Today @ Preston

Losing Weight is Like............

2012-01-29T16:51:00.009-05:00

Losing weight is like breaking rocks.

These words ring so true as we ring in the new year with goals and resolutions. Eat less and exercise more. Simple directives as difficult as breaking rocks.

Diets abound. Health professionals and consumers can find diets based on basic calorie restriction, low sugar/carbs, high protein, high fiber, vegetarian, gluten free, Paleolithic, Mediterranean, DASH, and everything in between.

US News ranked popular diets:

http://health.usnews.com/best-diet.

Huffington Post commented on the ease of following the diets ranked by US News: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/04/easiest-diets-to-follow-us-news_n_1182071.html?ref=mostpopular#s586639&title=1_Weight_Watchers.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reviews popular diets:

http://www.eatright.org/dietreviews/

Major articles in the medical literature demonstrate little clinical difference between diets when comparing how much weight loss occurred. As dieticians can confirm, any diet can work if the dieter sticks to it. The key is to make small changes for the long term.

For more information, check out the topic of weight control on MedlinePlus or the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly American Dietetic Association) Eatright.org site.

Of, course you can also contact Preston Medical Library and we'll send you information related to weight loss. Email us at library@utmck.edu or call us at (865) 305-9525.

Break the rocks to make a pathway to meet your goals.

Post by Martha Earl

Resource Tools: Google Scholar & RefWorks

2012-01-24T16:23:00.000-05:00

At Preston Medical Library we occasionally get questions about reference manager programs.

The library subscribes to RefWorks, a web-based bibliography management tool that you can use anywhere, anytime. All you need to do is to get started is to sign up for an account. (Note:You will need the library’s Group Code to use it off campus.)

Our RefWorks link is located on the right had side of Preston Medical Library website's main page under QuickLinks. Just make sure to request the Group Code before you anticipate using RefWorks off campus.

Additionally, the library regularly teaches classes on RefWorks. Please take a moment to look at our current survey and give us feedback on what classes you would like to see taught.

If you can’t make it to a class, you are not out of luck. You could take a look at our Tutorials page to find tutorials on RefWorks, as well as for Mobile Devices Resources, PubMed, CINAHL, searching for Electronic Journals, and many others.

Using RefWorks with Google Scholar:

You can use even use RefWorks with Google Scholar, by changing the preferences in Google Scholar. First, go to our Google Scholar link on the eDatabases page. (Don’t use the search box yet, just follow the link to the Google Scholar page). Then, look for “Scholar Preferences” just to the right of the search button on the Google Scholar page, below the Advanced Scholar Search. After you bring up the preferences page, scroll to the bottom, look for Bibliography Manager, click the radio button “Show links to import citations into” and use the drop-down to select RefWorks.

Post by Michael Lindsay

Multicultural Corner: Happy Lunar New Year!

2012-01-23T14:40:00.003-05:00

The Chinese year 4710 begins today - January 23, 2012.

Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar.

Chinese months are determined by the lunar calendar, with each month beginning on the darkest day. New Year festivities traditionally start on the first day of the month and continue until the fifteenth, when the moon is brightest. In China, people may take weeks of holiday from work to prepare for and celebrate the New Year.

Every racial or ethnic group has specific health concerns. Differences in the health of groups can result from genetics, environmental factors, access to care, and cultural factors.

To learn more about health issues that face Asian-Americans, visit MedlinePlus or contact Preston Medical Library at library@utmck.edu or 865-305-9525. We provide well-researched, reliable health information to the public free of charge.

Want to celebrate Chines New Year in the United States? Catch a parade, festival, or event in Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seatlle, or Washington D.C.

Or, if you want to stay closer to home check out the East Tennessee Chinese New Year Festival being held on Sunday, Feb. 5th, 2012, from 3:00 - 5:30 pm, in Cox Auditorium in the Alumni Memorial Building on the University of Tennessee Knoxville Campus.

Enter the dragon!

Post by Donna Doyle

Healthy Living Tips: A Simple Guide to Fiber

2012-01-19T15:44:00.000-05:00

What?

Dietary fiber, also known as roughage or bulk, includes all parts of plant foods that your body can't digest or absorb. Instead, it stays within the intestine where it helps with digestion of other foods and affects the consistency of stool. There are two types of fiber, each of which is thought to have its own benefits:

· Soluble fiber consists of a group of substances that is made of carbohydrates and dissolves in water to form a gel-like material. It can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Examples of foods that contain soluble fiber include fruits, oats, barley, and legumes (peas and beans).

· Insoluble fiber comes from plant cells walls and does not dissolve in water. This type of fiber promotes the movement of material through your digestive system and increases stool bulk, so it can be of benefit to those who struggle with constipation or irregular stools. Whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts and many vegetables are good sources of insoluble fiber.

· Dietary fiber is the sum of all soluble and insoluble fiber, and you need both to maintain a healthy diet.

Why?

· Normalizes bowel movements and helps maintain bowel integrity and health

· Decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes by lowering blood cholesterol levels and helping to control blood sugar levels

· Help fight again colon cancer

And if that isn’t enough….

