Consumer Connections
ISSN 1535-7821 Vol. 29 No. 1 2013
Articles
- Message from CAPHIS Chair
- CAPHIS Professional Development Award
- CAPHIS Consumer Librarian of the Year Award
- CAPHIS @ MLA 2013
- NLM Update
- Funding Opportunities from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM)
- Cochrane Reviews on Bibliotherapy
Book Reviews
- Living Well with Mitochondrial Disease: A Handbook for Patients, Parents and Families
- Midlife Eating Disorders
- The Whole Life Prostate Book. Everything That Every Man - at Every Age – Needs to Know about Maintaining Optimal Prostate Health
- The Boys’ Guide to Growing Up: Choices and Changes During Puberty
- Sink into Sleep: A Step-by-Step Workbook for Reversing Insomnia
- It’s Not All in your Head: Anxiety, Depression, Mood Swings, and Multiple Sclerosis
- Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families
- Try Reading Again: How to Motivate and Teach Older Beginners, Age 10 and Up
- Stress pandemic: the lifestyle solution
- The ACL Solution: Prevention and Recovery for Sports’ Most Devastating Knee Injury
- Navigating the Realities of Prostate Cancer
- Talk to Me First: Everything You Need to Know to Become Your Kids’ Go-To Person About Sex
- The Smart Woman’s Guide to Eating Right with Diabetes: What Will Work
Publication Information
Message from CAPHIS Chair
Hello! I hope those of you from colder states have begun to thaw out and I hope those of you from warmer states did not have too cold of a winter. I personally am ready for Spring!MLA 2013 is around the corner and CAPHIS has some great opportunities for you. We have our new Professional Development award to offer this year as well as our Consumer Health Librarian of the Year award. We look forward to reviewing your applications. More information is available below.
Christine Marton, CAPHIS Chair-Elect has been busy over the past year putting together a great CAPHIS programs for you during MLA 2013. Thank you Christine! Remember to also read the MLA ‘13 blog http://npc.mlanet.org/mla13/, for information about the conference, socials and things to do around the Boston metropolitan area.
I am looking forward to the conference this year and seeing many of you at our programs as well as our business meeting where we will announce our Consumer Health Librarian of the Year award winner. Please be aware that our business meeting is early in the morning this year. We apologize for the time but hope you will still attend. Coffee, tea and a light breakfast will be served.
Please contact any of the CAPHIS board members with any questions, comments or concerns you have and thank you for your readership and support of CAPHIS.
Submitted by Meredith Solomon, CAPHIS Chair
CAPHIS Professional Development Award
Are you interested in your own professional development as a consumer health librarian? Is funding at a premium this year for your health care organization? Consider applying for the CAPHIS SCHOLARSHIP GRANT FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION.
Eligibility criteria include the following:
- Member in good standing of CAPHIS
- At least two years of experience in consumer health librarianship
- Application must include curriculum vita and written statement by applicant of why they are seeking the award, what benefits they hope to achieve, and how they will share their knowledge with consumer health librarian peers
For additional information on the award and the application which must be submitted by NO LATER THAN April 1, 2013, go to http://caphis.mlanet.org/organization/awards.html. Send all application data directly to Meredith Solomon at ilyse_slim@yahoo.com for review by the Executive Board of CAPHIS. The recipients that are chosen will receive funding prior to the MLA Annual Meeting in Boston in May, 2013.
CAPHIS Consumer Librarian of the Year Award
Are you aware of a consumer health librarian who exemplifies the best in consumer librarianship? Please consider nominating one of your peers for this prestigious award. Any member of CAPHIS may nominate another member for this award.
Eligibility criteria for selection include the following:
- Demonstrates excellent communication and search skills on consumer health focused information resources for patrons of all ages
- Acts as a role model to peers in consumer health librarianship and works to mentor new librarians to the field
- Contributes to the knowledge base of consumer health librarianship by sharing best practices with peers through presentations, posters and publications, or teaching
- Works collaboratively with other medical librarians, administrative staff, co-workers and community leaders to provide accessible consumer health information services
- Leads by example and is an innovator within the work environment
- Maintains professional credentials and pursues appropriate continuing education opportunities as a life long learner.
- A current CV, resume, or statement of the nominee’s career accomplishments and service to MLA and CAPHIS
- Any further information which may assist the jury in the evaluation of the nomination and the selection of the recipient. Up to three letters of recommendation may be submitted. These letters may be attached or submitted directly, but they must be received by April 1.
All nominations and accompanying documents should be sent to Meredith Solomon, CAPHIS President at ilyse_slim@yahoo.com, NO LATER than April 1, 2013 for review. Please click here for the nomination form. The recipient will be acknowledged at the CAPHIS Business Meeting at MLA, on Monday, May 6, 2013.
