The Merck manual of medical information / edited by Robert Berkow and Mark H. Beers.

Contributor(s): Berkow, Robert, 1929- | Beers, Mark H .

Material type: materialTypeLabel

BookPublisher: Whitehouse Station, N.J. : Merck Research Laboratories, 1997Description: xxvi, 1509 p. : col. ill. ; 25 cm. + hbk.ISBN: 0911910875.Subject(s): Medicine, Popular

DDC classification: 616.024

Contents:

Fundamentals -- Drugs -- Heart and blood vessel disorders -- Lung and airway disorders -- Bone, joint, and muscle disorders -- Brain and nerve disorders -- Mental health disorders -- Mouth and dental disorders -- Digestive disorders -- Liver and gallbladder disorders -- Kidney and urinary tract disorders -- Disorders of nutrition and metabolism -- Hormonal disorders -- Blood disorders -- Cancer -- Immune disorders -- Infections -- Skin disorders -- Ear, nose, and throat disorders -- Eye disorders -- Men's health issues -- Women's health issues -- Children's health issues -- Accidents and injuries -- Appendixes -- 1. Legal issues -- 2. Weights and measures -- 3. Common medical tests -- 4. Some trade names of generic drugs -- 5. Resources for help and information.

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Holdings
Item type	Current library	Call number	Copy number	Status	Date due	Barcode	Item holds
General Lending	MTU Bishopstown Library Store Item	616.024 (Browse shelf(Opens below))	1	Available		00083245

Total holds: 0

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

This resource provides the information found in the physician's version of The Merck Manual of Medical Information written in easy-to-understand, everyday language for the health-conscious individual. Each section contains overviews on anatomy and physiology; in-depth information on symptoms, diagnoses and treatment options; and detailed illustrations.

Home edition.

Includes index.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

A Guide for Readers (p. liii)
Understanding Medical Terms (p. lv)
Section 1 Fundamentals (p. 1)
1 The Human Body (p. 1)
2 Genetics (p. 7)
3 The Aging Body (p. 14)
4 Communicating With Health Care Professionals (p. 19)
5 Prevention (p. 22)
6 Exercise and Fitness (p. 27)
7 Rehabilitation (p. 32)
8 Death and Dying (p. 41)
9 Legal and Ethical Issues (p. 48)
Section 2 Drugs (p. 53)
10 Overview of Drugs (p. 53)
11 Drug Administration and Kinetics (p. 57)
12 Drug Dynamics (p. 62)
13 Factors Affecting Response to Drugs (p. 66)
14 Drugs and Aging (p. 70)
15 Adverse Drug Reactions (p. 73)
16 Compliance With Drug Treatment (p. 76)
17 Trade-Name and Generic Drugs (p. 79)
18 Over-the-Counter Drugs (p. 82)
19 Medicinal Herbs and Nutraceuticals (p. 92)
Section 3 Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders (p. 101)
20 Biology of the Heart and Blood Vessels (p. 101)
21 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders (p. 105)
22 High Blood Pressure (p. 117)
23 Low Blood Pressure (p. 126)
24 Shock (p. 132)
25 Heart Failure (p. 134)
26 Cardiomyopathy (p. 142)
27 Abnormal Heart Rhythms (p. 146)
28 Heart Valve Disorders (p. 157)
29 Infective Endocarditis (p. 165)
30 Pericardial Disease (p. 168)
31 Heart Tumors (p. 172)
32 Atherosclerosis (p. 174)
33 Coronary Artery Disease (p. 178)
34 Peripheral Arterial Disease (p. 194)
35 Aneurysms and Aortic Dissection (p. 203)
36 Venous Disorders (p. 208)
37 Lymphatic Disorders (p. 216)
Section 4 Lung and Airway Disorders (p. 219)
38 Biology of the Lungs and Airways (p. 219)
39 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Lung Disorders (p. 223)
40 Pulmonary Rehabilitation (p. 233)
41 Bronchitis (p. 236)
42 Pneumonia (p. 237)
43 Lung Abscess (p. 245)
44 Asthma (p. 246)
45 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (p. 253)
46 Pulmonary Embolism (p. 257)
47 Bronchiectasis (p. 260)
48 Atelectasis (p. 263)
49 Occupational Lung Diseases (p. 265)
50 Infiltrative Lung Diseases (p. 271)
51 Allergic Diseases of the Lungs (p. 278)
52 Pleural Disorders (p. 282)
53 Cystic Fibrosis (p. 286)
54 Pulmonary Hypertension (p. 290)
55 Respiratory Failure (p. 293)
56 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (p. 294)
57 Lung Cancer (p. 296)
Section 5 Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders (p. 300)
58 Biology of the Musculoskeletal System (p. 301)
59 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Musculoskeletal Disorders (p. 304)
60 Osteoporosis (p. 308)
61 Paget's Disease of Bone (p. 311)
62 Fractures (p. 313)
63 Bone Tumors (p. 323)
64 Avascular Necrosis of the Bone (p. 325)
65 Bone and Joint Infections (p. 327)
66 Osteoarthritis (p. 330)
67 Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Types of Inflammatory Arthritis (p. 333)
68 Autoimmune Disorders of Connective Tissue (p. 340)
69 Vasculitic Disorders of Connective Tissue (p. 348)
70 Gout and Pseudogout (p. 353)
71 Hand Disorders (p. 356)
72 Foot Problems (p. 364)
73 Muscular Dystrophy and Related Disorders (p. 372)
74 Disorders of Muscles, Bursas, and Tendons (p. 375)
75 Sports Injuries (p. 379)
Section 6 Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders (p. 389)
76 Biology of the Nervous System (p. 390)