· It aids in weight loss! High-fiber foods generally require more chewing time, which gives your body time to register when you're no longer hungry, so you're less likely to overeat. Also, a high-fiber diet tends to make a meal feel larger and linger longer, so you stay full for a greater amount of time. High-fiber diets also tend to be less "energy dense," which means they have fewer calories for the same volume of food.

Where?

· Grains and whole-grain products (Ex: 1/2 cup of All-Bran has 9.6 grams)

· Fruits (Ex: 1 medium apple, with skin has 3.3 grams)

· Vegetables (Exs: 1 medium sweet potato with skin has 4.8 grams, 1/2 cup of green peas has 4.4 grams, 1 medium potato with skin has 3.8 grams, and 1/2 cup of mixed vegetables has 4.0 grams)

· Beans, peas and other legumes (The best bean? The Navy bean! 1/2 cup has 9.5 grams, followed closely by the kidney bean, 8.2 grams, and the black bean with 7.5)

· Nuts and seeds

· For those who do not like high-fiber foods such as fruits, beans, and vegetables, a good source of fiber is unprocessed wheat bran; one to two tablespoons can be mixed with food (one tablespoon contains 12 grams of fiber).

How much?

Age 50 and younger Age 51 and older

Men 38 grams 30 grams

Women 25 grams 21 grams

How?

· Jump-start your day. For breakfast choose a high-fiber breakfast cereal — 5 or more grams of fiber a serving. Opt for cereals with "bran" or "fiber" in the name. Or add a few tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran to your favorite cereal.

· Switch to whole grains. Look for breads that list whole wheat, whole-wheat flour or another whole grain as the first ingredient on the label. Look for a brand with at least 2 grams of dietary fiber a serving. Experiment with brown rice, wild rice, barley, whole-wheat pasta and bulgur.

· Bulk up your baked goods. Substitute whole-grain flour for half or all of the white flour when baking. Whole-grain flour is heavier than white flour. In yeast breads, use a bit more yeast or let the dough rise longer. When using baking powder, increase it by 1 teaspoon for every 3 cups of whole-grain flour. Try adding crushed bran cereal or unprocessed wheat bran to muffins, cakes and cookies.

· Mix it up. Add pre-cut fresh or frozen vegetables to soups and sauces. For example, mix chopped frozen broccoli into prepared spaghetti sauce or toss fresh baby carrots into stews.

· Get a leg up with legumes. Eat more beans, peas and lentils. Add kidney beans to canned soup or a green salad. Or make nachos with refried black beans, lots of fresh veggies, whole-wheat tortilla chips and salsa.

· Eat fruit at every meal. Apples, bananas, oranges, pears and berries are good sources of fiber.

· Make snacks count. Fresh and dried fruit, raw vegetables, and low-fat popcorn and whole-grain crackers are all good choices. An occasional handful of nuts is also a healthy, high-fiber snack.

Important to remember: High-fiber foods are good for your health, but adding too much fiber too quickly can promote intestinal gas, abdominal bloating and cramping. Increase fiber in your diet gradually over a period of a few weeks. This allows the natural bacteria in your digestive system to adjust to the change. Also, drink plenty of water. Fiber works best when it absorbs water, making your stool soft and bulky.

Resources:

http://www.uptodate.com/contents/patient-information-high-fiber-diet?view=print

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fiber/NU00033/METHOD=print

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_118601.html

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diverticulosis/#foods

Post by Rachel Belcher

Resource News: New eBooks available!

2012-01-15T17:05:00.000-05:00

While our new books in print format have a “new books shelf” on which they are prominently displayed, our eBooks sometimes remain hidden from sight.

So, consider this blog post a virtual “New Book Shelf” you can conveniently browse from wherever you are right now.

These new titles are now available in our MD Consult collection.

You can also find them listed among our A-Z eBooks list.

ANDREWS' DISEASES OF THE SKIN: CLINICAL DERMATOLOGY 10ED

CREASY AND RESNIK'S MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 6ED

FELSON'S PRINCIPLES OF CHEST ROENTGENOLOGY 3ED

PRIMER OF DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING 5ED

PRIMER ON KIDNEY DISEASES 5ED

RUTHERFORD'S VASCULAR SURGERY 7ED

STOELTING'S ANESTHESIA AND COEXISTING DISEASE 5ED

SWANSON'S FAMILY MEDICINE REVIEW 6ED

Post by Sandy Oelschlegel

Resource Update: New Titles from Nature Publishing

2012-01-12T14:58:00.000-05:00

The library made a new purchase of numerous titles from Nature Publishing Group.

Previously, we only had access to current material from 8 titles (British Journal of Cancer, Cell Death and Differentiation, Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, Journal of Perinatology, Kidney International, Leukemia, and Laboratory Investigation).

We are pleased to announce that we now have current access to 66 Nature titles.

Post by Michael Lindsay

Library Hours: Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

2012-01-11T19:46:00.000-05:00

Resource Highlight: eBooks A-Z

2012-01-08T17:24:00.009-05:00

Welcome to the first installment of the Preston Medical Library eBook Chronicles!

Did you know that Preston Medical Library purchases access to many eBooks in all medical disciplines?

No need to "check them out" from the library. All you need is Internet access on your computer or "smart devise”, and you can access them anywhere if you are an authorized user of Preston.

In addition to our purchased eBooks, we list relevant titles from other free resources such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information Bookshelf.

