# Beyond an Apple a Day:

**Providing Consumer Health Services in the Public Library**

**Selected Bibliography**

# 

# 

# Aging

**\*\*Instructions for Geriatric Patients**, 2^nd^ ed. By William A.
Sodeman. WB Saunders, 1999. ISBN: 0721674909. \$51.95.

This book offers, in large-type format, the basics of various diseases
and conditions affecting the geriatric patient. Many of the handouts are
directed at the caregiver, others at the patient. Includes information
on different diets, and includes end-of-life issues.

**\*\*The Johns Hopkins Medical Guide to Health After 50: The Latest
Recommendations from the Hopkins Specialists.** Edited by Simeon
Margolis. Rebus, Inc, 2002. ISBN: 0929661737. \$39.95.

**\*The Merck Manual of Geriatrics**, 3rd ed. By Mark H. Beers. Merck,
2000. ISBN: 911091088. \$32.50.

> *This is one of the classic Merck publications, this time with a focus
> on aging adults. Although also available online
> ([www.merck.com](http://www.merck.com/)), this is worth having on your
> shelves.*

#### Alternative Therapies

**\*The 5-minute herb and dietary supplement consult.** By Adriane
Fugh-Berman. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, 2003. ISBN: 0683302736.
\$59.95.

> *This is one of those "5-minute" guides that offers quick access to
> evidence-based information; this time it access to herbals and
> alternative medicines. Each 2-page entry includes a basic description,
> known active constituents, mechanisms of actions, evidence, risks, and
> dosage (if known). A must-have book!*

**\*PDR for Herbal Medicines**, **2nd** ed. Edited by Medical Economics
Staff, Joerg Gruenwald. Medical Economics, 2000. ISBN: 1563633612. \$60.

This herbal compendium is indexed by herbal name as well as by
indication. Includes full-color photographs of various herbs. Entries
are alphabetically arranged, and include the actions and pharmacology,
the indications and usage, contraindications, adverse reactions, and
dosage/overdosage. Each entry is then supported with a brief
bibliography. Although written for physicians, a good book to have on
your shelves.

**\*\*Tyler's Honest Herbals**, 4^th^ ed. By Steven Foster & Varro E.
Tyler. Haworth Press, 1999. ISBN: 0789007053. \$64.95.

This is a very readable text on herbal medicine based on scientific
evidence. The authors describe each plant and the pros and cons of its
use. References are listed at the end of each entry.

#### Anatomy

**\*\*Atlas of Human Anatomy**, 3^rd^ ed. By [Frank H.
Netter](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-author=Netter%2C Frank H./002-2742731-1048023)
& [John T.
Hansen](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-author=Hansen%2C John T./002-2742731-1048023).
Novartis, 2003. ISBN: 1929007116. \$68.95.

This is by far the best book of colored anatomical illustrations out
there.

**\*\*The Human Body: An Illustrated Guide to its Structure, Function,
and Disorders.** By Charles Clayman. DK Publishing: 1995. ISBN:
1564589927. \$30.00.

> *The illustrations in this book clearly depict the functions of the
> various anatomic systems. Although the drawings are much more basic
> than the two previous titles, this would be excellent for high school
> students, or those who want a simpler explanation of how the body
> works.*

**\*The Johns Hopkins Atlas of Human Functional Anatomy**, 4^th^ ed.
Illustrated by Leon Schlossberg, edited by George D. Zuidema, Md. Johns
Hopkins University Press, 1998. ISBN: 0801856515. \$60.00.

> This atlas is designed for the general public. It is certainly not
> exhaustive, but it does provide explanations of the structure and
> function of the body.

**McMinn's Colour Atlas of Human Anatomy**, 5^th^ ed. By Peter H.
Abraham, et al. Mosby, 2002. ISBN: 0723432120. \$61.95.

Netter's book has phenomenal drawings, this one has spectacular
photographs.

#### Cancer

**Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology**, 6^th^ ed. By Vincent
DeVita, et al. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2001. ISBN: 0781723876.
\$275.00.

Although there is a great deal of information in the lay literature
about cancer, it is sometimes necessary to consult the professional
medical literature. This is THE definitive textbook on cancer and its
diagnosis and management.

**\*\*The Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Survival Guide**, 2^nd^ ed.
By Judith McKay, Nancee Hirano. New Harbinger, 1998. ISBN: 1572240709.
\$15.95.

Written by two oncology nurses, this book describes chemotherapy and
radiation in detail. Includes chapters on coping with nausea, fatigue,
hair loss and other real issues. Covers bone-marrow and stem-cell
transplants. Descriptions are clear and well-written.

