This engaging, well-written book would be useful for public and school library collections if the authors had followed their excellent recommendations for evaluating health web sites before recommending them to the general reader. This couple a news reporter on health and technology and a public librarian have the right combination of credentials for the topic. The trademark DummiesR combination of a friendly writing style, cartoons, and use of small icons for highlighting purposes provides an engaging book that could assist readers who need health information but are reluctant to use the Internet. Unfortunately, by recommending Yahoo! Health as "the best place to start your journey of alternative healing," the authors forget to note that sites linked from Yahoo! are not evaluated. At the very least, they should have used their "Warning" icon for this recommendation. In addition, when discussing MEDLINE, they give the web address for Internet Grateful Med (IGM) instead of PubMed (www.pubmed.gov). Yet the National Library of Medicine announced the demise of IGM well over a year ago; it was retired in September 2001. Libraries do not need to buy this book; patrons would be better served by a recommendation to visit www.medlineplus.org and other authoritative subject directories listed on the Medical Library Association web site (www.mlanet.org). Margaret Allen, Library Consultant, Stratford, WI
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Customer Reviews & Comments
Healthcare for Dummies validates the Internet as a research tool. It provides qualified healthcare sources with which to help ourselves, our families and friends. I needed immediate information to help my mother cope with my Father who has Alzheimer's. I not only found organizations with information on Alzheimer's, but sources for my Mother (the caregiver) to contact for guidance and assistance. Healthcare is rarely one issue. This guide can assist in the search for information on conditions, treatments as well as insurance and life stage issues -- all available on the Internet.
