UCSF Patient Health Library

Breaking bad habits

2012-02-09T15:32:00.000-08:00

Breaking Bad Habits: Why It’s So Hard to Change
(Excerpted from NIH News In Health, January 2012)

If you know something’s bad for you, why can’t you just stop? About 70% of smokers say they would like to quit. Drug and alcohol abusers struggle to give up addictions that hurt their bodies and tear apart families and friendships. And many of us have unhealthy excess weight that we could lose if only we would eat right and exercise more. So why don’t we do it?

“Habits play an important role in our health,” says Dr. Nora Volkow, director of NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Understanding the biology of how we develop routines that may be harmful to us, and how to break those routines and embrace new ones, could help us change our lifestyles and adopt healthier behaviors.”

Habits can arise through repetition. They are a normal part of life, and are often helpful. “We wake up every morning, shower, comb our hair or brush our teeth without being aware of it,” Volkow says.

Habits can also develop when good or enjoyable events trigger the brain’s “reward” centers. This can set up potentially harmful routines, such as overeating, smoking, drug or alcohol abuse, gambling and even compulsive use of computers and social media.

The good news is, humans are not simply creatures of habit. We have many more brain regions to help us do what’s best for our health.

“Humans are much better than any other animal at changing and orienting our behavior toward long-term goals, or long-term benefits,” says Dr. Roy Baumeister, a psychologist at Florida State University. “We’ve found that you can improve your self-control by doing exercises over time,” Baumeister says.

Volkow notes that there’s no single effective way to break bad habits. “It’s not one size fits all,” she says.

One approach is to focus on becoming more aware of your unhealthy habits. Then develop strategies to counteract them. For example, habits can be linked in our minds to certain places and activities. You could develop a plan, say, to avoid walking down the hall where there’s a candy machine. Resolve to avoid going places where you’ve usually smoked. Stay away from friends and situations linked to problem drinking or drug use.

One way to kick bad habits is to actively replace unhealthy routines with new, healthy ones. Some people find they can replace a bad habit, even drug addiction, with another behavior, like exercising. “It doesn’t work for everyone,” Volkow says. “But certain groups of patients who have a history of serious addictions can engage in certain behaviors that are ritualistic and in a way compulsive—such as marathon running—and it helps them stay away from drugs. These alternative behaviors can counteract the urges to repeat a behavior to take a drug.”

Bad habits may be hard to change, but it can be done. Enlist the help of friends, co-workers and family for some extra support.

Making Your Resolutions Stick: How to Create Healthy Habits
[From NIH News in Health]

Eating habits and behaviors
[From MedlinePlus]

Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-loss Program
[From the Weight-control Information Network / National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases]

Your Child's Habits
[From KidsHealth.org]

Understanding and Finding Clinical Trials

2012-02-01T15:23:00.000-08:00

Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people. Each study answers scientific questions and tries to find better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose or treat a disease. Clinical trials may also compare a new treatment to a treatment that is already available.

Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in their own health care, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research.

Every clinical trial has a protocol, or action plan, for conducting the trial. The plan describes what will be done in the study, how it will be conducted, and why each part of the study is necessary. Each study has its own rules about who can participate. Some studies need volunteers with a certain disease. Some need healthy people. Others want just men or just women.

In the United States, an independent committee of physicians, statisticians and members of the community must approve and monitor the protocol. They make sure that the risks are small and are worth the potential benefits.

[Excerpted from the first two links below]

About Clinical Trials

Understanding Clinical Trials
[From ClinicalTrials.gov]

Clinical Trials
[From MedlinePlus]

How Does Clinical Research Work?
[From the National Institutes of Health]

Finding Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials at UCSF Medical Center

ClinicalTrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov offers up-to-date information for locating federally and privately supported clinical trials for a wide range of diseases and conditions.

Searching the hundreds of research studies on cancer treatments can be overwhelming. Using the tools from the following resources can make it easier to find clinical trials that may be right for you.

BreastCancerTrials.org

National Cancer Institute - Clinical Trials Search

If you need more help, contact the librarian at the Patient Health Library for an individual consultation.

Health Newsletters at the Patient Health Library, January 2012

2012-01-23T14:49:00.000-08:00

Not all information is free and not all of it is online! The UCSF Patient Health Library subscribes to a number of health and wellness newsletters that are not otherwise free to the public. Here are some highlights from recent newsletters.

To see the entire articles, visit the Patient Health Library!

Consumer Reports on Health, Jan 2012
-Health ‘truths’ overturned, pp.1-5
-The buzz on caffeine, p.6
-Choosing the right fats, pp.8-9

Harvard Health Letter, Dec 2011
-Are artificial sweeteners a good alternative to sugar? p.1
-Is it okay to keep on taking Ambien for my sleeping problems? p.3
-Should I worry about health effects from BPA? p.4

Harvard Men's Health Watch, Dec 2011
-Medical radiation: Too much of a good thing? pp.1-6

Mayo Clinic Health Letter, Jan 2012
-Pneumonia: Reducing your risk, pp.4-5

Nutrition Action Newsletter, Dec 2011
-What foods are good for lowering cholesterol, staying regular, lowering blood pressure, protecting your eyes, and avoiding colon cancer pp.1-7
-How to avoid an “online fleecing” regarding “miracle products” and “revolutionary cures”, pp.8-9
-Top veggie burgers and nuggets, pp.12-13

Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, Nov 2011
-More proof that staying physically active keeps brain sharp, pp.1-2
-Are probiotics right for you? pp.4-5
-No bone or menopause benefits from soy, per recent study, p.6

Stress

2012-01-17T14:21:00.000-08:00

We all have stress sometimes. For some people, it happens before having to speak in public. For other people, it might be before a first date. What causes stress for you may not be stressful for someone else. Sometimes stress is helpful - it can encourage you to meet a deadline or get things done. But long-term stress can increase the risk of diseases like depression, heart disease and a variety of other problems. If you have chronic stress, the best way to deal with it is to take care of the underlying problem.

[Excerpted from MedlinePlus: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/stress.html]

Stress and Anxiety
[From the UCSF Medical Center]

How to Handle Stress
[From the UCSF Medical Center]

Stress: How to Cope Better With Life's Challenges
[From the American Academy of Family Physicians]

Fight Stress with Healthy Habits
[From the American Health Association stress management page]

Taking Action to Control Stress
[From the American Health Association stress management page]

UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine
The Osher Center for Integrative Medicine offers a variety of groundbreaking lectures, classes, workshops, and therapeutic programs for the public, including in areas such as meditation and mindfulness, yoga, and tai chi.

UCSF Ida & Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center
The Cancer Resource Center supports wellness and the healing process by providing patients and their loved ones with information, emotional support, and community resources.

Drug Safety

2012-01-10T16:35:00.000-08:00

Buying & Using Medicine Safely
[Food and Drug Administration (FDA)]

Over-the-Counter Medicines: What's Right for You?
[FDA]

Your Medicine: Be Smart. Be Safe
[Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality]
Learn more about how to take medicines safely. Use the handy wallet card at the back of this printable booklet to keep track of your medicines.

Buying Prescription Drugs Online: The Do's and Don'ts
[Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research]

Generic Drugs: Questions and Answers
[FDA]

Find the Latest Drug Product and Safety Information
[FDA]

Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts
[FDA]

Further resources on Drug Safety and Over-the-Counter Medicines
[MedlinePlus]

Health Newsletters at the Patient Health Library, December 2011

2011-12-21T16:34:00.000-08:00

To see the entire articles, visit the Patient Health Library!

