Associates & Wilson

Happy Hours – Alcohol in a Woman’s Life…maybe this will help you help yourself or a friend

Role Served: This book increases understanding that women have different relationships with alcohol than men, the why behind it and what to do about it. The book review is a resource to those with an issue or could be used as a book club handout when considering new selections.

Allergies

Allergies…allergy shots

Role Served: Defines the difference between allergies that respond to oral medication and allergies that require shots. Not all problems can be treated by popping a pill twice a day. Establishes realistic expectations about length of treatment. One shot will not make the allergies disappear.

Allergies…diagnosing allergies

Role Served: Increases comfort and preparedness for allergy testing. Involves patient – additional information sources provided.

Allergies… medications (OTC and prescription)

Role Served: Differentiates between the over-the-counter allergy products. With so many available options, it's overwhelming for someone just trying to find some relief. Explains how each common prescription drug really is meant to be used. Since the advent of direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs, many patients seem to think they know exactly what drug is best for them. Shows that generics and OTCs are viable options.

Allergies… nasal allergies

Role Served: Provides information. The how and why of my health condition are important to me. If I know the symptoms of allergy, I can wisely choose how to treat the allergy and to avoid the substances that can cause an allergic reaction. Eliminates the idea that medication is the only way to treat allergies. Medicine is useful, but other factors can be combined to create a healthier environment. Emphasizes preventing allergy attacks by avoiding triggers – pollen, dust, etc.

Allergies… nasal allergies in children

Role Served: Discusses the factors that cause allergies among children, and the hereditary link. Cautions about giving allergy medications to children.

Allergies…or is it a cold?

Role Served: Lists the different symptoms of a cold and allergies so patients can recognize their ailment. Knowing the difference lets people take the right medication, if one is necessary. .

Allergies…what they are

Role Served: Introduces the reader to the topics that will be addressed at length in other HealthBound info sheets, such as how allergies are diagnosed. Explains the mechanisms behind allergic reactions so readers know what’s going on in their bodies.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis…managing this painful disease

Role Served: Encourages patients to control their osteoarthritis not just through medication, but through lifestyle changes. This saves money and improves overall health.

Osteoarthritis…the role of medication

Role Served: With all the advertising and hype surrounding COX-2 inhibitors, this HealthBound shows readers that there are other effective medicinal options.

Buying Better Healthcare

Buying Better Healthcare…antibiotic misuse

Role Served: Educates readers about the prevalent problem of antibiotic misuse. Encourages appropriate use to protect health and reduce antibiotic resistance. Provides guidelines for appropriate antibiotic use.

Buying Better Healthcare…generic medications

Role Served: Encourages readers to buy better healthcare by considering generics in place of brand-name medications. Describes the ways generics and brands are the same and how they differ.

Buying Better Healthcare…marketing medicine

Role Served: Describes how marketing techniques and advertising dollars influence prescription drug choices by doctors and patients. Understanding the issues means consumers can make better choices.

Buying Better Healthcare…shop around for generic medications

Role Served: Reinforces concepts in the generic medication info sheet by providing examples of the cost savings and tips for getting the best price.

Cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness…find out who’s at risk

Role Served: Gives readers the who, what, when, where, why and how of mammography while stressing the importance of early detection; gives resources for more information.

Carbohydrates

Glycemic Index…what the numbers really mean

Role Served: Introduces the reader to a term often bandied about in current diet plans, which will help them understand and evaluate different nutritional lifestyles. Important for managing diabetes.

Nutrition Corner…complex and simple carbohydrates

Role Served: As the low carbohydrate craze continues, many people are increasingly confused by conflicting messages about carbohydrates. This HealthBound sorts through the hype so that the reader can plan a totally healthy diet.

Changing Behavior

Health Journals – Part 1 …jot it down to understand what you do

Role Served: Highlights health and food diaries as an important, underused method to lose weight and find the psychological reasons why people overeat.

Health Journals – Part 2 … make your own weapon to fight for your health

Role Served: Encourages readers to customize their own health journal. This makes the reader more engaged and interested in his or her own health.

Steps to Success … make your goals happen

Role Served: Highlights the 5 basic stages of change, which most of us go through when trying to lose weight, get more exercise, or learn a new skill.