Here are some highlights from the “A” ’s in our collection:

American Academy of Family Physicians Conditions A-Z (2010) Patient level information on hundreds of health topics.

ACP Medicine (2011) is a comprehensive reference created and updated by American College of Physicians. It was created to help primary care physicians keep up-to-date with guidelines.

AHFS DRUG INFORMATION® 2011

Published since 1959, the stated mission of the AHFS Drug Information 2011 is to “provide an evidence-based foundation for safe and effective drug therapy”.

Watch for future posts highlighting our eBooks A-Z list - one letter at a time!

Post by Sandy Oelschlegel

January Health Observances

2012-01-05T15:15:00.000-05:00

According to the National Health Information Center, national health observances for the month of January are as follows:

1 - 31

Cervical Health Awareness Month

www.nccc-online.org/awareness.html

1 - 31

National Birth Defects Prevention Month

www.nbdpn.org

1 - 31

National Glaucoma Awareness Month

www.preventblindness.org

1 - 31

National Radon Action Month

www.epa.gov/radon/nram

1 - 31

Thyroid Awareness Month

www.aace.com

8 - 14

National Folic Acid Awareness Week

www.folicacidinfo.org

Temporary Outage: Electronic Access via PubMed

2012-01-04T16:23:00.000-05:00

The library’s electronic journal list and links to full text journals from PubMed will be unavailable from 8:30pm Wednesday, January 4^th, 2012 to 2:00 am Thursday, January 5^th 2012 as our vendor is making a security upgrade to their servers.

Weighing in on Weight Loss Resolutions

2012-01-03T14:50:00.000-05:00

Struggling with holiday weight gain?

Starting the new year with a diet but fearful that you will not keep your New Year’s resolution to lose - or at least not gain - weight?

You are not alone.

The tradition of stating New Year's resolutions is common, but who among us are able to keep these promises to ourselves?

According to an internet survey study funded by GlaxoSmithKline and published in 2011 by Copenhagen researchers, a common point in time for women to choose to diet is January - 39% , followed by March - 26%, and February - 22%.

Psychologists at Harvard University state that there are three predominant reasons for New Year's resolutions to fail:

1. Choosing too many resolutions

2. Choosing resolutions that are too vague - for example, "I will eat less"

3. Choosing goals that are simply not attainable

So if you want to be successful with your weight loss goals this year, think about making your New Year's resolution to lose weight your only goal. Be very specific in stating it as a measurable goal (such as how many calories you will eat), and choose a goal that is attainable. In addition, these same researchers say that goals are more likely to be successful if they are driven by your own desire and not by someone else.

Need some resources to help you get started?

Check out the Popular New Year's Resolutions website. It includes links to losing weight and eating healthy food as well as information regarding other resolutions.

Need more resources or diet ideas? Call our Consumer & Patient Health Information Service or email us at library@utmck.edu.

Post by Sandy Oelschlegel

Safe Toys & Gifts Month

2011-12-19T14:38:00.001-05:00

Watching a child open a new toy during a holiday celebration can be a wonderful experience, but it is important to remember that many toys contain hidden hazards.

December is “Safe Toys and Gifts Month,” and here are a few safety considerations for those of us who have children on our holiday shopping lists:

Be sure your children play with toys that are age-appropriate. Read the warning labels before buying toys for your children.

Look for well-made toys.

Check toys regularly for damage that could create hazards. Repair or discard damaged toys immediately.

Make sure that discarded toys are out of children’s reach.

Watch your children while they play. Be aware of potential dangers like small parts, cords and strings, moving parts, electrical or battery-powered cords or wheels.

Do not allow riding toys near stairs, traffic or swimming pools.

Teach children to put toys away after playing. Toys intended for younger children should be stored separately from those suitable for older children.

Make sure toy chests are open (no lid) or have safety hinge.

Helpful resources on the web include:

US Public Interest Research Groups 26^th Annual Report on Toy Safety:

http://www.uspirg.org/edfund/toysafety-2011

American Academy of Pediatrics 2011 Holiday Safety Tips:

http://aap.org/advocacy/releases/novtips.cfm

Consumer Product Safety Commission (cpsc.gov) Toy Safety Publications:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/toy_sfy.html

Post by Laura Wolfe

Winter Break Hours

2011-12-15T19:44:00.002-05:00

The library will be closed December 24-January 2.

Regular hours resume January 3.

As we do each year, librarians will monitor voice email and email and respond to patient care related requests.

Happy holidays!

Holiday Stress: How to Stay Jolly and Fight Your Inner Grinch

2011-12-07T13:52:00.000-05:00

The holiday season is officially here. We all know what that means - long lines, excessive traffic, out-of-town guests, and scheduling so jam-packed that you’re one ornament exchange away from running for the hills. Who has time to enjoy everything this joyous season has to offer when all we see is an entire month of stress and anxiety?

Here are some tips from the Mayo Clinic on how to stay healthy and happy this holiday season:

Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died, is ill, or you can't be with loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.
Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious, or other social events. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones.
Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. Also, be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.
Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Instead, try donating to a charity in someone's name, giving homemade gifts, or starting a family gift exchange.
Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends, and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list.
Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity.
Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese, or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity and make sure you drink enough of water.
Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.
Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Make your holiday what you want it to be. Remember that you are in control of your life and your feelings. The best defense is a good offense, so prepare yourself with these tips from the Mayo Clinic, and get out there and enjoy the holidays!