DukeMedicine HealthNews, Dec 2011
-Advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, pp.1-2
-More possible benefits of fruits and vegetables: better verbal memory, p.6

Harvard Health Letter, Nov 2011
-Taking care of your feet can reduce risk of falls, pp.1-3
-Now being served, better nutrition advice, pp.4-5

Harvard Women's Health Watch, Dec 2011
-Depression and cardiovascular risk in women, pp.1-2
-The overlooked hazards of holiday eating, pp.2-3
-Staying active despite osteoporosis, pp.4-6
-New treatment for overactive bladder, pp.6-7

Mayo Clinic Health Letter, Nov 2011
-Noncardiac chest pain, pp.1-3
-Helpful cold remedies, p.3
-Treating high blood pressure, pp.4-5

Nutrition Action Newsletter, Nov 2011
-How to keep your kitchen from making you sick, pp.1-7
-Fighting inflammation, pp.9-11

Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, Dec 2011
-Cholesterol-lowering foods boost benefits of cutting saturated fat, pp.1-2
-The new fat rules: “low fat” is out and “healthy fats” are in, pp.4-5

UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, Nov 2011
-Stealthy vegetables, p.2
-Questions about microwave ovens, p.4
-Trouble swallowing pills?

Recognizing the Signs of Stroke

2011-12-14T13:44:00.000-08:00

Every minute counts when someone is having a stroke. Immediate treatment can save people's lives and enhance their chances for successful recovery. However, you need to recognize the symptoms of a stroke and get to a hospital quickly. Getting treatment within 60 minutes can prevent disability.
(excerpted from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/knowstroke.htm)

The following information resources discuss the signs of stroke, ways to help prevent stroke, as well as treatment and recovery:

Knowing the Signs of Stroke
[from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke]
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/knowstroke.htm

Stroke Signs and Symptoms
[from the UCSF Medical Center]
http://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/stroke/signs_and_symptoms.html

Stroke Information: Overviews, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, Recovery and more
[from MedlinePlus]
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/stroke.html

NINDS Stroke Information Page
[from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke]
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/stroke.htm

For further information, contact the UCSF Patient Health Librarian.

MedlinePlus: Online Health Information

2011-12-05T15:24:00.001-08:00

MedlinePlus is a free, easy-to-use health information service of the National Library of Medicine.

Resources and tools include:

Health Topics: Over 900 topics on conditions, diseases and wellness
Drugs & Supplements: About your prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements
Videos, Tutorials and Cool Tools
Medical Encyclopedia and Dictionary
News: Current health news and press announcements
Directories: Find doctors, dentists and hospitals
Information in many languages

You can find the MedlinePlus website on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page along with many other health information resources.

Need more help? Want a search done for you?
Contact the Patient Health Librarian by email, telephone, or in person.

Health Newsletters at the Patient Health Library, November 2011

2011-11-29T13:28:00.001-08:00

To see the entire articles, visit the Patient Health Library!

Consumer Reports on Health, October 2011
-Building stronger bones: Advice for women and men, pp.1-5
-Food for thought: How food affects emotions and cognition, pp.8-9

DukeMedicine HealthNews, November 2011
-Combat osteoarthritis with daily physical activity, pp.1-2
-Practice positive activities to help overcome depression, pp.5-6
-Aerobic exercise trumps resistance training for losing belly fat, p.7

Harvard Health Letter, October 2011
-Controlling what—and how much—we eat: Learning about cravings, pp.1-3
-Seeking a second opinion, p.6

Mayo Clinic Health Letter, October 2011
-Regenerative medicine, pp.4-5
-Maximizing your benefit from chemotherapy, supplement pp.1-6

Nutrition Action Newsletter, October 2011
-How the food industry influences what we eat, pp.10-11

Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, October 2011
-When snacks attack: What you can do to break the snacking cycle, pp.4-6
“About half the average 3.35 pounds a healthy, non-obese American gains over four years can be traced to potato chips.”

UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, October 2011
-Dental erosion: 7 tips for your teeth, p.2
-What you need to know about tuna, p.4
-Peripheral artery disease, p.5
-Does massage help? p.6

Nutrition for everyone

2011-11-21T15:23:00.001-08:00

MyPlate

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

From the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, based on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Additional nutrition resources from MedlinePlus

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/nutrition.html

Want an alternative to the USDA's guidelines? Take a look at Harvard University School of Public Health's Healthy Eating Plate, from their Nutrition Source website.

Need to make it really easy? Check out the Ten Tips section of MyPlate.gov.

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/tipsresources/tentips.html

You'll find easy ways to incorporate vegetables, fruit, and fiber; how to cut back on sweets and sodium; tips for food shopping; and much more!

Healthy Eating After 50

http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/HealthyEating.htm

Additional nutrition resources for seniors from MedlinePlus

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/nutritionforseniors.html

Nutrition and Fitness for Families

http://kidshealth.org/parent/centers/fitness_nutrition_center.html

Healthy Eating for the Whole Family

http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/healthy_eating/habits.html

Additional child nutrition resources from MedlinePlus

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/childnutrition.html

Resources on Nutrition and Cancer

http://ucsfphl.blogspot.com/2011/02/resources-on-nutrition-and-cancer.html

From the UCSF Patient Health Library blog

Seasonal Influenza (Flu)

2011-11-14T16:43:00.001-08:00

Nearly everyone 6 months of age and older should get a yearly flu vaccine. Ample supplies of influenza vaccine are now available. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop an immune response. Get vaccinated now so that you will be protected when flu season begins. In the United States, influenza season usually begins in October and can last until May. [From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)]

People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications
[From the CDC]

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated
There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. These include:

People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine.
Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and
People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)

[From the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm ]

Where can you get a flu shot?

Contact your primary care doctor's office or your local pharmacist to see if they offer flu shots.

Adult Immunization & Travel Clinic: AITC is a non-profit, fee-for-service clinic that is part of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. AITC is committed to providing convenient, knowledgeable, personalized, and cost-effective immunization services for travelers, students, new employees, immigrants, and other members of the community. Information is available at http://www.sfcdcp.org/aitc.html

Cold or Flu?
[From UCSF Medical Center Patient Education]

Treatment for the Flu
[From UCSF Medical Center Patient Education]

When to Call Your Doctor About the Flu
[From UCSF Medical Center Patient Education]

Health Newsletters at the Patient Health Library, October 2011

2011-10-31T16:40:00.000-07:00

To see the entire articles, visit the Patient Health Library!

Consumer Reports on Health, Sept 2011

-Do you need that CTscan? pp.1-5

-Buying supplementssafely, p.6

-Using exercise to helpback pain, pp.8-9

-Caregiving at adistance, p.11

DukeMedicine HealthNews, Oct2011

-Solublefiber helps reduce visceral fat, p.4

-Largerdoses of zinc lozenges may shorten duration of cold symptoms, p.6

-Adviceon increasing your ability to concentrate on tasks, p.8

Harvard Men's Health Watch, Sept 2011
-Erectile dysfunction pills and benign prostatic hyperplasia, pp.5-7
-Electronic cigarettes, p.8

Nutrition Action Newsletter, Sept 2011
-What you need to know about multivitamins, pp.1-7
-Gluten and celiac disease, pp.9-11

Johns Hopkins Bulletin: Prostate Disorders, Fall 2011
-Robotic surgery scrutinized, pp.1-3

UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, Sept 2011
-How much does the cholesterol in your food really matter? pp.1-2
-Living with hot flashes, p.4

National Institutes of Health: Online Health Information

2011-10-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the nation’s medical research agency and the largest source of funding for medical research in the world. The NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers, each with a specific focus.

The NIH Health Information website contains health information in an easy-to-browse format.

Browse by:

Health topics A to Z
Conditions/diseases
Procedures and therapies
Symptoms
Health and Wellness
Body location/systems
Women's health
Men's health
Seniors' health
Minority health

You can also search the website by keywords, find information about NIH research (read some of the latest research), and subscribe to email updates on over 40 health topics.

NIH Radio is a 24-hour audio news service designed to provide broadcast radio stations and networks, podcasters and the public with the latest information about NIH research findings, highlights of press conferences, and health campaigns.