CAPHIS @ MLA 2013
Please save Monday, May 6, 2013 in Boston for CAPHIS activities morning through night! See all the details at our meeting page, located at http://caphis.mlanet.org/meeting/index.html
Submitted by Christine Marton, PhD, CAPHIS Chair-Elect, 2012-2013
National Library of Medicine Update
GeneEdGeneEd. http://geneed.nlm.nih.gov is a new educational resource from the Division of Specialized Information Service.
Developed in collaboration with the National Human Genome Institute (NHGRI) (http://www.genome.gov/) and with teachers and experts in genetics and genetic counseling, GeneEd is a useful resource of trusted information which helps students and teachers in grades 9 – 12 learn genetics.
GeneEd allows students and teachers to explore topics such as Cell Biology, DNA, Genes, Chromosomes, Heredity/Inheritance Patterns, Epigenetics/Inheritance and the Environment, Genetic Conditions, Evolution, Biostatistics, Biotechnology, DNA Forensics, and Top Issues in Genetics.
Teachers can use the site to introduce topics, supplement existing materials, and provide as a reliable source to students conducting research. The site links to categories such as research articles, animation, games, videos, interactive tutorials, and labs and experiments.
3D images, illustrations and text from the NHRGI help enrich the user experience by providing vivid imagery to reinforce genetic concepts. Text varies from easy-to-read to advanced reading levels, making this a versatile tool both in and out of the classroom.
Specialty pages, including Teacher Resources and Labs and Experiments, highlight tools which teachers may find particularly helpful. Other specialty pages such as Careers in Genetics and Highlights allow students to see what is new and noteworthy in the field of Genetics and provide links to careers related to the science of Genetics.
To stay up to date with all NLM K-12 resources:
Subscribe to the K12NLMRESOURCES listserv (fill out the web form at
https://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/wa.exe?SUBED1=k12nlmresources&A=1 )
Follow us on Twitter ( http://twitter.com/NLM_SIS )
Like us on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/nationallibraryofmedicine )
Pages from the Disaster Information Management Research Center (DIMRC)
Hurricane Sandy (http://disasterinfo.nlm.nih.gov/dimrc/hurricanesandy.html)
The Hurricane Sandy page provides links to overviews, state specific sites, cleanup and recovery information, mental health information, multi-language resources, social media information, apps and widgets, and more.
Droughts and Health (http://disasterinfo.nlm.nih.gov/dimrc/drought.html)
The page focuses primarily on human health effects of drought conditions as experienced in the United States. It is intended to grow as new materials become available on this topic.
TOXMAP
TOXMAP now includes the 2011 Toxics Release Inventory data (TRI) (http://www.epa.gov/tri/tridata/tri11/nationalanalysis/index.htm). TOXMAP maps the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) chemicals reported to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as required by the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). Try the TOXMAP Widget. It allows you and 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. http://toxmap.nlm.nih.gov/toxmap/widgets/toxmapWidget.html To add the widget, you must be able to edit your Web page. (If you need help in adding a widget to your Web page, contact your Webmaster or service provider.) For the TOXMAP widget, copy and paste this code into your Web page: <iframe frameborder="0" width="170" height="100" id="toxmapwidget" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://toxmap.nlm.nih.gov/toxmap/widgets/toxmapWidget.html"> </iframe>
The TOXMAP Toolbar 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. For installation help, see the toolbar's Help and Troubleshooting page http://toxmap.mylibrarytoolbar.com/Help/ or contact us. http://toxmap.nlm.nih.gov/toxmap/faq/toxmap-contact-information/
Tox Town
Tox Town now includes a Drought Location Page. http://www.toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/locations.php?id=173
This page has information on why drought is a concern, how it is related to climate change, and possible health affects related to drought.
Methane was added to the Tox Town chemical list. http://www.toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/chemicals.php?id=92
Methane, a colorless, odorless gas is the primary component of natural gas. Methane is also a major greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. To learn more about methane and how it can affect your health, visit the new Tox Town Methane pages in English and Spanish. http://www.toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/espanol/chemicals.php?id=93
Tox Town’s Discovering the Connection: Your Environment, Your Health is an afterschool science club curriculum for middle school students. http://www.toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/teachers6.php
Lessons and activities of the curriculum combine research on the Tox Town Web site with hands-on experiments and communication and social action activities. The objective is to introduce middle school students to environmental health issues in their everyday life, emphasizing the relevance of science to informed citizenship. The curriculum was developed as collaboration between NLM, University of Maryland College of Education, and an inter-disciplinary group of middle school teachers. It is based on National Science Education Standards and is grounded in problem-based learning approach that promotes in-depth understanding and critical thinking.
