With summer right around the corner, it’s a good time to get a head start on reading ideas. In 2009, unemployment reached a 16 year high, causing economic uncertainty and the loss of health benefits for many Americans. Every year Library Journal (LJ) publishes a list of the best consumer health books. Highlights from the 2009 list are as follows:
Carstensen, Laura L. A Long Bright Future: An Action Plan for a Lifetime of Happiness, Health, and Financial Security. Her research shows that older adults are, in fact, more mentally stable, optimistic, and happier than younger people. Working longer helps the Social Security system and provides retirement income.
Germer, Christopher K. The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion: Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions. Clinical psychologist Germer (Harvard Medical School) uses mindfulness meditation to bring about the acceptance of one's feelings and thoughts. This therapy helps people achieve harmony in their lives and improve relations with others. Also included are valuable self-help techniques.
Sanders, Lisa, M.D. Every Patient Tells a Story: Medical Mysteries and the Art of Diagnosis. Former journalist Sanders writes the “Diagnosis” column for the New York Times Magazine and serves as the technical advisor to the House, M.D. TV series. Her profiles here of patients who have complex medical problems shed light on the diagnostic process and the doctor–patient relationship. She also gives readers tools that will help them navigate the medical system.
Scioli, Anthony & Henry B. Biller. Hope in the Age of Anxiety. Clinical psychologists Scioli and Biller take an interdisciplinary approach to hope, addressing its cultural, spiritual, social, and psychological components. Also presented are meditation exercises and self-assessment tools that allow readers to take control of their spiritual well being. Much more than a self-help book.
Gibbons, Leeza & others. Take Your Oxygen First: Protecting Your Health and Happiness While Caring for a Loved One with Memory Loss. TV personality Gibbons shares her experience of caring for her mother who has Alzheimer's disease. With psychologist James Huysman and physician Rosemary Laird, she provides valuable advice to caregivers about exercise, nutrition, and family involvement. In addition to information about the causes and treatment of Alzheimer's, the authors explore the spiritual aspects of caregiving.
Anderson, John W. Stand by Her: A Breast Cancer Guide for Men. Anderson filled a gap in the breast cancer (BC) literature with this guide for men who have women in their lives with the disease. (The author's wife, sister, mother, and mother's best friend all had BC.) Provided here is good advice about supporting a loved one during diagnosis and treatment, dealing with emotional issues, celebrating remission, and preparing for the end of life.
Additional recommended titles include: The Everything® Health Guide to Living with Breast Cancer: An Accessible and Comprehensive Resource for Women, by Carvalho, Laura Giuggio, R.N. & James A. Stewart, M.D.; Normal at Any Cost: Tall Girls, Short Boys, and the Medical Industry's Quest To Manipulate Height, by Cohen, Susan & Christine Cosgrove; Routine Miracles: Personal Journeys of Patients and Doctors Discovering the Powers of Modern Medicine, by Fischer, Conrad, M.D.; It Takes a Genome: How the Clash Between Our Genes and Modern Life Is Making Us Sick, by Gibson, Greg; Blood and Guts: A History of Surgery, by Hollingham, Richard; Lymphedema Caregiver's Guide: Arranging and Providing Home Care, by Kearse, Mary Kathleen & others; No Family History: The Environmental Links to Breast Cancer, by McCormick, Sabrina; Getting to 50/50: And Why It's Great for Your Marriage, Your Career, Your Kids…and You, by Meers, Sharon & Joanna Strober; The Sky Begins at Your Feet: A Memoir on Cancer, Community, and Coming Home to the Body, by Mirriam-Goldberg, Caryn; The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care, by Reid, T.R.; Why Our Health Matters: A Vision of Medicine That Can Transform Our Future, by Weil, Andrew, M.D.; The First Year: Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed Child, by Wiseman, Nancy.
Support your local library!
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
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