Every day we make decisions about our health - some big and some small. What we eat, how we live and even where we live can affect our health. But how can we be sure that the advice we are given about these important matters is right for us? Many treatments and tests - both mainstream and alternative - are not supported by good evidence and some widely used treatments are actually harmful. Whether you are considering having surgery or taking vitamin supplements, you need to know the effectiveness of the options and their side-effects. Smart Health Choices provides you with the tools for assessing health advice, whether it comes from a specialist, general practitioner, naturopath, the media, the Internet, or a friend. It shows you how to take an active role in your health care, and to make the best decisions for you and your loved ones based on personal preferences and the best available evidence.

Here's how to tailor your drugs, food, and skin-care products to your DNA. This is your consumer's guide to genetic testing kits.

Your DNA, including your ancient ancestry and ethnicity has a lot to do with how your body responds to food, medicine, illness, exercise, and lifestyle, but just how much? And how do you know which DNA kits and gene testing are reliable and recognized?

Learning about DNA to understand and improve your health is now interactive and available to the average consumer, not limited to students and teachers, but to anyone else. In the last few years genealogy buffs, parents, and anyone interested in DNA without a science background took an interest in DNA tests rests that reveal deep maternal and paternal ancestry.

No science background? Don't worry. There's a DNA summer camp near you, or an educational experience in learning about DNA now available to the average consumer. Educators, scientists, and multimedia producers have teamed up to teach you the wonders of DNA, your genes and your lifestyle.

What's left? Physicians and genetic research scientists need to talk more to each other because most family doctors don't have time to read the proliferation of publications reporting new advances in genetics or other areas of science that directly affect consumers.

It looks like it's the consumer's job to bring people together through the media and through consumer's watchdog organizations, professional associations, and support groups. Key words: action and public education about DNA through multimedia and consumer involvement. Find out who is credible and recognized in the right places.

"AMERICA'S BEST! 100-An opinionated guide to America's most charismatic goods and services." "I turned the last page.of "America's Best! 100" with nothing but admiration for Mr. Luongo's industry and taste."-Berton Rouech, "The New Yorker," October, 1980 ."[C. Paul Luongo] roves entertainingly, and often eruditely, through such recondite subjects as octopus-ink paintings, spumoni fudge and specialty cement."-"Time," August, 1980

With more than 740,000 visitors a month, Chowhound.com has become a favorite source of information for those who want to take their dining experiences off the beaten path. So why should San Francisco eaters limit their choices to the same old locales found in most restaurant guides? As fun to read as it is comprehensive, The Chowhound's Guide to the San Francisco Bay Area is all about finding the perfect bite for every occasion, focusing on the undiscovered gems that will generate tomorrow's buzz. From the best Chinatown noodle shops and secret tamale ladies to sumptuous sushi meccas and sensational stock-up stops for a romantic Sonoma picnic, this is the richest treasure trove of San Francisco restaurants, cafes, take-out counters, delis, farmer's markets, and food carts ever compiled.

On the web: http: //www.chowhound.com

Finding a Preschool for Your Child in San Francisco & Marin profiles preschools in terms of school philosophy, goals, and curriculum, admission procedures, staff qualifications, fees, hours, extended care and vacation schedules, number of students and more. Many schools offer scholarships, free, or low cost programs. More than 120 San Francisco preschools and 85 Marin County preschools are profiled, including private independent schools, public preschools (including Head Start and programs sponsored by school districts), and preschools affiliated with colleges and universities. The authors advise parents on what to look for in a preschool and how to understand their child's needs through discussions of early childhood development and various approaches to curriculum and activities. A discussion of kindergarten readiness and what to look for in a kindergarten helps parents prepare for the next step.

Freeman has developed a comprehensive handbook with thoroughly annotated lists of the 2004's best children's books, lesson plans, teachers guides, stories, songs, and Internet resources. It includes an index.

Anthrax scares. Airplane crashes. The AIDS epidemic. Presidential election polls and voting results. Global warming. All these news stories require scientific savvy, first to report, and then-for the average person-to understand. It Ain't Necessarily So cuts through the confusion and inaccuracies surrounding media reporting of scientific studies, surveys, and statistics. Whether the problem is bad science, media politics, or a simple lack of information or knowledge, this book gives news consumers the tools to penetrate the hype and dig out the facts.

