides the necessary information about all the prescription and nonprescription drugs that the public has come to rely on. This reference covers 5,000 brand-name drugs and 700 generic drugs. – Worldcat abstract
Pocket Books. PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs. 9th ed. Fully revised and edited New York: Pocket Books; 2010. ISBN: 1439143080 $8.99
A comprehensive pocket guide to the PDR offers readers an A-Z listing of more than 1000 brand-name and generic drugs, including nearly 100 new drugs; vital information on treatment, dosage, side effects, and drug interactions; a drug identification guide featuring full-color, actual-size photographs; features completely updated format that matches the FDAs newest regulations for patient information. -- Worlcat summary
Raman-Wilms L, Canadian Pharmacists Association. Canadian Pharmacists Association Guide to Drugs in Canada. 3rd ed.Toronto: Dorling Kindersley; 2009. ISBN: 1553630939 CDN$18.81
Diagnostic Tests
Bellenir K. Medical Tests Sourcebook. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics; 2008. ISBN: 0780810406 $93.00
Written for patients, this book contains concise, easy-to-read information regarding why and when a particular test is necessary, which tests are best used for different patient groups, and how often these tests are needed. Covers a wide variety of tests. – University of Illinois at Chicago University Library. (1999 edition)
Ricotta M. Consumers Guide To Laboratory Tests. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books; 2005. ISBN:1591022479 $22.98
Ricotta, a clinical laboratory consultant, explains how medical lab tests aid in the valuation of a person's overall health. Using simple, nontechnical language, she gives background on the many types of tests that hospitals and clinics perform, exadly what in the body is being tested, and what the results mean. Material is organized according to body systems, covering topics including microbiology, immunology, histotechnology, and DNA testing. A glossary is included. –
Reference & Research Book News, Nov2005. 20(4):290-307.
Cancer
Strum BS. Pogliano DL. A Primer on Prostate Cancer: The Empowered Patient's Guide. 2nd ed. Hollywood, FL: Life Extension Media; 2005. ISBN: 0965877779 $19.77
…Outlines a strategy of disease management that is designed to maximize outcomes for the patient and his loved ones. All aspects of diagnosis and testing are discussed; all currently approved treatments for prostate cancer are described. This is a… comprehensive guide to prostate cancer presented in understandable terms with a user-friendly color format that will help the reader educate himself about prostate cancer. – Product description from the publisher
Rosenbaum EH. Dollinger M. Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy: How Cancer Is Diagnosed, Treated, and Managed Day to Day. Rev. 5th ed. Kansas City: Andrews McMeel Pub.; 2008. ISBN: 0740768573 $21.89
A thorough reference for the layperson that describes the types, stages, and different therapies for various cancers. Updates the previous editions including new treatment methods, new discoveries, and new research directions. (1997 edition)
Buckman R. Cancer is a Word, Not a Sentence: a practical guide to help you through the first few weeks. Toronto: Key Porter Books; 2006. ISBN: 1552636992 CDN$16.89
More of a “coping” book that a treatment book – This [is] the first book I recommend to those patients experiencing a new diagnosis. –Elyse Pike
Heart Disease and Diabetes
Thompson Pennington JA, Spungen J. Bowes & Church's Food Values of Portions Commonly Used. 19th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010. ISBN: 0781781345 $57.47 (Includes CD for computer)
This 19th edition of the classic reference text of common food values is written for professional nutritionists as well as for laypersons with special dietary needs. Nutritional data for over 8,000 foods is presented in chart form. The work includes information on special dietary products and a bibliography of research papers and books.
Beaser RS, Peterson Campbell A. The Joslin Guide To Diabetes: A Program For Managing Your Treatment. Rev. Fireside ed. Updated 2nd ed. New York: Simon & Schuster; 2005. ISBN: 0743257847 $11.53
Expert advice from the folks at the Joslin Clinic discusses diagnosis, treatment, and diet and exercise for all types of diabetes.
American Diabetes Association. American Diabetes Association Complete Guide to Diabetes. Alexandria, VA: American Diabetes Association; 2005. ISBN: 1580402372 $13.57
This well-designed, very clearly written compendium encourages diabetics "to mesh the day-to-day management of diabetes" into the routine of their lives. Chapters move from "What Is Diabetes?" (with discussion of causes and effects of Type I, Type II and gestational diabetes) to a glossary, an appendix on self-monitoring and injection techniques and a list of resources and organizations. The intervening chapters cover the means by which the goal of personal, daily diabetes management can most effectively be reached. One's personal physician, dentist, podiatrist, pharmacist and dermatologist are portrayed as members of a health-care team captained by the patient. Insulin types and use, glucose control, medications, test strips and blood-glucose meters (where to buy and how to use) are thoroughly examined. Intensive diabetes management (tight glucose control) rates its own chapter; "Diabetes and Sex" covers common problems encountered by both genders. Fitness and nutrition for the diabetic are considered, as are such complications as infections, retinopathy and neuropathy. A model of clarity in prose and design, this overview effectively helps its readers pursue the goal of "living well with diabetes."—Publishers Weekly (hardcover edition).