77 Diagnosis of Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders (p. 395)
78 Pain (p. 402)
79 Headaches (p. 411)
80 Dizziness and Vertigo (p. 416)
81 Sleep Disorders (p. 421)
82 Brain Dysfunction (p. 428)
83 Delirium and Dementia (p. 433)
84 Stupor and Coma (p. 443)
85 Seizure Disorders (p. 447)
86 Stroke (p. 454)
87 Head Injuries (p. 463)
88 Tumors of the Nervous System (p. 469)
89 Infections of the Brain and Spinal Cord (p. 478)
90 Prion Diseases (p. 490)
91 Movement Disorders (p. 492)
92 Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders (p. 504)
93 Spinal Cord Disorders (p. 508)
94 Low Back Pain (p. 515)
95 Peripheral Nerve Disorders (p. 521)
96 Cranial Nerve Disorders (p. 534)
97 Smell and Taste Disorders (p. 539)
Section 7 Mental Health Disorders (p. 542)
98 Overview of Mental Health Care (p. 542)
99 Somatoform Disorders (p. 546)
100 Anxiety Disorders (p. 549)
101 Depression and Mania (p. 557)
102 Suicidal Behavior (p. 565)
103 Eating Disorders (p. 567)
104 Sexuality (p. 570)
105 Personality Disorder (p. 573)
106 Amnesia and Related Disorders (p. 578)
107 Schizophrenia and Delusional Disorder (p. 582)
108 Drug Use and Abuse (p. 587)
Section 8 Mouth and Dental Disorders (p. 601)
109 Biology of the Mouth (p. 601)
110 Lip and Tongue Disorders (p. 603)
111 Salivary Gland Disorders (p. 605)
112 Mouth Sores (p. 606)
113 Growths in the Mouth (p. 609)
114 Tooth Disorders (p. 612)
115 Periodontal Diseases (p. 619)
116 Temporomandibular Disorders (p. 623)
117 Urgent Dental Problems (p. 627)
Section 9 Digestive Disorders (p. 630)
118 Biology of the Digestive System (p. 630)
119 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Digestive Disorders (p. 634)
120 Disorders of the Esophagus (p. 642)
121 Peptic Disorders (p. 646)
122 Gastroenteritis (p. 654)
123 Hiatus Hernia, Bezoars, and Foreign Bodies (p. 661)
124 Pancreatitis (p. 663)
125 Malabsorption (p. 667)
126 Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (p. 671)
127 Antibiotic-Associated Colitis (p. 678)
128 Diverticular Disease (p. 679)
129 Bowel Movement Disorders (p. 682)
130 Disorders of the Anus and Rectum (p. 691)
131 Tumors of the Digestive System (p. 696)
132 Gastrointestinal Emergencies (p. 707)
Section 10 Liver and Gallbladder Disorders (p. 715)
133 Biology of the Liver and Gallbladder (p. 715)
134 Diagnostic Tests for Liver and Gallbladder Disorders (p. 717)
135 Clinical Manifestations of Liver Disease (p. 720)
136 Fatty Liver, Cirrhosis, and Related Disorders (p. 725)
137 Hepatitis (p. 729)
138 Blood Vessel Disorders of the Liver (p. 733)
139 Liver Tumors (p. 737)
140 Gallbladder Disorders (p. 740)
Section 11 Kidney and Urinary Tract Disorders (p. 744)
141 Biology of the Kidneys and Urinary Tract (p. 744)
142 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Kidney and Urinary Tract Disorders (p. 747)
143 Kidney Failure (p. 752)
144 Nephritis (p. 760)
145 Blood Vessel Disorders of the Kidneys (p. 767)
146 Tubular and Cystic Kidney Disorders (p. 771)
147 Urinary Incontinence (p. 778)
148 Urinary Tract Obstruction (p. 783)
149 Urinary Tract Infections (p. 787)
150 Injury to the Urinary Tract (p. 792)
151 Cancers of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (p. 795)
Section 12 Disorders of Nutrition and Metabolism (p. 799)
152 Overview of Nutrition (p. 799)
153 Undernutrition (p. 806)
