Review by Rebecca Henderson -- Health Tips, Myths, and T...

[Rebecca Henderson]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks" by Morton E Tavel, MD.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks by Morton E Tavel, MD overflows with general health advice and useful tips for those seeking to improve their health without (a) losing money, (b) endangering their lives, and/or (c) falling prey to the latest health scam. Written in a conversational yet informative tone, the book presents topics by chapter with a well-rounded approach that is easy to understand, even if one does not have any scientific background.

The book begins with a detailed table of contents and each chapter is structured nearly identically. Topics are introduced, whether they are questions or simply subjects of interest, and then thoughtfully discussed, with a conclusion that summarizes the thoughts of the chapter and oftentimes provides a witty—sometimes kitschy—remark. When the author agrees with established methods or practices, his opinion is stated, but not in a way that overshadows the advice given. This book is written to provide a rather detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), for the common man.

Many of the areas of discussion include losing weight, sugary drinks, the availability of healthy food and the corresponding prices, portion sizes, trans fat and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, chocolate, beet juice, nuts, sodium, and artificial sweeteners. One can also find information on allergies, energy drinks, genetically-modified foods, alkaline water, cranberry juice, the importance of breakfast, and rice and arsenic. The legislation introduced around particular health products is also discussed and the benefits and drawbacks are presented as well. One of the most helpful sections highlights the scams surrounding health products and the ways in which to identify a truly healthy product. Celebrities and “doctors” may be featured in their ads, but are their claims really true? More importantly, what are they not saying?

I found many useful tips and tricks in reading this book. I now have evidence to support my chocolate habit, because eating chocolate can actually improve your brain function! In all seriousness, the information within this book proves useful in many cases. Whether you are looking to learn more about health overall and achieve a healthier state or you want one doctor’s opinion on a specific topic, this is the book to check out. I’ve learned a lot about health just by reading this book—for example, did you know that drying your hands with towels is actually more sanitary than using the heat-blowing dryers? Or that back pain is often overtreated and sometimes surgery is unnecessary? Check out this book for more surprising myths!

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Though I mentioned that some of the comments were cheesy, the overall message and tone of the book was professional yet simplistic enough to be understood by anyone you’d meet on the street. The chapters were structured very well and many of the topics, while hardly surprising, did offer me useful information that I will apply to my own life. Some of the topics and the information within the chapters surprised me, but only because I had not really thought about the topic or I did not know much about it. Overall I really enjoyed the read and though I wouldn’t recommend reading it in one sitting, I think it offers a useful guide to being healthier!

******
Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
View: on Bookshelves

Like Rebecca Henderson's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

I also have a chocolate addiction, and this book gave me the comfort in knowing that I am doing myself a favor by indulging (maybe not a whole bar every night!).
I was also happy to see that a glass of red wine is still acceptable, as it goes really well with my chocolate addiction!
Great review.