Consumer Connections
ISSN 1535-7821 Vol. 25 No. 2 2009
Announcements
Articles
- Update from the National Library of Medicine, Division of Specialized Information Services
- Vaccines and Consumer Health Information in the Media
Book Reviews
- What to Expect When You Have Diabetes: 170 Tips for Living Well with Diabetes.
- The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander.
- Special-Needs Kids Eat Right: Strategies to help Kids on the Autism Spectrum Focus, Learn and Thrive
- The 10-Minute Total Body Breakthrough
- Stop That Seemingly Senseless Behavior! FBA-Based Interventions for People with Autism
- Stronger after Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery
- Birth Day: A Pediatrician Explores the Science, the History, and the Wonder of Childbirth
- Eating for Autism: The Revolutionary 10 – Step Nutrition Plan to Help Treat Your Child's Autism, Asperger's, or ADHD.
- Fitness After 40: How to stay strong at any age
Publication Information
Announcements
CAPHIS Kudos
Congratulations to Ruti Volk, Librarian and Manager of the Patient Education Resource Center at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center & Mardigian Wellness Resource Center Cardiovascular Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ruti is the 2009 recipient of the Consumer and Patient Health Information Section of MLA (CAPHIS) Outstanding Consumer Health Information Service Award.
This award is offered by the Consumer and Patient Health Information Section of the Medical Library Association to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of consumer health librarianship. She was presented with a plaque and $500.00. Ruti exemplifies the criteria of the Outstanding Consumer Health Information Service Award and has made numerous contributions to consumer health librarianship over the years. Ruti works with those affected by cancer and cardiovascular disease. She has several recent publications including "The medical library association guide to cancer information: authoritative, patient-friendly, print and electronic information sources" (Neal-Schuman) and "Expert searching in consumer health: an important role for libraries at the age of the internet and the web" (Journal of Medical Library Association). In addition, she assisted in finding a solution to access cancer meeting abstracts after the fall of the National Cancer Institute's CancerLit. Ruti has also created several unique resources to aid people in finding information such as Shelly's Place, www.umich.edu/~rvolk/shelly.html, an internal website devoted to cancer information and Brochure Boss, a database for ordering brochures. Ruti is a role model as an instructor and colleague and participates in several librarian associations including Michigan Health Sciences Library Association, the Cancer Librarian section of MLA, and the Consumer and Patient Health Information Section of MLA.
To see her acceptance speech, please see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fix7jIUevZM.
Submitted by: Mandy Meloy and Steven Douglas
Articles
Update from the National Library of Medicine, Division of Specialized Information Services
TOXMAP http://toxmap.nlm.nih.gov
TOXMAP now has updated mortality data and a new look for TOXMAP News. News now uses the Movable Type blog software to manage its news.
Other TOXMAP updates include:
The TOXMAP widget (http://toxmap.nlm.nih.gov/toxmap/widgets/toxmapWidget.html) allows you or your users to launch a TOXMAP search from your blog, wiki, or Web page. Enter a ZIP code into the widget to see a map of TRI facilities and Superfund NPL sites, or click "More info" to go to the TOXMAP home page.
The TOXMAP toolbar (http://toxmap.mylibrarytoolbar.com/) lets you search TRI releases, Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) sites by contaminant, or TRI facilities and Superfund NPL sites by ZIP code-- all from your browser search box.
TOXMAP is a Geographic Information System (GIS) from the Division of Specialized Information Services (http://sis.nlm.nih.gov) of the US National Library of Medicine (NLM) (http://www.nlm.nih.gov) that uses maps of the United States to help users visually explore data from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Toxics Release Inventory and Superfund Program.
Radiation Event Medical Management (REMM): New VersionA new version of the REMM web site was released in June, and includes a major update of the Dose Estimator for Exposure. http://remm.nlm.gov/
This easy-to-use tool now employs algorithms for "vomiting" and "lymphocyte depletion kinetics" developed by the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI) in their most current Biodosimetry Assessment Tool (BAT).
