Telemedicine

Consulting remotely with a health care professional through a phone or computer is quicker and easier than going to the emergency room or getting an appointment.  Though not a replacement for in-person care, such as exams or tests, it can be a good way to get a fast answer to a question, and doctors can usually prescribe medicine (not across state lines).


Insurers are sometimes reluctant to pay, but are growing increasingly willing, as it is a cost-effective option in some situations.  Telemedicine as a proportion of all health care provided will likely
continue to grow for the foreseeable future.

Forever young?

Science is working on a drug to slow down aging.  Right now researchers are testing on dogs a drug that has already lengthened the lives of mice.  The drug, a chemical known as rapamycin, is made by a type of soil bacterium, and  extends the lives of flies, yeast, and worms.  An article in the New York Times has more details.

Wonders of medicine

Did you hear about the first penis transplant in the United States?  On May 17, the New York Times had an article about Thomas Manning, who had most of his penis amputated due to cancer, and recently underwent surgery to attach a donor penis.  This groundbreaking surgery could eventually help those U.S. veterans who have been injured by IEDs and roadside bombs.

Home Organizing Made Easy

Clutter causes stress, and stress harms our health, so an organized home supports a healthy life, and conquering clutter will improve health.  Next week at the Central Library, Terry Capehart, owner of Organization In Bloom, a professional organizing services company, will talk about how to get your home decluttered and organized for a simplified life.

Thursday, May 26
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Central Library
1301 Olive Street
St. Louis MO 63103

You will learn some great tips for organizing your home from small to large projects.  Come with your burning organizing questions.  You'll leave inspired and motivated!

Cover Missouri: fun and understandable videos

Understanding the health care system can be fun work.  Cover Missouri has a fun series of videos that explain some of the complicated intricacies of health care in a fun and easy to understand way.

One of those videos is Helping Consumers Understand the Importance of Preventive Care, which talks about the importance of preventive care, as well as some of the preventive care benefits offered through the Affordable Care Act.

Also see Health Literacy Missouri for clear, simple communication about health information and services.

Healthy Kids

Information to help keep kids healthy!

Here are some books at the St. Louis Public Library; also check out the other resources below.

• The thriving child: parenting successfully through allergies, asthma, and other common challenges by Erica Reid
• Your healthy child: a practical guide to more than 80 childhood complaints by Miriam Stoppard
• Healthy choices, healthy children: a guide to raising fit, happy kids by Lori S. Brizee with Sue Schumann Warner
• Healthy child, whole child: integrating the best of conventional and alternative medicine to keep your kids healthy by Stuart H. Ditchek and Russell H. Greenfield with Lynn Murray Willeford; foreword by Andrew Weil

Vaccines: The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children.  Find out more at this link.  Additional information here.

Insurance: Millions of children and teens qualify for free or low-cost health and dental coverage through Medicaid & the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  Learn about coverage options for your family at this link.

Through the MO HealthNet for Kids program, children receive full, comprehensive coverage including primary, acute and preventative care, hospital care, dental and vision care as well as prescription coverage. This portal page has information on how to apply, who is eligible, what benefits are offered and how to find a doctor in your area.

Here in St. Louis, the Family Resource Center at Children's Hospital can provide information.  It is staffed by nurses and medical librarians and they offer support not just to kids and their families in the hospital, but to anyone, and all of their services are free, whether you have a child who is a patient at Children's or not.  Their website has interactive tutorials available here, with topics from Asthma to Bed Times.

Paleo diets

Eat like a caveman (or woman)!

Maybe you’ve heard the phrase “paleo diet” floating around.  It’s the latest popular diet.  The idea is that our bodies are designed to handle the sort of food that our caveman ancestors ate – raw fruits and vegetables, plenty of protein (usually animal), no grains and minimal processing.

The St. Louis Public Library has a selection of materials on this subject.  Some focus on nutrition and are in the health section, and some are in the cookbook section.  There are also quite a few ebooks available through your computer. 

Family yoga and energizing food with Cancer Support Community

Tuesday and Thursday next week bring two exciting health-supporting programs from the Cancer Support Community.

Family Yoga

Tuesday, May 10 ● 6:30-7:30PM

Lisa Roberts, RYT, RCYT and author of  Breathe, Chill – A Handy Book of Games and Techniques Introducing Breathing, Relaxation and Meditation to Kids and Teens will offer ongoing sessions for children and families to practice wellness in fun and interesting ways.

Energizing Food Class

Thursday, May 12 ● Noon-2:00 PM 

Prepare recipes with Food Energy Coach/Macrobiotics Chef  Bridgette Kossor. Learn how to manage your energy with the food you cook and eat...you will be amazed at how easy it is and how good it tastes!

For more information or to RSVP call Cancer Support Community at

314-238-2000, or sign up online at www.cancersupportstl.org

Merck Manual online

Merck Manual Available Free Online

If you hadn't heard, the Merck Manual has moved from print books to putting editions online for free.

The first edition was published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, but has grown to become one of the most widely used medical resources.  The St. Louis Public Library has print copies available to consult in the reference section, and this new online resource is handy for consulting from the comfort of your own home.

No need to register or provide personal information. Two versions  are available, one for consumers and one for professionals. The same information is available, but the consumer site is designed and punctuated with language that is easier to understand.