Review by JJNP -- Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
-
JJNP
- Posts: 71
- Joined: 17 Feb 2018, 04:53
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 60
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jjnp.html
- Latest Review: The Seduction of Religion by Paul Singh
- Reading Device: B00BWYQ9YE
Review by JJNP -- Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
[Following is a volunteer review of "Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks" by Morton E Tavel, MD.]
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Health Tips, Myths and Tricks, A Physician's Advice, Morton E. Tavel, MD. First Edition. Printed in the USA.
Introduction.
So, What really works and what doesn't in the health industry? This doctor will give you an overview of his views and experiences in this book.
My decision to review this book was because the title caught my eye. I often seek out books and internet resources regarding alternative treatments and issues that the health service and professionals may get wrong or not treat well. It is an interesting subject for someone who has had bad experiences in this area. And it is especially interesting to read from the point of view of a doctor, as this book is written by an MD and is presented as an 'Inside View'. This book is an e-book in the self-help category. Within the book, the author looks a comprehensive range of the issues relating to health, healthcare and treatments. It is basically an appraisal of the health and nutrition side of the modern western lifestyle, but very comprehensive, he even talks you through ingredients labels of some of the best known food brands. I am reading this book from the UK, where we are under the National Health Service, while the author of the book is discussing health from the USA point of view and systems, and describing American products, however, the book is perfectly understandable and applicable to me as UK resident.
Format
This 300 page book starts in a slightly disjointed way with some reviews. High profile people offering high praise for the book. But I find the chapter title format slightly daunting. I am guessing that the chapter title is deliberately arranged with the Alpha symbol at the beginning and Omega symbol at the end, but I haven't come across this before was a bit puzzled at first. The fact that there isn't a space between the chapter title and the symbols makes it look slightly odd. There is a table of contents, showing 62 Chapters, which has some indication of the heavy reading that the book can be. The PDF version of the book has different page numbering to the ebook page numbers.
Spelling and grammar concerns.
There are numerous minor errors in punctuation and grammar. For example, on page 61 (PDF) or page 48 of the book, there is what appears to be an error, where the word nitrate has been entered twice, crossed out once, and left like that. I feel that the book would benefit from smaller font and a neater style in general as well as a good edit and proofread.
The Book.
I am very happy to had the opportunity to read, review and keep this book. I have found it both helpful and a good read. I will be reading through this book again and referencing it as I work on improving my health and lifestyle, although I may well research some of the statistics and statements just to make sure, due to the quick background check I did on the author's discussion about one product, and toxin levels making it dangerous. I was surprised to hear about the toxin levels, as I use the product frequently, and although what he is saying is verified to a certain extent, it is not to the extremes which he describes. With this and with several other products, he claims that they are not recommended for children and pregnant women, and this is not the case, although there are guidelines as to the safe amount as there are with other groups, but these products are not prohibited to these groups, and might not be on sale if they were. I would advise readers to treat the information as interesting but keep a balanced view at the same time.
Book Division.
The book has three sections. The first is health tips for everyday life. The second reveals myths related to health. The third contains insight into health tricks, products and services cost you but may be irrelevant or dangerous to your health. The introduction tells you that you can read the book through or simply go to areas that interest you, the book is heavy reading and complex, so it will undoubtedly suit some readers to explore only their areas of interest. As a reviewer I have read the whole book through from beginning to end. I found that it was difficult to spot the changes of section as I read through, and indeed I am not sure I have made the right distinction between sections.
First Section.
The main content of the book begins with the first section, discussing what is going wrong with lifestyles. With an involved look at obesity and it's causes and effects. It then goes on to advise on commonsense ways of reducing calorie intake to lose weight, and then talks about healthy eating, starting with the importance of eating breakfast, a good breakfast. The author speaks to the reader in a personal note while simplifying explanations of complex matters such as diet, weight and health, and he includes mild humour , usually at the end of a chapter, for example threatening to 'Tell Mother' if you don't eat a proper breakfast, after explaining the benefits of a good breakfast. After discussing breakfast, he goes on to talk about types of fats, good and bad, and simplifying this complex matter, again to make it understandable for the reader. He also mentions labelling on food and menus. He then moves on to coffee and tea consumption and its effects. Before discussing various types of foods and their health risks and benefits and nutritional values in detail. He summarizes with a general guide to a healthy diet.
Second Section.
The book goes straight on into the second section by discussing the common cold and what can or cannot be done about it, what to take and what to avoid. The conclusion is quite opinionated, that a cold gets better on its own so don't waste time with 'useless remedies such as antibiotics'. And while I agree with him that antibiotics aren't suitable for colds, they certainly aren't useless. The chapter on colds is followed by a comprehensive dissection of vitamins, and then onwards to artificial sweeteners and their risks and benefits. A chapter on junk food follows that. The dangers of cigarettes comes next. Painkillers and their effects follow.
Third Section
The book moves imperceptibly into the third section, which looks at healthier living. Starting with a discussion of heartburn, causes, effects and treatment, then the next chapter is about the use of sunscreen to protect the skin. Good sleep and lack of sleep is in the next chapter. Then back pain. Exercise is next. Nasal allergies follow. But then the tone changes as the author attacks 'medical conspiracy theorists' from his side of the fence, this chapter seems strange and out of place, a personal vendetta on the part of the author, and with no clear conclusion. In a complete change of tone, energy drinks and their effects are his next topic and then fortified food. Genetically modified food is next, and then organic food, then gluten free. Bottled water, hard and soft water, food irradiation treatments, general allergies, weight loss success, air travel, lie detector tests, stretching before exercise, yearly and comprehensive checkups add to the huge variety of subjects covered by the book. Then there is a section on 'Tricks' - products and companies with a false offer of help to health and wellbeing, for example, Alkaline liquid, then Growth Hormone used to prevent aging. Scams presented by registered drug companies, and then health authorities mentioned by the media are the next topics. Then finally Detoxification, and Chiropractor Treatment vs. Standard Medical Treatment.
Author's Conclusion.
Finally there is a conclusion of book. The author ends by dividing medicine into two categories, scientific and alternative, and discusses both in depth. The end of the book after the conclusion is a short bio on the author, with a list of his other books, and a then references section for the book.
My Conclusions
This is an educational and informative book, seemingly based on facts, containing detailed numerical information on diet and nutrition, although the 'facts' and figures, charts and graphs would appear to be handpicked by the author, and not all sources are given. But well worth a read for anyone who needs a reminder of why a healthy lifestyle and diet are important and why short cuts are not an option in this, but to be avoided by anyone who doesn't want to think about what may be behind the scenes of health and wellbeing and the industry, or anyone who is easily worried by these things. The humour and research is smattered with stark warnings about the effects of certain products on lifestyle
What I liked about the book was that his was the right book for me at the right time, just as I am starting to get back into healthy eating and looking after myself better after a few years of neglecting these things, and other readers may find the same thing. This is an insight into the tangled web of healthcare and self-care, but I would add that I that I don't like the fact that the author has a lean towards his own opinion and bias despite providing facts and statistics, he doesn't balance things, and his background statistics are from a variety of sources and in some cases not even stated. Nonetheless it is a very informative and thought-provoking read, albeit heavy reading when you read it from beginning to end. I feel that I will have to go back through some of it to fully appreciate those parts.
This book is a good starting point for a comprehensive guide to foods and their health risks and benefits and nutritional value, but readers may wish to use the book as a base from which to research the subjects rather than take the whole book literally, the author can be quite opinionated and authoritarian about what is good for you and what isn't.
Rating.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 because I found it interesting, helpful and informative. I give it 3 stars rather than 4 or 2 as the formatting isn't perfect, the page numbers and chapter headings are slightly confusing, and the book hasn't been professionally edited or proofread. But the content is good enough for 3 stars.
******
Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like JJNP's review? Post a comment saying so!
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Health Tips, Myths and Tricks, A Physician's Advice, Morton E. Tavel, MD. First Edition. Printed in the USA.
Introduction.
So, What really works and what doesn't in the health industry? This doctor will give you an overview of his views and experiences in this book.
My decision to review this book was because the title caught my eye. I often seek out books and internet resources regarding alternative treatments and issues that the health service and professionals may get wrong or not treat well. It is an interesting subject for someone who has had bad experiences in this area. And it is especially interesting to read from the point of view of a doctor, as this book is written by an MD and is presented as an 'Inside View'. This book is an e-book in the self-help category. Within the book, the author looks a comprehensive range of the issues relating to health, healthcare and treatments. It is basically an appraisal of the health and nutrition side of the modern western lifestyle, but very comprehensive, he even talks you through ingredients labels of some of the best known food brands. I am reading this book from the UK, where we are under the National Health Service, while the author of the book is discussing health from the USA point of view and systems, and describing American products, however, the book is perfectly understandable and applicable to me as UK resident.
Format
This 300 page book starts in a slightly disjointed way with some reviews. High profile people offering high praise for the book. But I find the chapter title format slightly daunting. I am guessing that the chapter title is deliberately arranged with the Alpha symbol at the beginning and Omega symbol at the end, but I haven't come across this before was a bit puzzled at first. The fact that there isn't a space between the chapter title and the symbols makes it look slightly odd. There is a table of contents, showing 62 Chapters, which has some indication of the heavy reading that the book can be. The PDF version of the book has different page numbering to the ebook page numbers.
Spelling and grammar concerns.
There are numerous minor errors in punctuation and grammar. For example, on page 61 (PDF) or page 48 of the book, there is what appears to be an error, where the word nitrate has been entered twice, crossed out once, and left like that. I feel that the book would benefit from smaller font and a neater style in general as well as a good edit and proofread.
The Book.
I am very happy to had the opportunity to read, review and keep this book. I have found it both helpful and a good read. I will be reading through this book again and referencing it as I work on improving my health and lifestyle, although I may well research some of the statistics and statements just to make sure, due to the quick background check I did on the author's discussion about one product, and toxin levels making it dangerous. I was surprised to hear about the toxin levels, as I use the product frequently, and although what he is saying is verified to a certain extent, it is not to the extremes which he describes. With this and with several other products, he claims that they are not recommended for children and pregnant women, and this is not the case, although there are guidelines as to the safe amount as there are with other groups, but these products are not prohibited to these groups, and might not be on sale if they were. I would advise readers to treat the information as interesting but keep a balanced view at the same time.
Book Division.
The book has three sections. The first is health tips for everyday life. The second reveals myths related to health. The third contains insight into health tricks, products and services cost you but may be irrelevant or dangerous to your health. The introduction tells you that you can read the book through or simply go to areas that interest you, the book is heavy reading and complex, so it will undoubtedly suit some readers to explore only their areas of interest. As a reviewer I have read the whole book through from beginning to end. I found that it was difficult to spot the changes of section as I read through, and indeed I am not sure I have made the right distinction between sections.
First Section.
The main content of the book begins with the first section, discussing what is going wrong with lifestyles. With an involved look at obesity and it's causes and effects. It then goes on to advise on commonsense ways of reducing calorie intake to lose weight, and then talks about healthy eating, starting with the importance of eating breakfast, a good breakfast. The author speaks to the reader in a personal note while simplifying explanations of complex matters such as diet, weight and health, and he includes mild humour , usually at the end of a chapter, for example threatening to 'Tell Mother' if you don't eat a proper breakfast, after explaining the benefits of a good breakfast. After discussing breakfast, he goes on to talk about types of fats, good and bad, and simplifying this complex matter, again to make it understandable for the reader. He also mentions labelling on food and menus. He then moves on to coffee and tea consumption and its effects. Before discussing various types of foods and their health risks and benefits and nutritional values in detail. He summarizes with a general guide to a healthy diet.
Second Section.
The book goes straight on into the second section by discussing the common cold and what can or cannot be done about it, what to take and what to avoid. The conclusion is quite opinionated, that a cold gets better on its own so don't waste time with 'useless remedies such as antibiotics'. And while I agree with him that antibiotics aren't suitable for colds, they certainly aren't useless. The chapter on colds is followed by a comprehensive dissection of vitamins, and then onwards to artificial sweeteners and their risks and benefits. A chapter on junk food follows that. The dangers of cigarettes comes next. Painkillers and their effects follow.
Third Section
The book moves imperceptibly into the third section, which looks at healthier living. Starting with a discussion of heartburn, causes, effects and treatment, then the next chapter is about the use of sunscreen to protect the skin. Good sleep and lack of sleep is in the next chapter. Then back pain. Exercise is next. Nasal allergies follow. But then the tone changes as the author attacks 'medical conspiracy theorists' from his side of the fence, this chapter seems strange and out of place, a personal vendetta on the part of the author, and with no clear conclusion. In a complete change of tone, energy drinks and their effects are his next topic and then fortified food. Genetically modified food is next, and then organic food, then gluten free. Bottled water, hard and soft water, food irradiation treatments, general allergies, weight loss success, air travel, lie detector tests, stretching before exercise, yearly and comprehensive checkups add to the huge variety of subjects covered by the book. Then there is a section on 'Tricks' - products and companies with a false offer of help to health and wellbeing, for example, Alkaline liquid, then Growth Hormone used to prevent aging. Scams presented by registered drug companies, and then health authorities mentioned by the media are the next topics. Then finally Detoxification, and Chiropractor Treatment vs. Standard Medical Treatment.
Author's Conclusion.
Finally there is a conclusion of book. The author ends by dividing medicine into two categories, scientific and alternative, and discusses both in depth. The end of the book after the conclusion is a short bio on the author, with a list of his other books, and a then references section for the book.
My Conclusions
This is an educational and informative book, seemingly based on facts, containing detailed numerical information on diet and nutrition, although the 'facts' and figures, charts and graphs would appear to be handpicked by the author, and not all sources are given. But well worth a read for anyone who needs a reminder of why a healthy lifestyle and diet are important and why short cuts are not an option in this, but to be avoided by anyone who doesn't want to think about what may be behind the scenes of health and wellbeing and the industry, or anyone who is easily worried by these things. The humour and research is smattered with stark warnings about the effects of certain products on lifestyle
What I liked about the book was that his was the right book for me at the right time, just as I am starting to get back into healthy eating and looking after myself better after a few years of neglecting these things, and other readers may find the same thing. This is an insight into the tangled web of healthcare and self-care, but I would add that I that I don't like the fact that the author has a lean towards his own opinion and bias despite providing facts and statistics, he doesn't balance things, and his background statistics are from a variety of sources and in some cases not even stated. Nonetheless it is a very informative and thought-provoking read, albeit heavy reading when you read it from beginning to end. I feel that I will have to go back through some of it to fully appreciate those parts.
This book is a good starting point for a comprehensive guide to foods and their health risks and benefits and nutritional value, but readers may wish to use the book as a base from which to research the subjects rather than take the whole book literally, the author can be quite opinionated and authoritarian about what is good for you and what isn't.
Rating.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 because I found it interesting, helpful and informative. I give it 3 stars rather than 4 or 2 as the formatting isn't perfect, the page numbers and chapter headings are slightly confusing, and the book hasn't been professionally edited or proofread. But the content is good enough for 3 stars.
******
Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like JJNP's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: The Seduction of Religion by Paul Singh
-
EvaDar
- Previous Member of the Month
- Posts: 2295
- Joined: 18 Nov 2017, 11:21
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 122
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-evadar.html
- Latest Review: Do Not Wish For A Pet Ostrich! by Sarina Siebenaler
What a thorough, well-organized review. I also appreciated the wealth of information in the book. I did feel some of it was available in many other sources, but it will serve as a very good reference for health and wellness. Check my review if you like. Thanks for the great review.
sit in the ocean. it is one of the best medicines on the planet. ā the water
-Nayyirah Waheed
-Nayyirah Waheed
Latest Review: Do Not Wish For A Pet Ostrich! by Sarina Siebenaler
-
Dolor
- Posts: 2333
- Joined: 07 Nov 2017, 14:41
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 12472
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-dolor.html
- Latest Review: The Center of Gravity by Patricia Brandon
- Reading Device: 1400697484
I'm into surfing over the internet for health and beauty hacks before I found OBC. I'll check this book out to see if this doctor's views in this book are the same as the views of those I have read online. Thanks for the very thorough review.My decision to review this book was because the title caught my eye. I often seek out books and internet resources regarding alternative treatments and issues that the health service and professionals may get wrong or not treat well. It is an interesting subject for someone who has had bad experiences in this area. And it is especially interesting to read from the point of view of a doctor, as this book is written by an MD and is presented as an 'Inside View'. This book is an e-book in the self-help category. Within the book, the author looks a comprehensive range of the issues relating to health, healthcare and treatments.
Latest Review: The Center of Gravity by Patricia Brandon
-
ilaani
- Posts: 2
- Joined: 01 Mar 2018, 09:04
- Bookshelf Size: 0
I will never scroll and leave a topic like that,it has made me to read the information,regarding health which is essential,,
-
JessNWheeler
- Posts: 405
- Joined: 03 Feb 2018, 10:58
- Currently Reading: The Girl Next Door: A Novel
- Bookshelf Size: 103
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jessnwheeler.html
- Latest Review: Growing Up in the Dragonfly Zone by Marlana DeMarco Hogan
- Reading Device: B075QN8NDH
This is a thorough review! Iām always interested in unique ideas related to health and wellness. I find that I can find something intruding in each book and article. Thanks for the detailed review.
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. - Oscar Wilde
Latest Review: Growing Up in the Dragonfly Zone by Marlana DeMarco Hogan
-
JJNP
- Posts: 71
- Joined: 17 Feb 2018, 04:53
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 60
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jjnp.html
- Latest Review: The Seduction of Religion by Paul Singh
- Reading Device: B00BWYQ9YE
Thank you for your comment. I am new to this reviewing business, and this was my first review, so I am happy that it has turned out reasonably well. I will have a look at your review.Eva Darrington wrote: ā26 Feb 2018, 18:35 What a thorough, well-organized review. I also appreciated the wealth of information in the book. I did feel some of it was available in many other sources, but it will serve as a very good reference for health and wellness. Check my review if you like. Thanks for the great review.
Latest Review: The Seduction of Religion by Paul Singh
-
JJNP
- Posts: 71
- Joined: 17 Feb 2018, 04:53
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 60
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jjnp.html
- Latest Review: The Seduction of Religion by Paul Singh
- Reading Device: B00BWYQ9YE
Thank you for reading the review and responding, I hope that you find the book helpful, it certainly has some interesting insights.Dolor wrote: ā01 Mar 2018, 04:45I'm into surfing over the internet for health and beauty hacks before I found OBC. I'll check this book out to see if this doctor's views in this book are the same as the views of those I have read online. Thanks for the very thorough review.My decision to review this book was because the title caught my eye. I often seek out books and internet resources regarding alternative treatments and issues that the health service and professionals may get wrong or not treat well. It is an interesting subject for someone who has had bad experiences in this area. And it is especially interesting to read from the point of view of a doctor, as this book is written by an MD and is presented as an 'Inside View'. This book is an e-book in the self-help category. Within the book, the author looks a comprehensive range of the issues relating to health, healthcare and treatments.
Latest Review: The Seduction of Religion by Paul Singh
-
JJNP
- Posts: 71
- Joined: 17 Feb 2018, 04:53
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 60
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jjnp.html
- Latest Review: The Seduction of Religion by Paul Singh
- Reading Device: B00BWYQ9YE
Thank you for reading the review and responding. I hope that you find it helpful.
Latest Review: The Seduction of Religion by Paul Singh
-
JJNP
- Posts: 71
- Joined: 17 Feb 2018, 04:53
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 60
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jjnp.html
- Latest Review: The Seduction of Religion by Paul Singh
- Reading Device: B00BWYQ9YE
Thank you for your response, I am glad that people have found the review detailed and thorough, there is such a lot in the book to consider.JessNWheeler wrote: ā01 Mar 2018, 13:51 This is a thorough review! Iām always interested in unique ideas related to health and wellness. I find that I can find something intruding in each book and article. Thanks for the detailed review.
Latest Review: The Seduction of Religion by Paul Singh
-
Scarlet wamuyu
- Posts: 13
- Joined: 18 Jan 2018, 11:47
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 10
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-scarlet-wamuyu.html
- Latest Review: Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks by Morton E Tavel, MD
Great review I read the book and totally agree with you,there a lot of myths in our society.
Latest Review: Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks by Morton E Tavel, MD
-
JJNP
- Posts: 71
- Joined: 17 Feb 2018, 04:53
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 60
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jjnp.html
- Latest Review: The Seduction of Religion by Paul Singh
- Reading Device: B00BWYQ9YE
Thank you for your comment. Yes there are many myths and it is great to hear a doctor's point of view.Scarlet wamuyu wrote: ā04 Mar 2018, 12:49 Great review I read the book and totally agree with you,there a lot of myths in our society.
Latest Review: The Seduction of Religion by Paul Singh