Radiation Event Medical Management (REMM) (http://remm.nlm.gov) provides easy to follow algorithms for diagnosis and management of radiation contamination and exposure, guidance for the use of radiation countermeasures, and a variety of other features to facilitate medical responses.
Guidance on diagnosis and treatment will help health care providers by describing:- types of radiation emergencies they may face
- initial medical actions at the incident site and or medical facility
- specific issues that apply to care in radiation mass casualty events.
More REMM news can be found at: http://remm.nlm.gov/whatsnew.htm
DIRLINE Updated with Disaster and Emergency RecordsDIRLINE (http://dirline.nlm.nih.gov/) has added approximately 600 records for State Agencies involved with disaster planning and emergency management. These include National Guard and law enforcement, homeland security, emergency medical services, public health, environmental and transportation agencies. Search the term "DIMRC" (Disaster Information Management Research Center) or "Disaster resources" to retrieve these records.
DIRLINE (Directory of Information Resources Online) is the National Library of Medicine's online database containing location and descriptive information about a wide variety of information resources including organizations, research resources, projects, and databases concerned with health and biomedicine. This information may not be readily available in bibliographic databases. Each record may contain information on the publications, holdings, and services provided. DIRLINE contains over 8,500 records and focuses primarily on health and biomedicine, although it also provides limited coverage of some other special interests.
Special Population Web SitesThe NLM Arctic Health web site (http://www.arctichealth.org/) has enhanced its health topics section, which is targeted to consumers that live in arctic regions or other cold climates. (http://www.arctichealth.org/healthtopiccircle.php)
Each topic is now separated into one of four categories based on relevance. Links to resources that are written specifically for people of the Arctic, including Alaskan Natives have been separated from general health information resources such as MedlinePlus and other NIH Institutes and Centers.
The enhancement will be complete by August 1, 2009. A poster about Arctic Health, and the new health topics section is being presented at the International Congress on Circumpolar Health in Yellowknife Canada in July.
NLM will present a poster on the American Indian Health Web site (http://americanindianhealth.nlm.nih.gov/) at the Indian Health Summit in Denver Colorado in July. The poster focuses on the development of the Web site through an American Indian Health user group and focus groups of consumers and health professionals. Also highlighted are changes to the site that have resulted from user testing.
A videocast of the Hazardous Substances Data Bank Symposium, held May 6, 2009 at the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, MD, is now available:http://videocast.nih.gov/Summary.asp?File=15088 (Runtime 210 minutes)
"The Hazardous Substances Data Bank: Historical Aspects and Future Role as a Toxicology and Environmental Science Resource" symposium was part of the commemoration of the 75th meeting of the Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) Scientific Review Panel (SRP). It includes presentations on the history and current use of HSDB as well as an analysis of its data. The symposium also provides a discussion by a panel of experts from government and non-government organizations exploring future opportunities for HSDB data enhancement.
The Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) contains over 5,000 records of information on potentially hazardous chemicals including information on human exposure, industrial hygiene, emergency handling procedures, environmental fate, regulatory requirements, and related areas. HSDB is peer-reviewed by the SRP, a committee of experts in the major subject areas within the data bank's scope.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/hsdbfs.html
Haz-Map now contains 2500 agents. http://hazmap.nlm.nih.gov/
A new data element-- "WEEL" (Workplace Environmental Exposure Levels) --has also been added.
http://www.aiha.org/content/insideaiha/volunteer+groups/weelcomm.htm
Haz-Map is an occupational health database designed for health and safety professionals and for consumers seeking information about the health effects of exposure to chemicals and biologicals at work. Haz-Map links jobs and hazardous tasks with occupational diseases and their symptoms. It covers 2030 agents, and 225 occupational diseases.
More information about Haz-Map can be obtained at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/hazmap.html
Class Opportunity: TOXNET® and Beyond
The TOXNET® and Beyond class covers using the National Library of Medicine's Environmental Health and Toxicology Portal.
Classes will be held Tuesday, August 18, 2009, 9:00 AM- 4:00PM. Classes will be held at:
University of Washington
Health Sciences Library/Library Teaching Lab
1959 NE Pacific Street
Library Teaching Computer Lab, Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Center
Contact: Linda Milgrom; lmilgrom@u.washington.edu; (206) 221-3400
This full-day class is designed to convey the basics of searching the NLM's TOXNET, a web-based system of databases in the areas of toxicology, environmental health, and related subjects. Students learn the content and structure of files covering toxicology data, toxicology literature, toxic releases, and chemical searching and nomenclature. Among the databases highlighted are TOXLINE®, the Hazardous Substances Data Bank, the Integrated Risk Information System, the Toxic Release Inventory, and ChemIDplus. This class is for U.S. domestic searchers. There are no fees for training but students must cover their own travel and lodging. Classes are held throughout the United States. The training schedule and other details are available from the National Training Center and Clearinghouse. http://nnlm.gov/ntcc
The TOXNET class is awarded 6 MLA continuing education credits.http://nnlm.gov/ntcc/classes/schedule.html#class5
Stay Updated!
NLM-Tox-Enviro-Health-L is an email announcement list available from the National Library of Medicine (NLM)'s Division of Specialized Information Services (SIS). The purpose of the announcement list is to broadcast updates on SIS's resources, services, and outreach in toxicology and environmental health. The NLM-Tox-Enviro-Health-L Archives allow users to search list postings, and to modify subscription options.
To subscribe to the NLM-Tox-Enviro-Health-L announcement list, please send the following text in the body of an email to listserv@list.nih.gov: SUBSCRIBE NLM-Tox-Enviro-Health-L your name or use the list serv web page:
http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/enviro/envirolistserv.html
Submitted by Colette Hochstein, D.M.D., MLS (Colette@nlm.nih.gov), Division of Specialized Information Services, NLM
Vaccines and Consumer Health Information in the Media
Reprinted with permission from Val Jones, MD: http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=501
Check out more of her blogs at: http://www.getbetterhealth.org/
I’ve been fairly quiet about Jenny McCarthy’s campaign against childhood vaccinations, partly because Dr. David Gorski has covered the issue so thoroughly already, and partly because of my "do not engage" policy relating to the deeply irrational (i.e. there’s no winning an argument with "crazy.") But this week I was filled with a renewed sense of urgency regarding the anti-vaccinationist movement for two reasons: 1) I received a personal email from a woman who is being treated with hostility by her peers for her pro-science views on vaccines and 2) a friend forwarded me a video of Jenny McCarthy speaking directly to moms, instructing them to avoid vaccinating their kids or giving them milk or wheat because of their supposed marijuana-like addictive properties.
Anti-Vaccination Views Are A Status Symbol?
I was surprised to discover that some pro-science moms are being mocked by peers who are uninterested in evidence, choosing to believe any dubious source of health information that questions the "medical establishment." This concerned mom writes:
I am the mother of two young children, and I live in the trenches of the anti-vax woo. In my circle of about 14 mothers, my anecdotal analysis is that the rate of complete vaccination hovers around 60%. The mothers in this group are all very well educated, middle-class or affluent, predominantly stay-home mothers. One problem is what they consider reliable sources of information. They rely on anecdotes and dismiss scientific evidence in part because they are very anti-medical establishment. The group is self-validating and many shared values (and myths) increase in intensity over time.
Many of the mothers practice "Natural Family Living" which has some appealing aspects, but also harbors elements of a cult. In this environment, anti-vaccination becomes a very powerful status symbol… I have lost friendships and been partially ousted from this circle because of my views.