In-depth fraud coverage of computer crimes such as pyramid schemes make this crime library of internet fraud the cybercrime location for the schemes and scams that con artists perpetrate. White collar crimes such as prime bank fraud, pyramid scams, internet fraud, phone scams, chain letters, modeling agency and Nigerian scams, computer fraud as well as telemarketing fraud are fully explained. This detailed but easy to read report on organized crime topics include credit card fraud, check kiting, tax fraud, money laundering, mail fraud, counterfeit money orders, check fraud and other who's who true crimes of persuasion.

America is the only country in the world that does not regulate medication prices. The result is that prescription drug prices are rising at an astronomical rate. Pharmaceutical companies make an enormous amount of money by continuously coming out with the "latest" medication for common ailments. Smart Medicine is a practical book that helps readers take control of the cost and safety of the prescription medicines they take. The first chapter is a no-holds-barred examination of how we got to where we are with unregulated drug prices. Subsequent chapters explain specific strategies for saving significant money such as: Shopping on-line Buying generic equivalents Buying in foreign countries How to acquire discount cards.

The appendix, "Setting up your personal medical information center," contains resource names, Web sites, toll-free numbers, and publications to help readers take charge of their medications.

America's money-savings expert shows readers how to get the most bang for their buck on food, shopping, restaurants, clothing, leisure activities, and more.

In his first national bestseller Get Clark Smart, Clark Howard showed you how to save money. Now in his new book, he wants to show you how to spend it wisely.

Clark Howard, the bestselling author of Get Clark Smart and host of the nationally syndicated radio program The Clark Howard Show, wants to show you how to get the best bang for your buck -- whether you are at the supermarket, buying new clothes, renovating your home, or going to the movies. Learn how to pay $12.95 for a CD that costs $19.95. Find out why a $90 VCR just may work better than a $300 VCR.

Chapters include smart-spending tips on:

• Food: Save at the supermarket, and in restaurants, on fast-food, wine, and bottled water
• Events: Find bargains when buying gifts for weddings, births, or holidays
• Family and Children: Get great deals on back-to-school items and clothes for your children
• Necessities: Pay reasonable prices for clothing, shoes, eyeglasses, and cosmetics
• Leisure: Have fun and save money on movies, CDs, books, and tickets to sports events
• Emergencies: Learn how to avoid shelling out too much money on unforeseeable problems like plumbing, car trouble, etc.
• Home Improvements: Get the best price on painting, blinds, shutters, carpet, etc.
• Cars: Find great bargains on tires, oil changes, car washes, and more
• Appliances/Electronics: Save on TVs, digital cameras, camcorders, home theater systems, toasters, and refrigerators

You can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars the next time you go shopping.

Whether you are shopping for a car or consumer electronics, you are going to run into professional salespeople. They are trained and ready to reach right into your pocket and take your money for the things you want.

Are you ready to meet them or are you still an amateur buyer?

You can learn the skills to stand up to the professionals and keep more of your money.

From his experience with salespeople in Fortune 500 companies and his own personal successes, Robert E. Tevis presents you with key negotiation concepts and techniques to turn you into a threat to the professionals. Even if you have never bargained before, you can use these simple and effective techniques to get more for your money.

It's your money. Don't you want to keep it?

You can afford the care you need.

If you’re one of the millions who suffer from medical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, you know that these illnesses can, over time, cause extreme financial hardship. In this timely, thorough resource, Dr. David Nganele helps you identify the drugs, programs, hospitals, and strategies that will significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. You’ll discover how you can better afford your healthcare without losing out on quality of care. This reassuring guide provides hope and relief from one of the most stressful aspects of dealing with a serious illness. Whether you have health insurance or not, if you have to deal with medical costs, this book will become a significant source of financial relief.

Now completely revised and updated, the Jorgensens' classic guide to increasing wealth provides solid advice on investing, paying taxes, buying insurance, and more...in good times and bad.

You can get rich -- regardless of age, income, or marital status -- by simply following the advice of financial duo Jim and Rich Jorgensen. It's Never Too Late to Get Rich explains how to apply their tried-and-true rules of financial planning in any financial climate, taking you through a process built on nine foolproof, easy-to-follow strategies:

• Pay yourself first

• Don't be a lender

• Kill those credit cards

• Be willing to accept some risk

• Build a rock-solid investment portfolio

• Invest with technology

• Delay your taxes

• Buy adequate life and disability insurance

• Work with a financial planner

Here too are invaluable guidelines on saving and investing in a crashing or soaring stock market, on minimizing taxes, and on preparing for big expenditures like education and retirement. Fully updated with information on new ways to earn interest, the latest financial websites and resources, and much more, It's Never Too Late to Get Rich is your reliable guidebook toward the financial security that you've always dreamed of.