The 27 Institutes and Centers making up the NIH include:

National Cancer Institute
National Eye Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Institute on Aging
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Institute of Mental Health
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities

Find out more about the Institutes and Centers of the NIH

Did you know?

UCSF received more research funds from the National Institutes of Health than any other public institution in 2010, and received the third largest amount of all institutions nationwide. Read the whole story.

Health Newsletters at the Patient Health Library, September 2011

2011-09-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

To see the entire articles, visit the Patient Health Library!

Harvard Health Letter, September 2011
-More than the usual forgetfulness: mild cognitive impairment, pp.1-2
-Adult food allergies, pp.4-5
-Stress and overeating, p.6

Harvard Women's Health Watch, September 2011
-Bioidentical hormones, pp.1-3
-Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), pp.4-6
-Napping boosts cognitive function, pp.6-7

Nutrition Action Newsletter, July/August 2011
-Dairy – Hero or Villain? pp.9-11

Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, September 2011
-Special report: Are you eating enough fruit? pp.4-5
-Strenuous exercise linked to fewer “silent strokes” in the elderly, p.8

UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, August 2011
-Red flags about pain relievers, pp.1-2
-What to look for in energy bars, p.5

Mold and your health

2011-09-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

Molds On Food: Are They Dangerous?
[From the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service]
Has a helpful chart showing what foods may be salvaged and what should be discarded. For example:
Hard cheese - Cut off at least 1 inch around and below the mold spot (keep the knife out of the mold itself so it will not cross-contaminate other parts of the cheese). After trimming off the mold, re-cover the cheese in fresh wrap.
Soft cheese (such as cottage, cream cheese, Neufchatel, chevre) - Discard
Crumbled, shredded, and sliced cheeses (all types) - Discard
Soft fruits and vegetables (such as cucumbers, peaches, tomatoes) - Discard
Hard fruits and vegetables (such as cabbage, bell peppers, carrots) - Cut off at least 1 inch around and below the mold spot (keep the knife out of the mold itself so it will not cross-contaminate other parts of the produce).

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home
[From the U.S. EPA]
Includes information on:
   -Mold Basics
   -Mold Cleanup
   -Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips
   -Dealing with Hidden Mold

Facts About Molds
[From the CDC]
Excerpt:
What are the potential health effects of mold in buildings and homes?

Mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors. However some people are sensitive to molds. These people may experience symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation when exposed to molds. Some people may have more severe reactions to molds. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Immunocompromised persons and persons with chronic lung diseases like COPD are at increased risk for opportunistic infections and may develop fungal infections in their lungs.

In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.

How do you get the molds out of buildings, including homes, schools, and places of employment?

In most cases mold can be removed from hard surfaces by a thorough cleaning with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Absorbent or porous materials like ceiling tiles, drywall, and carpet may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. If you have an extensive amount of mold and you do not think you can manage the cleanup on your own, you may want to contact a professional who has experience in cleaning mold in buildings and homes. It is important to properly clean and dry the area as you can still have an allergic reaction to parts of the dead mold and mold contamination may recur if there is still a source of moisture.

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:
   -Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners.
   -Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
   -Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
   -Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

Emergency Preparedness

2011-09-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

Ready.gov: Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed
[From the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)]
Information on:
-Making a basic emergency supply kit
-Making a plan in case of emergencies
-What you should know in the event of emergencies ranging from biological threat to earthquake to tornado to flood to wildfire and more.
-Planning for your pets
-Much, much more

Preparedness Fast Facts
[From the American Red Cross]

Emergency Preparedness and You
[From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)]

Resources for Caregivers

2011-09-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

Support for Family Caregivers of Loved Ones with Serious Illness
[From the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine]
Especially see the Orientation to Caregiving Handbook and Tools for Caregivers.

Caregiving & Support
[From the UCSF Memory and Aging Center]

As a caregiver, what can I do to make caregiving easier on me?
[From the American Academy of Family Physicians]

Caregiver Health
[From the American Medical Association]

So Far Away: Twenty Questions and Answers About Long-Distance Caregiving
[From the National Institute on Aging]

Additionally, come into the Patient Health Library to read the following articles:
-Caregiving at a distance in the September 2011 issue of Consumer Reports on Health
-Adjusting goals, avoiding self-blame lowers stress for caregiviers in the September 2011 issue of DukeMedicine HealthNews

Health Newsletters at the Patient Health Library, August 2011

2011-08-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

The UCSF Patient Health Library subscribes to a number of health and wellness newsletters that are not otherwise free to the public. Here are some highlights from recent newsletters.

To see the entire articles, visit the Patient Health Library!

Consumer Reports on Health , August 2011

-‘Free’ preventive care: Is it for real? p.7

-Surprising facts about food poisoning, pp.8-9

Mayo Clinic Health Letter, August 2011

-Brand vs. generic drugs, pp.4-5
-Avoiding bedbugs, p.6
-Outer ear infection: Don't delay care, p.7

Nutrition Action Newsletter, May 2011
-Under the influence: How external cues make us overeat, pp.1-7
-What's all the fuss about green tea? pp.9-11

-Finding a healthy cracker, pp.13-15

Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, August 2011, special supplement
-Vitamin supplements: Hope versus hype, pp.1-4

Vaccinations

2011-08-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

Vaccines aren't just for kids. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that many adults become ill, are disabled, or die each year from diseases that could easily have been prevented by vaccines.

Everyone from young adults to senior citizens can benefit from immunizations. The CDC has a short, online questionnaire that can help you find out if there are vaccines that are recommended for you.

Some of these diseases can be especially serious for adults age 65 and older:

- Influenza (flu)
- Shingles
- Diphtheria
- Pneumococcus (pneumonia)
- Tetanus
- Hepatitis A & B

For more information:

Vaccine-preventable adult diseases [from the CDC]

Visit the MedlinePlus topic pages on immunization and childhood immunization.

Food Safety Resources

2011-08-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

FoodSafety.gov
[From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in conjunction with several federal agencies]

Basics of Handling Food Safely
[From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)]

Food Safety at a Glance
[From FoodSafety.gov]
How long can you store leftovers in the refrigerator? How can you tell when chicken breasts are done? How long does it take to cook a turkey? Check out these charts for fast answers.

Tips for Cleaning Fruits and Vegetables
[From the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)]

Are You Storing Food Safely?
[From the FDA]

Food Recalls and Products Withdrawn from Market
[From the FDA]

Food Safety During Cancer Therapy
[From the UCSF Ida & Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center]

Understanding and Finding Clinical Trials

2011-08-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

About Clinical Trials

Understanding Clinical Trials
[From ClinicalTrials.gov]

Clinical Trials
[From MedlinePlus]

How Does Clinical Research Work?
[From the National Institutes of Health]

If you need more help, contact the librarian at the Patient Health Library for an individual consultation.

Arthritis

2011-07-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Feeling out of joint: The Aches of Arthritis

[From NIH News in Health]

Arthritis Resources

[From MedlinePlus]

Rheumatoid Arthritis information

[From UCSF Medical Center]

Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinic at UCSF Medical Center

Arthritis and Joint Replacement Center at UCSF Medical Center

Need more help? Want a search done for you? Contact the Patient Health Librarian by email, telephone, or in person.

Health Newsletters at the Patient Health Library, July 2011

2011-07-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

The UCSF Patient Health Library subscribes to a number of health and wellness newsletters that are not otherwise free to the public. Here are some highlights from recent newsletters.

To see the entire articles, visit the Patient Health Library!