This note struck a chord with me, since I experienced similar hostility in the past for voicing my concern about pseudoscience and misleading consumer health information. I was accused of being "paternalistic, narrow-minded, a dinosaur - part of a dying breed, a racist against complementary and alternative medicine, and a Bible school teacher, preaching evidence-based medicine," insulted for my desire to be accurate about what was known and not known about treatment options, and my expertise, training, and academic credentials were called into question publicly on many occasions. I endured all of this primarily at the hands of someone who supposedly believed in "natural healing" and the "art of kindness" as an integral part of patient care.
I am troubled by the mounting antagonism towards those of us who’d like to use critical thinking and scientific reasoning to learn what we can about medicine and our health. I’m not sure what to do about it except to encourage one another to stand strong for science and reason – to expect all manner of attacks and insults, and to be firmly committed to the objective quest for truth. It shall set us free.
Jenny McCarthy – Inaccurate, Unhelpful and Dangerous Advice
Although I find Jenny McCarthy’s advice and opinions painful to watch, I committed myself to viewing her recent video at my friend’s request. In order to spare you similar discomfort, let me simply summarize what she said so you can get a high level overview of the sort of bizarre and misinformed claims she promotes (feel free to check out the video for yourself).
"Autism is not primarily a genetic disorder, but caused by vaccine-related toxins (including mercury, aluminum, ether, anti-freeze ,and human aborted fetal tissue) and pesticides."
- A recent study published in Nature links genetic alternations in DNA that codes for neuronal cell adhesion molecules to autism spectrum disorders.
- A mercury-autism link has been fully debunked.
- An aluminum-autism link has been disproven.
- There is no ether, anti-freeze or human tissue in vaccines.
- There is no conclusive evidence of a link between pesticides and autism.
"Kids get ‘stoned’ by wheat and dairy toxins. Giving them wheat or dairy proteins is like giving children marijuana."
- There is currently no evidence that any diet improves or worsens the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. In fact, whole grains and dairy products are an important part of a healthy diet for most children.
"Food allergies are like Iran and Iraq. Glial cells (they’re like chef cell) provide food to the neuron kings. Glial cells can turn into Rambo to fight Iran and Iraq. If a child is allergic to everything, the Rambo cells stop feeding the neurons and the neurons starve. That causes the symptoms of autism."
- I don’t know what to say about this strange analogy - clearly no science-based information here.
"To treat autism, you need to give your child supplements to fight off the yeast in their bodies. I recommend Super Nathera, Culturelle, Cod Liver Oil, Caprylic Acid, CoQ10, Calcium, Vitamin C, Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin B12, B6, and Magnesium."
- There is no evidence of efficacy for any of these supplements in the treatment of autism.
"You need to consult with a DAN! Practitioner."
- DAN! Practitioners recommend chelation therapy for the treatment of autism. There is no evidence that chelation therapy has any benefit for children with autism, and in fact, can be fatal.
"Whatever you think becomes your reality. Imagine your child going to his/her prom and he’ll be cured."
I think it’s pretty clear that Jenny McCarthy’s recommendations range from ineffective (imaginary healing) to harmful (malnutrition related to absent dairy and wheat in the diet, excessive levels of vitamins) to deadly (chelation therapy with DAN! Practitioners). Will mothers watching her new show on Oprah fall for her pseudoscience and poor advice?
I was pleased to see this open letter to Oprah from one concerned mom. Here’s an excerpt:
"To me, it is clear that a significant number of people look up to you, and trust your advice and judgment. That is why it is such a huge mistake for you to endorse Jenny McCarthy with her own show on your network.
Surely you must realize that McCarthy is neither a medical professional nor a scientist. And yet she acts as a spokesperson for the anti-vaccination movement, a movement that directly impacts people’s health. Claims that vaccines are unsafe and cause autism have been refuted time after time, but their allure persists in part because of high-profile champions for ignorance like McCarthy. In fact, ten of the thirteen authors of the paper that sparked the modern anti-vaccination movement retracted the explosive conclusions they made due to insufficient evidence. Furthermore, it is now clear that the study’s main author, Andrew Wakefield, falsified data to support these shaky conclusions.