Post by Elizabeth Hinton

National Handwashing Awareness Week

2011-12-06T19:23:00.000-05:00

It’s a small thing, washing our hands. Or is it?

A search of ClinicalTrials.gov shows that three clinical trials are currently recruiting to study the effects of handwashing on controlling the spread of influenza, protecting infants from sepsis, and even cholera prevention.

Research shows that even alcohol-based sanitizers are not as effective against C. Difficile as good old fashioned soap and water.

December 4-10 is National Handwashing Awareness Week.

Henry the Hand is a handwashing awareness website partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on promoting hand hygiene.

Henry the Hand includes information for the following:

Students

http://www.henrythehand.com/who-are-you/student/

Schools

http://www.henrythehand.com/who-are-you/schools/

Parents

http://www.henrythehand.com/who-are-you/parent/

Health Care Workers

http://www.henrythehand.com/who-are-you/health-care/

Among the resources included are a number of videos.

This site promotes 4 Principles of Hand Awareness:

1. Wash your hands when they are dirty and BEFORE eating.

2. DO NOT cough into your hands.

3. DO NOT sneeze into your hands.

4. Above all, DO NOT put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth.

Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) promotes “My 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene” as a priority for nursing workers to wash with soap and water:

1. Before touching a patient

2. After touching a patient

3. After touching anything in the patient’s immediate environment

4. Before performing clean and aseptic procedures

5. After exposure to body fluids

Other sites of interest in learning more:

Why is Handwashing Important?

http://www.microbeworld.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=171&Itemid=62

Don’t Get Caught Dirty Handed

http://www.microbeworld.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=483&Itemid=243l

Germs and Hygiene

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/germsandhygiene.html

Ounce of Prevention Keeps the Germs Away: Seven Keys to a Safer Healthier Home

http://www.cdc.gov/ounceofprevention/docs/oop_brochure_eng.pdf

Understanding Microbes in Sickness and Health

http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/microbes/documents/microbesbook.pdf

Preston Medical Library is available to help you with research on this and other topics. Visit our website or call us at 865-305-9525 for free health information.

Post by Michael Lindsay

Enjoy the Eggnog and Still Get Home Safe!

2011-12-04T16:19:00.000-05:00

December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. With so many festivities this month, there is an increase in social functions and, ultimately, more people drinking and driving.

• Someone dies in an alcohol-related traffic crash every 30 minutes.

• Every two minutes someone is hurt in an alcohol-related accident.

• Three out of every 10 Americans face the possibility of being directly involved in an alcohol-related traffic crash during their lifetime.

• According to TN.gov, a single DUI conviction could cost you as much as $5,000 or more after all fines and fees have been paid! Think of all the better things you could spend that on!

What you can do

Whenever your social plans involve alcohol, make plans so that you don’t have to drive after drinking.

• Prior to any drinking, designate a non-drinking driver when with a group. Oftentimes, designated drivers (DDs) get into bars for free, and are served nonalcoholic drinks on the house.

• Remember to eat before and while you drink. Take soda or water breaks every few hours.

• Don’t let your friends drive impaired. Be a true friend and take their keys away if they try.

• If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver, offer alcohol-free beverages, and make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.

If you live in Knoxville, think about calling a taxi. It would be cheaper than a DUI and preferable to getting in a wreck.

Also, Knoxville offers an interesting service called ScooterGuy where someone picks you up and delivers your car to your house! According to their Facebook page, “Once you call the dispatch service our drivers arrive, fold up their Di Blassi scooter, put it in the trunk of your car, and drive you to your destination.”

With services like that, there’s NO excuse to put yourself or other people on the road at risk this holiday season. Have fun responsibly!

Sources:

http://www.yourhealthinformation.com/HealthNews/drunkdriving.htm

http://www.stopimpaireddriving.org/

http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/

http://www.tn.gov/safety/duifacts.shtml

Post by Rachel Belcher

Note: Preston Medical Library does not endorse any of the businesses referenced in this post.

Preston Perks: December Classes

2011-12-01T19:27:00.000-05:00

Anatomy.tv

Date December 5, 2011

Time 1:00-1:30 pm

Location Preston Medical Library Training Computer Lab

Instructor Cynthia Vaughn

Description Participants will: Be able to access Anatomy.tv from the medical center or home. Understand how to rotate images. Understand how to save & download images.

Procedures Consult

Date December 15, 2011

Time 12-12:30pm

Location Preston Medical Library Training Computer Lab

Instructor Martha Earl

Description Learn all about Procedures Consult - an online collection of medical procedures, including medical and surgical videos, checklists, equipment requirements for procedures, and other references from Elsevier. This product includes testing functionality that allows users with individual accounts to take test their knowledge on medical procedures.

Register online.

World AIDS Day

2011-12-01T13:52:00.000-05:00

December 1 is World AIDS Day.

Even though HIV and AIDS are not discussed as often as other health issues like diabetes and heart disease, the Southeast has one of the fastest growing AIDS populations.

How can we get a dialogue started? First, get educated. The National Library of Medicine offers two places to get the latest AIDS information: MedlinePlus and AIDSinfo.