Duke Medicine HealthNews, July 2011

-Biology of food addiction, p.6

-There IS a “happiness” gene…but it’s not that simple, p.7

Harvard Health Letter, April 2011

-New criteria for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease pp.4-5

-Coronary bypass vs. angioplasty p.7

Harvard Men's Health Watch, July 2011

-Music and health pp.1-5

Harvard Women's Health Watch, July 2011

-Experts urge intensive lifestyle measures for lowering triglycerides p.3

-Laser vision correction after midlife pp.4-6

-Help for chronic fatigue symptoms: exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy p.7

Mayo Clinic Health Letter, July 2011

-Benefits of weight training, pp.1-3

Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, July 2011
-Tai chi helps relieve depression in people over 60, pp.1-2

-Learning to love lentils, p.6

UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, July 2011

-Should you worry about the sugar in fruit? pp.1-2

-What you can do about prehypertension (mildly elevated blood pressure) supplement pp.1-4

Exercise and physical fitness

2011-07-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

Regular exercise is a critical part of staying healthy. People who are active live longer and feel better. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. It can delay or prevent diabetes, some cancers and heart problems.

The key is to find the right exercise for you. If it is fun, you are more likely to stay motivated. You may want to walk with a friend, join a class or plan a group bike ride. If you've been inactive for awhile, use a sensible approach and start out slowly. [From MedlinePlus]

Exercise and physical fitness
[From MedlinePlus]

How much physical activity do you need?
Video: "What counts as aerobic activity"
[From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

Eating and exercise: 5 tips to maximize your workouts
[From the Mayo Clinic]

Exercise tips for children
[From UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital]

Strength Training for Older Adults
[From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

MedlinePlus: Online Health Information

2011-07-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

MedlinePlus is a free, easy-to-use health information service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.

Resources and tools include:

Health Topics: Over 800 topics on conditions, diseases and wellness
Drugs & Supplements: About your prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements
Videos, Tutorials and Cool Tools
Medical Encyclopedia and Dictionary
News: Current health news and press announcements
Directories: Find doctors, dentists and hospitals

You can find the MedlinePlus website on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page along with many other health information resources.

Need more help? Want a search done for you? Contact the Patient Health Librarian by email, telephone, or in person.

Health Newsletters at the Patient Health Library, June 2011

2011-06-27T15:15:00.000-07:00

The UCSF Patient Health Library subscribes to a number of health and wellness newsletters that are not otherwise free to the public. Here are some highlights from recent newsletters.

To see the entire articles, visit the Patient Health Library!

Harvard Women's Health Watch, May 2011

-When patients suddenly beome confused p.1

-Food allergies and intolerances p.4

Harvard Health Letter, April 2011

-Side effects of proton-pump inhibitors (such as Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid)

Duke Medicine HealthNews, July 2011

-Biology of food addiction, p.6

-There IS a “happiness” gene…but it’s not that simple, p.7

Mayo Clinic Health Letter, July 2011

-Benefits of weight training, pp.1-3

Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, June 2011

-Findings cast doubt on glycemic-index effect on appetite, p.8

Sunscreen

2011-06-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Summer is upon us! The days are longer and we might be spending more time outdoors. Read on to find out why sunscreen really isn't just for summertime and sunny days.

Sunscreens
[From the American Academy of Dermatology]

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently established new regulations for testing and labeling over-the-counter sunscreens. Find out what you should start looking for on your sunscreen's label:
-Understanding Over-the-Counter Medicines: Sunscreen
-FDA Sheds Light on Sunscreens

Skin Cancer Prevention
[From UCSF Medical Center]

Cancer Trends: Sun Protection
[From the National Cancer Institute]

SunWise
[From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]
Kids can learn about sun safety through these fun, interactive pages.

The Art of Eating Well

2011-05-31T16:34:00.000-07:00

Could you use some help getting more vegetables and fruits in your diet? Can you eat healthily and enjoy it?

Visit the Patient Health Library to read the special report from the Mayo Clinic Health Letter, Beyond meat and potatoes: the art of eating well. You can also check out some of their recipes for free online: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-recipes/RecipeIndex. Here are some examples:

Tips to help you eat vegetables
[from the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion at the U.S. Department of Agriculture]

Encouraging Your Child to Eat Fruits and Vegetables
[from the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital]

Did you know that nutrition counseling services are available to UCSF cancer patients at no charge? A dietitian is available Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm. Appointments can be scheduled through any of the oncology practices. Free seminars are also offered through the Ida & Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center. Call to register at 415.885.3693. More information is available by calling or going online to http://cancer.ucsf.edu/crc/nutrition-counseling-and-workshops.

Managing Eating Problems During Cancer Treatment:
Wednesday, June 8, 4:00 – 5:30pm

Nutrition & Breast Cancer:
Tuesday, June 14, 5:00 - 6:30pm

Cooking demonstrations at the Mount Zion Community Health Fair (no registration required):
Saturday June 18, 11:00am - 4:00pm

Sugar and Cancer: What’s the Relationship?:
Wednesday, June 22, 4:00 - 6:00pm

Not a cancer patient? Visit the UCSF Nutrition Counseling Clinic where registered dietitians provide nutrition counseling to help treat and prevent disease through dietary changes.

Health Newsletters at the Patient Health Library, May 2011

2011-05-09T16:52:00.000-07:00

The UCSF Patient Health Library subscribes to a number of health and wellness newsletters that are not otherwise free to the public. Here are some highlights from recent newsletters.

To see the entire articles, visit the Patient Health Library!

Harvard Women's Health Watch, March 2011
-Hormone therapy: the next chapter, pp.1-3
-Lower heart failure risk from eating chocolate, p.7
-The proper way to walk with a cane, p.8

Harvard Men's Health Watch, May 2011
-Acupuncture for erectile dysfunction, pp.5-7

Harvard Health Letter, March 2011
-A wash worth its while? Mouthwash's ability role in dental hygiene.

Nutrition Action Healthletter, Jan/Feb 2011
-Surprising findings from the last 40 years (a retrospective on the 40th anniversary of the newsletter's publisher, the Center for Science in the Public Interest), pp.3-8, 10-11
-Beyond Bread: think thin, a comparison of bread products in the grocery store, pp.12-15

Consumer Reports on Health, May 2011
-75 years and counting: health advice that endures (a retrospective on the 75th anniversary of the Consumers Union), pp.1, 4-5
-Choosing and using pain relievers, pp.8-9
-Splitting pills safely, p.6

UpToDate for Patients: A Unique Resource

2011-04-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

UpToDate for Patients provides free access to current information on hundreds of health topics to inform patients and help them share in the decision making process with their healthcare providers.

Similar to the information UpToDate creates for healthcare professionals, the patient information topics are reviewed every four months based on the recent medical literature. All patient information topics are written and edited by UpToDate's in-house nurse practitioner and physician editors and reviewed by an external physician author and section editor. Thus, their information is current, accurate and evidence-based.

The health topics include an in-depth discussion of the risk factors, causes, diagnostic processes, preventive measures, complications, and recommended treatments for many of the most common conditions. There are extensive references and links to article abstracts.

You can find UpToDate's website on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page along with many other health information resources.

Need more help? Contact the Patient Health Librarian, by email, telephone, or in person.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network

2011-04-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is an alliance of the world's leading cancer centers, including the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. NCCN aims to provide people with cancer—and the general public—state-of-the-art cancer treatment information in easy-to-understand language. NCCN.com includes information on all facets of cancer, from prevention and screening through life after cancer.

NCCN publishes NCCN Guidelines for Patients: free guidelines to help patients when they talk to their doctor about treatment options.

Currently available are NCCN Guidelines for Patients on Breast Cancer, Melanoma, Multiple Myeloma, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, and Prostate Cancer.

For more information:

About the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center

Medical care at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center

Health Information Websites from the UCSF Patient Health Library

Getting Enough Whole Grains?

2011-04-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

What are whole grains? How much of them should be in your diet? How can you tell which products in the grocery store are whole grain and which aren't?