We have come close to eradicating life-threatening and crippling illnesses because of vaccines, but are now struggling to prevent outbreaks because of parents’ philosophical beliefs that vaccines are harmful. Realize this: when someone chooses not to vaccinate their child, they aren’t just putting their own child at risk, they are putting everyone else around them at risk. Diseases with vaccines should normally be of little concern even to unprotected individuals due to herd immunity – with the majority of the population immune, unprotected individuals are less likely to come into contact with the pathogen. Unfortunately, herd immunity disintegrates as fewer people are vaccinated, putting everyone who hasn’t yet been vaccinated at greater risk for infection. Now, the rates of infection by diseases for which we have safe and effective vaccines are climbing, thanks to anti-vaccination activists like Jenny McCarthy.
You reach millions of people every day and your words and endorsements carry an incredible amount of weight. If you say to buy a certain book, people will buy it. If you do a segment on a certain charity, people will contribute. And if you say that what Jenny McCarthy is saying has merit, people will believe you…"
Conclusion
A certain segment of society appears to be emotionally invested in medical beliefs that are not based on science, but rather anecdotes, conspiracy theories, and magical thinking. Those who recommend a more objective method of inquiry may be subject to ridicule and hostility by that segment. Nonetheless, it is important (for public health and safety purposes and the advancement of science) for critical thinking to be promoted and defended. While some celebrities, like Jenny McCarthy, are committed to misinforming the public about their children’s health - parents who recognize the deception are speaking out against it. Perhaps the best way to combat Jenny’s propaganda is to boycott Oprah. Refusing to support the promotion of dangerous pseudoscience may be our best defense.
Submitted by: Val Jones, MD, Better Health, LLC, http://www.getbetterhealth.com/
Book Reviews
American Diabetes Association.What to Expect When You Have Diabetes: 170 Tips for Living Well with Diabetes. Good Books, 2008. 216 p. Index. ISBN 978-1-56148-630-4 (pbk). $9.95.
Even acknowledging the disturbing rise in Type II diabetes, one has to ask if yet another book on the subject is really necessary. (According to Bowker's Books in Print, over 60 English language, popular books for adults on diabetes have been published already in 2009.) Still, there is something to be said for a book that addresses all aspects of the subject for the newly diagnosed in a series of very brief - generally no more than a paragraph or two – question and answer formatted pages that will appeal to those unable or unwilling to dive in to a heavier tome. Although the 10th grade reading level does not make this work accessible to readers of all education levels, this format, together with the charts (for example, a "self-care checklist") and glossary, work to adequately inform the reader without unduly taxing him or her. The scope is broad, ranging from basic background information (e.g., types of diabetes, including gestational diabetes) to specific tips on nutrition, weight management and exercise, complications of diabetes such as foot and eye problems, medications and alternative therapies and special health risks for diabetics. There is also an index provided.
What to Expect When You Have Diabetes breaks no new ground in the information it provides, but that information is sensible and solid. Coming from the American Diabetes Association, one can also assume the information is evidence-based although unfortunately there is no documentation of sources provided in this work. In short, this accessible and affordable paperback would make a good addition to most basic consumer health information collections.
Reviewed by: Kay Hogan Smith, UAB Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences, Birmingham, AL
Coloroso, Barbara. The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander. Harper Collins Publishers, Inc, 2003. 218 pp. ISBN 978-0-06-001430-8. $13.95.