154 Vitamins (p. 809)
155 Minerals and Electrolytes (p. 818)
156 Obesity (p. 831)
157 Disorders of Cholesterol (p. 836)
158 Water Balance (p. 842)
159 Acid-Base Balance (p. 845)
160 Porphyrias (p. 847)
Section 13 Hormonal Disorders (p. 851)
161 Biology of the Endocrine System (p. 851)
162 Pituitary Gland Disorders (p. 853)
163 Thyroid Gland Disorders (p. 860)
164 Adrenal Gland Disorders (p. 868)
165 Diabetes Mellitus (p. 873)
166 Hypoglycemia (p. 881)
167 Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes (p. 883)
168 Carcinoid Tumors (p. 884)
Section 14 Blood Disorders (p. 886)
169 Biology of Blood (p. 886)
170 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Blood Disorders (p. 888)
171 Blood Transfusion (p. 890)
172 Anemia (p. 894)
173 Bleeding and Clotting Disorders (p. 902)
174 White Blood Cell Disorders (p. 908)
175 Plasma Cell Disorders (p. 912)
176 Leukemias (p. 916)
177 Lymphomas (p. 922)
178 Myeloproliferative Disorders (p. 928)
179 Spleen Disorders (p. 931)
Section 15 Cancer (p. 935)
180 Overview of Cancer (p. 935)
181 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Cancer (p. 938)
182 Prevention and Treatment of Cancer (p. 944)
Section 16 Immune Disorders (p. 950)
183 Biology of the Immune System (p. 950)
184 Immunodeficiency Disorders (p. 956)
185 Allergic Reactions (p. 962)
186 Autoimmune Disorders (p. 971)
187 Transplantation (p. 973)
Section 17 Infections (p. 982)
188 Biology of Infectious Disease (p. 982)
189 Immunization (p. 988)
190 Bacterial Infections (p. 990)
191 Bacteremia, Sepsis, and Septic Shock (p. 1012)
192 Antibiotics (p. 1014)
193 Tuberculosis (p. 1018)
194 Leprosy (p. 1022)
195 Rickettsial and Ehrlichial Infections (p. 1024)
196 Parasitic Infections (p. 1027)
197 Fungal Infections (p. 1039)
198 Viral Infections (p. 1044)
199 Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection (p. 1057)
200 Sexually Transmitted Diseases (p. 1064)
Section 18 Skin Disorders (p. 1073)
201 Biology of the Skin (p. 1073)
202 Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin Disorders (p. 1075)
203 Itching and Noninfectious Rashes (p. 1078)
204 Acne (p. 1090)
205 Pressure Sores (p. 1093)
206 Sweating Disorders (p. 1095)
207 Hair Disorders (p. 1096)
208 Pigment Disorders (p. 1098)
209 Blistering Diseases (p. 1100)
210 Parasitic Skin Infections (p. 1102)
211 Bacterial Skin Infections (p. 1103)
212 Fungal Skin Infections (p. 1108)
213 Viral Skin Infections (p. 1111)
214 Sunlight and Skin Damage (p. 1112)
215 Noncancerous Skin Growths (p. 1115)
216 Skin Cancers (p. 1119)
Section 19 Ears, Nose, and Throat Disorders (p. 1123)
217 Biology of the Ears, Nose, and Throat (p. 1123)
218 Hearing Loss and Deafness (p. 1126)
219 Outer Ear Disorders (p. 1131)
220 Middle and Inner Ear Disorders (p. 1134)
221 Disorders of the Nose and Sinuses (p. 1139)
222 Throat Disorders (p. 1144)
223 Nose and Throat Cancers (p. 1147)
Section 20 Eye Disorders (p. 1151)
224 Biology of the Eyes (p. 1151)
225 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Eye Disorders (p. 1154)
226 Refractive Disorders (p. 1161)
227 Eye Injuries (p. 1164)
228 Eyelid and Tear Gland Disorders (p. 1167)
229 Disorders of the Conjunctiva and Sclera (p. 1170)
230 Corneal Disorders (p. 1173)
231 Cataract (p. 1176)
232 Uveitis (p. 1178)
233 Glaucoma (p. 1179)