"Terms such as '100 percent wheat,' 'multi-grain,' 'seven-grain,' 'stone-ground,' or 'bran' don't necessarily indicate a product is made mostly of whole grains," says the January 2011 issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. "Make sure a type of whole grain — such as whole wheat — appears among the first items in the ingredient list." For the complete article, come into the Patient Health Library where we have the newsletter in print.

Tips from the UCSF Medical Center: Eating Right for Your Heart

Keep a jar of oat bran or wheat germ handy. Sprinkle over salad, soup, breakfast cereals and yogurt.
Use whole-wheat flour when possible in your cooking and baking.
Choose whole grain bread. Look on the label for breads with the highest amount of fiber per slice.
Choose cereals with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving.
Keep whole-wheat crackers for an easy snack.
Cook with brown rice instead of white rice. If the switch is hard to make, start by mixing them together.

The Scoop on Whole Grains
From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Whole grains: Hearty options for a healthy diet
From the Mayo Clinic

Thought for Food: Intact Grains vs. Whole Grains
From Synapse, the UCSF student-run newspaper

There's a great article in the March 2011 issue of Nutrition Action HealthLetter, entitled Carbo Loading: Do You Overdo Refined Grains? Read it at the Patient Health Library!

MedlinePlus: Online Health Information

2011-03-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

MedlinePlus is a free, easy-to-use health information service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.

Resources and tools include:

Health Topics: Over 800 topics on conditions, diseases and wellness
Drugs & Supplements: About your prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements
Videos, Tutorials and Cool Tools
Medical Encyclopedia and Dictionary
News: Current health news and press announcements
Directories: Find doctors, dentists and hospitals

You can find the MedlinePlus website on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page along with many other health information resources.

Need more help? Contact the Patient Health Librarian by email, telephone, or in person.

RADIATION HEALTH ADVISORY

2011-03-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

The University of California San Francisco Emergency Management provides this health advisory based on current information with concurrence of the UCSF Chief Medical Officer. (March 17, 2011, 5pm)

UPDATE ON THE NUCLEAR EMERGENCY IN JAPAN

Currently there is no danger to San Francisco residents from Japan's nuclear emergency. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has stated that “given the thousands of miles between the two countries, Hawaii, Alaska, the US territories and the US West Coast are not expected to experience any harmful levels of radioactivity”. Radiation surveillance systems are in place at the state and federal level. Current levels are normal.

UCSF Medical Center and Police continue to monitor San Francisco Department of Public Health, California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) bulletins and advisories.

RECOMMENDATIONS

UCSF and the San Francisco Department of Public Health do not recommend taking potassium iodide. Potassium iodide (also called KI) can protect the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine. However, potassium iodide can have serious side effects including allergic reactions in people who have sensitivity to iodine or shellfish and adverse reactions in people who have thyroid problems.

RESOURCES

California Emergency Management Agency
Get updated on the latest information about possible radiation exposure here.

California Department of Public Health hotline: 916-341-3947

Radiation Frequently Asked Questions
[From the California Department of Public Health]

Radiation Emergency Information
[From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

2011-03-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

The mission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is "to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health – through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats."

Resources and tools the CDC offer include:

Diseases & Conditions
Including ADHD, Birth Defects, Cancer, Diabetes, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Flu, Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, STDs

Emergency Preparedness & Response
Including Bioterrorism, Chemical & Radiation Emergencies, Severe Weather

Environmental Health
Including Air Pollution, Carbon Monoxide, Lead, Mold, Water Quality, Climate Change

Life Stages & Populations
Including Infant & Child, Men, Minorities, Pregnancy, Seniors, Women

Healthy Living
Including Food Safety, Bone Health, Physical Activity, Immunizations, Genetics, Smoking Prevention

Injury, Violence & Safety
Including Brain Injury, Child Abuse, Falls, Fires, Poisoning, Suicide, Youth Violence

Travelers' Health
Including Destinations, Outbreaks, Travel Vaccinations, Yellow Book

Workplace Safety & Health
Including Asbestos, Chemical Safety, Construction, Mining, Office Environments, Respirators

Multimedia Information and Tools

Data and Statistics

Information in Multiple Languages

You can find a link to the CDC's website on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page along with many other health information resources.

Patient Safety

2011-03-04T13:52:00.000-08:00

The following resources supply information that you can use at home, at the doctor's office, in the hospital, in the pharmacy, in the grocery store, even shopping on the Internet!

What Patients Can Do to Make Healthcare Safer

[From the National Patient Safety Foundation]

Including specific steps you can take in the following areas:

Becoming a more informed health care consumer
Keeping track of your history
Working with your doctor and other health care professionals as a team
Involving a family member or friend in your care
Following the treatment plan agreed upon by you and your doctor

Patient Safety

[From the UCSF Medical Center]

Recommendations include:

When your doctor writes you a prescription, make sure you can read it.
Ask for information about your medicines in terms you can understand — both when your medicines are prescribed and when you receive them.
When you are being discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to explain the treatment plan you will use at home.

What Patients Can Do to Prevent Infections in the Hospital

[From the National Patient Safety Foundation]

Recommendations include:

Wash your hands carefully after handling any type of soiled material.
Since you are part of your healthcare team, do not be afraid to remind doctors and nurses about washing their hands before working with you.
Let your nurse know if your dressings become loose or wet.

Protecting Yourself

[From the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)]

Tips for buying medicines, medical devices, and radiation-emitting products
Summaries of recent safety alerts, prompted by reports received by FDA from health care professionals and their patients
Advice on how to report fraudulent or dangerous products

Radiology Patient Safety Information

Radiation Risk Reduction AT UCSF

[From the UCSF Medical Center, Department of Radiology]

You can find more patient safety resources on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page.

Vegetables and Fruits

2011-02-24T13:29:00.000-08:00

Vegetables and Fruits: The Bottom Line
[from the Harvard School of Public Health]

Do you eat enough vegetables? (click to enlarge)

[Excerpted from the USDA: http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/vegetables_amount_table.html. Accessed 2/24/11]

Health benefits of vegetables
[from the CDC]

Tips to help you eat vegetables
[from the CDC]

Encouraging Your Child to Eat Fruits and Vegetables
[from the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital]

For great ideas on adding vegetables and fruit to your diet, come in to the Patient Health Library to read the article "Eating your vegetables and fruit?" in the March 2011 issue of Consumer Reports on Health.

Resources on Nutrition and Cancer

2011-02-11T16:41:00.000-08:00

Overview of Nutrition in Cancer Care
(from the National Cancer Institute)

Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
(from the National Cancer Institute)

Diet for Cancer Treatment Side Effects
(from UCSF Medical Center's online Health Library)

Nutrition & Cancer: The Whole Diet

(Podcast from the UCSF Ida & Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center)

Nutrition Counseling & Workshops at UCSF
with registered dietician, Greta Macaire

Nutrition counseling services are open to UCSF cancer patients at no charge, although donations are appreciated. A dietitian is available Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm. Appointments can be scheduled through any of the oncology practices.

Nutrition & Phytochemicals - The Cancer Fighters in the Foods We Eat:
Thursday, February 17, 2011 4:00 – 6:00pm

Nutrition & Prostate Cancer:
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 4:00 – 6:00pm

Nutrition & Breast Cancer:
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 12:00 - 1:30pm

To register for these free seminars call the Ida & Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center at 415.885.3693. More information is available by calling or going online to http://cancer.ucsf.edu/crc/nutrition-counseling-and-workshops.

High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

2011-02-02T16:06:00.000-08:00

High blood pressure (aka hypertension) usually has no symptoms, but it can cause serious problems such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. You can control high blood pressure through healthy lifestyle habits and taking medicines, if needed.

Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. It is also a major cause of disability. There are many different forms of heart disease. The most common cause of heart disease is narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart itself. This is called coronary artery disease and happens slowly over time. It's the major reason people have heart attacks.