Haz-Map
The Haz-Map site has been redesigned (http://hazmap.nlm.nih.gov/ ). The new design adapts to web browsers on desktop computers, laptops, and tablets, as well as mobile browsers on smart phones, such as iPhones, Android and Blackberry phones.
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 currently covers over 5997 chemical and biological agents and 235 occupational diseases.
More information can be found at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/hazmap.html
Drug Information Portal
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) Drug Information Portal is available for mobile devices. http://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/m.drugportal
This mobile optimized web site covers over 32,000 drugs and provides descriptions, drug names, pharmaceutical categories, and structural diagrams. Each record also features information links to 19 other resources including NLM PubMed, NLM LactMed, and Drugs@FDA. The mobile version of a resource is used when available.
Smart Phones accessing the main Drug Portal site will be taken the mobile site.
The Drug Information Portal (http://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov) is a free Web resource from the NLM that provides an informative, user friendly entry-way to current drug information for over 32,000 drugs. Links to sources span the breadth of the NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies. Current information regarding consumer health, clinical trials, AIDS–related drug information, MeSH pharmacological actions, PubMed biomedical literature, and physical properties and structure is easily retrieved by searching on a drug name. A varied selection of focused topics in medicine and drug–related information is also available from displayed subject headings.
Comments and suggestions are welcome at tehip@teh.nlm.nih.gov.
Submitted by Colette Hochstein, D.M.D., MLS (Colette@nlm.nih.gov), Division of Specialized Information Services, NLM
Funding Opportunities from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM)
Do you have a great idea for getting your library involved in outreach and education in your area, such as promoting quality Spanish health information resources at your library and online such as MedlinePlus en espanol http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/medlineplus.html to local Hispanic community based organizations? How about working with seniors at the local community center to help them search for reliable sources of online health information such as NIHSeniorHealth http://nihseniorhealth.gov/ ? The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) has 8 offices serving the United States, and a click on the map located at http://nnlm.gov/ quickly leads you to the regional office website for your state. Membership in NN/LM is free, and funding opportunities are available for network members supporting these and other ideas you may have for your library. Look for the Funding tab on the regional office website for more specific information including examples of previously funded projects and deadlines (many are rolling/ongoing), or check the national Funding page at http://nnlm.gov/funding/ if you already know which region you are in. NN/LM regional office staff are happy to discuss your ideas to identify if they match current or future funding opportunities as well!
Submitted by Nicole (Nikki) Dettmar, Education and Assessment Coordinator, National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Pacific Northwest Region, Seattle, WA.
Cochrane Reviews on Bibliotherapy
Bibliotherapy is the practice of reading to alleviate suffering and isolation associated with a wide range of mental and physical health conditions and more fundamentally, to resolve a troubling situation at a particular moment in time. Bibliotherapy is utilized in many institutional settings – schools, hospitals, public libraries, prisons, and rehabilitation facilities, to mention but a few, as well as informally by community support groups and book clubs, and, of course, by individuals in the privacy of their home (1,2,3).
Although bibliotherapy has been recognized throughout the ages as having healing powers, scientific evidence for its effectiveness is largely lacking. To ascertain the amount of rigorous research evidence to support the effectiveness of this ancient and widespread practice, the foremost collection of scientific evidence for healthcare practices was searched. The Cochrane Collaboration is an international, not-for-profit organization that enables clinicians to practice evidence-based medicine (EBM) by publishing high-quality scientific evidence on the effectiveness and safety of healthcare interventions, the Cochrane Library (4). The Cochrane Library comprises six online databases, of which the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) is a key research synthesis tool for EBM. A rigorous methodology is utilized by the Cochrane Collaborative Review Groups to synthesize and present research findings in a detailed yet readable format, the Cochrane Reviews. The amount of evidence, the quality of the evidence (randomized-controlled clinical trials are preferred), and the strength of the evidence (strong, moderate, weak) to support the clinical use of a specific healthcare intervention is ascertained.
A basic search (title, abstract, keywords) on bibliography conducted in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Issue 2, February 2013) retrieved only three results from 7694 records. Of the three, two are completed systematic reviews and one is a protocol for a proposed systematic review that is yet to be conducted. While all three examine the efficacy of various interventions for mental health conditions, including bibliotherapy, they differ from one another with respect to the disorders under investigation, the populations that were studied, and the settings. What they do have in common is the concept of bibliotherapy as a cognitive-behavioural treatment that can be utilized without the assistance of a therapist, although it may also be used as an adjuvant to a therapist-administered treatment.