234 Retinal Disorders (p. 1182)
235 Optic Nerve Disorders (p. 1187)
236 Eye Socket Disorders (p. 1189)
Section 21 Men's Health Issues (p. 1192)
237 Male Reproductive System (p. 1192)
238 Disorders of the Penis and Testes (p. 1194)
239 Prostate Disorders (p. 1199)
240 Sexual Dysfunction (p. 1205)
Section 22 Women's Health Issues (p. 1211)
241 Biology of the Female Reproductive System (p. 1212)
242 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Gynecologic Disorders (p. 1217)
243 Menopause (p. 1224)
244 Menstrual Disorders and Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding (p. 1229)
245 Endometriosis (p. 1235)
246 Fibroids (p. 1238)
247 Vaginal Infections (p. 1240)
248 Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (p. 1243)
249 Pelvic Floor Disorders (p. 1245)
250 Sexual Dysfunction (p. 1247)
251 Breast Disorders (p. 1252)
252 Cancers of the Female Reproductive System (p. 1265)
253 Violence Against Women (p. 1274)
254 Infertility (p. 1277)
255 Family Planning (p. 1282)
256 Detection of Genetic Disorders (p. 1291)
257 Normal Pregnancy (p. 1296)
258 High-Risk Pregnancy (p. 1305)
259 Drug Use During Pregnancy (p. 1318)
260 Normal Labor and Delivery (p. 1323)
261 Complications of Labor and Delivery (p. 1329)
262 Postdelivery Period (p. 1334)
Section 23 Children's Health Issues (p. 1339)
263 Normal Newborns and Infants (p. 1340)
264 Problems in Newborns (p. 1350)
265 Birth Defects (p. 1365)
266 Chromosomal and Genetic Abnormalities (p. 1380)
267 Problems in Infants and Very Young Children (p. 1383)
268 Normal Preschool and School-Aged Children (p. 1390)
269 Behavioral and Developmental Problems in Young Children (p. 1395)
270 Normal Adolescents (p. 1403)
271 Problems in Adolescents (p. 1405)
272 Bacterial Infections (p. 1410)
273 Viral Infections (p. 1418)
274 Respiratory Disorders (p. 1431)
275 Digestive Disorders (p. 1434)
276 Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders (p. 1441)
277 Eye Disorders (p. 1447)
278 Bone Disorders (p. 1449)
279 Hereditary Connective Tissue Disorders (p. 1453)
280 Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (p. 1457)
281 Diabetes Mellitus (p. 1458)
282 Hereditary Disorders of Metabolism (p. 1461)
283 Childhood Cancers (p. 1466)
284 Cerebral Palsy (p. 1469)
285 Mental Retardation (p. 1471)
286 Mental Health Disorders (p. 1474)
287 Social Issues Affecting Children and Their Families (p. 1481)
288 Child Neglect and Abuse (p. 1486)
Section 24 Accidents and Injuries (p. 1490)
289 Burns (p. 1490)
290 Heat Disorders (p. 1494)
291 Cold Injuries (p. 1496)
292 Radiation Injury (p. 1499)
293 Electrical and Lightning Injuries (p. 1503)
294 Near Drowning (p. 1506)
295 Diving and Compressed Air Injuries (p. 1507)
296 Altitude Illness (p. 1512)
297 Poisoning (p. 1514)
298 Bites and Stings (p. 1521)
299 First Aid (p. 1527)
Section 25 Special Subjects (p. 1533)
300 Medical Decision Making (p. 1533)
301 Surgery (p. 1536)
302 Complementary and Alternative Medicine (p. 1541)
303 Travel and Health (p. 1545)
304 Amyloidosis (p. 1551)
305 Familial Mediterranean Fever (p. 1552)
306 Diseases of Unknown Cause (p. 1553)
Appendixes (p. 1557)
I Weights and Measures (p. 1557)
II Common Medical Tests (p. 1559)
III Drug Names: Generic and Trade (p. 1566)
IV Resources for Help and Information (p. 1592)
Index (p. 1607)

