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UNM Health Sciences Library & Informatics Center

MSC 09 5100
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001

Phone: (505) 272-2311

Distance Services

Consumer Health Information Resources for New Mexico Public Libraries

This web page was created in partnership with the New Mexico State Library to assist New Mexico public librarians in answering health-related questions from their customers. All resources listed have been carefully selected as trusted sources of health information that were developed specifically for the general public. The content of this page is being piloted with all New Mexico public, tribal, and military libraries and bookmobiles to determine usefulness and applicability of the resources listed. If you have comments or suggestions for changes, please contact Barbara Nail-Chiwetalu, Distance Services Coordinator, at bnail-chiwetalu@salud.unm.edu, or 505-272-0757.

 

General Resources

MedlinePlus
http://medlineplus.gov/
Includes over 800 health topics, drug and supplement information, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, medical dictionary, latest health news, directories, interactive patient tutorials, and more. Health information is available in over 40 languages, mostly English and Spanish. Some documents are identified as low literacy (4-6th grade reading level) and for low vision.

NIH MedlinePlus Magazine (English)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/
A quarterly health magazine for the general public, MedlinePlus Magazine contains reliable, up-to-date health information that can be accessed directly online or through a free subscription.

Top 100 List: Health Websites You Can Trust (MLA-CAPHIS)
http://caphis.mlanet.org/consumer/index.html
Includes names of online resources with the Web address and brief annotation for each item. Categories include general health, women’s health, men’s health, parenting and kids, senior health, specific health, and drug information resources.

Finding Health and Wellness @ the Library: A Consumer Health Toolkit for Library Staff
Health Toolkit
The Toolkit is a comprehensive professional development resource for public librarians and library staff to build their competencies in providing excellent consumer health services to users. It is divided into six sections that cover all aspects of consumer health information services, including: Core Competencies, Health Resources, Consumer Health Information Services, Technology and Health 2.0, Workplace Wellness, and Resources for Health Care Professionals. This project was based on a needs assessment of public libraries in California, however, care was taken to create a resource that will be relevant and useful in every region.

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Senior Health

NIHSeniorHealth
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/
Provides health and wellness information for older adults. Topics include cancer, healthy aging, memory and mental health, vision and hearing, and more. The video library contains brief videos of generally 5 minutes or less on practical health topics. With one click of the mouse, the text can be enlarged or provide contrast and speech can be turned on to read the page.

Top 100 List: Health Websites You Can Trust – Senior Health (MLA-CAPHIS)
http://caphis.mlanet.org/consumer/seniorhealth.html
Names of online resources with Web address and brief annotation for each item.

The Boomers Are Coming: Prepare for the New Age of Seniors (NN/LM SCR) 47 minutes
https://webmeeting.nih.gov/p11115712/

A recorded training session for librarians working with older adults that can be viewed at any time. Provides an overview of Boomer generation and aging, evaluating resources for older population, library program ideas for older adults, potential collaborators, and online health resources.

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Drugs/Medications/Supplements

MedlinePlus – Drugs, Supplements, and Herbal Information
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html
Drug Information section is searchable by generic or brand name drug. Includes why prescribed, how the medicine is used, precautions, forgetting to take a dose, side effects, storage, and emergency/overdose. Herbs and Supplements section is searchable by first letter of herb or supplement. Includes synonyms, scientific evidence for use, dosing, safety, interactions, and references.

FDA Consumer Health
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/default.htm
Topics include approved drugs, side effects, treatments for medical problems, generic drugs, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements.

Drug Information Portal
http://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/drugportal.jsp
Quick access to over 12,000 selected drugs searched across multiple databases. Can be searched by name of drug or drug category (e.g., anesthetics, anti-inflammatory agents, estrogens).

Dietary Supplements Labels Database
http://dietarysupplements.nlm.nih.gov/dietary/
Offers information about label ingredients in more than three thousand selected brands of dietary supplements. It enables users to compare label ingredients in different brands. Information is also provided on the "structure/function" claims made by manufacturers.

Clinical Trials.gov
http://clinicaltrials.gov/
ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and around the world. ClinicalTrials.gov gives you information about a trial's purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details. This information should be used in conjunction with advice from your health care professional.

Top 100 List: Health Websites You Can Trust – Drug Information Resources (MLA-CAPHIS)
http://caphis.mlanet.org/consumer/druginfo.html
Names of online resources with Web address and brief annotation for each item.

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Spanish Language Resources

MedlinePlus Espanol
http://medlineplus.gov/spanish/
Created specifically for the general public, MedlinePlus links authoritative information from numerous agencies and organizations following evaluation according to specified criteria. Features include over 800 health topics, extensive drug and supplement information, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, medical dictionary, latest health news, directories, and interactive patient tutorials.

NIH MedlinePlus Salud (Spanish)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/magazine/
MedlinePlus Salud magazine is in both Spanish and English (bilingual) with a focus on Hispanic/Latino health. It can be accessed directly online or through a free subscription.

Resources in Spanish for Consumer Health Information (MLA-CAPHIS)
http://caphis.mlanet.org/chis/spanish.html
Names of online resources with the Web address and brief annotation for each item. Categories include gateways, search engines, general health, asthma, cancer, diabetes, domestic violence, heart, mental health, pediatrics, substance abuse, women’s health, and a list and glossary of medical terms in Spanish.

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Native American Health

Native American Health Information Resources
Provides name of resource with web address and annotation for Native American health information.

Native American Health Information Resources on the Internet: Webinar (20:07 minutes)
This webinar was recorded through Adobe Connect. When you click on the link, you will see PowerPoint slides and hear the presenter.

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Where to Refer Your Customers

Libraries may provide assistance finding and accessing health information but should not interpret information for the customer or attempt to assist with diagnosis. Questions about specific health issues of an individual should be directed to their physician or pharmacist.

UNM Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center
Information/Reference Desk: 505-272-2311, http://hsc.unm.edu/library
Call or check web site for library hours when assistance is available.

• NM Poison and Drug Information Center, UNM
http://hsc.unm.edu/pharmacy/poison/
Call 1-800-222-1222, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for any poisoning or drug-related questions.

• Nurse Advice New Mexico
Call 1-877-725-2552, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to talk with a registered nurse about your health issues or concerns.

• New Mexico Libraries Providing Consumer Health Information to Local Residents
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/libraries/newmexico.html

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Funding Opportunities

UNM Distance Services Funding Opportunities
http://hsc.unm.edu/library/distance/funding.shtml
Lists and links state, regional, and national funding opportunities available to librarians and others in New Mexico for your interests regarding health information, technology, professional development, collections, digitization projects, research, and more.

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