The protocol, “Bibliotherapy for sexual dysfunction”, by Jacques van Lankveld, Vivien Hunot and Kevan Wylie (2009), from the Cochrane Editorial Group on Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis, seeks to determine the efficacy of bibliotherapy for sexual dysfunctions, when compared with waiting list, therapist-delivered care, or placebo treatment, and to compare the efficacy of minimal therapist contact bibliotherapy, with totally self-administered bibliotherapy. Bibliotherapy is defined as a type of cognitive behavioural treatment that entails the use of print materials that describe a specific method of treatment, commonly referred to as self-help manuals. Since this systematic review has yet to be conducted, no findings are available. However, the authors cite previously published meta-analyses that have shown a moderate to large effect size for bibliotherapy on sexual dysfunctions, primarily orgasmic disorders. (5)
The systematic review titled, “Media-based behavioural treatments for behavioural problems in children” by Montgomery, Bjornstad and Dennis, from the Cochrane Developmental, Psychological and Learning Problems Group examined the effectiveness of several treatment modalities in published studies of randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials of children or adolescents with diagnosed behavioural problems, including bibliotherapy. However, bibliotherapy is more broadly defined in terms of any kind of print or electronic media that provides information needed to manage behavioural problems in this age group. It is also referred to as media-based behavioural therapy or media-based self-help treatments. Furthermore, the informational material is mediated by parent(s) or caregiver(s), not by the patient population. Eleven original studies with a total number of 943 participants were examined. The researchers found that media-based behavioural treatments for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with behavioural problems can be effective in decreasing difficult behaviour for those with moderate problems. However, they note that the effect sizes in the studies examined are highly variable and there is lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials on this topic. (6)
The second systematic review titled, “Psychotherapeutic treatments for older depressed people” by Wilson, Mottram and Vassilas, from the Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group examined the effectiveness of bibliotherapy as a form of cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as other types of cognitive behavioural therapy and psychodynamic therapies and controls on reduction in severity of depression diagnosed in older adults. Seven original studies with a total of 153 participants were examined, of which three pertained to bibliotherapy. The researchers found that bibliotherapy is significantly more effective than control conditions in alleviating depression, however, comparisons with other types of cognitive behavioural therapy provided mixed findings, possibly due to the small numbers of participants in this set of sub-group comparisons. Altogether, the small number of patients and their high drop-out rate, and the small number of studies is an important limitation in this systematic review. More randomized controlled trials are required on this topic.
From this small set of Cochrane reviews, several conclusions can be drawn. First, that bibliotherapy as a cognitive behavioural treatment is moderately effective for a range of mental health conditions. However, the true effectiveness of bibliotherapy is difficult to ascertain due to the lack of randomized controlled trials. Interesting, the role of librarians is not addressed in these studies. Their omission is puzzling, given the role consumer health and medical librarians in clinical settings and public libraries could play in assisting in the delivery of therapeutic bibliotherapy to patients and caregivers.
Submitted by Christine Marton, PhD, CAPHIS Chair-Elect, 2012-2013
- Burns, D. (1999). Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
- Lehr, F. (1981). Bibliotherapy. Journal of Reading, 25(1), 76-79.
- Morrison, B. (2008, January 5). The reading cure. The Guardian. Available: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/jan/05/fiction.scienceandnature
- Scholten, R.J.P.M., Clarke, M., and Hetherington, J. (2005). The Cochrane Collaboration. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 59(Suppl. 1), pp. S147-S149.
- van Lankveld, J.J.D.M., Hunot, V., and K. Wylie (2009). Bibliotherapy for sexual dysfunction. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 4.
- Montgomery, P., Bjornstad, G.J., and J.A. Dennis. (2006). Media-based behavioural treatments for behavioural problems in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, 1.
- Wilson, K., Mottram, P.G., and C. Vassilas. (2008). Psychotherapeutic treatments for older depressed people. Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, 1.
Book Reviews
Balcells, Cristy, RN, MSN. Living Well with Mitochondrial Disease: A Handbook for Patients, Parents and Families. Woodbine House, 2012. 298 p. index, glossary. ISBN 9781606130148. $24.95
Living Well with Mitochondrial Disease: A Handbook for Patients, Parents and Families is the first book of its kind. Cristy Balcells, a nurse and mother, wrote the book she wanted to find when her own daughter was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease. Her task was a challenging one since this is a discouraging diagnosis with no cures, and evidence-based treatments are hard to find. Each patient is so different that finding a treatment plan is a long arduous process with mixed results.
Balcells uses her medical knowledge to explain the complex details of mitochondrial disease and available treatments in language manageable for readers without a medical background. Balcells also provides some comforting support and practical tips for coping with the ups and downs of mitochondrial disease. Parents of “Mito-kids” will find sections about working with schools informative. Her supportive confident tone offers much hope for a fuller life with Mito.
