Salem Health Magill's Medical Guide

For the lay public--patients, caregivers, the healthy but worried population--this reference set offers straightforward, authoritative information that is more detailed (and nuanced) than what is generally dished out in the popular press or in self-help guides. It falls well short of what medical encyclopedias offer health care professionals, and yet it could serve in contexts where worker education is important (and, of course, where patient education is important). Coverage encompasses major diseases and disorders, the basics of human anatomy and physiology, common surgical and nonsurgical procedures--in 1,178 signed entries. The entries follow a consistent format beginning with definitions and key terms and, for example--in entries pertaining to diseases--continuing with causes and symptoms, treatment and therapy, perspective and prospects, cross references, and resources for further information. Arrangement is alphabetical in six volumes, but much has been done to guide readers to the material they seek and to related entries and relevant resources. In fact volume six devotes about half its pages to a glossary; listings of symptoms and warning signs, diseases, pharmaceuticals, types of health care providers, and medical journals; a general bibliography; a listing of resources; and a website directory. Indexing is by anatomy or system affected, by specialties and related fields, by personages, and by subject. The first edition was published in 1995; the fifth, in 1998. The current edition features additional entries and updating throughout. Eight medical editors are credited beginning with Brandon P. Brown (Indiana U.) at the head of the alphabetical listing; others are as follows: H. Bradford Hawley (Wright State U.), Margaret Trexler Hessen (Drexel U.), Clair Kaplan (Yale U.), Paul Moglia (South Nassau Communities Hospital), Judy Mouchawar (U. of Colorado), Nancy A. Piotrowski (U. of California, Berkeley), and Clair L. Standen (U. of Massachusetts). Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)