The first reported AIDS case in the United States was 30 years ago in the

June 5, 1981 edition of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Since then it has exploded to 1.2 million people in the United States living with HIV (the precursor to AIDS) and about 50,000 new cases each year. This is just in the United States. To quote the CDC:

On World AIDS Day, we pay tribute to the millions of people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States and around the world, and the millions of people who have been tested for HIV. We recognize that HIV testing and linkage to care can save lives and are working to build on those successes to help ensure more people live longer and healthier lives. Much work still needs to be done but, today, new scientific knowledge combined with proven success in implementing prevention, care and treatment interventions provides the opportunity to save the lives of millions of people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. Through continued commitment, we can achieve the goal of an AIDS-free generation and prevent the transmission of the virus to millions of people yet to be born.

Post by Cynthia Vaughn

National Caregivers Month

2011-11-30T15:38:00.007-05:00

Who are America’s caregivers?

Rosalyn Carter said, ““There are only four kinds of people in the world - those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers”.

Becoming a family caregiver can be one of the most heart wrenching and at times enlightening life lessons. The role of family caregiver can happen abruptly or slowly - unnoticed until one day the caregiver realizes they are caring more for someone else than they are for their own self.

Although most caregivers feel isolated and alone, they are not alone in terms of numbers. More than 65 million Americans care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the frailties of old age.

Caregivers are needed for family members of all ages. With appropriate information and support, family caregivers can help their loved ones across the lifespan.

According to researchers, only 2% of caregiving employees actually utilize the programs that are available to them and it is critically important to find out why. It is not a simple question. Part of the answer may lie in the nature of most of the programs being offered and part may be related to the psychology of what it means to be a family caregiver.

The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) provides numerous valuable resources. Highlights include the following.

Common Bonds of Caregiving

Intense sadness and pain
Longing for the miracle of normalcy.
Frustration as a result of changing family dynamics.Isolation which comes from living outside the norm.
Disappointment over the lack of understanding of non-caregivers.
Stress over the increased and enormous responsibilities.
Depression over all the losses sustained by caregiving.
Fortitude and power to go on and make a difference.
Resourcefulness in problem solving abilities.
Strength in the knowledge of the ability to survive.

Caregiving Resources

Includes information on agencies and organizations, health care, and depression in caregivers.

Caregiver Advocacy

Includes information and ideas on how to affect public policy.

Messages for Caregivers to Live By

The National Family Caregiver Story Project

The NFCA Story Project is a collection of first-person accounts by family caregivers. It is the gateway to becoming part of a growing group of family caregivers who have reached out to share their thoughts, feelings and find solace in the words of others.

According to researchers, only 2% of caregiving employees actually utilize the programs that are available to them and it is critically important to find out why. It is not a simple question. Part of the answer may lie in the nature of most of the programs being offered and part may be related to the psychology of what it means to be a family caregiver.

Caring for Caregivers
Most caregiving information is directed toward teaching caregivers how to help themselves - one of the biggest challenges they confront. If you are not a caregiver but would like to help someone who is, reading through the above resources will help you become more familiar with what caregivers face and what they need. Practice empathy. Think about what you might like to receive if you were a caregiver. For specific ideas, review Action Checklists for Family Caregivers & Those Who Care About Them.

What sounds simple, can be the hardest thing to do: Actively care for the caregiver - whether that person is you or someone you know.

Sometimes it takes a village.

Post by Donna Doyle

National Hospice and Palliative Care Month

2011-11-21T18:35:00.000-05:00

November marks National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.

What is palliative care?

In essence, palliative care is medical or comfort care that reduces the severity of a disease or slows its progress when the disease is not curable. Although such care does not cure, palliative care enhances quality of life. Other reasons for palliative care include cases where the cure is not recommended due to other health concerns or when the patient does not wish to pursue a cure.

Lots of different types of doctors, nurses, and caregivers can provide palliative care. They seek to relieve suffering, whether pain, breathlessness, nausea, fatigue, depression, anxiety, or other discomforts of the body and soul.

Palliative care sounds passive but is anything but. For example, if a tumor is inoperable, radiation can be used to shrink it. If a dying person does not want to suffer pain, nausea, or breathlessness, appropriate medications are prescribed to lessen the symptoms. Neither does the patient have to endure severe depression, anxiety and sleeplessness. Counselors guide patients and family members in preparing for end of life. Nurses always seek to allay suffering.

Lately, I have been rereading my father’s memoirs. In the 1920’s, there was no penicillin. Pneumonia at any age was often a death sentence. With an average life span of just around 50 years and many dying from infection, death was no stranger. Stricken by pneumonia at 29, my father was pronounced unlikely to make it by two physicians. People in the household where he boarded as a schoolteacher provided nursing, at the time deemed the duty of the living for the dying. Fortunately, he pulled through the crisis.

Now pneumonia in a healthy young adult is curable. Now the incurable diseases of cancer, heart failure, stroke, HIV, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and others haunt our days.

Palliative care stresses that we can choose quality over quantity. That is the patient’s choice. Some may prefer quantity to quality. Palliative caregivers work with each patient and family.

As the ends of our days near, we can let loved ones know what we want through the use of a living will or a health care power of attorney. The State of Tennessee provides access to these forms:

http://www.caringinfo.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3289

UT Medical Center and other hospitals will provide forms as well and offer them to patients.

