13 Apr

Men’s Health Concerns Sourcebook

The Mens Health Concerns Sourcebook is outstanding as a reference text for the knowledgeable clinician. The organization of the volume is spelled out at the beginning as a way of introducing the user to the best ways of accessing the information. The volume, as stated by the author, is a “favorite of librarians” and it is easily understandable as to why this is the case, as there is no doubt that virtually everything that could be of importance to the physical health of men is included. Having stated that, the text has a limited audience and might most aptly be named, The Sourcebook for Clinicians. This is not a book for those of low and/or very low health literacy. The literacy-level challenge alone reflects perhaps the shortcoming of this book as one that is useful to the general population. While the book is marketed as containing “basic consumer health information,” the level of writing and detail is beyond most consumers. In keeping with the idea that this is mar keted as a consumer-oriented text, the “symptoms” should probably be up front in the chapter instead of being two or three pages into the reading. A low-literacy person will give up and not just read all that they might need to know to act on the “symptoms” that they are experiencing. Buy Men’s Health drugs

The solutions offered in Men s Health Concerns may further intimidate those without insurance, as the encouragement to “see your doctor” is beyond the means of many. Perhaps words that put the approach to treatment more in line with the options available to the uninsured and underinsured men (viz. “call the nearest clinic if you do not have a regular physician and describe your symptoms”) might make this a less intimidating text. And certainly, discussions of $15,000- $20,000 options for treatment of sexual difficulties is perhaps meaningless to some, but the presence of the statement serves to reinforce the challenges faced by the poor and underserved, many of whom are from communities of color. With the growing loss of insurance in this nation, even by those who are working, the book would be stronger if it offered a range of options. buy Tadalafil 10 mg

It is of interest that the mention of issues related to race occurs only in the discussion of the prevalence of disease (e.g., HIV/AIDS). If it is important to mention disease prevalence, might it also be appropriate to discuss special challenges facing poor men with options around how they might seek affordable care? The concern of this reviewer is that the text might unintentioally reinforce stereotypes without explanation of the numbers. Further, data on substance abuse treatment options do not include even the consideration that there is generally a need for mental health counseling along with treatment for substance abuse. In sum, in the discussion of condi tions that may be psychosocial or even of socioeconomic origin, the text falls short. Buy Viagra Professional

Perhaps no text can serve as the single textbook or resource document for a multicultural population. The Men s Health Concerns Sourcebook is a very fine resource document for the very well-educated (in health sciences, most likely). It is to be hoped, however, that librarians and others will factor health literacy and absolute literacy into their decision-making when purchasing these types of documents and also buy other documents that will address more adequately the health needs of those without advanced degrees, that is to say, the majority of the men in the country. Viagra Soft Tabs online

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