What's Your Real Age? … you can live longer by taking charge

Role Served: This book takes a novel look at overall health. The interactive quizzes will interest and shock readers into changing their eating, sleeping, exercising and overall health habits.

Cholesterol/Triglycerides

Cholesterol…get and understand your numbers

Role Served: Encourages familiarity with an intimidating subject, so readers will be more likely to keep an eye on their cholesterol numbers.

Cholesterol….lifestyle management, Part I

Role Served: Emphasizes that medication is not the only option for combating high cholesterol, leading to better health outcomes and less cost.

Cholesterol….lifestyle management, Part II

Role Served: Offers cholesterol-lowering tips that are easy to integrate into everyday life. Big changes – eliminating fat, working out for an hour each day – can be intimidating. These suggestions help people acclimate themselves to a healthier lifestyle.

Triglycerides…understanding its impact on your health

Role Served: Increases familiarity with yet another number that people need to know to monitor their cardiovascular health.

Diabetes

Carol Gruber’s Type 2 Diabetes Life Plan…maybe this diet book will work for you

Role Served: This book review will help you decide if this book is for you. It describes how type 2 diabetes can be managed with proper diet, exercise and careful medical attention.

Diabetes…A1C testing

Role Served: Explains the importance of A1C testing and how it shows the big picture of diabetes management. Compares and contrasts the A1C test versus daily self testing.

Diabetes…behind the scenes

Role Served: Explains what is happening inside the body to cause specific diabetes symptoms.

Diabetes…choosing your blood glucose meter

Role Served: Explains the basics of using a meter and the range of features available. A chart comparing the features helps you choose the right meter.

Diabetes developed during pregnancy… the basics

Role Served: Explains the basics behind gestational diabetes and how it can impact mother and baby. Describes testing and treatment options.

Diabetes… focus on eyes

Role Served: Describes how diabetes can lead to eye problems, disease and even blindness. Provides tips for protecting eyes before damage is done.

Diabetes… focus on feet

Role Served: Warns about the dangers of foot problems for people with diabetes and how a small problem can lead to major foot problems and even amputations. Provides detailed foot care guidelines.

Diabetes… focus on heart

Role Served: Describes the connection between diabetes and heart problems. Provides statistics on prevalence and tips to protect your heart by following the ABCs of diabetes – A1C, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol.

Diabetes… focus on kidneys

Role Served: Describes the connection between diabetes and kidney damage. Provides information about testing, the blood pressure connection and how to take care of your kidneys.

Diabetes… focus on nerves

Role Served: Describes how diabetes can damage nerves throughout your body, which in turn causes other problems. Provides information about protecting your nerves.

Diabetes… focus on teeth and gums

Role Served: Describes the connections between diabetes and gum disease. Provides information on gum disease, warning signs and how to take care of your teeth and gums.

Diabetes…major types of diabetes

Role Served: Describes the major types of diabetes – pre-diabetes, type 1, type 2 and gestational. Provides facts, statistics and treatment options for each type.

Diabetes…pills to treat type 2 diabetes

Role Served:Describes how diabetes pills help you manage the condition. Summarizes the six categories of pills and how they work.

Diabetes…Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG)

Role Served: Explains the importance of daily blood testing to manage diabetes. Provides important information about testing including how to use a meter, how often to test, understanding the results and quality control checks.

Diabetes…what’s covered by Medicare

Role Served: Summarizes how the different parts of Medicare (A, B and D) cover diabetic supplies and services.

Pre-diabetes… the basics

Role Served: Explains how pre-diabetes is a warning sign and a time to take steps to stop the progression of diabetes. Discusses diabetes testing and what you should do to protect your health.

Type 1 Diabetes… the basics

Role Served: Provides overview of type 1 diabetes – what is going on inside your body, symptoms and treatment options.

Type 2 Diabetes… the basics

Role Served: Provides overview of type 2 diabetes – what is going on inside your body, symptoms and treatment options.

Type 2 Diabetes…a deadly but preventable epidemic

Role Served: Engages the reader with a “reality check” quiz and spells out the symptoms of diabetes. Diabetes is much more treatable if detected early

Walk for Diabetes…it’s good advice

Role Served: Proves that walking is a simple, effective way to exercise and reinforces diabetes prevalence statistics.