**\*\*Childhood Cancer: A Handbook from St. Jude Children's Research
Hospital**. Edited by Grant Steen & Joseph Mirro. Perseus Publishing,
2000. ISBN: 0738202770. \$30.00.

**\*\*Everyone's guide to cancer therapy: How Cancer is Diagnosed,
Treated, and Managed Day-to-Day**, 4^th^ ed. By Malin Dollinger, et al.
Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2002. ISBN: 0740718568. \$29.95.

This is the best book on cancer and its treatment written for the
consumer. In the almost 1,000 pages, one finds information on diagnosis
and treatment, supportive care, quality of life, new advances in
research, treatment by specific cancer, and additional resources. You
should have 2 copies of this...one circulating and one for reference.

**\*\*Informed Decisions: The Complete Book of Cancer Diagnosis,
Treatment, and Recover**, 2^nd^ ed. By Harmon Eyre, et al. American
Cancer Society, 2001. ISBN: 0944235271. \$29.95.

> *The American Cancer Society has created a basic consumer health guide
> to cancer. Covers cancer basics as well as the various treatment
> strategies, coping strategies and end-of-life care. Not as
> comprehensive as Everyone's guide to cancer therapy, but a must have
> purchase.*

#### Cardiology

**CURRENT Diagnosis and Treatment in Cardiology.** By Michael H.
Crawford. Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill, 2003. ISBN: 0838514731.
\$59.95.

#### Children's Health

**\*\*American Medical Association Complete Guide to Your Children's
Health.** By the American Medical Association. Random House, 1999. ISBN:
0679457763. \$39.95.

This is an easy-to-read health book covering the most common pediatric
health conditions. Entries are short, and the index is designed for the
layperson ("otitis media" is under "ear", "ventricular septal defect" is
under "heart"). Good for the most basic understanding of common
conditions.

**\*CURRENT Pediatric Diagnosis and Treatment**, 16^th^ ed. By William
W. Hay, et al. McGraw-Hill/Appleton & Lange, 2002. ISBN: 0071383840.
\$59.95.

> *More than 1000 pediatric diseases are covered in this book. Describes
> typical features of disorders, complications, treatment, and
> prognosis. Written for the professional. If you can't afford Nelson's
> get this.*

**\*The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult.** By William Schwartz. Lippincott,
Williams & Wilkins, 2003. ISBN: 0781735394. \$70.00.

This is another in the series of "5-minute" books. Quick,
straightforward information on pediatric diseases condensed into a
2-page bulleted format.

**Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics**, 16^th^ ed. Edited by Richard E.
Behrman, et al. W. B. Saunders, 2000. ISBN: 0721677673. \$110.

Written for the physician and therefore quite technical, it is still a
good book to have on the reference shelf for parents who want to dig a
little deeper to get information about their concerns.

#### Dictionaries

**CURRENT Med Talk: A Dictionary of Medical Terms, Slang & Jargon.**\
By Joseph C. Segen. Appleton and Lange, 1995. ISBN: 0838514642. \$44.95.

This is a "nice to have", but certainly not critical. This is where you
can find out the technical term for "mad cow" disease (bovine spongiform
encephalopathy), or what the "Red Book" is (Report of the Committee on
Infectious Diseases from the American Academy of Pediatrics). (new
edition due 4/04)

**\*\*Dictionary of Medical Acronyms and Abbreviations**, 4^th^ ed.
Compiled by Stanley Jablonski. Hanley & Belfus, 2001. ISBN: 1560534605.
\$24.95.

Every public library needs a resource for translating medical acronyms,
and this volume fits the bill. An inexpensive and indispensable
reference.

**\*Dictionary of Medical Syndromes,** 4^th^ ed. Edited by Sergio I.
Magalini, & Sabina C. Magalini. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
ISBN: 0397584180. \$125.

Although expensive, this is a great resource for those unusual syndromes
that are hard-to-find. (Where would you look for "bobble-head doll"
syndrome?). Each brief entry covers the symptoms and signs, etiology and
pathology (causes and , and a brief bibliography for more information.

**\*Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary**, 29^th^ ed. Edited by W.
A. Newman Dorland. Saunders, 2000. ISBN: 0721662544. \$49.95.

Both Stedman's and Dorland's are very good -- you should have one of
them on your shelves.

**\*\*Mosby\'s Medical, Nursing & Allied Health Dictionary**, 6^th^ ed.
Edited by [Kenneth N.
Anderson](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-author=Anderson%2C Kenneth N./002-2742731-1048023).
W B Saunders, 2002. ISBN: 0323014305. \$38.95.