You can help reduce your risk of heart disease by taking steps to control factors that put you at greater risk:

Control your blood pressure
Lower your cholesterol
Don't smoke
Get enough exercise

[Excerpted from the MedlinePlus links below]

High Blood Pressure
[From MedlinePlus]

Understanding Your Risk for Heart Disease
[From UCSF Medical Center Patient Education]
Note the section on Modifiable Risk Factors, to see what you can do to reduce your risk.

Heart Disease Resources
[From MedlinePlus]

Blood Pressure Medicines
[From MedlinePlus]

Seasonal Influenza (Flu)

2011-01-27T15:37:00.000-08:00

Per UCSF Medical Center Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Josh Adler, influenza cases have recently increased in Southern California and have been reported as widespread in the East Coast and the South. Currently, the predominant flu strains are all ones which are contained in this year’s vaccine.

This information, along with the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that the flu vaccine is recommended for most everyone 6 months and older, is a great reason to get your flu shot now.

Flu Activity Map for the week ending January 15, 2011
[From the CDC]

People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications
[From the CDC]

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated
There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. These include:

People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine.
Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and
People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)

[From the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm ]

Where can you get a flu shot?

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;http://www.flu.gov/widgets/vaccinelocator.html&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Adult Immunization & Travel Clinic: AITC is a non-profit, fee-for-service clinic that is part of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. AITC is committed to providing convenient, knowledgeable, personalized, and cost-effective immunization services for travelers, students, new employees, immigrants, and other members of the community. Information is available at http://www.sfcdcp.org/aitc.html

National Institutes of Health: Online Health Information

2011-01-26T16:52:00.000-08:00

Did you know?

UCSF received more research funds from the National Institutes of Health than any other public institution in 2009, and received the second largest amount of all institutions nationwide. Read the whole story.

Recognizing the Signs of Stroke

2011-01-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

Knowing the Signs of Stroke
[from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke]
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/knowstroke.htm

Stroke Signs and Symptoms
[from the UCSF Medical Center]
http://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/stroke/signs_and_symptoms.html

Stroke Information: Overviews, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, Recovery and more
[from MedlinePlus]
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/stroke.html

NINDS Stroke Information Page
[from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke]
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/stroke.htm

For further help, contact the UCSF Patient Health Librarian.

Making Your Resolutions Stick

2010-12-23T15:36:00.000-08:00

New Year’s resolutions—they’re easy to make but easier to break. Why is it so hard to make the healthy changes that we know can help us feel better and live longer? And why is it so hard to make them last?

The UCSF Patient Health Library has compiled the following tools that can help you remove the barriers to making good habits a part of your life:

How to Create Healthy Habits
From the National Institutes of Health's News in Health Newsletter
http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/issue/Dec2010/Feature1

Healthy Lifestyles, Healthy Outlook
From the UCSF Medical Center - Patient Education
http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/healthy_lifestyles_healthy_outlook/

Behavior Modification Ideas for Weight Management
From the UCSF Medical Center - Patient Education
http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/behavior_modification_ideas_for_weight_management/index.html

Passing on Healthy Habits to Your Children
From FamilyDoctor.org
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/food/kids/781.html

The Healthy Habits of Good Sleep
From the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
http://www.sleepeducation.com/Hygiene.aspx

Healthy living
From MedlinePlus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002393.htm

MedlinePlus: Online Health Information

2010-12-17T14:50:00.000-08:00

MedlinePlus is a free, easy-to-use health information service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.

Resources and tools include:

Health Topics: Over 800 topics on conditions, diseases and wellness
Drugs & Supplements: About your prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements
Videos, Tutorials and Cool Tools
Medical Encyclopedia and Dictionary
News: Current health news and press announcements
Directories: Find doctors, dentists and hospitals

Consumer Health Information from the FDA

2010-12-07T14:58:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the government agency responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of drugs, medical devices, food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.

The FDA's consumer health website provides a wealth of useful information. Check out the following:

Consumer Updates
Timely and easy-to-read articles covering all FDA activities and regulated products
Free Print Publications
In addition to offering consumer materials online, the Food and Drug Administration will mail or fax brochures, articles, and other print publications at no cost. They also provide many downloadable, printer-friendly documents.
Multi-Media Consumer Information
Videos, photo slide shows, podcasts and audio

You can find the FDA website on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page along with many other health information resources.

Need more help? Contact the Patient Health Librarian by email, telephone, or in person.

Toxic Substances in the Home and Out

2010-11-29T16:20:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered what those chemicals in your household cleaning products are? Or wondered what effects you might suffer living near an oil refinery, a power plant or on a former industrial site? Use the following websites to learn about toxins, household products, and environmental health risks.

UCSF Toxic Matters Website

Toxic Matters is a nontechnical website filled with scientifically verified tips and suggestions for avoiding toxic chemical exposure. The website and downloadable brochure include specific tips on reducing exposure to metals and synthetic chemicals in everyday life—at home, at work, and in the community—and provide links to other sources with more detailed information.

Household Products Database

What's under your kitchen sink, in your garage, in your bathroom, and on the shelves in your laundry room? The NLM Household Products Database helps scientists and consumers learn about ingredients in brand-name products. Learn about what's in these products, about potential health effects, and about safety and handling.

Tox Town

Tox Town, the National Library of Medicine interactive guide to commonly encountered toxic substances, gives an introduction to toxic chemicals and environmental health risks you might encounter in everyday life and in everyday places.

Holiday Food Safety

2010-11-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

How long do I need to cook a 20-pound turkey?
What should I know to safely cook for a large group?
How long will my leftovers still be good?
Are there any tips for making a "turducken"?
How can I keep my stress level down while trying to prepare a perfect holiday meal?

If you are asking questions like these, take a look at the following sites to help keep everyone safe and happy this holiday season:

Seasonal Food Safety [from the US Department of Agriculture]

Food Safety Tips for Healthy Holidays [from the US Food and Drug Administration]

Are You Storing Food Safely? [from the US Food and Drug Administration]

Food Safety During Cancer Therapy [from the UCSF Ida & Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center]

Great American Smokeout

2010-11-17T15:37:00.000-08:00

The American Cancer Society is marking the 35th Great American Smokeout on November 18 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.

Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done. To have the best chance of quitting successfully, you need to know what you're up against, what your options are, and where to go for help.

Local Resources:

The UCSF Medical Center's Tobacco Education Center offers classes, as well as individual consultations with doctors trained in treating tobacco addiction. They help smokers maximize the likelihood of success in their efforts to quit. Services include:

Smoking Cessation Classes
Relapse Prevention Program
Doctor Consultation

For more information, to schedule an appointment or to enroll in a class, please contact the Tobacco Education Center at:

UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion
2330 Post St., Suite 420
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 885-7895

San Francisco Stop Smoking Site: A UCSF research program for smokers who are ready to quit.

UpToDate for Patients: A Unique Resource

2010-11-12T16:49:00.000-08:00

UpToDate for Patients provides free access to current information on hundreds of health topics to inform patients and help them share in the decision making process with their healthcare providers.

Similar to the UpToDate information for health professionals, the patient information topics are reviewed every four months based on the recent medical literature. All patient information topics are written and edited by UpToDate's in-house nurse practitioner and physician editors and reviewed by an external physician author and section editor. Thus, their information is current, accurate and evidence-based.

The health topics include an in-depth discussion of the risk factors, causes, diagnostic processes, preventive measures, complications, and recommended treatments for many of the most common conditions. There are extensive references and links to article abstracts.

You can find UpToDate's website on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page along with many other health information resources.

Need more help? Contact the Patient Health Librarian, by email, telephone, or in person.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network

2010-11-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

NCCN has recently begun publishing NCCN Guidelines for Patients, a set of guidelines to help patients when they talk to their doctor about treatment options.

Available today are NCCN Guidelines for Patients on Breast Cancer and NCCN Guidelines for Patients on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, with addition guidelines coming soon.

