BEST CONSUMER HEALTH BOOKS OF 2004

摘要

One need only pick up a newspaper or turn on the television to know that there is a healthcare crisis in the United States. The flu vaccine shortage, the recall of Cox 2 inhibitors, and the lack of health insurance by 40 percent of all Americans have all been in the headlines. Add to that an aging population, warnings about the impending demise of Social Security and Medicare, and the high cost of prescription drugs, and the national stress level rises dangerously. Baby boomers now find themselves caring for both children and parents as they themselves join the ranks of senior citizens. It is no surprise that many of them seek health information from the library. Publishers continue to offer a variety of materials that deal with current health issues. On this list, books about elder care, coping with chronic conditions, and cancer share the spotlight with a glimpse at the intense work of a burn unit and an expose of drug companies.