A medical dictionary written for nurses and allied health professionals.
Not as technical as Dorland's or Stedman's, but excellent for explaining
many medical terms.

**\*\*Patient's Guide to Medical Terminology,** 3^rd^ ed. By Charlotte
Isler. Health Information Press, 1997. ISBN: 1885987080. \$12.95.

**Stedman\'s Medical Dictionary.** By Thomas Lathrop Stedman.
Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2000. ISBN: 068340007X. \$49.95.

#### Diet and Nutrition

**\*The American Dietetic Association\'s Complete Food & Nutrition
Guide,** 2^nd^ ed. By Roberta Larson Duyff. John Wiley & Sons, 2002.
ISBN: 0471441449. \$24.95.

*An easy-to-read encyclopedia of nutrition.*

**\*\*Bowes & Church\'s Food Values of Portions Commonly Used**, 17^th^
ed. By Jean A. T. Pennington. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 1998.
ISBN: 0397554354. \$52.95.

> *The purpose of this book is to provide "authoritative data on the
> nutritional values of foods in a form for quick and easy reference".
> Covers calories, water, protein, fat, cholesterol, carbs, dietary
> fiber and vitamin content of common foods and includes prepared and
> brand-name foods. A must-have.*

**\*Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives**. 5th ed. By Ruth Winter.
Three Rivers Press, 1999. ISBN: 0609803662. \$16.00.

#### Directories 

**Directory of Physicians in the United States**, 38^th^ ed. (4 volume
set). American Medical Association, 2002. ISBN: 0899706371. \$750.

> *No need to buy this, the information is available online at
> <http://dbapps.ama-assn.org/aps/amahg.htm>. Includes date of birth,
> medical school attended, and current contact information. May or may
> not include board certification (and from what I've seen, the board
> certification info is not always current). Save your money and buy the
> ABMS Compendium instead.*

**Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists**,
36^th^ ed, annual. (4 volume set). By the American Board of Medical
Specialties. W.B. Saunders, 2004. ISBN: 0721610188. \$599.

This is another very expensive resource, but it is the one place to find
a board-certified doctor in one of 24 approved medical specialties.
Typically lists a physician's date of birth, medical school, internship,
residency and medical associations. The information here is not
necessarily found anywhere else. If you have extra money, you should
have this on your shelf! (and maybe re-new every 2-3 years if you can)

#### Drugs

**Advice for the Patient: Drug Information in Lay Language** (USP DI Vol
2: Advice for the Patient, 23th ed). By the United States Pharmacopeial
Convention. Thompson Micromedex, 2003. ISBN: 1563634309. \$37.50.

> *Everyone agrees that this is the best book on pharmaceuticals written
> for consumers, and that every library should have a copy. I disagree.
> Certainly it is complete, listing thousands of drugs and describing
> their proper use, dosing, and side effects of each medication. It is
> produced by the non-profit United States Pharmacopeia, the
> organization that sets the standards for drugs used in the US.
> However, I find it difficult for consumers to use. Drugs are listed by
> generic name or by categories of use, so to find the entry percocet,
> one must look under "Narcotic Analgesics and acetaminophen" and plow
> through several pages listing scores of medicines. Frustrating for
> most consumers. Buy it annually, have it on the shelf, but offer other
> books too.*

**\*American Cancer Society Consumers Guide to Cancer Drugs**, 2^nd^ ed.
By Gail M. Wilkes and Terri B. Ades. Jones & Bartlett, 2003. ISBN:
0763722545. \$21.95.

This book is divided into two main parts: cancer treatment drugs
(chemotherapy) and symptom management drugs (those drugs that deal with
the effects of the cancer or the chemotherapy, such as drugs for
nausea). Includes investigational drugs. The monographs are very short,
but his may have drugs that other books would not have. Fills a niche.

**Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation**, 6^th^ ed. By Gerald G. Briggs, et
al. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2002. ISBN: 0781732034. \$110.

This book, written for the professional, is very easy to use.
Pharmaceuticals are listed alphabetically, and each entry contains a
brief "fetal risk summary" and "breast feeding summary", followed by a
list of references. Excellent

**\*\*Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs 2004**. By James J. Rybacki.
Harper Collins, 2004. ISBN: 0060554096. \$55.95.

This book covers about 300 of the most-prescribed US and Canadian drugs,
but the monographs are easy to read, clear, and comprehensive. Includes
detailed information on possible adverse effects, dosing, precautions,
effects on laboratory tests, etc. Excellent.