Diet/Weight Loss/BMI

Diet Books Reviewed

French Women Don't Get Fat …maybe this diet will work for you

Role Served: Many overweight individuals are reluctant to diet because they fear that the food won't be satisfying. This review teaches people to enjoy the entire process of food, including cooking healthy food for yourself.

The Anti-Inflammation Zone …maybe this diet will work for you

Role Served: Emphasizes the connection between weight and health . Losing those extra pounds is not just about vanity – it's about living healthier, longer. The Zone diet claims to target inflammation linked to cancer and other diseases.

The Color Code …maybe this eating plan will work for you

Role Served: Emphasizes the need for a nutritionally sound diet plan. Instead of looking at food as just something to stave off hunger and accompany a movie, The Color Code portrays food as a great way to help increase a body’s natural defenses against diseases and conditions. The emphasis on eating loads of fruits and vegetables is important.

The No-Fad Diet …maybe this diet will work for you

Role Served: Demonstrates that healthy eating, hard work, and exercise are necessary to keep a body healthy. It’s not about a quick fix. Being healthy is a lifetime pursuit.

The L.A. Shape Diet …maybe this diet will work for you

Role Served: Reminds readers that not all diets work for all people. Tastes, habits, and even body shape are all variables that can make or break a diet. This review also introduces readers to the concept of deep belly fat, which has been linked to higher rates of heart disease and other chronic problems.

The Perfect Fit Diet …maybe this diet will work for you

Role Served: Low carb, low fat, and low calorie diets can each work for some people. No diet works for everyone, but if people see others around them having success with a particular diet, they can get discouraged. This HealthBound encourages people to find the diet plan that works for their own tastes and body.

The South Beach Diet…maybe this diet will work for you

Role Served: This popular diet seems to be everywhere. Our close look at it as part of our diet book review series will help readers make an educated nutritional choice based on real information, not just buzz.

The South Beach Diet 2…maybe this diet will work for you

Role Served: Lists the steps and phases of the South Beach Diet. An easy-to-use reference guide will help dieters stay on track without using a cumbersome book.

The Step Diet Book …maybe this diet will work for you

Role Served: Walking is something almost everyone can do. This support tool helps you make a plan and the tips throughout so you can achieve results.

The Ultimate Weight Solution …maybe this diet will work for you

Role Served: This HealthBound encourages readers to look at the psychological aspects of their weight problems, which are often overlooked.

The Zone Diet…maybe this diet will work for you

Role Served: Promotes a ‘zone-friendly’ diet to aid in weight loss, prevent various diseases, and otherwise promote peak performance physically, mentally, and emotionally. Claims that dividing each snack and meal into proportions of 40% carbohydrate, 30% protein, and 30% fat causes the body to balance hormone and insulin levels for peak performance, health, and overall well-being.

The Volumetrics Plan …maybe this diet will work for you

Role Served: This review gives readers still more options in the weight-loss fight by emphasizing balanced nutrition

Thin for Life…success stories from real people

Role Served: Most people trying to lose weight are easily discouraged, but Thin for Life helps them by using role models and being flexible. It’s great for people who can’t stick with a heavily controlled diet.

Weight/Obesity

A Killing Epidemic … being overweight or obese

Role Served: People like to pretend that being overweight is a vanity problem, but it is also a serious health threat. This HealthBound spells out the risks associated with being obese or overweight, but ends on a positive note by emphasizing that even small changes can make a big difference in your body.

Lowering Your BMI…steps you can take

Role Served:Engages the reader to do something and to move forward incrementally, instead of making radical changes that rarely stick.

Weighing In…check your BMI

Role Served: Gives readers comfort with a complex and intimidating term while helping them identify and quantify their problems. It also serves as a baseline for future measurement.

Exercise

Exercises for Osteoporosis …move your way to healthier bones

Role Served: Encourages personal responsibility in preventing osteoporosis before it starts and also emphasizes the importance of strength training, particularly for seniors. Weight-bearing exercises have numerous benefits. A simple sample exercise will help readers realize how easy it is to integrate healthy exercising habits into everyday life.