The book addresses the disease across the lifespan with a clear format. Readers will find it easy to locate information specific to their needs. Many additional resources are included, but the content is not comprehensive. In fact, readers need to be cautious when using this book for several reasons. Some controversial treatments haven’t been proven effective, and aren’t for everyone. Diet therapies and supplement combinations – the Mito Cocktail – may be very helpful for some patients, but have questionable results for others. Because it is written by the executive director of MitoAction, a support, education and advocacy organization, there may be some concern for bias. Critically important to the reliability of this book as a resource is the currency of the information it provides. Without frequent, careful updating and revision, the content will quickly become obsolete.
This compassionate, thoughtful and information-rich guide book will be an anchor for many patient families as they navigate the rough waters of a complicated and maddening disease about which far too little is known. However, it doesn’t stand alone as a comprehensive resource. Care must be taken to balance the information here with more evidence-based strategies, and advice from current experts in the study of mitochondrial diseases.
Reviewed by: Nancy C. Seeger, M.Ed., MLIS, Health Librarian, Family Resource Center, Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, OH.
Bulik, Cynthia M. Midlife Eating Disorders. Walker, 2013. 332 p. index. ISBN 9780-8027-1269-1. $16.00
The book is divided into 3 main sections, the first addressing the facts around eating disorders, the second devoted to how these disorders affect relationships, parenting and pregnancy and in the third, Bulik speaks directly to the person who wants to recover from these challenges. The author lays out her argument for why the entire food industry and environment is not regulated from how much corn is in our food, to the extensive role processed food has in our culture, to the enormous portions which have become the norm . She puts the responsibility directly on Big Diets, Big Cosmetics, Big Beverage and Big Food – the mega-corporations that impact how we feel about ourselves while at the same time spending countless hours of research and dollars to effect where we spend our money. She addresses the differing ways that men and women see their “perfect” body (women are told to want smaller bodies and men are consistently presented images of the bigger, more muscular male body) and how this leads to eating disorders for so many. Finally she illustrates the ways that midlife eating disorders have the potential to affect family members – more even than when an adolescent struggles with this challenge.
Bulik, with 30 years as a therapist treating patients with eating disorders and author of 5 other books on the subject, views the problem of these disorders as an illness to be treated professionally. She writes about how the DSM-V, which will be published later this year, categorizes the various expressions of eating disorders and when speaking about treatment options, focuses solely on professional interventions and does not address self-help groups or alternative commercial enterprises that support recovery. However, her book gives a broad picture of the complexities that contribute to eating disorders in midlife. If one is looking for information to understand the landscape, then I would recommend this book.
Reviewed by: Jackie Davis, MLIS, Sharp HealthCare, San Diego, CA
Carter, H. Ballentine M.D. with Gerald Secor Couzens. The Whole Life Prostate Book. Everything That Every Man - at Every Age – Needs to Know about Maintaining Optimal Prostate Health. Free Press, 2012. ISBN 1-4516-2121-3.
The Whole Life Prostate Book is a very complete volume on prostate health for men. The author begins with an explanation of what the prostate is and how it functions, then leads into health tips including eating and nutrition. This is followed by in depth coverage of specific problems associated with the urinary tract system as well as the prostate. It includes symptoms, treatment options, and information on healthy living.
The book is a large volume with a lot of information packed into it and may be intimidating to those with lower reading levels. The author has a section at the end of each chapter called “The Take Away” which is a bulleted summary of the main points. This is a great way to allow readers to get the gist of the chapter without having to read the entire text. Readers can always go back and look at sections that are relevant to them if they want more details.
Interspersed throughout the book are “Myth Busters.” These address common beliefs, and explain the truth or non-truth behind each. They are also helpful in scanning the sections of the book to see what is covered in that section and to get information as you glance through the book. The “Red Flags” emphasize key points to look out for and items that should be addressed with a health care provider.
There is a glossary included, as well as a list of resources with websites, address, and phone numbers which is helpful. Throughout the book are tables and checklists that include things such as questions to ask your health care provider, summaries of medication and treatment options, and examples of diaries that readers can use.
The book is very complete and covers most aspects of men’s prostate health issues. It is a great resource for those who want in depth information. The text is fairly easy to read and understand, but the large amount of material may be intimidating for all but higher level readers.
Reviewed by: Kathy East, MS, Central Peninsula Hospital, Soldotna, AK
Couwenhoven, Terri. The Boys’ Guide to Growing Up: Choices and Changes During Puberty. Woodbine House, 2012. 64p. index. ISBN 978-1-60613-089-6. $16.95.
