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Book Reviews

A look at a few noteworthy publications by UMDNJ faculty and alumni

Health Secrets of the Stone Age
by Philip J. Goscienski, MD
New Century Books

Don’t blame heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity or Alzheimer’s disease on your genes, says the author, who also asserts that genes don’t explain why Type 2 diabetes and obesity have tripled in little more than one generation. “The worst is still to come,” he states, “as the result of a lifestyle that is inconsistent with our body chemistry.”

The book reveals how the most medically advanced civilization in history became the fattest, and why diabetes, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s have become epidemic. The author contends that the causes of all these problems are obvious and avoidable when we learn how humans lived during the Stone Age, and suggests applying that knowledge in a modern environment.

About the author: Philip Goscienski (UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School [NJMS] ’62), a pediatric infectious diseases specialist with a 35-year career in clinical academic medicine, is the author of several medical journal articles and textbook chapters

Diabetic Nephropathy: Theory & Practice
by Alluru S. Reddi, MD, PhD
College Book Publishers, LLC

While diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease in the western world and many developing countries, recent studies have shown it is a treatable (and possibly preventable) disease, if detected early. This text includes a description of the pathophysiology and management of diabetic subjects with nephropathy, with or without hypertension. Many of the pathophysiologic concepts and management strategies have been simplified, and there is a lengthy discussion about glycemic and nonglycemic interventions to prevent the progression of the disease. In addition, several recent developments linking renal disease and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with diabetes are presented. Both biomedical students and practicing physicians should find the book beneficial.

About the author: Alluru S. Reddi is a professor of medicine in the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at NJMS.

The Pastoral Voice of Robert Perske
edited by William C. Gaventa, MDiv, and David L. Coulter, MD
The Haworth Pastoral Press, an imprint of the Haworth Press, Inc.

Robert Perske is well-known for his work as an advocate for people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. In recent years, he has become noted for his legal defense of the disabled and for his position on the death penalty. This book focuses on the papers and articles he wrote early in his career, when he was chaplain at the Kansas Neurological Institute. In this collection are the earliest published papers on pastoral care and religious education for people with mental retardation. Even after 30 years, Perske’s writings can be applied to current issues in ministries and services for the developmentally disabled.

About the editors: William Gaventa is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) and the director of community and congregational support at the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center of Developmental Disabilities at RWJMS. David Coulter is a faculty member of the departments of neurology and social medicine at Harvard Medical School.

In and Out of Our Right Minds:
The Mental Health of African American Women
edited by Diane R. Brown, PhD, and Verna M. Keith, PhD
Columbia University Press

This book challenges the traditional notions of mental health and African American women, who are often portrayed as “pillars” of their communities, determined mothers, sisters, wives and grandmothers, who remain steadfast in the face of all adversities. While these roles imply that African American women have few psychological problems, the scientific literature and demographic data present a different picture. They reveal that African American women are at increased risk for psychological distress because of factors that disproportionately affect them, including lower incomes, unemployment, unmarried motherhood, racism and poor physical health. Yet, at the same time, rates of diagnosed mental illness are low. This book is the first comprehensive examination of the contradictions between the strengths and vulnerabilities of these women.

About the editors: Diane Brown is executive director of the Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities at UMDNJ-School of Public Health. Verna Keith is chair and associate professor of sociology at Arizona State University. Both editors are also contributors to this book.

How to EXCEL in Medical School, Second Edition
by Norma Susswein Saks, EdD, and Mark Ari Saks, MD, MPH
J&S Publishing Company, Inc.

While most medical students have been highly successful throughout their academic careers, medical school is nonetheless a very challenging environment where complex information must be learned quickly. This handbook offers learning strategies for specific areas of study, including anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, pathology and more. The authors’ studying techniques are aimed to ensure success in course work and on step 1 of the medical licensure exam (USMLE).

About the authors: Norma Susswein Saks is the assistant dean for educational programs, director of the Cognitive Skills Program, and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at RWJMS. Her son, Mark Saks (RWJMS ’02), is a resident in emergency medicine at Temple University Hospital.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Dangerous Diseases and Epidemics
by David S. Perlin, PhD, and Ann Cohen
Alpha Books

The book presents a thorough discussion of all the great plagues and diseases of the past and explores the super microbes of today that threaten human beings. It examines the complex world of viruses and the origins of infectious diseases such as AIDS, Ebola, hantavirus and Legionnaire’s disease. The authors also discuss disease prevention, bioterrorism, the nature of infectious organisms and how our immune system fights them off.

About the authors: David Perlin is scientific director of the Public Health Research Institute at the International Center for Public Health in Newark, and a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at NJMS. Freelance writer Ann Cohen is also vice president of the humane organization Bide-A-Wee Home Association.

To submit a book for review, contact Carole Walker at 973-972-3489.