Growing Stronger …it's not too late to get healthy

Role Served: It's possible to get healthier at any age! This HealthBound reinforces the message that health and wellness are lifetime pursuits. It emphasizes the planning stage of reaching any goal, which increases the likelihood of sticking with it.

Strong Women Stay Slim …maybe this plan will work for you

Role Served: Further connects looking good with being healthy. Many women stick with cardiovascular activities like running and ignore the importance of strength training. Strong Women Stay Slim makes readers reexamine their workout routines and fill in holes

Up. Down. Move Around…exercise bands

Role Served: Reinforces the message that every little bit helps and attacks the “can’t afford the gym fee” and “no time” killer excuses. Provides some exercises made easy.

Up. Down. Move Around…pump it up with high-tech workouts

Role Served: Encourages readers to look beyond the dumbbells and treadmill. Working out can be fun! High-tech workouts use MP3 players, video game systems, and the Internet to keep exercisers engaged, involved, and enthusiastic.

Up. Down. Move Around…relax with yoga

Role Served: Shows readers a way to get into top physical and mental shape without paying for expensive lessons or equipment. Provides some poses made easy.

Up. Down. Move Around…strength training is for you

Role Served: Lists the numerous health benefits that come from regular weight lifting for both men and women. Provides some exercises made easy.

Up. Down. Move Around…walk for your health

Role Served: Reinforces the idea that exercise can be as simple and easy as walking more. Gives tips on how to integrate walking into a daily routine and lists the ways that walking more can help improve health.

Headaches

Headaches… tracking your headaches can help prevent and treat them

Role Served: Tool to monitor headaches. Improves communication with doctor. Provides information on common triggers, symptoms and relief measures

Headaches…did you know

Role Served: Convinces with the weight of the evidence. Reinforces other messages previously delivered. Fear of god (example: Get help if your headaches are costing you too much in terms of money and lost time at work and with family and friends)

Headaches… is it a migraine?

Role Served: Tool to help determine if your headache is a migraine. Provides information about symptoms, aura and migraine profile.

Headaches…techniques to help you relax and ease the pain

Role Served: Tool to learn how to perform relaxation techniques. Awareness – there are alternatives to medication. Convince with the weight of the evidence – studies support some of these techniques for headache treatment

Headaches… what kind do you have?

Role Served: Provides information. Some types of headaches have classic symptoms. The kind of headache impacts the treatment options. Understanding headaches can help you rule out other medical conditions and get the best treatment. Awareness – Not all bad headaches are migraines. Not all headaches are treated the same way.

Headaches… women and migraines

Role Served: Convinces with the weight of the evidence – data that supports the link between hormonal changes in women and headaches. Tool to help women understand how headaches can be impacted at different phases of their life.

Managing migraines with medicine … understanding your options

Role Served: Tool for understanding medications options. Empower with information - patient can better communicate with doctor about medication treatment options. Provides awareness about potential medication side effects.

Migraine headaches… is it something you ate?

Role Served: Empowers with information – why certain foods can trigger migraines.

Migraine headaches… is something setting off your migraine?

Role Served: Tool to help migraine sufferer identify triggers. Good complement to diary info sheet.

Rebound headaches … is your medicine causing your pain?

Role Served: Raises awareness of problems caused by too much medicine. Tool to help patients avoid rebound headaches or deal with them if they are already in the cycle. Fear of god – taking too much medicine (even OTCs) can cause a serious problem and a cycle that is hard to break.

When It's More Than a Headache … signs you should see a doctor

Role Served: Covers all the bases – provides information in case the headache is a symptom of a more serious condition.

Healthy Bones

Did you know…study finds link between heartburn drugs and hip fractures

Role Served: Highlights of a new studying linking long-term use of popular Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) with hip fractures. Engages reader by suggesting discussion topics with doctor to insure PPI use is appropriate and that they take steps to protect their bones. Reinforces the concept that medications can have unwanted side effects.

Healthy Bones…bone mineral density testing

Role Served: Explains the basics of the most common tests to check bone density. Knowing what to expect will ease a patient’s nerves and help them understand the mechanics behind both the test and the results.

Healthy Bones…building strong bones at every age

Role Served: Describes what women can do at every stage of life to improve bone health. Childhood, adolescence and young adulthood are important bone years with the average woman reaching 98% of her peak bone mass by age 20. Yet there are many things older women can do to improve bone health and prevent broken bones.

