A Body Out of Balance

November 15, 2003
"Having SjS is a bit like having a demanding, exacting, unpredictable but needy two-year-old in your life-forever nagging for your attention," writes Fremes, leader of a Sjogren's Syndrome (SjS) support group. Known as the "dry eyes/dry mouth" disease, this autoimmune and rheumatological disorder can affect other organs and systems with devastating consequences. About four million people in the United States, primarily women, have it. With rheumatologist Carteron, Fremes has written a consumer's guide that covers all the basics: a brief overview of autoimmunity, diagnosis, medical treatments, self-care, genetics, and current and future areas of research. Encouraging a wellness lifestyle and good nutrition, the authors suggest conventional and complementary therapies to bring back balance and to cope with diminished quality of life. Especially valuable is their detailed advice on various products and medications for dealing with lack of moisture. However, the authors do not always present their technical information in understandable terms-no glossary is provided, and there are few real definitions. Libraries already owning Teri P. Rumpf's The Sjogren's Syndrome Survival Guide could probably pass. Otherwise, recommended for consumer health collections needing current information. (Index not seen.)-Lisa McCormick, Jewish Hosp. Lib., Cincinnati

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.