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4 out of 4 stars
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The full name of this book is Health Tips, Myths and Tricks: A Physician's Advice with the subtitle Health information to liberate us from "Snake Oil." Thought the book is written by a medical doctor, Mort E. Tavel, it is written in plain English, in an unbiased look at all sides of the topics and with a considerable dose of humor.
Dr. Tavel is a retired physician who specialized in internal medicane and cardiovascular diseases. That alone qualified him as an expert. It may surprise some to know how open he is to alternate forms of treatments such as chiropractic and holistic approaches.
In each chapter, of which there are many, he educates the readers on all the information available from verified studies and research, gives an informed opinion and yet leaves it up to readers to make their own choices.
Less one thinks this is just one more medical book, let's look at just a few samples:
- Is breakfast really necessary?
Is coffee good of bad for us?
Chocatlate: good, bad or indifferent?
What's the scoop on cranberries?
Olive oil and health
The real scoop on salt and salt substitutes
Red meat: yes or no?
There's arsenic in our food?
Artificial sweeteners: are they good or bad?
Cigarettes and e-cigarettes
Back pain: over-treated?
Tavel does not just discuss the topics listed above, and more, he also tackles myths and offers tips on ways to achieve better health.
One would expects a medical book to be a book to put on a shelf and let it gather dust until we have need of it, correct? I guarantee this book will break that mold. It is designed to be read by topic, however, once it's picked up and begun, it is very difficult to put down.
Yes, he does address "snake oil" treatments and supplements and other fad cures, diets and medicine. Not once, however, does he berate or attack a treatment, a person or an organization. As mentioned above, he has researched all the data, weighed it and has now shared it.
This book was written in 2015 so, it is very up-to-date. That coupled with the fact that it is so easy to read, entertaining, informative, timely and sadly, on occasion, necessary, make this book a good idea and an excellent choice.
Another positive benefit of having the book on hand is that it will provide numerous ice breakers and topics with which to impress friends, family and co-workers. Become the neighborhood experct on all things medical including those myths and tips.
I rate this book a 4 out of 4 and give it my highest recommendation. Yes, it is that good!
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Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
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