3 out of 4 stars
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HEALTH TIPS, MYTHS, AND TRICKS: A Physician's Advice” by Morton E. Tavel, MD
Morton E. Tavel has dedicated his life to the medical profession. In this book he shares advice with readers about health issues he has dealt with first hand. Some of his suggestions are proactive offering strategies to maintain health and avoid disease. Other chapters focus on reactive behaviors should a person be struggling with a sickness or dealing with a health issue.
The book contains sixty-two chapters divided into three sections. The first section, titled “Tips”, responds some common questions that many people ask their doctor or health provider. How important is breakfast? How much coffee can I drink in a day? Does sunscreen really work? What can I do for my back pain? It appears as though Mr. Tavel has taken the most frequently asked health questions and put his answers in written form to share with his readers.
The second section, titled “Myths” presents some more recent health concerns. Among these we find information on gluten free diets, bottled water, GM foods, probiotics, and many others. Topics covered in this section are frequently labeled as “nutty ideas”. He downplays some of these new trends that people adhere to in an effort to better their health and living environment.
The third section, titled “Tricks” speaks of health treatments that the author considers to be frauds or scams. Some topics covered in this category are chiropractors, naturopaths, acupuncture, and detox plans. Readers are warned to avoid anything that is touted as a miracle cure.
Each of the chapters is brief and can be read separately. Each section can also be studied apart from the rest of the book. Readers can easily use this volume as a reference for any of the topics covered.
I would note one inconsistency in the book. Throughout the first section, the author frequently cited data from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support his findings and suggestions. It came as a surprise when, later on, he remarked that the “FDA is perpetually under-funded and short-staffed, and therefore has a poor record of protecting consumer health and safety” (p. 167). Does this comment undermine his frequent use of FDA data to support his positions? It certainly casts doubt on their findings.
Another point of interest is the frequent use of vague language such as “could play a role,” “seemed to show,” “suggest,”(p. 21), “probable benefits” (p. 34). It is important that the reader take note of these phrases to avoid being misled by promises made by some products or health providers.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The author covers a wide spectrum of health issues and in many chapters gives clarification about the remedies available on the market. Nevertheless, the numerous cures and testimonies of people who have preferred to use alternate medicine cannot be denied. Anyone interested in health and fitness will find useful information in this book.
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Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
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