Review by alicia_fountain -- Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
-
alicia_fountain
- Posts: 77
- Joined: 29 Feb 2016, 20:22
- Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... =8717">The Brothers Karamazov</a>
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 26
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-alicia-fountain.html
- Latest Review: Shepherds of Destiny by Kiel Barnekov
Review by alicia_fountain -- Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
[Following is a volunteer review of "Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks" by Morton E Tavel, MD.]
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Morton E. Tavel set out to write a book that would aid in dispelling the myths and tricks spread by the public and major companies daily. I believe he did an amazing job with Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks. I give this book a score of 4 out of 4. I almost gave this book a lower score because of the formatting errors I found throughout, however, the errors were generally minor and did not detract from the meaning. There was one major formatting error in a numbered list where the sentence was broken down into two points rather than one. One other error that occurred in every chapter, section, etc., was that the letter “o” was added to the end of the title. Very odd, but still does not detract from the meaning.
The first part of the book, called “Tips”, is written mostly with a healthy diet in mind. In this portion, Tavel discusses such things as daily recommended portions of minerals and vitamins, what needs to be cut or highly limited in a diet, and, most importantly, what minerals, vitamins, salt, saturated fats, etc., do to the body and why he promotes or demotes each. Near the end of this section, Tavel branches off into other areas of a healthy lifestyle, including such things as how to deal with back pain, allergies, the risks of cigarette usage, and sleep habits, among a few others.
The second part of the books, titled “Myths,” is where Tavel points out the many “facts” spread from person to person and from company to consumer. A few of the notable myths he describes include the benefit of using a hand dryer over a paper towel, stretching before exercising, and the benefit of a yearly check-up with a doctor. Surprisingly, all of these are false. Tavel cites studies in which paper towels are touted as safer than hand dryers, stretching may be detrimental to a workout, and people do not need yearly check-ups if they are healthy. It is in this section that Tavel begins to write with more of an academic tone. It kind of reads like a textbook at parts, which may not be enjoyable for some people.
Finally, we get into the “Tricks.” It is in this section that we are warned of the things companies may say when trying to sell their products and services. One saying, “this product has not been evaluated by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA),” peppers this portion of the book. Tavel is fighting heavily for consumers to understand the difference between what has been tested and proven and what products are sold with great claims without backing evidence. The chapters covering chiropractic work and supplements are eye-opening because of how well the general public accepts these. I definitely recommend anyone who reads this book to also read other literature on the subjects so that a more rounded opinion can be gleaned, because Tavel writes with passion on the subjects. It is always a good rule of thumb to base beliefs on multiple sources of information rather than one, but in this case it is even more important because of the obvious bias written into the chapters.
Regardless of the biases incorporated into the book, it is chock full of good information that lead to a healthy life by avoiding the bad and embracing the good. Tavel does incorporate a few jokes here and there to lighten the mood, but does write with passion throughout. It is a very good book and I recommend it to anyone who is looking to better their lives. This was a great book and a great starting point for those interested in nutrition, especially. Out of all the books I have reviewed, this book is probably the only one I will go back to because the information is helpful on a regular basis.
******
Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like alicia_fountain's review? Post a comment saying so!
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Morton E. Tavel set out to write a book that would aid in dispelling the myths and tricks spread by the public and major companies daily. I believe he did an amazing job with Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks. I give this book a score of 4 out of 4. I almost gave this book a lower score because of the formatting errors I found throughout, however, the errors were generally minor and did not detract from the meaning. There was one major formatting error in a numbered list where the sentence was broken down into two points rather than one. One other error that occurred in every chapter, section, etc., was that the letter “o” was added to the end of the title. Very odd, but still does not detract from the meaning.
The first part of the book, called “Tips”, is written mostly with a healthy diet in mind. In this portion, Tavel discusses such things as daily recommended portions of minerals and vitamins, what needs to be cut or highly limited in a diet, and, most importantly, what minerals, vitamins, salt, saturated fats, etc., do to the body and why he promotes or demotes each. Near the end of this section, Tavel branches off into other areas of a healthy lifestyle, including such things as how to deal with back pain, allergies, the risks of cigarette usage, and sleep habits, among a few others.
The second part of the books, titled “Myths,” is where Tavel points out the many “facts” spread from person to person and from company to consumer. A few of the notable myths he describes include the benefit of using a hand dryer over a paper towel, stretching before exercising, and the benefit of a yearly check-up with a doctor. Surprisingly, all of these are false. Tavel cites studies in which paper towels are touted as safer than hand dryers, stretching may be detrimental to a workout, and people do not need yearly check-ups if they are healthy. It is in this section that Tavel begins to write with more of an academic tone. It kind of reads like a textbook at parts, which may not be enjoyable for some people.
Finally, we get into the “Tricks.” It is in this section that we are warned of the things companies may say when trying to sell their products and services. One saying, “this product has not been evaluated by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA),” peppers this portion of the book. Tavel is fighting heavily for consumers to understand the difference between what has been tested and proven and what products are sold with great claims without backing evidence. The chapters covering chiropractic work and supplements are eye-opening because of how well the general public accepts these. I definitely recommend anyone who reads this book to also read other literature on the subjects so that a more rounded opinion can be gleaned, because Tavel writes with passion on the subjects. It is always a good rule of thumb to base beliefs on multiple sources of information rather than one, but in this case it is even more important because of the obvious bias written into the chapters.
Regardless of the biases incorporated into the book, it is chock full of good information that lead to a healthy life by avoiding the bad and embracing the good. Tavel does incorporate a few jokes here and there to lighten the mood, but does write with passion throughout. It is a very good book and I recommend it to anyone who is looking to better their lives. This was a great book and a great starting point for those interested in nutrition, especially. Out of all the books I have reviewed, this book is probably the only one I will go back to because the information is helpful on a regular basis.
******
Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like alicia_fountain's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Shepherds of Destiny by Kiel Barnekov