The Boys’ Guide to Growing Up helps boys with developmental disabilities understand the physical changes that come with puberty and how to handle them. It also explains social rules for keeping their bodies safe and clean. Written at a third-grade reading level for boys aged 9-16 with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other special needs, the book has a matter-of-fact tone, clear explanations, and simple illustrations. The text also includes learning activities to reinforce the concepts. Unlike other puberty books that focus solely on sexuality, this title also addresses common concerns like shaving, flirting, and body odor. More importantly, Ms. Couwenhoven also explains how to identify inappropriate physical contact—a crucial concept for special-needs children who are particularly vulnerable to abuse. The “Note to Parents” and “Questions & Answers” sections encourage continued discussion. With its reassuring tone and straightforward style, The Boys’ Guide to Growing Up is not only an excellent addition to any sex education collection, but also fills a unique niche by addressing the needs of boys with intellectual disabilities.
The author, Terri Couwenhoven, is a certified sexuality educator with over twenty years of experience working with people who have intellectual disabilities and their families. The author of the companion book The Girls’ Guide to Growing Up, she is the Clinic Coordinator for the Down Syndrome Clinic at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.
Reviewed by: Judy Hansen, MAEd, MLIS, Family Resource Center – St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO
Davidson, Judith R. Sink into Sleep: A Step-by-Step Workbook for Reversing Insomnia. Demos Health, 2012. 216p. index. ISBN 978-1936303380. $18.95.
When you can’t sleep it affects all areas of your life. Dr. Judith Davidson’s new book offers a solution to persistent insomnia by providing techniques which are the purportedly the best treatment for insomnia that have been developed. They are part of a program called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Internationally recognized by the European Sleep Research Society, Dr. Davidson is an expert in this area of research as she has spent her entire career working in sleep clinics and more recently her own private practice.
Sink into Sleep offers both insight into insomnia and hope for the illusive good night’s sleep. Written in a reassuring tone Dr. Davidson describes the approach of CBT-I and walks the reader through a program to document and adjust their sleep patterns. While there is a focus on CBT-I, other techniques of coping sleep problems (ie: sleep hygiene) are also discussed and contribute to making this book a well-rounded examination of the difficulty of living with insomnia.
There are many resources devoted to helping people navigate the difficulties of insomnia and most consumer health libraries have a few reliable titles. Sink into Sleep is unique in promoting a CBT-I approach and compliments books promoting sleep hygiene, acupuncture and pharmaceutical treatments. This book is valuable for those suffering from chronic insomnia as well as the people who live with them and therapists working with them. This book is highly recommended for a consumer health library as it is both practical and accessible and would be a fabulous addition to a wellness and community health collection.
Reviewed by: Kim Parry, University of Manitoba Health Sciences Libraries, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Farrell, Patricia. It’s Not All in your Head: Anxiety, Depression, Mood swings, and Multiple Sclerosis. Demos Health, 2011. 221p. index. ISBN: 978-1-932603-95-8. $16.95.
It’s not all in your head compiles many of the challenges of facing multiple sclerosis into one easy to understand presentation of the problems and solutions that are available through mindfulness meditation and medication. The author attempts, and succeeds, in presenting a clear description of multiple sclerosis and how it can affect individuals in a variety of ways. From Farrell’s perspective, knowing one’s own body is the key to addressing many of the side effects. Learning to notice the signs of anxiety coming on or the best way to deal with a conflict precipitated by a change in mood related to the disease and not the person with whom you are addressing can help interpersonal communications and limit complications.
The book advocates for self-empowerment to deal with the challenges that come with multiple sclerosis. There are quizzes, memory activities and tips throughout the book along with robust “further reading” sections at the end of each chapter. In addition to the psychological and medical information there are personal stories to extend certain points and make a connection with the reader. Although the author is writing for the person with multiple sclerosis it would benefit a caregiver or family member to read to understand what their loved one is going through. This book is one this reviewer will add to a multiple sclerosis resource list and recommend to patients.
Reviewed by Christine Willis, MLIS, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA
Harris, Sandra L. Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families. Woodbine House, 2012, third edition. 59p. index. ISBN 978-1-60613-074-2. $21.95.
It is always helpful to have books in our collection for the siblings of children with medical problems. Often, they are left out of the mix with doctor’s appointments, medical bills that leave less money for their interests and the extra time parents spend with a child who has a disability, just to name a few reasons. The authors describe how the unaffected siblings view this decrease in attention they receive and the importance of proper communication among family members so that siblings understand why this is the case.
Harris and Glasberg have spent more than 50 years helping people with autism spectrum disorders of all ages and their family members. This updated, third edition has seven chapters covering topics such as what siblings think about autism, how to explain autism to children, using the resources in your community for help, and much more. I think one of the most valuable aspects of the book is the “Parents Speak” sections in most chapters where families journal their personal experiences with the chapter topic.
The book is heavy with references to the developmental milestones children experience and how the different ages and stages affect their view of their autistic sibling. Then, the authors advise parents how best to handle these stages.
