Consumer Health Bibliography for the Small Public Library
by Gail Hendler, MLS AHIP
New York University Medical Center
Ehrman Medical Library
550 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016
hendler@med.library.nyu.edu
Updated July, 2001
Now, in its fourth edition, the goal of this bibliography remains to provide a list of high-quality titles for the small public library or small consumer health collection. Mindful of space and budget, this year, the total forty-four print titles have not increased in number from last year. However, the total cost of the titles is $1,735.05 down from $1,799.60 last year. Four new print titles have been added to the bibliography and seven books have been updated. NEW TITLE and NEW EDITION are indicated beside the title when appropriate. Additionally, this year's guide includes links to three more free full-text, online resources. I hope this feature proves useful and continues to grow annually.
Many libraries will undoubtedly own at least some of the titles on the list, and will not need to purchase each title. The list aims to continue to provide basic sources that will enable a librarian with a small collection to provide accurate, current, and authoritative health information on a wide variety of health topics. There are many wonderful consumer health books out there. This is your beginning.
Table of Contents
Anatomy | Children's Health | Dental Health | Dictionaries | Directories | Aids | Cancer | Death & Dying | Diabetes | Heart Disease | Drug Handbooks | Integrative/Alternative Medicine | Medical Encyclopedias, Guides & Textbooks | Medical Genetics | Medical Tests | Mental Health | Nutrition | Reference | Surgery | Women's Health
Anatomy
THE HUMAN BODY: AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO ITS STRUCTURE, FUNCTION, AND DISORDERS. Charles Clayman, Ed. Dorling-Kindersley, 1995. $29.95 ISBN 1564589927.
The clear and engaging illustrations offer a superb visual format for understanding the body human. Readers love using this book, which also contains loads of information on common problems, diagnostic and surgical procedures, and treatments.
HUMAN ANATOMY ONLINE
http://www.innerbody.com/image/skelfov.html/
Interactive and fun site teaches anatomy essentials--just click and learn.
Children's Health
TAKING CARE OF YOUR CHILD: A PARENT'S ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO COMPLETE MEDICAL CARE. 5th ed. Robert H. Pantell, James F. Fries and Donald M. Vickery. HarperCollins, 1999. $18.00 ISBN 0738200603.
Smart and easy-to-read information for parents on growth and development, medications, injuries, illnesses, immunizations, and more. Won the American Medical Writers Association Award.
Dental Health
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF DENTAL REMEDIES: GUIDE TO NUTRITIONAL AND CONVENTIONAL DENTAL CARE. Carol Turkington. Avery Publishing Group, 1996. $15.95. Paper. ISBN 0895296578.
Discusses the basics of oral hygiene, nutrition and diet. Provides information on conventional and holistic therapies, dental disorders and techniques.
Dictionaries
DICTIONARY OF MEDICAL ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS. 4th ed. Stanley Jablonski. Lippincott, 2001. $25.00. ISBN 1560534605. NEW EDITION
Has ASHD got you stumped? It is in here along with definitions for other disease, lab test, and organizational abbreviations.
DICTIONARY OF MEDICAL SYNDROMES. 4th Ed. Sergio I. Magalini, M.D. Lippincott-Raven, 1997. $99.00. ISBN 0397584180.
Yes, the price is a tad steep, but where else can you get basic information and a bibliography on Purple People Syndrome?
Mosby's Medical, Nursing & Allied Health Dictionary 6th ed.- NEW TITLE - Mosby-Year-Book, 2001. $34.95. ISBN 0323014305.
Geared for the nurse and/or allied health professional, dictionary contains pronunciation and accessible definitions for the consumer. Not as comprehensive as Dorland's, and you should have both, this book should be used as your first choice for providing the lay reader with basic definitions of medical terminology. The sixth edition is due in October, 2001.
DORLAND'S ILLUSTRATED MEDICAL DICTIONARY, 29TH Ed. W.B. Saunders, April 2000. $49.95 ISBN 0721662544.
