The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released an updated and improved version of the Surgeon General’s Internet-based family health history tool. This new tool makes it easier for consumers to assemble and share family health history information.  It can also help practitioners make better use of health history information so they can provide more informed and personalized care for their patients. For more information please visit the following URL: https://familyhistory.hhs.gov/fhh-web/home.action [scb]

The January 2009 issue of NIH News in Health is now available online. Learn how cold weather can affect medical conditions, find out about the most common uses for complimentary and alternative medicine, and read about the results of two clinical trials studying alternative medicine for the treatment of prostate cancer. [da]

It’s a new series of classes presented by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, MidContinental Region! We’re focusing on the “spotlight” aspect - choosing limited databases on which to focus, and practice time with exercises in each monthly session. The first is “Update on PubMed” - presented by Rebecca Brown on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009 for one hour - 1:00 MT, 2:00 CT.

This online training is FREE, and requires no registration. All you need is a computer with Internet access and a phone. All classes can be accessed by going to https://webmeeting. nih.gov/mcrupdate. The series is targeted for the fourth Wednesday each month. Upcoming dates and topics include: Feb. 25 -MedlinePlus and the Household Products Database., March 25 - Educational Resources for Kids, and April 22 - Drug Resources. We hope to “see” you there!

The National Library of Medicine and the American Library Association want to show you how to find the information that will help you achieve good health.

The site introduces the resources of the National Library of Medicine and provides information that helps communities of color in rural settings make good health decisions. Visit http://olos.ala.org/goodhealth/ today! [da]

Google also has a new ‘branch’ called Google.org. The site “aspires to use the power of information and technology to address the global challenges of our age: climate change, poverty and emerging disease.” Included in the new site is a section called: Explore flu trends across the U.S. The page includes a flu shot locator by zip code. http://www.google.org/flutrends/ [rb]

In Other Words…Health and Health Literacy Information Resources From the NLM 
By Helen Osborne, M.Ed., OTR/L
On Call Magazine, December 4, 2008

The NLM is part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. It is the largest medical library in the world and contains numerous databases and electronic resources. A PubMed search, though, can return an overwhelming list of resources. This article highlights ways to narrow searches so users can more quickly find the specific materials they need. http://www.healthliteracy.com/articles.asp and http://www.boston.com/jobs/healthcare/oncall/ [scb]

The December issue of NIH News in Health, the monthly newsletter bringing you practical health news and tips based on the latest NIH research, is now online. http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/
In this edition:
Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas: Get Creative, Stay Healthy
Cold Fingers and Toes? It Might Be Raynaud’s
Health Capsules:

• Warm Hands, Warm Feelings
• New Alzheimer’s Book Published
• Featured Web Site: Herbs at a Glance

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Have a safe and healthy Thanksgiving Day feast with food safety tips from MedlinePlus. Learn about food safety, food storage, preparation and handling for this holiday and everyday in the kitchen. [da]