For more tips on how to deal with chronic disease and end of life issues, check out the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's site:

http://www.caringinfo.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

Celebrate the health care providers whose motto is “It’s about how you LIVE.”

Post by Martha Earl

Preston Perks: December Classes

2011-11-20T15:32:00.000-05:00

MedlinePlus

Date December 1, 2011

Time 12:00-12:30 pm

Location Preston Medical Library Training Computer Lab

Instructor Martha Earl

Description Participants will: Learn how MedlinePlus differs from other consumer health sites. Search for a health topic. Search for a provider. Search for a drug or herbal supplement. Discover the videos and cool tools available.

Anatomy.tv

Date December 5, 2011

Time 1:00-1:30 pm

Location Preston Medical Library Training Computer Lab

Instructor Cynthia Vaughn

Description Participants will: Be able to access Anatomy.tv from the medical center or home. Understand how to rotate images. Understand how to save & download images.

Procedures Consult

Date December 15, 2011

Time 12-12:30pm

Location Preston Medical Library Training Computer Lab

Instructor Martha Earl

Description Learn all about Procedures Consult - an online collection of medical procedures, including medical and surgical videos, checklists, equipment requirements for procedures, and other references from Elsevier. This product includes testing functionality that allows users with individual accounts to take test their knowledge on medical procedures.

Staff News: Cynthia Vaughn's Latest Publication

2011-11-17T19:29:00.000-05:00

Cynthia Vaughn's latest article - Reading Demands of Commercial Patient Educational Materials - has been published in Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet.

The purpose of Vaughn's study was to determine how readable patient education handouts are to the average patient. The study samples and scores handouts from three different producers - MD Consult, Micromedex Care Notes, and ADAM. The results indicate that most handouts are above the average reading level of most patients, with Micromedex Care Notes scoring the best in this study.

Co-authors include Sandy Oelschlegel, Eric Heidl, C. Brooke Caldwell, and Lorraine S. Wallace.

Library News: Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

2011-11-15T20:34:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving holiday hours are as follows:

Wednesday, November 23 - 8:30am-5:00pm

Thursday, November 24-Sunday, November 27 - Closed

Regular hours resume Monday, November 28.

Best wishes for a healthy, happy holiday.

Post by Preston Medical Library

PML Service Tip #2: Mobile Dynamed Users

2011-11-14T15:21:00.002-05:00

Preston Medical Library has just been informed that you can register the same Dynamed serial number on up to 5 devices.

If you have an iPhone, you can use the same code on your iPad, etc.

Please feel free to contact the library if you have questions.

Post by Michael Lindsay

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

2011-11-13T19:13:00.000-05:00

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. This general term describes various diseases and conditions that damage brain cells. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that damages and eventually destroys brain cells, leading to loss of memory, thinking and other brain functions. The disease is not a part of normal aging, but results from a complex pattern of abnormal changes. It usually develops slowly and gradually gets worse as more brain cells wither and die. Alzheimer's is fatal, and there is no cure.

Warning Signs

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life

2. Challenges in planning and problem solving

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks

4. Confusion with time and place

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

8. Decreased or poor judgment

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities

10. Changes in mood and personality

Prevention

• Preventative drug treatments

• Cardiovascular health

• Diet and exercise

• Social and intellectual activity

• Protection from possible head trauma

Research

Clinical trials: http://www.alz.org/research/clinical_trials/find_clinical_trials_trialmatch.asp

Future drugs: http://www.alz.org/research/science/alzheimers_treatment_horizon.asp

Additional Resources

Alzheimer's Association:

http://www.alz.org/

MedlinePlus:

http://vsearch.nlm.nih.gov/vivisimo/cgi-bin/query-meta?v%3Aproject=medlineplus&query=alzheimer%27s+disease

Preston Medical Library Consumer & Patient Health Information Service:

http://gsm.utmck.edu/med_library/consumer/caphis.cfm

You can also contact Preston Medical Library via email at library@utmck.edu or phone at (865) 305-9525.

Post by Elizabeth Hinton

Preston Perks: My NCBI Class

2011-11-10T19:09:00.001-05:00

Class Date November 14, 2011

Class Time 10:00am-10:30am

Location Preston Medical Library Training Room

Instructor Cynthia Vaughn

Class Description Participants will 1) Register for and access a My NCBI account; 2) Learn how to set up filter preferences to filter searches; 3) Learn how to save a search using My NCBI; and 4) Learn how to create a collection using My NCBI.

Staff News: On the Road to...South Africa!

2011-11-07T19:58:00.000-05:00

Preston Medical Library has a long history of outreach to public libraries. After presenting at the American Library Association conference on their outreach classes in Middle and East Tennessee, Martha Earl and Cynthia Vaughn were invited to teach a similar series of classes - in South Africa!

Martha and Cynthia are working with the librarians with the US Embassy in South Africa to plan a curriculum for their librarians and library staff. They will be there from March 10-24, 2012, which includes South Africa Library Week. Their trip is being funded by LIASA (Library and Information Association of South Africa).

Additional information will be forthcoming as more plans are made!