Focusing on the different players in the environment of bullying, the author is an authority on child rearing that brings a background in sociology, special education, theology and the mother of three children to her writings. Other books under her name are kids are worth it! and Parenting Under Crises. The book discusses in detail the fear and trepidation of those who are bullied and their efforts to overcome, the bully who often carries his behaviors into adulthood by failing at relationships and jobs, and the bystander who must grapple with the price of intervening, ignoring the situation, or involvement in the actual taunting. Dissecting the primary characters in the play, the bully, the bullied, and the bystander, the author highlights behaviors that perpetuate bullying and strategies for early identification of bullies and the verbal, physical and relationship methods that bullies use to torment the bullied. Parents, teacher and administrators are given a clear list of identifying behaviors for those who are bullied so that prompt intervention can be undertaken.
The second section of the book is devoted to breaking the cycle of violence by early identification of both the bully and the bullied, as well as working to intervene with action focused strategies to involve schools and communities in efforts to break the cycle of bullying. A list of sources as well as an index as included in the text. Sprinkled with real-life scenarios and outcomes, and specifics for identification and intervention, the book is suitable not only for children but also for their parents, teachers, counselors and school administrators and would be a valued resource within a consumer health library.
Reviewed by: Carol Ann Attwood, MLS, AHIP, CHIS, MPH, RN,C, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Arizona
Converse, Judy, MD, MPH, RD, LD. Special-Needs Kids Eat Right: Strategies to help Kids on the Autism Spectrum Focus, Learn and Thrive. A Perigee Book, 2009. 304p. Index. ISBN: 9780399534881. $15.95.
Autism is a complex brain disorder that has no known cure. There are estimated to be 285,000 autistic children in the US. Parents of an autistic child face a sea of theories of origin and conflicting and bewildering treatment modalities, few of which have proven track records.
Ms. Converse supports the theory that diet is all important in treatment of this disorder. Primarily that gluten or casein (wheat or dairy) allergies can cause gastrointestinal problems which lead to poor behavior, altered perceptions, and inappropriate responses to a child's environment. She believes that a gluten and Casein free diet will reduce autistic symptoms and increase quality of life for both child and parents. Extensive use of probiotics, fatty acids and other nutritional supplementation and monitoring of the whole process partnered with an extensive, expensive ongoing battery of lab tests is also recommended.
Although the Gluten/Casein theory is widely discussed and disseminated in pop media, medical practitioners, on the whole, do not support the dietary hypothesis.
Over all, I found this book confusing, evangelistic in its support of unproven theories and out of step with current research findings. For example Ms. Converse is still espousing the vaccine-autism link, a theory now thoroughly disproved. Leaky gut syndrome is also currently debunked.
I would not recommend this book for parents looking for resources for their autistic/special needs child.
Reviewed by: Elyse Pike, Health Sciences Library, Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound, Ontario Canada.
Foy, Sean with Nellie Sabin and Mike Smolinski. The 10-Minute Total Body Breakthrough. Workman, 2009. 296p. ISBN 978-0-7611-5419-8. $22.95
The main reason that people do not exercise is lack of time. Sean Foy, an exercise physiologist with a personal training practice, has created a program of ten-minute workouts and nutritional plans that make the excuse of "no time" invalid. He combines four minutes of high-intensity aerobic training with three minutes of resistance exercise, two minutes of core-strengthening movements, and one minute of stretching and deep breathing. He adds a regimen healthy meals based on fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and lean protein, suggesting small, more frequent meals. Text boxes provide evidence from scientific studies to support his plan. Mr. Foy gives readers a series of fitness tests to take before beginning his program. He then provides three levels of exercises for beginning, intermediate, and advanced trainees. The easiest exercises require no equipment. Intermediate moves use simple tools such as resistance bands and exercise balls. The advanced exercises use gym equipment: weights, medicine balls. There are illustrations and clear instructions for the exercises as well as icons that designate moves that one can do out of doors, when traveling, or at work. People can mix and match the exercises from different groups to keep their workout interesting, and there is nothing to stop them from exercising for more than ten minutes. This is a good option for the exercise challenged and for those who have little free time.
Reviewed by: Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland Public Library, Oakland, CA.