Granato JE. Living With Coronary Heart Disease: A Guide For Patients And Families. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press; 2008. ISBN: 0801890241 $45.00
The recent death of Tim Russert highlights the hidden dangers of heart disease. Cardiologist Granato strives to describe the many interlocking factors that can harm the coronary arteries and lead to devastating consequences for individuals. He explains the physical structure of the heart's arteries, why cholesterol is usually blamed as the primary cause of coronary disease, and how heart attacks occur. Granato discusses medicine based on clinical trials, highlighting how research has contributed to knowledge about heart disease and its causes: high cholesterol, vascular inflammation, heredity, hormones, diabetes, and smoking. Tests to diagnose problems are described, medications and surgical treatments are covered, and the illustrations are good. While at a high reading level, this book is excellent at explaining the causes of heart disease and the science behind diagnosis and treatments. A good adjunct to more basic heart books such as Barry M. Cohen and Bobbie Hasselbring's Coronary Heart Disease . Recommended. (Color plates not seen.) – Schneider JM, Haley JA. Library Journal. Oct 1, 2008. 133(16);87. Accessed September 14 2010 from:
www.libraryjournal.com/lj/ljinprint/currentissue/862008-403/science_amp_technology.html.csp
Metzger BE, AMA. American Medical Association Guide to Living with Diabetes: Preventing and Treating Type 2 Diabetes - Essential Information You and Your Family Need to Know. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley; 2006. ISBN: 0470168765 $14.49
This book provides clear, easy-to-understand explanations of what type 2 diabetes is, what causes it, and how to determine if you are at risk. You'll find a detailed, easy-to-follow program for preventing diabetes by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. If you are living with diabetes, this invaluable guide offers in-depth explanations of the recommended lifestyle changes that can help you manage the disease, stressing the importance of rigorous testing and control of your blood sugar to avoid complications. You will learn about the available medications for treating diabetes and about alternative and complementary therapies. The book also includes sections on gestational diabetes and the increasing threat that type 2 diabetes poses to at-risk children. –Product description from the publisher
Mental Health
Also see Wellness and Alternative & Complementary Medicine
Burns DD. Feeling Good: the New Mood Therapy. Rev. and updated. New York: Harper; 2009. ISBN: 0380810336 $7.99
In Feeling Good, eminent psychiatrist, David D. Burns, M.D., outlines the remarkable, scientifically proven techniques that will immediately lift your spirits and help you develop a positive outlook on life. Now, in this updated edition, Dr. Burns adds an All-New Consumer's Guide To Anti-depressant Drugs as well as a new introduction to help answer your questions about the many options available for treating depression. Learn how to recognise what causes your mood swings, nip negative feelings in the bud, deal with guilt, handle hostility and criticism, overcome addiction to love and approval, build self-esteem, and feel good everyday. – Worlcat abstract.
Williams JMG, Teasdale JD, Segal ZV, Kabat-Zinn J. The Mindful Way Through Depression. New York: Guilford Press; 2007. ISBN: 1593851286 $19.95
Along with Feeling good, this book was recommended for the list by the psychologist at our Family Medicine Clinic. FF
Solomon A. The Noonday Demon: an Atlas of Depression. New York: Scribner; 2003. ISBN: 0684854678 $12.24
"Depression is the flaw in love. To be creatures who love, we must be creatures who despair," begins Solomon's expansive and astutely observed examination of the experience, origins, and cultural manifestations of depression. While placing his study in a broad social contex-- according to recent research, some 19 million Americans suffer from chronic depression--he also chronicles his own battle with the disease.… In examining depression as a cultural phenomenon, he cites many literary melancholics Virginia Woolf, Samuel Beckett, John Milton, Shakespeare, John Keats, and George Eliot as well as such thinkers as Freud and Hegel, to map out his "atlas" of the condition. Smart, empathetic, and exhibiting a wide and resonant knowledge of the topic, Solomon has provided an enlightening and sobering window onto both the medical and imaginative worlds of depression.—Publishers Weekly
Mondimore FM. Bipolar Disorder: a Guide for Patients and Families. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press; 2006. ISBN: 0801883148 $19.95
"An excellent guide to a painful and difficult yet treatable illness. Dr. Mondimore's outstanding abilities as clinician and teacher are put to good use in this indispensable book." -- Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and author of An Unquiet Mind
Fuller Torrey E. Surviving Schizophrenia: a Manual for Families, Patients, and Providers. 5th ed. New York: Collins; 2006. ISBN: 0060842598 $15.99
In clear language, this much-praised and important book describes the nature, causes, symptoms, treatment and course of schizophrenia and also explores living with it from both the patient and the family's point of view. This new, completely updated fifth edition includes the latest research findings on what causes the disease as well as information about the newest drugs for treatment and answers to the questions most often asked by families, consumers and providers. – Worldcat abstract
Jones S, Hayward P. Coping with Schizophrenia: a Guide for Patients, Families, and Caregivers. Oxford: Oneworld; 2005. ISBN 1851683445 $17.95
Schizophrenia is on the rise, and here are two books on the subject. Clinical psychologists Jones (Univ. of Manchester, England) and Hayward (Inst. of Psychiatry, London) follow up their Coping with Bipolar Disorder with this empowering and respectful approach to schizophrenia. Inspired by thenclinical work with schizophrenic patients, the authors provide a self-help guide targeted to those suffering with the disease as well as family members and caregivers. A brief summary of the diagnosis is followed by concise chapters illuminating the impact of the disease in today s society, ten common myths about schizophrenia, state-of-the-art treatment modalities, cutting-edge medications, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, among other topics. The authors supply solid advice for sufferers and emphasize family. Eschewing professional jargon, this important guide doubles as a key reference for helping professionals; highly recommended for public libraries. --Dale Farris. Library Journal. 2005. 130(1); 132.