Seasonal Influenza (Flu)

2010-10-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

Flu activity in the United States is low now, making this an excellent time to get a flu vaccine. This season, everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated, even if they got a seasonal or 2009 H1N1 vaccine last season. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine has been updated to protect against the three flu viruses that CDC expects will cause the most illness in the United States this season.

Groups at high risk for developing flu-related complications

Children older than 6 months and younger than 5 years (especially children younger than 2 years old)
Adults 65 years of age and older
Pregnant women

People who have certain medical conditions are also at high risk for developing flu-related complications:

Asthma
Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions [including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury].
Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and cystic fibrosis)
Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)
Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)
Kidney disorders
Liver disorders
Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids)
People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
People who are morbidly obese (Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 40 or greater)

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated

There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. These include:

People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine.
Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and
People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)

How to Handle Home Emergencies

2010-10-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

From the October 2010 issue of Consumer Reports on Health comes information on how to handle home emergencies.

Some of the highlights:

Cuts and scapes - Clean cuts with soap and running water, rather than alcohol, iodine, or hydrogen peroxide.
Bleeding - Use pressure to stop bleeding, rather than elevating the affected area or applying chemical products designed to stem the flow of blood.
Burns - Ice can damage skin further; run cool water over the burn for 10-20 minutes to stop the burning process.
When to go to the hospital
What should be in your home first-aid kit and your car first-aid kit.

Read the entire article at the UCSF Patient Health Library.

Other resources:

When Should I Go to the Emergency Department? [from the American College of Emergency Physicians]

First Aid & Safety [from KidsHealth.org]

First-aid kits: Stock supplies that can save lives [from the Mayo Clinic]

Mood and Food

2010-10-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

Do you eat when you're not hungry? Here are some helpful hints regarding mood and food from the Mayo Clinic:

"You might be indulging as a response to stress or boredom. Pay attention to when you eat and how you're feeling. If you turn to comfort foods out of habit rather than hunger, try a new tact. Instead of opening a bag of potato chips or unwrapping a candy bar, take a walk or treat yourself to a movie. If stress seems to nudge you toward the refrigerator, find a distraction. Listen to music, read a book or chat with a friend."

UCSF resources on food, eating habits and nutrition:

Food and nutrition resources from the UCSF Library.
Learn how to establish healthy eating habits for your children from the UCSF Children's Hospital.
The UCSF Women's Health Resource Center offers women and their families the opportunity to learn about women's health issues that cross the life span — from adolescence to menopause and beyond. Services include:

A lending library with over 2000 women's health titles.
An extensive collection of patient education materials covering a wide variety of health topics.
Regular classes and workshops to give you an opportunity to learn about specific women's health issues and to talk to some of the leading researchers and physicians about your questions and concerns.
The Resource Center has linkages with many bay area programs to help you and your family. They maintain a community resources database with information on topics including nutrition, exercise and body image.

UCSF Women's Health Resource Center
2356 Sutter Street, 1st Floor
San Francisco, CA 94143-1750
Phone: 415.353.2668

Dietary Fiber

2010-09-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

Resources from MedlinePlus:

Fiber: Start Roughing It!
[an overview from the Harvard School of Public Health]

Fiber Supplements: Are They Safe to Take Every Day?
[from the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research]

You can find a link to MedlinePlus on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page along with many other health information resources.

Resources from UCSF:

Why Fiber Is So Good for You
[from the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital]

Encouraging Your Child to Eat Fruits and Vegetables
[from the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital]

How fiber affects carbohydrate counting for people with diabetes
[from the UCSF Diabetes Teaching Center]

You can find the UCSF Medical Center Online Health Library at http://www.ucsfhealth.org/.

Need more information? Contact the Patient Health Librarian by email, telephone, or in person.

Adult Vaccines

2010-09-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

Influenza (flu)
Shingles
Diphtheria
Pneumococcus (pneumonia)
Tetanus
Hepatitis A & B

For more information:

Vaccine-preventable adult diseases [from the CDC]

Read the article "Good news on adult vaccines" from the August 2010 issue of Consumer Reports on Health, available at the UCSF Patient Health Library.

Resources on Nutrition and Cancer

2010-09-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

(Podcast from the UCSF Ida & Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center)

Nutrition Counseling & Workshops at UCSF
with registered dietician, Greta Macaire

Nutrition counseling services are open to UCSF cancer patients at no charge, although donations are appreciated. A dietitian is available Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm. Appointments can be scheduled through any of the oncology practices.

Nutrition & Prostate Cancer:
Tuesday, September 21, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Tuesday, October 26, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Tuesday, November 30, 4:00 – 6:00pm

Eating for Strong Bones:
Wednesday, October 6, 5:00 - 7:00pm

Nutrition & Breast Cancer:
Thursday, October 21, 10:00 - 11:30am
Tuesday, November 23, 5:00 – 6:30pm

Nutrition & Chemotherapy:
Tuesday, October 19, 3:30 – 5:00pm
Wednesday, November 3, 12:00 – 1:30pm

To register for these free seminars call the Ida & Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center at 415.885.3693. More information is available by calling or going online to http://cancer.ucsf.edu/crc/nutrition-counseling-and-workshops.

Creating a Family Health History

2010-09-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

A family health history is a written record of a family's health. The history contains information about a family's medical conditions, lifestyle habits (for example, whether anyone in the family has smoked), and where and how family members grew up. It's like a family tree for health.

You can use a family health history to see if you, your children, or your grandchildren might face an increased risk of developing serious health problems. These health problems might be common ones, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. They could also be less common diseases that are passed from one generation to the next, such as hemophilia or sickle cell anemia.

Many diseases result from a combination of a person's genes, lifestyle, and environment. People can't change the genes they inherit from their parents. But they can change things like diet, physical activity, and medical care to try to prevent diseases that run in the family.

A health care professional can use a family health history to help assess a person's risk of certain diseases. The health care professional might recommend actions to lower the chance of getting those diseases.

For more information, visit Creating a Family Health History from the National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine.

MedlinePlus: Online Health Information

2010-09-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

MedlinePlus is a free, easy-to-use health information service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.

Resources and tools include:

Health Topics: Over 800 topics on conditions, diseases and wellness
Drugs & Supplements: About your prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements
Videos, Tutorials and Cool Tools
Medical Encyclopedia and Dictionary
News: Current health news and press announcements
Directories: Find doctors, dentists and hospitals

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

2010-08-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

Diseases & Conditions: ADHD, Birth Defects, Cancer, Diabetes, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Flu, Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, STDs
Emergency Preparedness & Response: Bioterrorism, Chemical & Radiation Emergencies, Severe Weather
Environmental Health: Air Pollution, Carbon Monoxide, Lead, Mold, Water Quality, Climate Change
Life Stages & Populations: Infant & Child, Men, Minorities, Pregnancy, Seniors, Women
Healthy Living: Food Safety, Bone Health, Physical Activity, Immunizations, Genetics, Smoking Prevention
Injury, Violence & Safety: Brain Injury, Child Abuse, Falls, Fires, Poisoning, Suicide, Youth Violence
Travelers' Health: Destinations, Outbreaks, Travel Vaccinations, Yellow Book
Workplace Safety & Health: Asbestos, Chemical Safety, Construction, Mining, Office Environments, Respirators
Multimedia Information and Tools
Data and Statistics
Information in Multiple Languages

You can find a link to the CDC's website on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page along with many other health information resources.

Understanding the Affordable Care Act

2010-08-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Affordable Care Act. The law puts into place comprehensive health insurance reforms that will hold insurance companies more accountable, lower health care costs, guarantee more health care choices, and enhance the quality of health care. The Act will not be implemented all at once. Portions of the law have already taken effect. Other changes will be implemented through 2014 and beyond.