Glasberg, Beth A., Ph.D., BCBA. Stop That Seemingly Senseless Behavior! FBA-Based Interventions for People with Autism. Woodbine House, 2008. 154p. Appendices and index. ISBN 978-1-890627-76-8. $19.95.
Three of the things that set children with autism apart from others are social skills, communication, and behavior. This book addresses all three, since often the odd or "bad" behaviors are attempts at communicating needs and wants and the interventions include replacing inappropriate behaviors with appropriate social or communication skills. The target audience is parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals who work with children with behavioral issues who have autism or other diagnoses. Dr. Beth Glasberg is a board certified behavior analyst, has written two other texts on autism, and has twice received the Lebec Prize for Research in Autism. The author gives an overview of Functional Based Assessment (FBA) and learning theory, describes classes of behaviors and how to implement specific intervention strategies for them, how to measure effectiveness of the intervention program, problem behavior prophylaxis, and how to write up the behavior intervention plan for others who work with the child. She addresses contraindications and ethical concerns as well. Interesting vignettes and practical strategies makes this book a pleasurable read. Although the reading level is between a 10th and 11th Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, she uses common, everyday examples to explain difficult concepts. The author also uses additional techniques to facilitate understanding the topic, such as descriptive chapter titles and subheadings, font changes for new terms and concepts, in-text definitions, bullet points and numbered lists, numerous concise summaries, charts and checklists, an FAQ, an index, and helpful appendices. Although this book is intended to be read after her other work, Functional Behavior Assessment for People with Autism: Making Sense of Seemingly Senseless Behavior, she gives enough background information that it can be read on its own. However, the reader will probably be eager to obtain the first book—this reviewer certainly is. As one out of every 150 children is being diagnosed with autism, this valuable text is highly recommended for all consumer health and academic health collections.
Reviewed by: Tanya Feddern-Bekcan, Louis Calder Memorial Library, Miami, FL.
Levine, Peter G. Stronger after Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery. Demos Health, 2009. 216 p. Index. ISBN 10: 1-932603-74-3; ISBN 13: 978-1-932603-74-3. $19.95.
There have been many research studies in recent years on neuroplasticity and brain reorganization following stroke, indicating that additional or enhanced recovery may be possible for those who have had a stroke. Studies using a variety of therapy and/or rehabilitation techniques have been completed, with some beginning evidence of their potential effectiveness in the treatment of stroke. Peter G. Levine, a researcher in with the University of Cincinnati Academic Medical Center's Neuromotor Recovery and Rehabilitation Laboratory, reviews these methods in his book, Stronger after Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery.
There are nine sections in the book, each of which reviews between four and twelve concepts involved in stroke recovery. An overview of each concept is followed by discussions entitled "How is it Done?" and "What Precautions Should be Taken?," reflecting the author's emphasis on safety. The book concludes with a list of resources, a glossary, and an index.
This book is intended primarily for people who have completed their initial rehabilitation period and are no longer receiving regular therapies. Levine asserts that the most important part of stroke recovery is a willingness to try, and implies that following the ideas in the book will result in improvement. At times his discussions can be theoretical and he frequently recommends consulting with a doctor or therapist in order to develop a program. Levine writes in an encouraging style, although due to the concepts he presents the book requires a higher level of literacy on the part of the reader. He frequently states that there is research supporting his claims of effectiveness for the suggestions he presents but provides no references or bibliography. The subjects covered in detail in this book are not commonly found in other consumer health books on the subject of stroke; therefore, it would make a good addition to most consumer health collections.
Reviewed by: Deborah Magnan, Samuel and Sandra Hekemian Medical Library, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ.
Sloan, Mark. Birth Day: A Pediatrician Explores the Science, the History, and the Wonder of Childbirth. Ballantine Books, 2009. 355 p. ISBN 978-0-345-50286-5. $25.00.