#### Encyclopedias

**\*\*American Medical Association Complete Medical Encyclopedia.** By
the American Medical Association. Random House, 2003. ISBN: 0812991001.
\$45.00.

This book is must for all public libraries. It includes thousands of
entries which are arranged alphabetically, and the illustrations are
clear. This would compete with the various "home medical guides", and
come out the winner.

**Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.** (4 volume set) Edited by
Kristine M. Krapp. Gale Group, 2001. ISBN: 0787650021. \$495.

**Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders.** (2 volume set) Edited by
Stacey L. Blachford. Gale Group, 2001. ISBN: 0787656127. \$389.25.

**Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine**, 2^nd^ ed. (5 volume set) By Donna
Olendorf. Gale Group, 2001. ISBN: 0787654892. \$550.

All of the Gale Encyclopedias are wonderful for consumers, however all
are obscenely expensive. These are part of Infotrac's online
subscription health databases, so if you have access to the latter,
you'll have access to the former. Purchase if you have a windfall

#### General Health

**American College of Physicians Complete Home Medical Guide**. Edited
by David R. Goldmann. New York: DK Publishing, 1999. ISBN 0789444127.
\$40.00.

**\*Conn's Current Therapy**, annual. Edited by Robert E Rakel and
Edward T. Bope. WB Saunders: 2004. ISBN: 0721604013. \$67.95.

> *As the title indicated, this is a summation of the current approved
> therapies for different diseases and conditions. Gives a synopsis of
> the disease and current management strategies. Published
> annually...you should have the most current edition on the shelf.*

**CURRENT Medical Diagnosis and Treatment.** Edited by Lawrence M.
Tierney. McGraw-Hill/Appleton and Lange, 2004. ISBN: 0071417435.
\$59.95.

Another volume in the CURRENT series, this one covers common diagnosis
in internal medicine.

**\*Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult.** Edited by Mark Dambro.
Lippincott, Williams & Willkins, 2003. ISBN: 0781737532. \$59.95.

> *Another one of the "5-minute" guides, this book gives a quick 2-page
> summary of over 1000 diseases and conditions. This summary includes
> the basics, diagnosis, treatment, medications and follow-up. Although
> designed for the clinician, the bulleted format and the
> straight-forward entries are appropriate for many consumers.*

**\*\*Griffith's Instructions for Patients**, 6^th^ ed. By Stephen W.
Moore. W. B. Saunders, 1998. ISBN: 0721673759. \$69.95.

> *This book is a compilation of one-page handouts about hundreds of
> diseases and conditions. These handouts cover a description of the
> disease, signs and symptoms, causes, possible complications,
> treatments and when to call the physician. The book includes sample
> diets for various conditions and an appendix covering common sense
> health practices (sample topics: using condoms to prevent STDs, all
> about childhood immunizations and doing breast self-exams).*

**Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide***.* Edited by Anthony L.
Komaroff. Simon & Schuster, 1999. ISBN: 0684847035. \$40.00. Online
<http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/>

**Johns Hopkins Family Health Book***.* Edited by Michael J. Klag.
Harper Collins, 1999. ISBN: 0062701495. \$49.95.

**\*\*Mayo Clinic Family Health Book** 3^rd^ ed. By David E. Larson.
Mayo Clinic, 2003. ISBN: 0060002506. \$48.00.

**Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy**, 17^th^ ed. By Mark H. Beers.
Merck & co, 1999. ISBN: 0911910107. \$35.00.

> *This is "the" Merck Manual covering diseases and conditions and their
> management. Written for the professional. Available online at
> [www.merck.com](http://www.merck.com/)*

**\*\*Merck Manual of Medical Information**: 2^nd^ Home Edition. Edited
by Robert M. Berkow. Merck Research, 2003. ISBN: 0911910352. \$37.00.

> *This is the authoritative Merck Manual, written for the layperson.
> Available online at [www.merck.com](http://www.merck.com/)*

**\*NORD Guide to Rare Disorders**. By the National Organization for
Rare Disorders. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2002. ISBN: 0781730635.
\$89.95.

In the US, a disease is considered "rare" if it affects fewer than
200,000 Americans. This book covers about 800 of an estimated 6,000 rare
diseases, and is often the only place to find a straightforward synopsis
of the disease, references, and standard and investigational therapies.

**\*Professional Guide to Diseases**, 7^th^ ed. By Springhouse
Publishing. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, 2003. ISBN: 1582550735.
\$42.95.