A standard, authoritative medical dictionary which is indispensable to any health collection. The 29th edition is due early in 2000.
Medlineplus: Online Dictionaries.
Courtesy of the National Library of Medicine, links to free, online dictionaries: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dictionaries.html/
Directories
AMERICA'S BEST HOSPITALS: U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/nycu/health/hosptl/tophosp.htm/
MEDICAL DIRECTORY OF NEW YORK STATE 2001 - 2002 - NEW EDITION - . Medical Society of the State of New York, 2001. $125.00. ISBN 9991610510.
A listing of M.D. and osteopath members of the New York State Medical Society. Entries are brief, but it does contain a listing of hospitals with staff lists, and the telephone numbers of the local medical societies.
HOW TO FIND THE BEST DOCTORS: NEW YORK METRO AREA . 4th Ed. Castle Connolly Ltd. 1999. $24.95. ISBN 1883769663.
The better choice for New York doctor information. The focus is on participating HMO providers, and the selection is based on interviews with the doctor's colleagues. The guide provides very useful information such as, types of insurance/charge cards accepted, office hours, phone and address, patient's rights, how to file a complaint, and a clear explanation of managed care plans. Especially useful is the Special Practice Index, which locates docs who specialize in a particular disease.
AIDS
THE GUIDE TO LIVING WITH HIV INFECTION: DEVELOPED AT THE JOHNS HOPKINS AIDS CLINIC. 5th Ed. - NEW EDITION - John G. Bartlett and Ann K. Finkbeiner. Johns Hopkins, UP. May 31, 2001. $16.95. ISBN 0801867444.
The fifth edition of this book continues to provide clear and accurate information on how HIV is transmitted, seroconversion, evaluation of treatment options, new drug therapies, HIV and women, as well as the emotional, legal, social, and financial aspects of living with AIDS. Highly recommended.
Cancer
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY'S INFORMED DECISIONS: THE COMPLETE BOOK OF CANCER DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND RECOVERY. 2nd Ed. - NEW EDITION - Harmon J. Eyre, M.D. American Cancer Society, September, 2001. $39.95 ISBN 0944235271.
This is a wonderful book. The first, truly comprehensive cancer resource for patients, and now updated, and revised. Topics covered in the first part of the book are investigational treatments, biological therapies, clinical trials, coping strategies, children's cancer, supportive care, pain relief, support networks, diagnostic tests, alternative therapies, signs and symptoms, and the language of cancer. The second part of the book comprises, "An Encyclopedia of Common and Uncommon Cancers," discusses cancers by body site, in detail. Other outstanding features of the book are its clear diagrams, and appendices of "Online information Sources" and "Resources". Very highly recommended.
CHILDHOOD CANCER: A HANDBOOK FROM ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPTIAL - NEW TITLE - R. Grant Steen and Joseph Mirro. Harper Collins Publishers, 2000. $30.00. ISBN 0738202770.
Finally, a cancer textbook written in plain English for non-professionals by experts in the field on topics relevant to patients and their family and friends. You will not find a clearer, more sensitive and informative text anywhere. Essential purchase.
EVERYONE'S GUIDE TO CANCER THERAPY: HOW CANCER IS DIAGNOSED, TREATED, AND MANAGED DAY TO DAY. 3rd Ed. Martin Dollinger. Andrews & McMeel Publishers, 1998. $19.95. ISBN 0836237099.
Provides a thorough, readable explanation of cancer type by stage with the emphasis on treatment. A glossary and questions to ask the physician are also included. Highly recommended.
FIGHTING CANCER.
http://oncolink.upenn.edu/psychosocial/books/bloch/
Oncolink provides a patient authored guide to living with cancer. Topics covered include: cancer basics; medical treatments; patient-physician communication; pain relief; prayer and more.