National Health Observances: November 2011

2011-11-06T19:57:00.001-05:00

Learn more about November's national health observances by clicking directly on the event. If you have further questions about any of the topics, contact Preston Medical Library for assistance - library@utmck.edu or 865-305-9525.

November 1-30

American Diabetes Month

COPD Awareness Month

Diabetic Eye Disease Month

Foot Health Issues Related to Diabetes Month

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

National Family Caregivers Month

National Healthy Skin Month

National Hospice Palliative Care Month

National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month

Prematurity Awareness Month

November 6-12

Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

November 14-20

Get Smart About Antibiotics Week

November 17

Great American Smokeout

Prematurity Awareness Day

November 19

National Survivors of Suicide Day

November 20-26

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Awareness Week

New @ Preston Medical Library: Fall 2011 New Books

2011-10-25T15:40:00.000-04:00

Upon entering Preston Medical Library, you will find new books located to the right.

If, however, you would like to peruse the new books from the comfort of wherever you are right now just go to the following link:

http://gsm.utmck.edu/med_library/collections/newbooks.cfm

You will find books are conveniently organized by subject, and you can also view previous new book lists.

Are there books you would like to request be added to the library's collection?

UT GSM faculty, staff, and students, and UHS staff can recommend items for the library's permanent collection by completing this form. Requests will be considered as funds become available.

To make a recommendation, submit the online library purchase request.

Please call Martha Earl at 865-305-6616 or 865-305-9525 if you have questions.

Post by Donna Doyle

Class Reminder: Refworks Basics

2011-10-24T14:35:00.001-04:00

RefWorks Basics

Wednesday, Oct. 26

Noon -12:30 p.m.

Preston Medical Library

Training Computer Lab

Are you working on a paper or a book? Are you dreading the bibliography and all of the formatting issues? Come to this class to see how RefWorks can make your life easier! You’ll learn how to set up your account, import citations into your database, and use RefWorks within Microsoft Word to format your citations perfectly.

Pastoral Care Week: October 23-29

2011-10-23T19:07:00.000-04:00

"Telling our stories is holy work." ~ Reverend Nancy Lane, Ph.D.

The celebration of Pastoral Care Week provides an opportunity for chaplains and pastoral care counselors, educators, and providers to share their story and to celebrate various ministries. Each year a new theme brings to light a certain aspect of pastoral care as a focus and invites new and creative ways to tell the story of pastoral care. This year's theme is "Shared Voice."

At UT Medical Center, the Department of Pastoral Care provides chaplain services to patients, families, and staff members of any or no denominational or religious affiliation. The pastoral care team does not impose a particular set of beliefs on anyone. Their mission is to assist people to make use of their own spiritual resources.

Pastoral services are available 24 hours a day at UT Medical Center and include individual counseling.

Absher Chapel, located on the first floor of the hospital across from the gift shop, is open 24 hours a day for prayer and meditation.

Contact pastoral care:
Monday-Friday
8am-4pm
865-305-9704

After hours, nights, weekends, and holidays
865-305-9000

Post by Donna Doyle

PML Service Tip #1: Literature Searches, Article Requests, etc.

2011-10-23T14:34:00.000-04:00

Okay, so maybe this is not the first service tip you have read on Today @ Preston. However, it is the launch of a new blog feature on - you guessed it - library service tips.

No matter what your request entails, for even faster service results please send your emails to library@utmck.edu instead of directly contacting your favorite library employee.

This email address goes directly to a shared mailbox which someone is assigned to check regularly in order to guarantee quick results.

By using the library email address you will also help us better monitor work flow, scheduling, and assignments.

You can still come to the reference desk or call our main line at 865-305-9525 where your request will be assigned according to our schedule.

Thanks for helping us serve you better!

New @ Preston!

2011-10-18T17:43:00.000-04:00

Please join us in welcoming the latest additions to the Preston Medical Library team - Elizabeth Hinton, Postgraduate Library Intern; Sara Horne, Library Student Assistant; and Laurel Winters, Postgraduate Library Intern.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

2011-10-17T19:58:00.001-04:00

In 2009 Knoxville/Knox County 911 Center received 17,951 calls for domestic violence totaling to one call every 30 minutes.

Does your partner embarrass you with put-downs? Control what you do, who you see or talk to or where you go? Stop you from seeing your friends or family members? If you answered “yes” to one of these questions, you might be in an abusive relationship.

To view a complete list of the warning signs of an abusive relationship click on the following link:

http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/am-i-being-abused-2/

For support and more information, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or at TTY 1-800-787-3224.

Are you jealous or suspicious of your partner? Do you call your partner bad names and/or put them down? Do you hit, slap, and/or push your partner? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might be abusive.

To view a complete list of warning signs of abusers, click on the following link:

http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/are-you-abusing-2/

If you abuse, you can choose to stop. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3223 (TTY).

Do you know someone who treats their partner in ways that make you uncomfortable? For tips on how to respond, click on the following links:

http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/are-you-abusing-2/

http://www.thehotline.org/get-educated/how-can-i-help-a-friend-or-family-member-who-is-being-abused/

Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.

Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound someone.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. It can happen to couples who are married, living together or who are dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

Each day in America, an average of three women dies as a result of domestic violence. One in four women and one in thirteen men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Even more sobering than these statistics is the fact that domestic violence often goes unreported.

Learn more about domestic violence from the resources listed below.

