Getting Old Without Getting Anxious will be the spark for our upcoming book club meeting. Written by Peter Rabins, M.D. (co-author of the caregiving classic The 36-Hour Day) and a model of clear writing and practical advice, the book addresses differences between late-life anxiety and anxiety in younger people, how to identify the disorder in a loved one, and ways to cope with and treat anxiety in elders.
     We have copies available to borrow or buy. However, don't be anxious if you've no time to read the book! We'll have a review before discussing this topic. We hope you'll join our stimulating discussion as a concerned aging boomer, affected senior, or caregiver.

     The second edition of Putting Patients First, a book about the Planetree model of patient-centered care for hospitals and other health-related organizations, was released at the 30th annual international Planetree conference in October. The first edition was selected by the American College of Healthcare Executives to receive their "Book of the Year" award as the most outstanding work on healthcare and healthcare management in 2004.
     A Planetree librarian since 1987, our director, Candace Ford, co-wrote the chapter on providing health information to patients, their families, and communities. The new edition is available in our collection to check out with your free PlaneTree library card.

  
How's your hsCRP?
     The usefulness of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in evaluating one's risk of coronary heart disease has been confirmed by two recent studies. In a third study, treating patients with high levels of hsCRP nearly halved patients' risk of heart attack, stroke, or death.
      It is widely assumed that high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, and should be treated with a statin. However, a few scientists are unconvinced. If you're curious about this behind-the-scenes controversy, you can read an articulate discussion of the third study by one skeptical scientist, Howard Brody, Ph.D., M.D.,  a widely respected physician and ethicist whose books include Hooked: Ethics, the Medical Profession, and the Pharmaceutical Industry.

Minty fresh digestion
     People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may fare better with an old home remedy than with prescription medications. A study which compared peppermint oil, anti-spasmodics, and fiber against placebos found that while all three treatments provided relief for some patients,  peppermint oil  relieved symptoms for significantly more sufferers.  
     If you're interested in using peppermint oil, learn more about this supplement and then talk to your doctor.

Help for many kids with asthma
Researchers are discovering that - like adults - kids with problematic asthma often have undiagnosed or undertreated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Treatment of GERD can significantly diminish asthma flare-ups.

Zz-z-z
     We all know how great a good night's sleep can make us feel, but habitually getting enough rest is truly good for us - lowering our risks for diabetes and cancer, plus among seniors, reducing the risks of stroke and heart attacks and of falling. In addition, kids who are consistently well-rested are less likely to grow up to have problems as adults with obesity or with anxiety, depression, or agression.
     If you or a loved one has difficulty getting a good night's sleep, these resources may be helpful.