UNDERSTANDING CANCER: A PATIENT'S GUIDE TO DIAGNOSIS, PROGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT. C. Norman Coleman. Johns Hopkins UP, 1998. $13.95 ISBN 0-8018-6020-2.
The last essential purchase for understanding cancer treatment. This book explains the process of gathering, interpreting and appraising the evidence for cancer treatment options. Very highly recommended.
Death and Dying
HANDBOOK FOR MORTALS: GUIDANCE FOR PEOPLE FACING SERIOUS ILLNESS. Joanne Lynn and Joan Harrold. Oxford UP, March 1999. $25.00 ISBN 0195116623.
Edited by the Director of the Center to Improve Care for the Dying, this compassionate and practical guide answers the questions patients and caregivers need to address about final phase of life. Compassionate and clear this is an exceptional book.
Diabetes
AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION COMPLETE GUIDE TO DIABETES 2nd Ed. - NEW TITLE - American Diabetes Association. American Diabetes Association, 1999. $23.95. ISBN 1580400388 .
Covers all treatment, diagnosis and management essentials for those newly diagnosed.
Heart Disease
MAYO CLINIC HEART BOOK: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HEART HEALTH. 2nd Ed. Bernard J. Gersh, Ed. William Morrow, March 2000. $30.00 ISBN 0688176429.
Newly revised to reflect the latest in preventing, diagnosing and treating heart disease. The text continues to provide outstanding, authoritative and comprehensive cardiology information for patients. Discusses preventative care, types of heart diseases, treatments, tests and procedures, and medications. Highly recommended.
YALE HEART BOOK. The 1992 edition of this reference text is available online: http://www.med.yale.edu/library/heartbk/
Drug Handbooks
COMPLETE DRUG REFERENCE: 2001 EDITION. - NEW EDITION - Consumer Reports, Ed. United States Pharmacopoeia Staff, Ed. Consumer Reports Books. November 2001. $44.95. ISBN 0890439427 .
This is Volume II of USP Advice for the Layman. Published annually, this title contains information on over 9,000 brand name, generic, and over the counter drugs, in English. Highly recommended.
HEALTHTOUCH: DRUG INFORMATION.
Patient oriented information from USP/Micromedix that also includes info on vitamins, supplements and natural medicines: http://www.healthtouch.com/
PHYSICIANS' DESK REFERENCE 2002. 56th Ed. - NEW EDITION - Medical Economics, November 2001. $82.95 ISBN 1563634112. Due in November, 2001, the latest edition of the standard drug handbook for physicians that your patrons will ask for. By name.
Integrative/Alternative Medicine
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE. Burton Goldberg Group, Compiler. Future Medicine Publishers, 1993. $59.95 ISBN 0963633430. pap. Sept. 1998. $29.95 ISBN 1887299335.
An encyclopedia of the various alternative therapies that discusses how the therapy works, the history of the therapy, and provides a bibliography and resources. Highly recommended.
THE MEDICAL ADVISOR: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO ALTERNATIVE AND CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS. 2nd Ed. - NEW EDITION - Editors of Time-Life. Time-Life, Inc., October, 2000. $19.95 ISBN 0737016299.
The second edition of this book remains a very convenient way to find and compare information on both the traditional and alternative therapy of a given illness.
CHOICES IN HEALING: INTEGRATING THE BEST OF CONVENTIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO CANCER. Michael Lerner. MIT Press, 1996. $17.50 ISBN 0262621.
An intelligent and close look at traditional and conventional therapies for cancer. Highly recommended. Available free, online: http://www.commonweal.org/choicescontents.html
THIRD OPINION: AN INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY TO ALTERNATIVE THERAPY CENTERS FOR THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF CANCER. 3rd Ed. John M. Fink. Avery Publishing, 1997. $16.95 ISBN 0895297701.
A directory of alternative cancer treatment centers worldwide.