The book ends with a Resource Guide that includes organizations, a bibliography of books for different ages and helpful websites.
Reviewed by: Judy Griggs, Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, OH
Horstmeier, DeAnna, Ph.D. Try Reading Again: How to Motivate and Teach Older Beginners, Age 10 and Up. Woodbine House, 2012. ISBN 978-1-60613-028-5. 297 pp. $24.95.
Written by a special education teacher and reading tutor, this book is focused on strategies and structured examples of engaging the reluctant reader or those with significant disabilities where lack of reading skills interferes with comprehension. The author intended this book to be used by middle and secondary teachers, reading specialists, parents and caregivers.
Try Reading Again focuses on three key concepts to assist struggling readers to improve their skills. These include focus on 1) phonics awareness, 2) fluent reading of structured stories by others and 3) language experience stories. Recognizing the difficulties of students with lack of proficient reading skills and the resultant effects on mastering other subjects, a blueprint is provided of techniques to use to increase motivation for reading through the individual’s own experiential stories based on words and ideas used by the learner.
In phonemic awareness, the author guides the reader to activities linked to scenarios that the reader is likely to encounter and directs them to free educational websites, including Starfall®, which blends interactivity with learning while utilizing computer graphics and stories. Included are structured stories with scenarios found in daily life, such as following a recipe and stories that are structured and written by the student which uses vocabulary that they are familiar with.
The book also includes a list of references/bibliographic resources, a list of online books and reading materials, print books, smart phone apps and computer games and programs as well as a companion CD-ROM and individualized worksheets. Readers of this text will find many resources to assist the reluctant reader to improve their interest and proficiency in reading.
Reviewed by: Carol Ann Attwood, MLS, AHIP, CHIS, MPH, RN,C, Patient and Health Education Library, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
Huljich, Paul. Stress pandemic: the lifestyle solution. Mwella Publishing, 2011. 253 p. ISBN 978-0-615-48920-9. $16.95.
New Zealand native Huljich has regained control of his life since a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in 1998. A successful businessman, he sought treatment in the United States, has since written a novel, and founded the MWellA company (Mind Wellness Awareness). Huljich asserts the mismanagement of stress in everyday life leads to serious health problems, creating the titular stress pandemic. He leads readers through an introduction to stress, “9 Natural Steps” to manage stress, and his own story. The book ends with bibliographic references, appendices of healthy foods and stress scales, a glossary, and a photographic guide of breathing exercises. Huljich writes clearly, kindly and without condescension. A full paragraph in the introductory chapters has a Flesch-Kincaid reading grade of 11. The preponderance of references is from peer-reviewed journals and reputable organizations. The title page verso includes appropriate disclaimers, and notes this is partially one patient’s story.
The author’s online presence at http://www.stresspandemic.com has some supplemental material, book previews, and other multimedia. Both Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble sell e-book editions for their readers. It is unclear if the author’s Mwella company and publisher are the same, given their names. At the time of this review, the Mwella website was down for redesign. This reviewer is reminded of similar works by Kay Redfield Jamison (mania) and Jon Kabat-Zinn (mindfulness). However, those authors are also scientists. The book is a good outline of non-pharmaceutical management of stress. Public libraries and human resource professionals with interest in stress reduction might also benefit from this text.
Reviewed by: Will Olmstadt, MSLS, MPH, AHIP, Becker Medical Library, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Marx, Robert G., with Grethe Myklebust and Brian W. Boyle. The ACL Solution: Prevention and Recovery for Sports’ Most Devastating Knee Injury. Demos Health, 2012, 174 p. index. ISBN 978-1936303335. $16.95.
ACL injuries are sometimes an unfortunate outcome of competing in sports and pursuing healthier, more active lifestyles. As an orthopedic surgeon and recognized expert in ACL reconstructive surgery, Dr. Marx side-steps the traditional “how to fix it approach” and instead tackles how to prevent these injuries. Marx provides a detailed overview of ACL injuries, risk factors, treatment options and return to sport. His style is conversational, but wavers between surgeon’s lingo and layperson’s language. Anatomical drawings of the knee would have been a nice addition.
The second half of the book gets to the heart of the matter, prevention, and showcases the work of sports physiotherapist Dr. Myklebust. At the Oslo Trauma Research Center, she studied soccer players and how their injuries occurred. She then devised a program to reduce knee and other injuries by developing core stability, balance and muscle control in the athlete. Easy to follow exercises with varying degrees of intensity are provided and accompanied by photos illustrating correct and incorrect form. Routines for strength, balance, jumping, running and plyometrics are included. As the exercises are intended to be used as a warm-up, this book would be most useful to coaches, trainers and parents. FAQs and references are included.
