Besides providing free recreational reading materials, public libraries strive to serve as a conduit for the informational needs of the community. One of those needs is reliable consumer health information. Most people probably do not think of the public library when they have questions regarding a family health issue. Librarians are not health professionals by any stretch of the imagination, but they can guide individuals to trustworthy information sources.

The most current information available is found on the Internet, and MedlinePlus is the site we most often recommend to people seeking an answer to health questions. MedlinePlus is a service of the U. S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. It contains information on over 700 diseases, conditions and health-related topics. On this site individuals may search for information about prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements; for current health news; for local resources, health services, libraries, organizations and international sites. A medical encyclopedia and dictionary add further value to this useful web site. The library web page at www.scottsbluff.org/lib/ provides a link to MedlinePlus as well as fourteen other medical web sites.

The library also attempts to provide an up-to-date collection of consumer health books. The following is a partial listing of a few of our more recent acquisitions.

"Caring For Your Parents: The complete AARP Guide" by Hugh Delehanty and Elinor Ginzler

"The AD/HD Book: Answers to Parents’ Most Pressing Questions" by Beth Ann Hill with James A. Van Haren, M.D., FRCPC

"Melanoma: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment" by Catherine M. Poole with DuPont Guerry IV, M. D. (Second Edition)

"Parkinson’s Disease and the Family: A New Guide" by Nutan Sharma, M.D. and Elaine Richman, Ph.D.

"The Safe Baby: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Home Safety" by Debra Smiley Holtzman

"When Your Loved One Has Dementia: A Simple Guide for Caregivers" by Joy A. Glenner and others

"If Your Adolescent Has Schizophrenia: An Essential Resource for Parents" by Raquel E. Gur, M.D., Ph.D., and Ann Braden Johnson, Ph.D.

"If Your Adolescent Has an Anxiety Disorder: An Essential Resource for Parents" by Edna B. Foa, Ph. D. and Linda Wasmer Andrews

"Treating and Preventing Adolescent Mental Health Disorders: What We Know and What We Don’t Know" edited by Dwight L. Evans and others

"The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Gentle Ways to Stop Bedtime Battles and Improve Your Child’s Sleep" by Elizabeth Pantley

"Polio: An American Story" by David M. Oshinsky. This is not a consumer health book but a history of the national crusade against polio.

"Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book" by Susan M. Love, M.D. with Karen Lindsey. This is the 4^th fully revised edition and is considered the bible for women with breast cancer.

"The Wisdom of Menopause: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing During the Change" by Christiane Northrup, M.D.

"Blue Genes: Breaking Free From the Chemical Imbalances That Affect Your Moods, Your Mind, Your Life, and Your Loved Ones" by Paul Meier, M.D. and others

"Don’t Eat This Book: Fast Food and the Supersizing of America" by Morgan Spurlock

"You: The Owner’s Manual, An Insider’s Guide to the Body That Will Make You Healthier and Younger" by Michael F. Roizen, M. D. and Mehmet C. Oz, M. D.

"Natural Cures ‘They’ Don’t Want You to Know About" by Kevin Trudeau (Updated Editon)

The consumer health resources, provided by a library, assists an individual become more knowledgeable about medical issues; however, it is prudent to always consult a physician about your health concerns.

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Scottsbluff Public Library :: 1809 Third Avenue :: Scottsbluff, NE 69361 :: 308-630-6250