Medical Encyclopedias, Guides and Textbooks
CECIL TEXTBOK OF MEDICINE. 21st Ed. J. Claude Bennett, Ed. And Lee Goldman, Ed. W.B. Saunders, October 1999. $120.00. ISBN 072167996X.
Single volume. This is the classic, professional level text on medicine.
THE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS COMPLETE HOME MEDICAL GUIDE. 3 rd revised edition. Genell J. Subak-Sharpe, Ed. Random House, 1995. $50.00 ISBN 0517596105.
This excellent resource is now available at no charge on the web: http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/texts/guide/
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS COMPLETE HOME MEDICAL GUIDE. David R. Goldman, Ed. Dorling Kindersley, October 1999. $40.00 ISBN 0789444127.
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.
MERCK MANUAL OF MEDICAL INFORMATION: HOME EDITION. Merck, 1997. $29.95 ISBN 0911910875. The standard medical handbook is now available in a home edition that makes all of the information of the Merck available in plain English. There will be some duplication of information between the four titles discussed, however, you will find that each title by itself does not provide all the information you will need for a health collection. If you can afford to purchase all, it would be a very worthwhile investment as all are highly recommended. As of March, 2000 the text is available free, online: http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual_home/mmhome.html
PHYSICIANS' GUIDE TO RARE DISEASES. 2nd Ed. Jesse G. Thoene, M.D., Ed. Dowden Publishing Company, 1995. $115.25. ISBN 0962871613.
Written for physicians, this superb handbook is accessible to all. Provides synonyms, etiology, transmission, diagnosis, standard and investigational treatments, and current, select references to the literature. The appendices provide a Master Resource List of associations/support groups for further information. A third edition is scheduled for publication in 2000. Very highly recommended.
Medical Genetics
ALTERED FATES: GENE THERAPY AND THE RETOOLING OF HUMAN LIFE. Jeff Lyon and Peter Gorner. W.W. Norton, 1996. $15.95. ISBN 0393315282.
An excellent layman's introduction to the facts and implications of the Human Genome Project and its logical conclusion-gene therapy.
DOES IT RUN IN THE FAMILY?: A CONSUMER'S GUIDE TO DNA TESTING FOR GENETIC DISORDERS. Doris Teichler-Zallen .
Rutgers UP, 1997. $24.95. ISBN 0813524466. A geneticist tackles the basics of genetic disorders and genetic testing and provides clear questions to ask health care professionals. Highly recommended.
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GENETIC DISORDERS AND BIRTH DEFECTS. James Wynbrandt and Mark D. Ludman. 2nd Ed. Facts on File, 1999. $65.00. ISBN 0816038090.
Over 600 disorders are covered with an emphasis on providing outcome, prenatal detection and association and support group information.
Medical Tests
HANDBOOK OF LABORATORY AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS WITH NURSING IMPLICATIONS. - NEW EDITION - 4th Ed. Joyce Lefever Kee. Prentice Hall Health, 2001. $31.95 ISBN 083853628X.
Geared towards nurses, this book provides clear explanations of and reference ranges for lab tests and diagnostic procedures. Highly recommended.
THE YALE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE PATIENT'S GUIDE TO MEDICAL TESTS. - NEW RESOURCE -
Lycos and WebMD provide free, online access to this authoritative and informative text that provides basic facts on over 400 medical tests: http://my.webmd.com/content/asset/yale_lab_tests_index.html
Mental Health
CARING FOR THE MIND: THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO MENTAL HEALTH. Dianne Hales and Robert E. Hales. Bantam Doubleday, 1996. $25.95 ISBN 0553375113.
The paperback reprint edition remains an indispensable guide to the signs and symptoms, causes, complications, risks, and treatment for an assortment of psychiatric disorders.
SELF HELP SOURCEBOOK ONLINE. Updated in 2001 to help you find support groups locally or globally: http://mentalhelp.net/selfhelp/
Nutrition
CONCISE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FOOD AND NUTRITION.2nd Ed. Audrey H. Ensminger. CRC Press, 1995. $139.00 ISBN 0849344557.
