This library contains easy-to-understand instructions about most health problems.  This library is always open for you.  Click on the underlined links below to enter the websites.

HEALTH PROMOTION

Disease Prevention + Health Promotion

DISEASE PREVENTION - ROUTINE CANCER SCREENING

Breast

Colon

Prostate

Cervix

GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION

American Academy of Family Medicine

National Library of Medicine

Search by Symptom - Diagnostic Tree Algorithm

NUTRITION

Food Guide

How to Read the Food Label

Cholesterol

TOBACCO

Smokers' Helpine

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

San Diego County Services - How to Get Tested for $15

COMEDY - Laughter is Good Medicine

Working it Out - a comic strip occasionally featuring the doctor in this clinic

The Common Cold: Most colds do NOT need antibiotics - save yourself a doctor's visit! (NEW 2008 National Center for Quality Assurance Guidelines)

THE COMMON COLD - What Over-The-Counter Medicines are Most Helpful

Common Cold Over-the-Counter Medications [do not take if allergic to these]

+ guaifenesin syrup - for mucous / expectorant (sinus congestion / cough)

+ acetaminophen - for fever or pain (do not take if liver disease, are taking warfarin, or have any other contraindication)

- do not take decongestants (unless you need to be clear for a brief period) - they constrict blood vessels causing higher blood pressure reducing blood flow to the nose and cause a feeling of edginess and often cause rebound worse congestion when the effect wears off, read the labels carefully because many OTC medications contain decongestants

- do not take alcohol - present in many "nighttime medications", usually gives you longer sleep, but does not give you as much deep Rapid Eye Movement (REM) restful sleep

- do not take dextromethorphan (unless you have a dry cough) - this is a cough suppressant, not an expectorant, and can prevent mucous from coming out