Healthy Bones…choosing a calcium supplement

Role Served: Compares two common calcium supplements and provides tips on taking calcium supplements. Most people don’t get enough calcium from diet alone. Supplements are a good way to make up the difference and protect bones.

Healthy Bones…does Medicare cover your BMD test?

Role Served: Sets straight a confusing area. Cost worries keep many people, especially seniors, from taking advantage of modern medicine. This eliminates a barrier by explaining that, in most cases, Medicare will cover the test that can detect bone loss before it becomes too serious.

Healthy Bones…girls need calcium

Role Served: Targets a problem population – only 19% of girls get enough calcium during one of the most critical periods for bone building. It provides tools to convert calcium amounts on food labels to apply to people ages 9 – 18.

Healthy Bones…medications that prevent and treat osteoporosis

Role Served: Provides overview of prescription osteoporosis medications. Focuses on how the medications generally affect bones and provides specifics about the various types of medications.

Healthy Bones…some medications can weaken your bones

Role Served: Raises awareness about medications that have the unintended side effect of weakening bone. Describes the medications, related health conditions and how bone loss occurs. Awareness of the problem helps readers protect their bones.

Homocysteine and Fractures…a new link that might save your bones

Role Served: Helps the reader understand a headline-grabbing health term and apply it to his or her daily life to prevent the often crippling bone fractures that so many seniors suffer from.

Osteoporosis…are you at risk?

Role Served: Identifies and provides the facts about osteoporosis risk factors. Most people who get osteoporosis don’t know they have it until they break a bone. That’s why understanding the risk factors and taking proactive steps to prevent weak bones is critical. Knowing risks will help readers develop a plan – change the controllable risk factors; reduce overall risk by adopting healthy bone habits.

Osteoporosis…practice guidelines

Role Served: Spells out the basic recommendations of the practice guidelines, which set the standard for preventing and treating osteoporosis. Osteoporosis has serious consequences. Yet it’s generally preventable if the right things are done at the right time. Osteoporosis often has no symptoms until damage is already done. This info sheet helps readers be proactive and can literally save their bones by following the best practice guidelines.

Osteoporosis…preventing falls and fractures

Role Served: Convinces readers about the importance of fall prevention with the weight of the evidence/fear of god – studies show that falls and fractures have devastating and deadly consequences for seniors. This tool helps make patients safer and the wide range of tips to pick and choose from, depending on specific needs, means it reaches a broad audience.

See also Nutrition Corner…calcium and vitamin D

Heartburn

Diet Away Heartburn …ease your pain by altering your food choices

Role Served: Shows that unhealthy eating doesn’t only adds pounds to the waist line. It also can cause and worsen heartburn. While most people can shrug or laugh off some extra belly fat, it’s hard to ignore that acid-charged heartburn. Encourages a new dieting approach. Changing diet can dramatically cut down on heartburn, and as a great side effect, it can improve overall health. Too many people think that medicine is the only way to treat heartburn. Emphasizes the role of nutrition. We can wean people off of expensive, not-always-safe medications and make them healthier at the same time. It’s a win-win situation.

GERD…serious heartburn leads to serious damage

Role Served: Encourages readers to examine their symptoms closely. Many people with heartburn are reluctant to think that it may be a sign of something more serious. By spelling out the differences between chili-induced heartburn and chronic GERD, Barrett's esophagitis and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, this sheet may help me realize that my condition is more serious than I thought. Promotes early detection, which can save money, time and pain – and keep the worst complications at bay. Reinforces continuous use for PPI's only for more serious conditions – standards set up in Heartburn Prescription Products …what your doctor can prescribe for you .

H. Pylori and Its Treatment …a major contributing factor to ulcers

Role Served: Explains the terms. A common complaint among patients is that their doctors do not explain terms well. With 20% of people under 40 and half of people over 60 infected with this bacteria, h. pylori offers a great opportunity to present relevant medical terminology in small, easy-to-digest (pun intended) bites of information. Familiarizes patients with the words. When I’m more comfortable with the terminology, I’m more comfortable conversing with my doctor, instead of just listening.

Heartburn …learn how to stop it

Role Served: Suggests lifestyle changes that can greatly reduce the damage and pain of heartburn without unnecessary medication.