Important phone numbers

If you think you are a being abused:

24-hour National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224 to discuss your concerns and questions.

If you think you are abusing someone:

Call the 24-hour National Domestic violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3223 (TTY).

In a crisis situation, call 911.

Additional Resources

Teen Dating Abuse Warning Signs
http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/teens-and-dating-abuse/

Resource Download Center - includes awareness brochures & handouts
http://www.thehotline.org/resources/resource-download-center/

Helpful Links - wide variety of general resources as well as legal information
http://www.thehotline.org/resources/online-resources/
http://www.thehotline.org/resources/resource-materials/

MedlinePlus - a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine & the National Institutes of Health
http://vsearch.nlm.nih.gov/vivisimo/cgi-bin/query-meta?v%3Aproject=medlineplus&query=domestic+violence&x=0&y=0

Knoxville Police Department – Domestic Violence Unit
http://www.ci.knoxville.tn.us/kpd/dvu_stats.asp

Knoxville Domestic Violence Statistics
http://fjcknoxville.com/dvfacts.shtml

Local Agencies
YWCA
http://www.ywcaknox.com/

Knoxville Family Justice Center
http://fjcknoxville.com/

Post by Donna Doyle

Class Reminder: Literature Searching for Research

2011-10-17T13:45:00.000-04:00

Literature Searching for Research

Tuesday, Oct. 18

1 – 2 p.m.

This class will review the basics of conducting literature searches for research projects in PubMed, EMBASE, and other databases as time allows. Come prepared to ask questions and kick start your next project!

Participants will: 1) Understand why thorough literature searching is important. 2) Be able to name at least three databases used for searching. 3) Understand the limitations of using limits when searching.

Led by Cynthia Vaughn, the class will be held in the Computer Training Lab.

Online registration is easy and ensures you have a spot.

After the Open House: Photos!

2011-10-16T16:04:00.000-04:00

Want to see more great photos from the open house?

Like "Preston Medical Library" on Facebook and view the complete album!

Pages from the Pink Album: On Display @ Preston

2011-10-13T19:36:00.000-04:00

Come check out Come by the conference room & check out a very special display - "Pages from the Pink Album" by Felicia Mitchell - a photo-journal journey through breast cancer.

Felicia Mitchell is a poet and breast cancer survivor who teaches at Emory & Henry College in emory, Virginia.

Post by Donna Doyle

Preston in Pink

2011-10-13T14:43:00.001-04:00

Preston in Pink

2011-10-11T20:36:00.000-04:00

Knock, knock?

Who's there?

Orange.

Orange who?

Orange you gonna wear pink to Preston Medical Library's open house?

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Medical Librarians Month. Please join Preston employees in wearing pink to this Friday's open house.

October: National Health Observances

2011-10-09T17:25:00.021-04:00

Check out a complete listing of national health observances occurring in October.

And, for the sake of balance, remember to observe some other occasions this month...

National Pizza Month

October 10: Thanksgiving Day in Canada

October 11: Eleanor Roosevelt's birthday

October 15: Sweetest Day

October 16: Boss's Day

October 23-29: Pastoral Care Week

October 26: International Red Cross organized in Geneva, Switzerland in 1863

October 28: Statue of Liberty dedicated in 1886

October 31: Juliette Gordon Low's birthday - started Girl Scouts in U.S. in 1912

Post by Donna Doyle

“Medical Librarians: Your Ultimate Search Engine”

2011-10-06T15:25:00.000-04:00

October is National Medical Librarians Month, and this year’s theme is "Medical Librarians: Your Ultimate Search Engine”. The theme highlights the fact that medical librarians are the best resource when searching for health information.

Want to know how to find information yourself? Come to the 30 minute classes held in the Preston Medical Library Training Room.

PubMed Update

Monday, Oct. 10

1-1:30 p.m.

PubMed has going through some cosmetic changes in the past year. Come to this class to see what’s new in PubMed, and how to take advantage of these changes to make your searching easier.

Creating Posters in PowerPoint

Wednesday, Oct. 12

Noon - 12:30 p.m.

Are you presenting a poster at a conference? Perhaps you just want to make a poster for your office. This class will cover the basics of poster design within PowerPoint. General PowerPoint Q & A will be available, time permitting.

Literature Searching for Research

Tuesday, Oct. 18

1 – 2 p.m.

RefWorks Basics

Wednesday, Oct. 26

Noon -12:30 p.m.

Open House, Anyone?

2011-10-04T15:14:00.001-04:00

No, we aren't inviting ourselves to your home. We're inviting you to ours!

On Friday, October 14 @ 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Preston Medical Library will host our annual Open House.

If you have attended in the past, we know we can count on seeing you again. If you have never attended, come experience the most fun you will ever have in a library.

Food, fun, festivity - FREE!

Post by Donna Doyle

October: The Main Event

2011-10-02T16:26:00.003-04:00

There is much to enjoy and look forward to during October - cooler temperatures, turning leaves, Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins, National Medical Librarians Month,...

What?! You haven't heard of National Medical Librarians Month?

It's not a trick. In fact, around here we think it's a real treat. We hope you will, too.

For information on fun and educational events in store at Preston Medical Library, stay tuned to the blog and our Facebook page.

Post by Donna Doyle