The healthcare.gov website, explains the changes including:

The strengthening of Medicare
The reduction of healthcare disparities
A new Patient’s Bill of Rights
A timeline showing when changes will occur

National Institutes of Health: Online Health Information

2010-08-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

The Art and Science of Natural Products: Fish Oil, Cranberry Juice, and Probiotics

2010-07-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

From the May 2010 NCCAM Newsletter (the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health):

The Art and Science of Natural Products

The use of "natural products" to improve health has become very popular. Shelves at health food stores and supermarkets are full of natural products that claim to improve health. But what do we know about them? Are these "natural" remedies safe and do they work?

NCCAM-funded investigators are studying how natural products might affect health, including three that have attracted public interest and show scientific promise—fish oil, cranberry juice, and probiotics.

Read the full article at http://nccam.nih.gov/news/newsletter/2010_may/naturalproduct.htm.

Want more information? Use the Drugs and Supplements section of MedlinePlus or contact the librarian at the UCSF Patient Health Library for help finding information about the safety and efficacy of natural products.

UpToDate for Patients: A Unique Resource

2010-07-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

UpToDate for Patients provides free access to current information on hundreds of health topics to inform patients and help them share in the decision making process with their healthcare providers.

Similar to the UpToDate information for health professionals, the patient information topics are reviewed every four months based on the recent medical literature. All patient information topics are written and edited by UpToDate's in-house nurse practitioner and physician editors and reviewed by an external physician author and section editor. Thus, their information is current, accurate and evidence-based.

The health topics include an in-depth discussion of the risk factors, causes, diagnostic processes, preventive measures, complications, and recommended treatments for many of the most common conditions. There are extensive references and links to article abstracts.

You can find UpToDate's website on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page along with many other health information resources.

Need more help? Contact the Patient Health Librarian, by email, telephone, or in person.

MedlinePlus: Online Health Information

2010-07-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

MedlinePlus is a free, easy-to-use health information service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Check out the new look of the MedlinePlus website that was unveiled today!

Resources and tools include:

Health Topics: Over 800 topics on conditions, diseases and wellness
Drugs & Supplements: About your prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements
Videos, Tutorials and Cool Tools
Medical Encyclopedia and Dictionary
News: Current health news and press announcements
Directories: Find doctors, dentists and hospitals

Find it at http://medlineplus.gov/

Facts about Smoking and Help for Quitting

2010-07-09T14:30:00.001-07:00

[Click on the image for a larger version]

(Data compiled from cdc.gov, cancer.org, and listverse.com. Originally posted at http://www.onlineschools.org)

The UCSF Medical Center's Tobacco Education Center offers classes as well as individual consultations with doctors trained in treating tobacco addiction. They help smokers maximize the likelihood of success in their efforts to quit. Services include:

Smoking Cessation Classes
Relapse Prevention Program
Doctor Consultation

See also the UCSF Legacy Tobacco Documents Library. This digital library contains more than 11 million documents created by major tobacco companies related to their advertising, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and scientific research activities. The library also includes video and audio clips and court transcripts.

The New Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan

2010-07-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

On July 1, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a new program created by the Affordable Care Act (the new healthcare law that Congress passed in March 2010) to help provide coverage for uninsured people with pre‑existing conditions.

The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan will provide a new health coverage option for you if you have been uninsured for at least six months, are a U.S. citizen or are residing here legally, and either have a pre-existing condition or have been denied health coverage because of your health condition.

In California, this program begins in August 2010 (apply by July 15 to have insurance by August 1). See details and find out how to apply at HealthCare.gov.

Read an easy-to-understand, printable brochure on how the Affordable Care Act helps people with pre-existing conditions.

Read the press release from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Preventing Drug Errors

2010-06-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

The June 2010 issue of Consumer Reports on Health has a very useful article called How to Prevent Drug Errors. The article reviews how to protect yourself from dangerous medication mistakes:

In the doctor's office
At the pharmacy
At home
In the hospital

Some of the highlights:

Keep a current list of medications, including dosage amounts, who prescribed them, and when you are supposed to take them
Thoroughly read the drug labels and drug information sheet from the pharmacy.
Speak up: ask the pharmacist or your doctor if you have any questions about the medications you are taking.

Read the entire article at the UCSF Patient Health Library.

More information on patient safety is available on the UCSF Medical Center website.

Resources on Nutrition and Cancer

2010-06-17T13:30:00.001-07:00

Online

Overview of Nutrition in Cancer Care (from the National Cancer Institute)

Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment (from the National Cancer Institute)

Diet for Cancer Treatment Side Effects (from UCSF Medical Center's online Health Library)

Additional online resources can be found on MedlinePlus. Type the words [nutrition cancer] into the search box in the upper, right corner.

Nutrition Counseling & Workshops at UCSF
with registered dietician, Greta Macaire

Nutrition counseling services are open to UCSF cancer patients at no charge, although donations are appreciated. A dietitian is available Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm. Appointments can be scheduled through any of the oncology practices.

Healthy Shopping Made Easy:
Thursday, July 15th, 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Nutrition & Prostate Cancer:
Tuesday, July 20th, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Tuesday, August 3rd, 4:00 – 6:00pm

Nutrition & Breast Cancer:
Tuesday, July 13th, 9:30 – 11:00am
Wednesday, August 11th, 12:00 – 1:30pm

To register for these free seminars call the Ida & Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center at 415.885.3693. More information is available by calling or going online to http://cancer.ucsf.edu/crc/nutrition.php.

Recent Advances in Cancer Research from the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting

2010-06-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

Learn about recent advances from the American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) 2010 Annual Meeting (June 4-8, Chicago, Illinois), either in person or online:

Bay Area Breast Cancer Forum
Presents "ASCO 2010 (American Society of Clinical Oncology): News from the Annual Int'l Oncology Meeting"

Wednesday, June 16, 6:00-7:30 pm
UCSF Medical Center at Mt. Zion
1600 Divisadero St., H Bldg., 3rd floor conference room
Moderator: Hope Rugo, MD

The Bay Area Breast Cancer Forum is a monthly gathering of health care providers, researchers, patients, and patient advocates/friends/caregivers. Discussion will be accompanied by a light dinner.

This and other Bay Area Breast Cancer Forum events are also available by podcast.
For information, contact Lauren Metzroth, 415.885.7213.

Recent Advances in Lung Cancer, Melanoma, CML Research

Cancer.Net, the patient information website from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), has information on recent advances shared at the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting (June 4-8, Chicago, Illinois). The following studies highlight advances in lung cancer, melanoma, and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Linked below are easy-to-read summaries, as well as podcasts and videos that allow you to hear directly from leading oncologists about what these studies mean.

Lung Cancer

To learn more about the findings of these studies, listen to a podcast or watch a video with Mark Kris, MD, professor of medicine at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and chief of the thoracic oncology service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

See also, Cancer.Net's Guide to Lung Cancer.

Melanoma

Drug Improves Survival for Patients With Advanced Melanoma

To learn more about the findings of this study, listen to a podcast or watch a video with Lynn Schuchter, MD, professor of medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and associate director of the Clinical Research Unit at Abramson Cancer Center.

See also, Cancer.Net's Guide to Melanoma.

CML

Dasatinib More Effective than Imatinib for People Newly Diagnosed With Chronic CML

To learn more about the findings of this study, listen to a podcast or watch a video with Sonali Smith, MD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

See also, Cancer.Net's Guide to CML.

MedlinePlus: Online Health Information

2010-06-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

MedlinePlus is a free, easy-to-use health information service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Resources and tools include:

Health Topics: Over 800 topics on conditions, diseases and wellness
Drugs & Supplements: About your prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements
Videos and Tutorials
Medical Encyclopedia and Dictionary
News: Current health news and press announcements
Directories: Find doctors, dentists and hospitals

Find it at http://medlineplus.gov/

New, enhanced MedlinePlus site coming Summer 2010. Preview the new look and offer feedback.