A Woman's Concise Guide to Common Medical Tests, by M. C. Moore and C. M. De Costa. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press; 2005; 168 pages; paperback; $16.95.
A Woman's Concise Guide to Common Medical Tests is a powerful book that is recommended for laypersons to learn more about how to protect their most valuable asset-their health. The book provides answers to questions that many women want to know but may be afraid to ask. During this information era, it is more important than ever for the public to have accurate healthcare information. Although people can read about health in magazines, newspapers, and Web sites, much of the information must be closely scrutinized for accuracy. The general public is mostly unaware of how to separate myths from facts, and urban legends prevail. This timely book should be made available in medical waiting rooms and shared as holiday gifts.
The authors identify and describe major medical tests that adult women are advised to have. A wide range of screening tests is included along with explanations and descriptions of the tests. The importance of including family and friends in our medical testing is discussed and encouraged.
The authors provided definitions for screening tests and described more than 10 major examinations that women are advised to have during their adult life (ages 18 until death). These tests included the annual physical examination, Pap smears/reproductive health, colposcopy, female cancer screenings (breasts, cervical, reproductive); diabetes, heart disease (hypertension, atherosclerosis), and communicable diseases. Furthermore, they also describe vision tests and examinations to measure bone density. Although the descriptions and purpose of the tests were in-depth, the format was logical and easy to comprehend. The book is intended for nonmedical readers.
The emphasis of the role of family and friends in obtaining preventive care is impressive. Social support plays a major role in the lives of women and can be used to assist women in obtaining preventive medical care. The authors also provide Web sites and reputable books that can offer additional information to the readers. The book ends with a strong recommendation for practicing prevention. Emphasis is placed on daily health behaviors and choices that can protect well-being and prevent disease. Smoking, nutrition, dental health, and even foot care are discussed here. Finally, the authors provide a critical list of steps to evaluate a Web site for health information. Health literacy is so important. The Internet can be an effective tool for promoting health in the future. However, nonmedical users may be unaware of the differences among sites that include predators trying to make money from nonscientific resources (quackery) or sites that may not provide accurate, reliable, or scientific information.
Areas not addressed by the authors such as mental health or cultural diversity (i.e., aging, low-income) would have strengthened the book. This book is timely given the increased incidence of preventable medical conditions among women, especially low-income women. Many women tend to take care of others, while neglecting their own health. A choice to delay screening and medical tests could result in costly or even deadly consequences. The authors' recommendations of women escorting one another to medical appointments to obtain preventive screening were noteworthy.
-Phoebe Butler-Ajibade, EdD
Assistant Professor, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina