Review by Isolde17 -- Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks

[Isolde17]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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HEALTH TIPS, MYTHS, AND TRICKS
A Physician’s Advice
Health information to liberate us from
“Snake Oil”

Morton E. Tavel, MD
Brighton Publishing LLC
435 N. Harris Drive
Mesa, AZ


The book is entitled “Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks; a Physician’s Advice”, written by Morton E. Tavel, MD, under Brighton Publishing, LLC. The book is nonfiction, and the author successfully conveys, in layman terms, health and wellness issues, and encourages the consumer to be more discerning and to see through the deluge of promotional and sales orientated information (or misinformation) that is often wrapped around these solutions.

The book can be considered an expose, or a “debunker” on various health myths and cures that are now so prevalent in the wellness market in the U.S. as well as on established procedures under conventional medicine which he believes, can be unnecessary and costly. The author, a doctor, tackles the entire spectrum of health variables – from diets, to supplements, to alternative cures and alternative medicines, to long-held beliefs and even medical conspiracy theories. It is non-fiction, with commentary rich in facts and statistics.

The doctor consistently cites comprehensive facts and information which question publicized promotions on alternative medicine, supplements, diets, conventional medical procedures, health fads, therapies and treatments, contraptions, including conspiracy theories shrouding current medical practices. The author refers to these solutions as the modern “snake oil”, the legendary cure-all potion that solves what modern medicine can’t. Likewise, there are chapters on popular drugs and medication which the author believes are likewise clouded in fraud and non-compliance. Bottom line, the book reminds the consumer that in the area of health and medicine, it is still “buyer beware”, because anyone - both established drug companies and upstarts - are guilty of non-disclosures.

Tavel goes on a point-per-point discussion backed by references to research and scientific data, on current health and medicine trends, many of which he believes are deceptive and dangerous and do not present real solutions to the many health problems that beset the ordinary consumer. These are what he refers to as the proverbial “snake oil” – the magic elixir and panacea for all illness, definitely fraudulent and sometimes dangerous, the use of which actually leads to a worsening of conditions and lesser health. Interestingly, he starts with “dieting”, which is a multimillion industry of books, supplements, drinks, and methods. The author laments the fact that celebrity endorsers are continuously used by both startup and established companies in promoting the unproven and non-certified. There are exceptionally helpful and insightful chapters on health trends - like the consumer’s preference for bottled water, organic foods, and gluten-free foods. There are several chapters on recent fears, like the fear of “WIFI”, vaccination, and genetic modification. He tackles, likewise, the dangerous “war on science” that demonizes even life-prolonging and life-saving practices. But what is also satisfying to read is that this doctor is unafraid to discuss everything – including “trusted” conventional tests and procedures that people normally undergo are necessary and foolproof. He also uses this opportunity to express his frustration over what he believes is the inadequate government oversight on many sectors, including checks on established pharma companies.

“So after over a century of painstaking rigorous scientific advances, we preserve a mishmash of unproven methods that offer dubious “cures.”

Dr. Tavel invites us all to be skeptical, and to trust in the strength of fact and science. As one who is always in search of wellness, the book prompts me to remember that it is still “caveat emptor”. The current generation is probably the most supplied when it comes to “information”, yet, we are also so massively supportive of conspiracy theories and fake news and miracle cures that have the power to lead us all to more serious illness and at the very worst, death. This reader appreciates the comprehensive discussion and presentation of facts, which is a great reminder for us that many times we have been duped by these panaceas because we insist on believing the lies that promise us we can transform overnight and we can look and feel young forever. The book is a validation of what I have learned through many years of experimentation – that true health is discipline, and there are no quick fixes or magic potions. It is ultimately not wise to cheat Nature, and the body is its own natural healer. Good health and longevity can be simplified: get your shots, eat your vegetables, get a good night’s sleep, and don’t be a couch potato. This book, like Sanjay Gupta’s “Chasing Life”, it is a valuable health guide and anyone interested in genuine good health and longevity should read it.

Dr. Morton Tavel is a retired cardiologist and has held many prominent leadership positions in medical associations and in the editorial boards of national medical journals. A member of the conventional medical community and an advocate of evidence-based medicine, Dr. Tavel voices his frustration on the kid-glove approach that regulators and fellow scientists and doctors often give quackery, and unverified and non-validated claims, which finds its way to modern medicine and wellness systems. The ultimate loser is the consumer, who is not healthier today than he was a generation ago.

Dr. Tavel thus also uses this book to call on his fellow practitioners to be “whistle-blowers” and expose the spin that goes with alternative medicine and its collaterals. His philosophy can be summarized in his statement: “There is only medicine that has been adequately tested and medicine that has not, medicine that works and medicine that may or may not work. Once a treatment has been tested rigorously, it no longer matters whether it was considered alternative at the outset. If it is found to be reasonably safe and effective, it will be accepted. But assertions, speculation, and testimonials do not substitute for evidence. Alternative treatments should be subjected to scientific testing no less rigorous than that required for conventional treatments.”

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars, because the author sufficiently and comprehensively supports his arguments with great clarity. The author tackles controversial health issues in an objective and factual manner, inspiring the reader to do his own validation and therefore make wise decisions on matters of his or her own health and wellness.

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Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
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Like Isolde17's review? Post a comment saying so!

[kdstrack]

Thanks for your comprehensive comments on each section of this book. The author covers a wide variety of health issues but, as you say, leaves it up to the reader to decide for himself. Nice job.

[EvaDar]

"But assertions, speculation, and testimonials do not substitute for evidence. Alternative treatments should be subjected to scientific testing no less rigorous than that required for conventional treatments.”

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars, because the author sufficiently and comprehensively supports his arguments with great clarity. The author tackles controversial health issues in an objective and factual manner, inspiring the reader to do his own validation and therefore make wise decisions on matters of his or her own health and wellness.

Thanks for the comprehensive review. You have outlined the strengths of this book very well. I did appreciate many of the tips in this health manual, but the author's declaration that alternative treatments have not been subjected to scientific testing is a falsehood. There is a trove of scientific research on the efficacy of alternative methods and products. That strong bias by the doctor put me off. And he fails to mention the devastating side effects caused by conventional medicines, though they are fully "researched." I did appreciate your well-structured review. Thank you.