A new study finds that in 2007, 56 percent of American adults—more than 122 million people—sought information about a personal health concern, up from 38 percent in 2001. Use of all information sources rose substantially, with the Internet leading the way. Consumers who actively researched health concerns widely reported positive impacts: More than half said the information changed their overall approach to maintaining their health, and four in five said that the information helped them to better understand how to treat an illness or condition.

The report, “Striking Jump in Consumers Seeking Health Care Information” (Tracking Report No. 20) is authored by Ha T. Tu and Genna Cohen. It was published in August 2008 by Center for Studying Health System Change.

Because of the upcoming Labor Day weekend, the deadline to submit your application for a MAR Health Literacy Award (new or existing project) has been extended to September 2.

Information on the awards, as well as online application forms, are available here:

http://nnlm.gov/mar/funding/

The History of Medicine Division of the National Library of Medicine is pleased to announce a new web exhibit: “Hooke’s Books:  Books that Influenced or were Influenced by Robert Hooke.”

www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/hooke/

Robert Hooke (1635-1703) was a remarkably versatile man — artist, biologist, physicist, engineer, architect, inventor, and more. However, his crowning glory was Micrographia: or Some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies made by Magnifying Glasses, first published 1665. It was a masterpiece — an exquisitely illustrated introduction to the previously unknown microscopic world. This exhibit focuses on Hooke’s influences and legacy in print, the pioneering books that stimulated Hooke’s research, and the works he left for others — most famously the great Dutch microscopist, Antoni van Leeuwenhœk (1632-1723).

The August 2008 issue of NIH News in Health is now online at http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/.  The monthly NIH News in Health newsletter brings you practical health news and tips based on the latest NIH research.  In this issue:

Arm Yourself for Good Health
Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccines
As summer winds down, students from kindergarten to college are heading off to new schools, with lots of new people to meet—and new germs to catch. One of the best ways to guard you and your family against infectious disease is to stay up-to-date with your vaccines.
Full story: http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/newversion/2008/August/feature1.htm

Matching Genes and Vitamins
A Personalized Plan May Be in Your Future
You may be one of the many people who take vitamin and mineral supplements as a kind of insurance plan, to make sure your body’s getting enough of all the nutrients you need. New research suggests that doctors may one day be able to design a personalized supplement plan that’s best for your particular body.
Full story: http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/newversion/2008/August/feature2.htm

Health Capsules

• Wide Waists Boost Risk of Death
• Online Care Helps Control Blood Pressure
• Featured Web Site: Findings

Click here to download a PDF version for printing.