Home reference manual for older people and those who care about them.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Mark H. Beers MD has been editor-in-chief of The Merck Manual since 2000. He is an associate Clinical Professor of Medicine-MCP at Drexel University.
This mammoth reference book begins with the premise that "[t]he need for good, unbiased health care information runs deep, whether people are seeking to become more active in caring for themselves or others." It then goes on to provide for that need, covering all aspects of health changes through the process of aging, and explaining how to prevent or manage those changes. The book is easy to navigate and cross-reference, and includes simple but useful drawings to explain such conditions as aneurysms, heart valve disorders and pressure sores (aka bedsores). The first two sections address "the fundamentals of aging" (why aging occurs, how it affects the body and how it's changing the U.S.) and "caring for self and others," including preventive care, nutrition, appropriate use of drugs and other topics. The authors then go through an in-depth discussion of medical conditions that can affect the elderly, explaining symptoms, treatment and aftercare. This chapter supplies sound information to enhance interaction with health care providers and enable continuity of care, for both patients and caregivers. The final section covers social, legal and ethical issues and includes a guide to paying for health care and a useful reference table for prescription drugs. Twenty-five inspiring essays by seniors are sprinkled throughout the text, giving this encyclopedic text a human aspect. This excellent handbook is an essential resource for mature people, their families and caregivers.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
As our population ages, information about the aging process and caring for the elderly is a necessity. The Merck Manual of Health and Aging, a lay version of The Merck Manual of Geriatrics (3d ed., Wiley, 2000), provides it in a very accessible format.
The book has four sections. The first, "Fundamentals of Aging," covers such questions as when does a person become old, why does the body change, and how aging affects the organs and systems. Related issues, such as finances, living arrangements, and coping with chronic disease and disability, appear also. Section 2, "Caring for Self and Others," deals with preventive medical care, nutrition, continuity of care, long-term care, and palliative and end-of-life care. Section 3 covers specific medical conditions that are more common in the elderly: falls, sleep problems, movement disorders, heart disorders, cancers, etc. A chapter on the importance of exercise with recommendations for those with specific diseases is very useful. The last section, "Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues," provides vital information on the decision to stop driving, intimacy, mistreatment of the elderly, and health care costs. A chapter explaining informed consent, confidentiality, capacity and competency, and advance directives will help people prepare for medical treatment. Two appendixes cover the generic and trade names of drugs commonly prescribed for seniors and a referral list of organizations. Charts and sidebars offer useful supplemental information. Twenty-five essays in which people share their feelings and insights about aging are scattered throughout the book.
The Merck Manual of Health and Aging is unique because it focuses on how disorders are different in older adults rather than discussing all aspects of a disease. It also emphasizes adapting to the bodily changes of aging and finding effective ways to cope. It is reasonably priced and belongs in all public, medical, and consumer health libraries. Barbara Bibel
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
FREE shipping within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speedsSeller: SecondSale, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00061555368
Quantity: 10 available
Seller: SecondSale, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00087338428
Quantity: 6 available
Seller: SecondSale, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: Acceptable. Item in acceptable condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00086453192
Quantity: 3 available
Seller: Reliant Bookstore, El Dorado, KS, U.S.A.
Condition: very_good. This book is in excellent condition. There may be minimal writing on the inside cover or cover page. Cover image on the book may vary from photo. Ships out quickly in a secure plastic mailer. Seller Inventory # RDV.0911910360.VG
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: Gulf Coast Books, Memphis, TN, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Good. Seller Inventory # 0911910360-3-23456888
Quantity: 3 available
Seller: Reliant Bookstore, El Dorado, KS, U.S.A.
Condition: acceptable. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes highlighting. May have varying covers. Fast Shipping - Mailed in plastic mailer! Seller Inventory # 56JPTD0012DY_ns
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Your Online Bookstore, Houston, TX, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Good. Seller Inventory # 0911910360-3-21636354
Quantity: 3 available
Seller: Orion Tech, Kingwood, TX, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Good. Seller Inventory # 0911910360-3-20853459
Quantity: 3 available
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Very Good condition. Very Good dust jacket. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Seller Inventory # G04J-00320
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: As New. Like New condition. Very Good dust jacket. A near perfect copy that may have very minor cosmetic defects. Seller Inventory # U12M-00378
Quantity: 3 available