Excerpt provided by Syndetics

Air Travel and Medical Problems Traveling by air can cause or worsen a variety of medical conditions, although very few conditions would prevent a person from flying. Those that may prevent flying include a pneumothorax, lung damage from tuberculosis, diseases that could be spread to other passengers, and conditions in which even a small expansion of air would damage tissues, such as intestinal surgery in the previous 10 days. Some conditions require planning and taking precautions before a flight. For example, people who have had a colostomy should wear a large bag and anticipate frequent filling. Air travel poses problems related to changes in air pressure, reduced amounts of oxygen, turbulence, disruptions of the body's internal 24-hour (circadian) clock (jet lag), and psychologic or physical stress. Changes in Air Pressure Modern jet airplanes maintain air pressure inside the cabin (cabin pressure) at low levels, equivalent to the atmospheric pressure at 5,000 to 8,000 feet. At such levels, air trapped in pockets within the body - such as in the lungs, inner ear, sinuses, and intestinal tract - expands by about 25 percent. This expansion sometimes aggravates certain medical conditions, such as emphysema, blocked eustachian tubes, chronic sinusitis, and chronic gas pains. Problems may be particularly severe when an airplane accidentally loses cabin pressure or when the cabin isn't pressurized, as is the case with some smaller airplanes. A sensation of pressure in the ears is common during airplane flights. It develops as the difference between pressure outside the ear and inside the ear increases, causing the eardrum to bulge. Eventually, the pressure equalizes when the eustachian tube (a passage that connects the middle ear with the back of the nose) allows air to flow in and out of the middle ear. Head colds or allergies may produce fluid and swelling that block the eustachian tube, and repeated infections may result in scarring that partially blocks it. Then air becomes trapped in the middle ear, producing pressure (barotitis media) and pain. Rarely, the eardrum ruptures. Similarly, air may be trapped in the sinuses (barosinusitis), causing facial pain. Swallowing frequently or yawning during the airplane's descent and taking decongestants before or during the flight can prevent or relieve these conditions. Because children are particularly susceptible to barotitis media, they should chew gum, suck hard candy, or drink something during ascent and descent to encourage swallowing; babies can be nursed or given a bottle or pacifier. Reduced Oxygen The relatively low air pressure inside an airplane also causes problems because of its effect on oxygen levels. Low oxygen levels are particularly troublesome for people who have a severe lung disease such as emphysema or cystic fibrosis, heart failure, severe anemia, severe angina, sickle cell disease, or certain congenital heart diseases. Usually, such people can fly safely if provided with oxygen. Airlines can handle a request for oxygen if notified 72 hours in advance of a flight. People generally may fly 10 to 14 days after a heart attack. During flight, people who have breathing problems should not smoke or drink alcohol - which aggravates the effects of reduced oxygen. In general, anyone who can walk 100 yards or climb one flight of stairs should be able to tolerate normal cabin conditions without additional oxygen. Turbulence Turbulence can cause air sickness or an injury. People who are prone to air sickness may benefit from dimenhydrinate taken as a tablet or scopolamine applied to the skin as a patch. However, these drugs may cause adverse effects, particularly in the elderly The patches cause fewer adverse effects. To prevent injuries, passengers should keep their seat belts fastened while seated. Jet Lag Rapid travel across several time zones produces many physical and psychologic stresses known as jet lag (circadian dysrhythmia). A gradual shift in eating and sleeping patterns before departure may alleviate the problem. Some medication schedules may have to be adjusted; for example, the intervals between drugs normally taken at precise times throughout the day should be based on elapsed time - - such as every 8 hours -rather than on local time. People who have diabetes and who use long-acting insulin may switch to regular insulin until they've adjusted to the new time zone, food, and activity level, or they may make up the difference in time zone changes over several days. They should work out a medication and eating schedule with their doctor before departure and take with them a device to monitor blood sugar (glucose) levels. Melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleepwake cycle, is reported to help with sleep disturbances caused by jet lag. Its effectiveness depends on taking the doses on a precise schedule. Because melatonin products are nutritional supplements rather than prescription drugs, the claims made by the manufacturers have not undergone rigorous scrutiny, and the quality of each formulation may vary. Psychologic Stress Fear of flying and claustrophobia can cause distress. Hypnosis and behavior modification help some people. Taking a sedative may relieve fears before and during a flight. Because the behavior of some mentally ill people worsens during airplane flights, those with violent or unpredictable tendencies must be accompanied by an attendant, and they may need to take a sedative before the flight. General Precautions Cardiac pacemakers and metal artificial limbs, plates, or pins are affected by airport metal detectors used to scan for concealed weapons; however, newer models of pacemakers can withstand potential interference from such detectors. To avoid security problems, people who wear such devices should carry a doctor's note explaining the situation. The risk of developing blood clots in the legs is increased in anyone who sits in one place for a long time. Pregnant women and people who have poor circulation are at particular risk. Walking