Review by Lionors -- Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
-
Lionors
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 25 Apr 2018, 12:58
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 2
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lionors.html
- Latest Review: Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks by Morton E Tavel, MD
Review by Lionors -- Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
[Following is a volunteer review of "Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks" by Morton E Tavel, MD.]
1 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Health Tips, Myths and Tricks: A Physician’s Advice by Morton E Tavel, MD
This book presents itself as a type of ‘user guide’ to the myths and facts regarding overall health. After reading the introduction and several review quotes posted at the beginning of the review, it appears that this book is the author’s attempt to dispel certain health myths and to give the reader accurate, helpful information on various topics from meal choices and dietary supplements through E cigarettes and even polygraph examinations.
The first four pages were other reviews of this book; notably other prominent health figures who absolutely loved the book. This placement of the reviews are disconcerting, as there are literally four pages of overwhelming reviews about how great this book is. The author/editors should place these reviews on either the book jacket or at the end of the book, giving the reader the option to flip to the reviews if that is a deciding factor on whether or not to purchase it. Having to read through pages of praise tires the reader out before even getting to the table of contents.
Additionally, there were a great deal of editing problems with this book. The first sentence is a glaring run on sentence, followed by formatting problems with the introduction (extra spaces, bullet points not aligned, etc.) and a number of semicolon, comma and further run on sentences throughout the book. There were even places where the editing notes were still present. The use of the Pi and Omega signs in each chapter identification was distracting and ineffective. Further criticism for this book is the extensive use of unnecessarily large words, while describing the book as written for “the average every day person”. The language usage does not flow well and reads as an article in a medical periodical rather than a guide for the average person.
Throughout the book, it is clear to the reader that the author has some very strong and pointed opinions which he is attempting to impart upon the reader. For example, in the first chapter the author refers to “the so-called BMI”, indicating his reservations as to whether or not BMI should be used as a standard for obesity; while also giving a chart and detailed instructions on how the reader can calculate their BMI. This, and many of the other chapters concentrating on obesity and weight management seem discombobulated; like the author is ranting in a free form response rather than well-organized paragraphs. The overall result having a jarring effect on the reader.
This book discusses social reasons for obesity which include over indulgence of soft drinks, high sugar foods in school lunches, economic cost changes in healthy foods and portion size. The author then transitions into the four major ways most people lose weight: calorie reduction, dietary supplements, diet pills and surgery. He then uses a couple of studies to illustrate that weight reduction is most successful in those who attempt calorie reduction; specifically fat and carbohydrate limitations.
An interesting, albeit common knowledge explanation of the chemistry of proteins and carbohydrates as they are metabolized by the body is provided; and why a protein increase and a carbohydrate decrease is the most effective means of weight loss. The author also points out that exercise is not an effective means of weight loss, but will increase the success of those attempting to reduce their caloric intake. A general plan on how to set achievable goals, and a guide to meal planning is then provided.
The author strongly recommends against dietary supplements, citing them as unsafe and ineffective and providing medical documentation. He then reviewed popular diet pills and their effectiveness, which when combined with a diet and exercise program are minimally effective. Surgery was then explained, but ultimately the author recommends the continued use of dieting for successful weight management.
In subsequent chapters, the author discusses the importance of eating breakfast and the multiple studies that have been conducted to determine whether eating breakfast, or snacks throughout the day is beneficial to weight loss. The author then offers an attempt at humor by advising that although there is no scientific proof that eating breakfast or snacks can help with weight loss, if the reader does not, he “will tell your mother on you”. Another chapter provides education about Trans fats and saturated fats, what they are and what kinds of foods both types are contained within, as well as healthy alternatives. This information is not really a health myth, but an educational article about types of fats. The author also has an entire chapter devoted to whether coffee is “good or bad”, and concludes that coffee is okay within reason and defines reasonable limits. Again, this information is common knowledge and has been repeatedly regurgitated in a variety of popular books and articles.
In discussing his views on green tea, chocolate and a variety of other foods which we have “heard” are good for us or aid in weight loss, the author seems to cite one article for each subject; leaving his research lacking in comprehensive objectivity. Again, the author draws conclusions which appear to this reader to be common sense. As an example, chocolate isn’t terrible but in large quantities will make you fat. This anecdotal information and common sense regurgitation repeats itself for the next twelve chapters, also repeating the limited research cited and an utter lack of new and interesting information. Ultimately the first 15 chapters of this book are a summary of information contained within every other health, wellness or weight loss book this reader has encountered. An additional point of confusion is whether or not the section on beets and juice was intended to be chapter 12, or mislabeled. This section occurs after the conclusion section on beneficial foods and before a new section about Nuts and Seeds which is not labeled as a chapter at all. The section actually labeled “Chapter 12” follows both of these sections and discusses the common knowledge regarding olive oil and its health benefits, again with glaring typos throughout. Several chapters in the book appear completely unnecessary but did contain some interesting information about how the reader can “train” their taste buds to decrease sodium intake.