Although written for the clinician, this is a very readable guide to
many diseases and conditions. Covers causes, signs and symptoms,
diagnosis, treatment and special considerations for each disease, but
does not overload the reader with information. Excellent.

**\*Professional Guide to Signs and Symptoms**, 4^th^ ed. Lippincott,
Williams and Wilkins, 2003. ISBN: 1582552894. \$42.95.

> *This nursing reference is actually useful in a public library. Covers
> many symptoms and their possible causes.*

###### **Medical Tests**

**\*\*Johns Hopkins Consumer Guide to Medical Tests: What You Can
Expect, How You Should Prepare, What Your Results Mean.** By Simeon
Margolis & Johns Hopkins Medical School Faculty Staff. Rebus, 2001.
ISBN: 092966163X. \$39.95.

**A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests**, 7^th^ ed. By Francis
Fischbach. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2004. ISBN: 0781741807.
\$38.95.

> *This is a comprehensive nursing text on medical tests. Chapters are
> organized into types of testing, i.e. blood tests, urine tests, x-ray
> studies, etc. Each test listing includes the purpose of the test,
> description of the procedure, normal values, interfering factors, and
> special precautions to be taken. Complete, thorough.*

**Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests**, 2^nd^ ed. By
Kathleen Deska Pagana and Timothy J. Pagana. Mosby, 2002. ISBN:
032301609X. \$82.50.

> *This book is written for nurses and describes the particular
> laboratory test and what it is used for, the contraindications,
> concerns, possible complications and patient care before, during and
> after the test. Although this book targets nurses, the public often
> would like the detailed description that this book provides.*

**\*\*The Patient's Guide to Medical Tests**, 2^nd^ ed. By Joseph C.
Segen, MD and Josie Wade, R.N. Checkmark Books, 2002. ISBN: 0816046522.
\$18.95.

Alphabetically arranged, this book is more of a dictionary on medical
tests. Very brief descriptions. This book does mention the costs of some
of the procedures, which some patrons may want. This book would not be
first on my list.

**\*The Yale University School of Medicine Patient's Guide to Medical
Tests.** Edited by Barry L. Zaret. Houghton Mifflin, 1997. ISBN:
0395765366. \$40.00.

> *Although this book is starting to become dated, it is still the best
> resource for easy-to-understand consumer-oriented information on
> medical tests. Covers routine screening (Why get tested if I have no
> symptoms?), as well as diagnostic tests. Answers patients' questions
> about preparation, how long the test will take, risks involved and
> what the results mean.*

#### Mental Health

**\*\*Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR
(Text Revision)**. By the American Psychiatric Association. The
Association, 2000. ISBN: 0890420254. \$64.00.

#### Orthopedics

**CURENT Diagnosis and Treatment in Orthopedics**, 3^rd^ ed. Edited by
Harry B. Skinner. Appleton & Lange, 2002. ISBN: 007387587. \$54.95.

This book, another in the Current series, covers injuries and disorders
of the musculoskeletal system. Describes the disease/condition,
diagnosis, and treatments.

#### Surgery

**CURRENT Surgical Diagnosis and Treatment**, 11^th^ ed. By Lawrence W.
Way & Gerald Doherty. Appleton and Lange: 2002. ISBN: 0838514561.
\$59.95.

This text briefly covers surgery required for over 1000 diseases and
disorders. Although written for the professional, all of the CURRENT
books are worth adding to the reference collection for those who want to
delve deeper into the medical research.

**\*\*Instructions for Surgery Patients**. By Stephen G. and Tasia S.
Economou. W. B. Saunders, 1999. ISBN: 0721671888. \$65.70.

> *This book describes more than 300 common operations using layman's
> terms and simple diagrams. Alphabetically arranged and easy to use.*

**\*\*Second Opinion: The Columbia Presbyterian Guide to Surgery.** By
Eric A. Rose. St. Martin's Press, 2000. ISBN: 0312205848. \$11.95.

> *This book explains various surgical procedures clearly and concisely
> using lay language. Each surgery describes the part of the body being
> operated on, the reasons for having the operation, possible
> complications, medical tests that may have to be performed and what is
> done during the operation. Clear and straightforward.*

#### Toxicology

**Poisoning and Drug Overdose**, 4^th^ ed. By the Faculty, Staff and
Associates of the California Poison Control System. Appleton & Lange,
2004. ISBN: 0838581722. \$50.00.

\*\*Total price of these titles \< \$1000

\*Total price of these titles \< \$2000

Total price of all titles is \< \$6,000