Beattie M. The New Codependency: Help and Guidance for Today's Generation. New York: Simon & Schuster; 2009. ISBN: 1439101922 $13.54
In her first book, Melody Beattie introduced the term codependency and established herself as a pioneer in self-help literature. Twenty-five years later, concepts such as self-care and setting boundaries are part of mainstream culture. This follow-up clears up misconceptions, identifies how codependent behavior has changed, and provides a new generation with a road map to wellness. Codependency, she shows, is not an illness but rather a series of behaviors that can be successfully combated. She reminds us that much of codependency is normal behavior. There are times we do too much, feel too little, or overly engage. Feeling resentment after giving is not the same as heartfelt generosity. In addition to tests allowing us to assess the level of our codependent behavior, she offers overviews of and activities pertaining to particular behaviors--caretaking, controlling, manipulation, denial, repression, etc.--enabling us to personalize our own step-by-step guide to wellness.—Product description from the publisher
Grief and Loss
Kubler-Ross E, Kessler D. On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss. New York: Scribner; 2007. ISBN: 0743266293 $10.20
Just as On Death and Dying taught us the five stages of death -- denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance -- On Grief and Grieving applies these stages to the grieving process and weaves together theory, inspiration, and practical advice, including sections on sadness, hauntings, dreams, isolation, and healing. --Product description from the publisher
Noel B, Blair PD. I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye: Surviving, Coping & Healing After the Sudden Death of a Loved One. Naperville, Ill: Sourcebooks; 2008. ISBN: 1402212216 $10.87
These two women have been there themselves, tell their stories, then provide a helpful hands-on approach to dealing with grief. It offers practical exercises for working through the mourning process. Especially helpful grief book during the first weeks after a sudden tragic loss – Recover-From-Grief. Best grief and loss books: Top resources for the bereaved [web page]. Accessed September 3 2010 from: www.recover-from-grief.com
HIV
Bartlett JG, Finkbeiner AK. The Guide to Living with Hiv Infection: Developed at the Johns Hopkins Aids Clinic. Blatimore: Johns Hopkins University Press; 2007. ISBN: 0801884853 $33.75
Bartlett, professor of medicine and director of the Infectious Diseases Division of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, and Finkbeiner, a science writer, have written this authoritative, plain-spoken book to let people with HIV infection, Aids-Related Complex (ARC), or AIDS "know what they're up against" and to help them deal thoroughly and positively with the medical and emotional problems the infection presents. Aimed at teaching HIV-infected people "how to live as long and full and satisfying a life as possible," this guide offers practical advice on such topics as what to do when diagnosed, how to prevent transmission, and how to maintain positive attitudes. The glossary is especially helpful in understanding HIV/ARC/AIDS terminology. With more than one million Americans living with HIV infection, this book is recommended to the broadest readership as one of the best AIDS popular handbooks. The paperback is a good buy.-- Swanton J. Library Journal. Jul 1991. 116(12);122. (previous edition)
Consent to treatment
Rozovsky LE. The Canadian Law of Consent to Treatment. 3rd ed. Toronto: LexisNexis Butterworths; 2003. ISBN 0433441712 CDN$88.33
Advanced planning
Molloy W. Let Me Decide: Why We All Need a Living Will. Toronto: Penguin Canada; 2005. ISBN: 0143055496 $45.39
As medical science advances beyond what was previously thought possible, and the courts and governments become increasingly able and willing to take a role in our personal decisions, it has never been more necessary to think seriously about future health care options. The health care directive contained within this book has been developed over many years of research and consultation by one of Canada's foremost experts in geriatric and palliative care. Written specifically for Canadians, this book contains clear advice on creating a living will and on discussing important choices with family members and doctors. --Product description from the publisher