Heartburn …over the counter products

Role Served: Tells the reader that prescription medications, which are generally more expensive, are not the only way to combat heartburn. It also helps the reader decide which medications are right for him or her.

Heartburn …what it is

Role Served: Provides information. The how and why of my health condition is important to me. If I understand what's going on my body, I'm far more likely to understand what positive impact medication and/or lifestyle changes will have on my health.

Heartburn and Seniors …some things don't get better with age

Role Served: Focuses on how seniors can fight heartburn safely. Seniors cannot just follow generic health advice, because their bodies are very different. For instance, a common suggestion to reduce heartburn is to lie on your side instead of your stomach. For a senior who has undergone hip replacement surgery, that may not be possible. Furthermore, some medications may interact with other drugs that seniors need to take or may cause dangerous side effects that only present themselves in older patients. Helps older patients use best practice care without the trial-and-error method.

Heartburn and Weight …a proportional link

Role Served: Reinforces the message about healthy eating and encourages readers to shed pounds to decrease their heartburn. It will also make you healthier in general, saving everyone money and increasing quality of life. Patients can also stop relying unnecessarily on both prescription and over-the-counter drugs to neutralize heartburn.

Heartburn or Heart Attack? …how to tell the difference when it matters most

Role Served: Lists the symptoms of a heart attack and heartburn in an easy-to-read chart that can be kept handy in case of emergency – which may cut down on unnecessary ambulance trips. Focuses on the idea that, when in doubt, go to the emergency room. Reinforces the necessity of preparation, like having an aspirin on hand to help an already-in-progress heart attack.

Heartburn OTC Products …over-the-counter relief

Role Served: Differentiates between the over-the-counter heartburn products. With so many available options, it's overwhelming for someone just trying to find some heartburn relief. Explains simply the differences between antacids, H2 blockers, Prilosec OTC and the rest of them.

Heartburn Prescription Products …what your doctor can prescribe for you

Role Served: Explains what each common prescription drug really is meant to be used for. Since the advent of direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs, many patients seem to think they know exactly what drug is best for them. However, the most heavily advertised products are not always the best bet. Compares the drugs and their FDA-approved uses. Sets the standards for a fact-based duration of therapy. Shows that generics and OTCs are viable options.

Managing Heartburn Through Lifestyle … a few simple steps can reduce the burn

Role Served: Eliminates the idea that medication is the only way to solve a problem. Many people are far too reliant on medications to ease their various aches and pains. This dependence costs more money and prevents people from getting to what is all too often the real root of the problem: an unhealthy lifestyle. Emphasizes lifestyle changes as an important step in curing heartburn pain. By emphasizing lifestyle changes instead of medication, we save money and encourage people to take control of their own lives. Encourages patients to diet, exercise, quit smoking, etc., which brings about more healthy behaviors that will be reflected not only in a reduction in heartburn, but a reduction in heart disease, diabetes, and more.

Ulcers and Dyspepsia … more problems for your stomach and more ways to treat them

Role Served: Helps people with heartburn detect ulcers and dyspepsia. Ulcers and dyspepsia are common problems among people with heartburn. Differentiates heartburn symptoms from their other symptoms – not all pains in that area are the same. Makes me further aware of how my body works.

When It's More Than Heartburn … signs you should see a doctor

Role Served: Encourages patients to not get complacent with a diagnosis. Most who read this sheet will have had a prescription written for them for Prilosec OTC. But after that initial visit to the doctor, the patient may decide to forgo another visit if the heartburn gets worse, or other symptoms spring up. Emphasizes the importance of early detection, helping both patient and care provider. It could trigger someone who has been ignoring telltale symptoms, like blood in the stool, to go get that checked out.

Women and Heartburn …special needs, special treatments

Role Served: Helps women figure out what treatments work best in the female body. The inclusion and emphasis on pregnant women is important because even those who are not currently pregnant may become so in the future, and heartburn is one of the most common pregnancy-related complaints. Reinforces the idea that a woman’s body is different than a man’s, and that some treatments may be more harmful than others to a developing fetus.