Comprehensive coverage of food and nutrition practice with historical information included. Very highly recommended.
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO VITAMINS AND MINERALS. 2nd Ed. Elizabeth Somer. HarperCollins, 1996. $17.00 ISBN 0062733451.
A very nice title that discusses the roles of vitamins and minerals, deficiencies, antioxidants, nutrient requirements, and basic facts and myths of vitamins and minerals.
Reference
CONSUMER HEALTH INFORMATION SOURCE BOOK. 6TH Ed. Alan Rees. Oryx Press, 2000. $59.50 ISBN 1573561231.
Now in its 6th edition, this title stands as the definitive and authoritative bibliography on consumer health. Rees gives solid advice, and introduces the reader to the current book, video, CD-ROM, pamphlet, and periodical titles in consumer health. A must for any serious consumer health library. http://www.oryxpress.com/scripts/book.idc?acro=CHSB6/
MAKING INFORMED MEDICAL DECISIONS: WHERE TO LOOK AND HOW TO USE WHAT YOU FIND. - NEW TITLE - Nancy Oster, Lucy Thomas and Darol Joseff. O'Reilly & Associates, July, 2000. $17.95 ISBN 1565924592.
A medical librarian, a medical doctor and a medical writer demonstrate where to find heath information and how to interpret research studies. Timely and highly recommended for all collections.
YOUR RIGHTS AS A HOSPITAL PATIENT IN NEW YORK. New York State Department of Health, Consumer Information Council. Free.
You probably have it in your reference collection. Provides contact information for assistance in filing a complaint. Online version: http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/hospital/english.htm
Surgery
SURGERY BOOK: AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO 73 OF THE MOST COMMON OPERATIONS. Robert M. Youngson. St. Martin's Press, 1993. $17.95 ISBN 0312152183.
Covers common surgical procedures as well as cosmetic and dental surgery. Clear diagrams aid the patient to understand the surgical process. Information is brief, but covers the basic questions consumers have about a procedure.
SECOND OPINION: THE COLUMBIA PRESBYTERIAN GUIDE TO SURGERY. Eric A. Rose. St. Martins Press, 2000. $27.95. ISBN 0312205848.
Authored by the Surgeon-in-Chief of Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, NY, NY, this clear guide directs patients to the essential questions to ask prior to making treatment decisions. Highly recommended.
Women's Health
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: WOMEN AND CANCER: A THOROUGH AND COMPASSIONATE RESOURCE FOR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES. Carolyn Runowicz and Jeanne M. Petrek. Villard Books, 1999. $14.95. ISBN 0679778144.
Breast, cervix, uterus and ovary cancers are discussed in this authoritative handbook of accurate, well-written, and current information on gynecologic cancers.
OUR BODIES, OUSELVES FOR THE NEW CENTURY: A BOOK BY & FOR WOMEN. Boston Women's Health Collective Staff. Touchstone, 1998. $24.00 ISBN 0684842319.
A comprehensive guide to health care for women. Topics covered are: menopause and growing older, sexuality, anatomy and physiology of reproduction, pregnancy and childbirth, violence against women, birth control, infertility and miscarriage, food and body image, abortion, drug abuse, male-female relationships, AIDS, health and medical problems, and lesbian life and relationships. The first, and still the best. Select, online excerpts from this book can be found at: http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/excerpts.htm
MAYO CLINIC COMPLETE BOOK OF PREGNANCY AND BABY'S FIRST YEAR. Robert V. Johnson, M.D., Ed. William Morrow, 1994. $33.00 ISBN 0688117619.
Contributors to this rich resource come from specialists in the fields of obstetrics, family medicine, nursing, nutrition, and social work, to name a few. Contains illustrations of fetal development with comprehensive coverage of the physical, social and emotional aspects of pregnancy and infancy. Highly recommended.