NEWPORT BEACH : Medical Videotapes Offered to Public

The Newport Beach Public Library and a local health care video producer are teaming up to provide the public with 48 medical videotapes addressing topics from birthing practices to controlling cholesterol.

According to Robin Weed-Brown, adult services coordinator for the library, such films have traditionally been available only through hospitals. But Medcom Inc., the Garden Grove firm that produces the videos, wants to see whether there’s a market for the tapes outside of medical facilities.

“They’re mostly made for people who have some condition,” said Ronald Gywnn, vice president of marketing for Medcom, adding that the films are intended to teach viewers “how to take care of themselves, or show the type of tests that they may have to undergo.”

The tapes will first be tested in Newport Beach. “If nobody goes for it there, then it’s not going to go over anywhere,” Gywnn added.

Weed-Brown said the films have already attracted some attention.

“I think oftentimes that when people are ill or are dealing with a medical situation, it can be a tense time,” she said. In their homes, patrons might find it easier to understand and absorb what can sometimes be difficult and detailed information, Weed-Brown added.

The titles are on display at the Newport Center branch of the library, and include the Emmy-award winning series “The Body Human.”