High Blood Pressure

1 Easy Step to a Healthier You…check and chart your blood pressure

Role Served: Most people only check their blood pressure at the doctor’s office. This HealthBound lets them take responsibility for their own health and keep a good eye on their blood pressure levels.

Blood Pressure Monitoring at Home…some tips on why and how

Role Served: Goes further into depth than 1 Easy Step to a Healthier You about the benefits to home blood pressure monitoring, as well as how to do it accurately. Has a “buyer’s guide” to help each patient find the right equipment.

Hypertension …JNC Practice Guidelines

Role Served: Introduces readers to the concept of practice guidelines. This is important since studies show that only about 30% of those with hypertension are effectively treated. Compares different antihypertensive medications, along with the prices, so those patients can understand what they (and their health plans) are paying for.

Hypertension …risk assessment and management

Role Served: Emphasizes that there are some risk factors for hypertension that people can take care of themselves, such as reducing salt intake, and that other factors are unavoidable. Men and African-Americans face a higher risk of hypertension. Making people aware of their unchangeable risk factors will awake them to the fact that they need to keep a closer eye on their potentially dangerous habits.

Lowering blood pressure with medication…when lifestyle changes aren’t enough

Role Served: Reinforces the message that medication should come after lifestyle changes like diet and exercise and expands on Test Yourself…high blood pressure prevention I.Q. by listing medication practice guidelines. This HealthBound also helps readers understand that newer isn’t always better.

Measuring Blood Pressure…systolic and diastolic

Role Served: Now that your employee knows how to measure his or her blood pressure at home, you need to let him or her know what those numbers mean. This issue of HealthBound educates readers about the intimidating terms systolic and diastolic.

Nutrition Corner…dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH)

Role Served: Emphasizes the role of nutrition in treatment for hypertension, along with the currently preferred method of controlling blood pressure by eliminating salt and eating a heart-healthy diet. Prevents readers from thinking that popping a pill is the best way to get healthy.

Salt…and your health

Role Served: Establishes target salt intake and helps the reader understand why salt is a problem – knowing the “why” increases the chance that you do what you ought to do.

Test Yourself…high blood pressure prevention I.Q.

Role Served: This HealthBound engages the reader with a true/false quiz about hypertension, its causes and what can be done about it. It lets the reader find his or her own answers – and that kind of engagement increases the likelihood of seeking medical help before the problem becomes too serious.

Miscellaneous

Antibiotics…use as directed

Role Served: Antibiotics are wonder drugs that have saved countless lives. But using them incorrectly wastes money and gradually renders the pills useless. This HealthBound will convince your reader to follow his or her doctor’s advice to the letter – also reinforcing the notion of patient compliance.

Getting Enough Sleep?…how much and how well affects daily performance

Role Served: Sleep deprivation has serious consequences for individuals and for companies. This HealthBound can help you curb sleepy, unproductive employees.

Metabolic Syndrome…a perfect storm of health risk factors

Role Served: Educates readers about why certain health problems, combined together, can be very deadly.

Quality of Health Care…what’s broken and how to fix it

Role Served: Emphasizes to the reader that not every doctor’s decision is right – some of them are dangerous and cost lives. This HealthBound can help you rein coverage review criteria by showing that certain medical practices are dangerous and that reviews safeguard patient care.

Nutrition

1 Easy Step to a Healthier You…eat 5-9 fruits and veggies a day to reduce cancer and heart risks

Role Served: The word “serving” intimidates a lot of people. This HealthBound shows how easy it is to get enough fruits and vegetables each day, and suggests ways to add more of them to your diet.

Fats…not all fats are created equal

Role Served: The word “fat” has bad connotations these days, but we need some fat in our diets to function – especially the “good” fats like omega 3’s and monounsaturated fats. This HealthBound helps readers distinguish between the “good” that can help keep them healthy and the “bad” that can clog their arteries.

Rebuilding the Pyramid … new dietary guidelines to change how you eat

Role Served: Dietary guidelines can be confusing. This HealthBound introduces readers to the new food pyramid and helps them navigate it. It also reinforces the necessity of balancing good nutrition with regular exercise, as well as the way that dietary needs vary from person to person. .

What's in a Serving? … know how much you're eating

Role Served: Explains how much food is really in a serving, which helps people understand how much they're really eating. It also supplements diet plans, as readers can better judge how much food they need to stick with the plan.