Reviewed by: Nancy O’Brien, Iowa Health – Des Moines, Des Moines, IA
Pynn, Craig T. Navigating the Realities of Prostate Cancer. DemosHealth, 2012. 229p. ISBN 978-1936303359. $18.95.
Navigating the Realities of Prostate Cancer tells the story of how author Craig T. Pynn dealt with prostate cancer treatment. Pynn, a businessman, takes on his topic as “not just ‘conquering’ or ‘beating’ cancer, but coming to terms with it.” He is currently a Consumer Reviewer for the Prostate Cancer Research Program of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Pynn hopes to shed as much light on prostate cancer as currently exists for breast cancer.
Pynn begins his story with his diagnosis at 62 years old in a friendly “typical guy” tone. He gives descriptions of medical procedures with a realistic look at his stress response and mental fog. Of interest to medical librarians is the detailed information about his Google search for information on prostate cancer and treatments. Happily, he stresses the advantages of using NIH resources. He gives a list of recommended websites, including support group websites.
Navigating the Realities of Prostate Cancer is a personal story. Pynn describes his experiences with discussing his disease with family and friends. He explains how he developed a support network and dealt with unwanted advice. Pynn includes his spiritual journey, his financial concerns, and how his treatments caused feminization of his body and impacted his sexual life. Pynn’s honesty is very appealing.
This book is written with the consumer in mind, but makes for an interesting read for a consumer health librarian.
Reviewed by: Margot Malachowski, MLS Baystate Health, Health Sciences Library, Springfield, MA
Roffman, Deborah. Talk to Me First: Everything You Need to Know to Become Your Kids’ Go-To Person About Sex. Da Capo Press, 2012. 269p. appendix. index. ISBN 978-0-7382-1508-2. $14.99.
With a career which spans more than thirty-five years as a sexuality educator, consultant, and author, Deborah Roffman is exceptionally qualified to write a book for parents who want to be the most reliable resource for their children when it comes to the topic of sex. Roffman sets the stage in the first three chapters of the book by explaining how American culture has arrived at this point regarding sexuality, the role of marketing’s influence on children, and the five needs of children and the corresponding roles of parents.
The next five chapters provide detailed guidance for parents on their roles: affirmation, information, clarity about values, setting limits, and anticipatory guidance. Roffman’s style of writing is a first person narrative which gives the reader the feeling that she is talking directly to you as if she is in the same room. Some sections of the chapters are broken down by age group for further examination. The author also challenges parents to think through possible situations concerning sexuality to find their own best answers and approaches. She reassures parents by telling them that they can always have a do-over when it comes to answering their children’s questions. Chapter nine of the book gives parents scenarios so that they can practice the skills that they’ve learned in the book. A family resources list completes the book with recommendations for other readings and websites.
Reviewed by: Donna J. McCloskey, MLIS, AHIP, Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville Health Information Center, Huntersville, NC
Stockwell Mercer, Amy. The Smart Woman’s Guide to Eating Right with Diabetes: What Will Work. Demos Medical Publishing, 2013. 211p. ISBN 978-1-9363-0337-3. $18.95.
This book discusses the history, current trends, and lived experience of eating with type 1 diabetes and includes recommendations and guidelines from reputable health professionals and organizations such as the American Diabetes Association. The book reads more as a support group-type discussion rather than a health guide. Newly-diagnosed and veteran type 1 diabetics alike will find useful information, stories they can relate to, and answers to questions they’ve always wanted to ask in this book.
Amy Stockwell Mercer is a freelance writer living in Charleston, NC and author of The Smart Woman's Guide to Diabetes: Authentic Advice on Everything from Eating to Dating and Motherhood. She draws on her 27 years of experience living with type 1 diabetes, as well as the knowledge and experience of health professionals and other women living with type 1 diabetes. Stockwell Mercer writes at a high school reading level in a friendly style that incorporates quotes and anecdotes from women living with type 1 diabetes. The formal, bare-bones formatting of the book contrasts with its style, and is perhaps better suited to novels or academic texts.
The Smart Woman’s Guide to Eating Right with Diabetes provides readers with information, support and a sense of community on a confusing and emotionally-charged topic. It would be a beneficial addition to a robust consumer health collection.
Reviewed by: Catherine Young, Reference Librarian, Medical Library, Saskatoon Health Region, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Publication Information
Statement
Consumer Connections (ISSN 1535-7821) is the newsletter of the Consumer and Patient Information Section of the Medical Library Association. It is published on the CAPHIS website quarterly. Notification of publication is sent via the CAPHIS listserv. CAPHIS is the largest section of the Medical Library Association.
Newsletter articles and book reviews are copyrighted; please contact the editor for reprint permission.
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