around the airplane cabin every hour or two and contracting and relaxing the leg muscles while sitting help keep the blood flowing. Dehydration, resulting from the low humidity (about 5 percent) in the cabin, can be prevented by drinking enough liquids and avoiding alcohol, which makes dehydration worse. People who wear contact lenses should apply rewetting solution to their lenses frequently to combat the effects of dry air. Special foods, including low-salt, low-fat, and diabetic diets, are usually available from an airline by advance request. Travelers should pack drugs in a carry-on bag rather than in a suitcase checked at the airport, in case their luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed. Drugs should be kept in their original containers. Travelers who must carry narcotics, large amounts of any drug, or syringes should have a doctor's note to avoid being detained by security or customs officers. Travelers may wish to carry a summary of their medical records, including electrocardiogram results, in case they become ill while away from home. Those who have a potentially disabling condition, such as epilepsy, should wear a Medic Alert identification bracelet or necklace. Women with normal pregnancies can travel by air through the eighth month. Women with highrisk pregnancies should discuss their travel plans with their doctor and obtain approval before flying. Generally, air travel during the ninth month requires a doctor's note dated within 72 hours of departure and indicating the woman's anticipated date of delivery. Seat belts should be worn low across the thighs, not over the abdomen, to prevent injury to the uterus. Infants under 7 days old aren't permitted to fly. Children with chronic diseases, such as congenital heart or lung diseases or anemia, have the same restrictions as adults with those conditions. There's no upper age limit for travel. Airlines make reasonable efforts to accommodate the handicapped. Often, wheelchairs and stretchers can be accommodated on commercial flights; otherwise, air ambulance service is necessary. Some airlines accept people who need special equipment such as intravenous lines and mechanical respirators as long as trained personnel accompany them and arrangements have been made at least 72 hours in advance. Information and advice about air travel can be obtained from the medical departments of major airlines or from the Federal Aviation Administration Regional Flight Surgeon. Foreign Travel Of the millions of people who travel or work abroad every year, about I out of 30 needs medical attention for an illness or injury. Gastrointestinal infections may result from drinking contaminated water, including ice, and beverages or eating uncooked or improperly cooked foods. Casual sexual contacts produce a high risk for contracting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which exists worldwide, as well as other sexually transmitted diseases. Motor vehicle accidents, especially at night, and drowning are the leading causes of death or injury for travelers in foreign countries. Health risks vary according to country and region; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides up-to-date health advisories. In foreign countries, many insurance plans, including Medicare, are not valid, and hospitals often require a substantial cash deposit, regardless of health insurance held in the United States. A variety of travel insurance plans, including some that arrange for emergency evacuation, are available through travel agents and some credit card companies. Directories listing English-speaking doctors in foreign countries are available from several organizations, and United States consulates may help secure emergency medical services. Vaccinations People planning a trip to another country should have the appropriate vaccinations, depending on their destination. In general, more preparation is needed when the trip lasts longer than 3 weeks, has several destinations in developing countries, or involves travel in rural areas or working with resident populations. Requirements for vaccinations change frequently. Some vaccinations must be given 2 to 12 weeks before the trip, so a traveler should inquire about vaccinations in advance. Information about vaccination requirements is available from various sources. (Continues...) Excerpted from The Merck Manual Of Medical Information by Robert Berkow Copyright (c) 1997 by Merck & Co., Inc. Excerpted by permission. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

The publication of the Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition continues the welcome trend of offering reliable health information, written by physicians, to the general consumer. This CD-ROM version includes all the text and drawings of the print edition but also includes video clips (e.g., of laparoscopic procedures), color photographs, and over 1800 audio pronunciations. The CD-ROM is viewed using either Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, so a sound card and a QuickTime plug-in are required to access all of the options. The disc is divided into 24 broad sections, including Digestive Disorders, Mental Health Disorders, Cancer, Infections, and Accidents and Injuries. The Merck also has sections on Basic Anatomy, Drugs, and Women's, Men's, and Children's Health Issues. Five appendixes cover topics such as legal issues (e.g., living wills), weights and measurement conversions, and common medical tests. Resource lists link the user to web pages of relevant health and support organizations and foundations. A table of contents, index, and free-text searching are available in one of the simplest and most elegant interfaces this reviewer has seen. The Bottom Line: An invaluable reference work that enhances the print edition, Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition is highly recommended for all public, academic, and medical libraries and home collections.ÄJohn Carper, Cabot Science Lib., Harvard Univ. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.