Come by CHEC during the month of April to view the Poison Awareness Display. Information is provided on a variety of poisons such as inhalants, household poisons, poisonous snakes and plants. Also provided are handouts on keeping kids and pets safe from poisons. Stop by CHEC during April to familiarize yourself with how to prevent being poisoned and what to do if you are poisoned. And, remember, the number for the Virginia Poison Center is 1-800-222-1222.
Come by CHEC during the month of March to view the Kidney Health Awareness Display. A variety of kidney health handouts will be available on the display. Thursday, March 12 is World Kidney Day. In celebration of World Kidney Day CHEC will host a "Your Kidney Health" open house from 10:00 to 2:00. Stop by CHEC that day to find out ways to keep your kidneys healthy.
Reviewed by Brandie Self, Community Health Education Center Intern
A dental implant is one of the many options available when a person loses a tooth or teeth. Even though this option has been available for a long time, it was not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) until the 1980s. However, dental implants are not a common procedure partly because many people are not aware of or do not understand the procedure. When a patient has a tooth that is beyond repair and decides to have a dental implant placed, the dentist will first remove the tooth. The next steps vary slightly, but generally, a titanium rod is placed to replace the root of the tooth. When that has healed, the patient will receive a crown that is placed on the rod to completely replace the lost tooth.
In A Patient's Guide to Dental Implants, the authors first explain why we lose teeth and how to prevent this from happening. They also present a thorough description of periodontal (gum) disease and its different stages, which is a primary cause for losing teeth. The authors also present step by step information about the procedure and explain what to expect and what steps to take when talking to your dentist about dental implants, as well as how to care for the implants after they are placed.
This book is an great resource for anyone considering having a dental implant placed or even for those who have already had the procedure and have more questions.
Community Health Education Ctr RK667.I45 P38 2003 Non-circulating
To view this title or other health-related books visit the Community Health Education Center (CHEC). The CHEC is located on the ground floor of the VCUHS Gateway Building on the MCV campus.
Reviewed by Brandie Self, Community Health Education Center Intern
Alzheimer's disease affects millions of people, mostly over the age of 65. Even though this disease impacts so many people and affects not only the patient, their family members, and caregivers, the disease still remains somewhat of a mystery to patients and the doctors who treat them. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but the authors of this book discuss medications that can be used to treat symptoms. The authors discuss possible future treatments for this disease and aspects of the disease such as diagnosis and stages of the disease. The authors offer advice for caregivers including daily problems, financial issues, and caregiver support, including services that would allow caregivers to continue their daily activities such as working and running errands.
Overall, the book is a helpful resource for understanding Alzheimer's disease. Other informative sections include a Quick Guide for Caregivers that details daily activities. The illustrations are helpful and include a section of color pictures showing images of a brain showing signs of Alzheimer's disease. There are also additional resouces in the back of the book listing places readers can consult for additional information.
Community Health Education Ctr RC523.2 .M385 2002 Non-circulating
To view this title or other health-related books visit the Community Health Education Center (CHEC). The CHEC is located on the ground floor of the VCUHS Gateway Building on the MCV campus.
Reviewed by Katelyn Schifano, Community Health Education Center Intern
Stroke can be a debilitating event to a patient, but it can be equally traumatic for their families. It is important to make sure that the family understands what has happened and what they can expect after a loved one has had a stroke. The authors do a good job of explaining the phsiological aspects of a stroke by using examples from daily life situations. The book provides information on medications for stroke victims, physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapy and difficulties the family may face at each stage of recovery. The book also addresses emotional issues such as depression and grieving that may occur for the "loss of oneself."
One of the most useful resources in Living with Stroke is a listing of contact information of organizations that provide education and supportive services. There is also a glossary of terms that can help the reader understand some of the more technical terms.
Community Health Education Ctr RC388.5 .S44 2001 Non-circulating
To view this title or other health-related books visit the Community Health Education Center (CHEC). The CHEC is located on the ground floor of the VCUHS Gateway Building on the MCV campus.
Reviewed by Sylvia Quigley, CHEC volunteer
With the increase of the onset of diabetes in more and younger people, a good, basic understanding of this disease is needed. This book is written for a teen audience. "Diabetes" refers to a group of diseases which affect how the body uses blood sugar. Diabetes is divided into Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, sometimes referred to as "insulin-dependent or juvenile-onset diabetes," is diagnosed when the body is unable to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed when the body is unable to properly respond to the insulin that the body makes. Nine out of ten cases of diabetes is Type 2.
This increase in Type 2 diabetes is the result of eating too many fatty and sweet foods and not getting enough exercise. It is also the result of people living longer. Being diagnosed and treated for diabetes is important. Controlling diabetes is important to prevent complications. Left untreated, diabetes can affect many major organs in your body. Many different treatments are available and your health care provider will prescribe the right one for you. Research is ongoing to try to find a cure for this disease.
For better understanding, the author provides a glossary of terms; for more information, sources are provided.
Community Health Education Ctr RC660.5 .B795 2004 Non-circulating
To view this title or other health-related books visit the Community Health Education Center (CHEC). The CHEC is located on the ground floor of the VCUHS Gateway Building on the MCV campus.
CHEC will celebrate the Week of the Nurse with an open house celebration on Wednesday, May 14th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Community Health Education Center located in the Gateway Building Ground floor. All VCUHS nurses and nursing students are invited to attend the event. Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be given away. Also, enter to win one of two gift baskets that will be raffled during the event. For questions please contact CHEC Librarian, Dana Ladd at 828-2432.