Mark Sloan (www.kaisersantarosa.org/msloan) has been a pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics for more than 25 years, and a father for 15. In his first book he writes in an easy, conversational style of his experiences with childbirth, first as an under-prepared medical student, then as a pediatrician attending high-risk births and as a father of two. Along the way, he surveys the history and science of human evolution and anatomical adaptations to human childbirth, obstetrical pain ("pain and politics") and the case for nitrous oxide, neonatal resuscitation since Biblical times ("the newborn worth rearing"), birth attendants, fetal sensation and learning, and the transformation of a fetus to a baby along with the transformation of his or her parents. Warm and often funny, Mark Sloan has not written a book about pregnancy or about infancy; he has written about those profound days and hours surrounding the birth itself.
Reviewed by: Brenda Pfannenstiel, Children's Mercy Hospitals & Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri.
Strickland, Elizabeth. Eating for Autism: The Revolutionary 10 – Step Nutrition Plan to Help Treat Your Child's Autism, Asperger's, or ADHD. Da Capo Press, 2009. 256p. Appendices, glossary, resources, bibliography, and index. ISBN 978-0-7382-1243-2. $17.95.
Eating for Autism is a ten-step plan for parents to change their child's diet while explaining the connections between what a child eats and his body function and behavior. The author, with a bachelor's degree in dietetics and a master's degree in nutrition, has spent her professional career providing nutrition therapy to children with varying health issues. The book is divided into three parts, the largest of which deals with the ten-step approach to integrating nutritional changes into treatment plans for children with autism and similar disorders. In the introduction, the author states that there is "little science-based research" to support nutritional interventions which causes one to question the reliability of the author's plan although she does use references throughout and provides a detailed bibliography. The steps in the plan include Transition Your Child to a Healthy Diet, Resolve Your Child's Feeding Problems, and Explore Additional Supplements. Each step includes a project with instructions for parents to achieve the goals of that step. There are helpful charts throughout, including serving size guidelines for children by age, adequate water intake by age and sex, and gluten-free foods. Although the author states that she has kept medical jargon to a minimum and includes a glossary, many people may find the above the twelfth grade reading level prohibitive. The second part of the book includes gluten-free, kid-friendly recipes developed by Roben Ryberg. The third part consists of the appendices, glossary, list of resources, and bibliography. The recommendation of the author for parents to seek the assistance of a registered dietitian is an excellent and advisable one when used in conjunction with this book and plan.
Reviewed by: Donna J. McCloskey, MLIS, Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville Health Information Center, Huntersville, North Carolina.
Wright, Vonda and Winter, Ruth. Fitness After 40: How to Stay Strong at Any Age. AMACOM, 2009. 271 p. Index. ISBN 0-8144-0994-6. $17.95.
In Fitness After 40 Dr. Vonda Wright captures the advice, exercises, and injury prevention insights she gives her patients as an orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Wright has created a unique exercise program she calls F.A.C.E. (for flexibility, aerobic exercise, "carry a load", equilibrium). She shows you how to implement flexibility, aerobic exercise and strength training to regain vigor and look and feel better than ever. By following her proven program, you can learn to understand your body and approach exercise and injury in a new way. You will make the most of your exercise routine during a busy week. Hydration and eating right are explained in easy-to-digest ways. She explains how to avoid injury to rotator cuffs, lower back, knees, and legs while maximizing stretching and weight training.
This book is written for the reluctant older couch potato, and also for the aging athlete. The author very clearly spells out what we need to do to maintain health and vitality and avoid injury. There are very good photo images and explanations of different exercises and stretches Dr. Wright also refers you to her Web site for links to more resources, such as an example of an easy 6-week plan worksheet to get you off the couch and into your healthy future. Also included is a F.A.C.E. table designed as a check-off list to help you easily track the specific exercises to do each day.
I would recommend this book for any consumer health library.
Reviewed by: Theresa Johnson, MLIS, Sutter Resource Library, Sacramento, CA.
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