WHO KNEW BABIES NEEDED SO MANY ACCESSORIES? 

It’s official. You’re pregnant. Get used to the fact that life is never going to be the same. And break out the credit card, because that little bundle of joy is going to cost you. The list seems endless—from car seats to changing pads. But don’t despair. The Girlfriends are here to take some of the guesswork out of shopping for baby-to-be. We’ll tell you when to skimp and when to splurge, and which hand-me-downs are safe and which are sorry. You’ll get advice on…

• Where to get what you need
• Crib and car seat do’s and don’ts
• Wardrobe musts and misses—for mother and child
• Stocking the nursery and the rest of the house
• What every new mom should have on hand for herself
• The Master Shopping List—don’t leave home without it!

Plus the Top 10 Things to Do for Yourself Before the Baby Arrives, the Top 10 Baby Items You Won’t Find at a Baby Store, the Top 10 Best—and Worst—Things to Borrow, the Top 10 Signs of a First-Time Mom, and more…

This book is focused on helping business travelers through the maze of air travel, car rentals, and hotel stays. Written by an Extreme Traveler, the book contains a wealth of information specifically designed to help business travelers understand air rage.

HAPPY HUNTING™ ON eBay

Aunt Fannie's cameo pin collection...the cartoon-character lunch boxes you had in third grade...that cast-iron doorstop you bought for $2 but is really worth $200....Whether you're a busy buyer, an avid seller, or just a fun-loving browser, you'll find countless collectibles like these on eBay, the world's largest person-to-person online trading community.

Now -- in this official primer from the popular Internet site that has revolutionized the collecting world -- the experts at eBay unlock the secrets of successful online buying and selling, for everyone from the enthusiastic beginner to the seasoned pro. Featuring an introduction by Pierre Omidyar, eBay's founder and chairman, and packed with tips and stories from "eBaysians" all over the country, The Official eBay™ Guide is the only authorized book that shows you how to

* BUY SMART -- unraveling the mystery of value, bidding to win, and learning how to spot the really good stuff
* BE A SAVVY SELLER -- from writing the perfect item listing to collecting payments from your happy customers
* LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS -- top eBaysians, Ambassadors, Power Sellers, and eBay employees lend advice and share secrets for success
* FIND THE GREAT STUFF -- how to work garage sales, flea markets, tag sales, estate sales, and even the other kind of auction

Packed with invaluable resources, information, and practical tips, The Official eBay™ Guide also features entertaining stories about the millions of people who make up the eBay community. It's your must-have companion for mastering the art of buying and selling an astounding range of collectibles and items, from the practical to the whimsical.

WHAT DOES RETIREMENT MEAN TO YOU?

Will your retirement be a comfortable and enjoyable new stage of adulthood or a time of uncertainty, strict economizing, and reduced options? As retirement planning guru Bambi Holzer explains, the choice is yours–but the time to act is now, while you’re still earning a steady income. Written by a baby boomer for baby boomers, in clear, nontechnical language, Retire Rich takes the fear and mystery out of planning, saving, and investing for the future, whether you’re just getting started or well along in your retirement planning. Enhanced by helpful charts, tables, and worksheets, Retire Rich offers you a golden opportunity to secure your financial future and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with taking charge of this very important part of your life.

"With Bambi’s help and advice, a person can truly plan successfully for a secure retirement. Every baby boomer will benefit from reading this book." –Donald A. Connelly, Senior Vice President, Putnam Investments

"Entrepreneurs lose sleep worrying about managing their money every night. Bambi Holzer’s readable book provides clear, in-depth strategies for managing your personal funds, pensions, and investments." –Jane Applegate, author of 201 Great Ideas for Your Small Business

"If you’re starting to think about investing for retirement, follow this clear, easy-to-understand road map to financial survival. Don’t invest without reading Bambi Holzer’s book first." –David Horowitz, Consumer Advocate, Fight Back! Productions

"An accurate and practical resource, easily understandable by nontechnical readers–boomer or not." –Dennis Duitch, Senior Partner, DPS & Company, LLP

A money book club selection