HealthBound Recipes

Role Served: A variety of recipes, including fish, pasta, and tofu dishes, supplements diet and nutrition HealthBounds by offering tasty, healthy alternatives. People are more likely to eat healthy if they are confident that their taste buds will be happy!

Pregnancy

Morning Sickness in Pregnancy…new guidelines to fight it

Role Served: Practice guidelines set the medical care standard. By familiarizing your employees with practice guidelines, they can keep a close eye on the care they get from their doctors, especially in a stressful time like pregnancy.

Pre-Pregnancy Planning…it takes more than 9 months to have a healthy baby

Role Served: Encourages healthy habits for healthier families. When Mom eats right, Dad usually has to as well!

Quality Healthcare Improvements

Quality of Health Care …what's broken and how to fix it

Role Served: Emphasizes to the reader that not every doctor's decision is right – some of them are dangerous and cost lives. This HealthBound sets the stage for evidence-based coverage review criteria by showing that certain medical practices are dangerous and that reviews safeguard patient care.

Speak Up! …before and after surgery

Role Served: Designed to be used for patient about to undergo surgery. Raises awareness about medical errors in the hospital and their impact. Provides tips about what patients can do to make their hospital experience safer and supports patients.

Speak Up! … in the doctor's office

Role Served: Designed to be used for any patient to help improve doctor-patient communication. Raises awareness about medical errors and their impact. Provides tips about what patients can do to get the most from their doctor's appointment and supports patients.

Speak Up! …to prevent medication errors

Role Served: Designed to help patients prevent medication errors. Raises awareness about medication errors and their impact. Provides tips about what patients can do to make taking their medications safer and more effective and supports patients.

Speak Up! …to save yourself

Role Served: Raises awareness about medication errors and their impact. Provides tips about how patients can get involved in their own healthcare and reduce the chance of errors and supports patients.

Sleep

Power Sleep … are you getting enough sleep?

Role Served: Sleep deprivation has serious consequences for individuals and for companies. This HealthBound book review addresses topics like how much you need and increases awareness of sleep cycles.

Say Good Night to Insomnia …maybe this plan will work for you /em>

Role Served: Helps people who can't sleep find alternatives to medication. Lifestyle modifications are safer and more long-lasting than sleeping pills.

Stress

Managing Stress …progressive muscle relaxation

Role Served: When stress causes tension, painkillers are not the best way to make it go away. Progressive muscle relaxation is an easy-to-learn method for easing aches. This reinforces the idea that not all medical solutions come in a bottle.

Managing Stress …to protect your health

Role Served: Stress can depress the immune system and leave your employees unproductive, absent and/or ill. By helping them cope with stressful situations both at home and at work, you can save money and increase productivity.

Test Yourself…assess your stress

Role Served: Everyone views stressful situations differently. Some people think they are “stressed” when they are fine, while others ignore the symptoms. This test can help them determine whether they need help or not.

Vitamins and Minerals

Nutrition Corner…calcium

Role Served: Too many seniors assume that their calcium intake is adequate, only to develop osteoporosis or break a bone later in life. This HealthBound sets the record straight on the importance of calcium.

Nutrition Corner…calcium and vitamin D

Role Served: Vitamin D and calcium work together to keep bones healthy. Most people are unaware of this connection, so HealthBound educates them.

Nutrition Corner…magnesium

Role Served: Magnesium is often in the shadow of the more famous mineral, calcium. But it’s vitally important to many processes in the body. Exposing readers to this fact will help them find the right dietary supplements and make proper nutritional choices.

Nutrition Corner…the three homocysteine B’s

Role Served: Vitamins B-6, B-9 (commonly called folate or folic acid) and B-12 work together to keep homocysteine values low – and this may reduce risk of fractures, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and more. It emphasizes how simple steps, like more vitamins, can make an everlasting impact on health.

Nutrition Corner…vitamin D

Role Served: Many people overlook vitamin D’s important role in keeping bones strong and safe. We hope that this HealthBound will encourage people to look beyond calcium supplementation and integrate other vital nutrients into their diets.

Resource Library

HealthBound

Newspaper & Magazine Articles

Technical Papers

HealthBound Catalogue

Alcohol