In subsequent chapters, the author details a variety of chemicals contained within foods and whether the reader should pursue them. The author appears to recommend an increase in potassium for reducing cardiovascular issues, cautions about dietary supplements versus obtaining the recommended amount of potassium from foods and a comprehensive list of foods that are good sources of potassium. An entire section is devoted to the “DASH” diet and managing hypertension. The author also reveals his intense dislike for red meat and provides one study each in areas of cardiovascular trouble, diabetes and cancer; all of which he claims to be caused by red meat. Again, the author states “several studies” while only citing one, and appears to have an agenda against red meat but does not appear to be properly backed with research. This regurgitation of what this reader views as already overly published and publicized knowledge is repeated throughout the book in various subjects.
I rate this book one out of four stars for several reasons. The book appears to be in various stages of editing; with numerous formatting and spelling errors seen throughout. I would not recommend this book to any reader, as the information is not well organized; nor is it groundbreaking or even interesting on even a basic level.
******
Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Lionors's review? Post a comment saying so!
1 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Health Tips, Myths and Tricks: A Physician’s Advice by Morton E Tavel, MD
This book presents itself as a type of ‘user guide’ to the myths and facts regarding overall health. After reading the introduction and several review quotes posted at the beginning of the review, it appears that this book is the author’s attempt to dispel certain health myths and to give the reader accurate, helpful information on various topics from meal choices and dietary supplements through E cigarettes and even polygraph examinations.
The first four pages were other reviews of this book; notably other prominent health figures who absolutely loved the book. This placement of the reviews are disconcerting, as there are literally four pages of overwhelming reviews about how great this book is. The author/editors should place these reviews on either the book jacket or at the end of the book, giving the reader the option to flip to the reviews if that is a deciding factor on whether or not to purchase it. Having to read through pages of praise tires the reader out before even getting to the table of contents.
Additionally, there were a great deal of editing problems with this book. The first sentence is a glaring run on sentence, followed by formatting problems with the introduction (extra spaces, bullet points not aligned, etc.) and a number of semicolon, comma and further run on sentences throughout the book. There were even places where the editing notes were still present. The use of the Pi and Omega signs in each chapter identification was distracting and ineffective. Further criticism for this book is the extensive use of unnecessarily large words, while describing the book as written for “the average every day person”. The language usage does not flow well and reads as an article in a medical periodical rather than a guide for the average person.
Throughout the book, it is clear to the reader that the author has some very strong and pointed opinions which he is attempting to impart upon the reader. For example, in the first chapter the author refers to “the so-called BMI”, indicating his reservations as to whether or not BMI should be used as a standard for obesity; while also giving a chart and detailed instructions on how the reader can calculate their BMI. This, and many of the other chapters concentrating on obesity and weight management seem discombobulated; like the author is ranting in a free form response rather than well-organized paragraphs. The overall result having a jarring effect on the reader.
This book discusses social reasons for obesity which include over indulgence of soft drinks, high sugar foods in school lunches, economic cost changes in healthy foods and portion size. The author then transitions into the four major ways most people lose weight: calorie reduction, dietary supplements, diet pills and surgery. He then uses a couple of studies to illustrate that weight reduction is most successful in those who attempt calorie reduction; specifically fat and carbohydrate limitations.
An interesting, albeit common knowledge explanation of the chemistry of proteins and carbohydrates as they are metabolized by the body is provided; and why a protein increase and a carbohydrate decrease is the most effective means of weight loss. The author also points out that exercise is not an effective means of weight loss, but will increase the success of those attempting to reduce their caloric intake. A general plan on how to set achievable goals, and a guide to meal planning is then provided.
The author strongly recommends against dietary supplements, citing them as unsafe and ineffective and providing medical documentation. He then reviewed popular diet pills and their effectiveness, which when combined with a diet and exercise program are minimally effective. Surgery was then explained, but ultimately the author recommends the continued use of dieting for successful weight management.
In subsequent chapters, the author discusses the importance of eating breakfast and the multiple studies that have been conducted to determine whether eating breakfast, or snacks throughout the day is beneficial to weight loss. The author then offers an attempt at humor by advising that although there is no scientific proof that eating breakfast or snacks can help with weight loss, if the reader does not, he “will tell your mother on you”. Another chapter provides education about Trans fats and saturated fats, what they are and what kinds of foods both types are contained within, as well as healthy alternatives. This information is not really a health myth, but an educational article about types of fats. The author also has an entire chapter devoted to whether coffee is “good or bad”, and concludes that coffee is okay within reason and defines reasonable limits. Again, this information is common knowledge and has been repeatedly regurgitated in a variety of popular books and articles.
In discussing his views on green tea, chocolate and a variety of other foods which we have “heard” are good for us or aid in weight loss, the author seems to cite one article for each subject; leaving his research lacking in comprehensive objectivity. Again, the author draws conclusions which appear to this reader to be common sense. As an example, chocolate isn’t terrible but in large quantities will make you fat. This anecdotal information and common sense regurgitation repeats itself for the next twelve chapters, also repeating the limited research cited and an utter lack of new and interesting information. Ultimately the first 15 chapters of this book are a summary of information contained within every other health, wellness or weight loss book this reader has encountered. An additional point of confusion is whether or not the section on beets and juice was intended to be chapter 12, or mislabeled. This section occurs after the conclusion section on beneficial foods and before a new section about Nuts and Seeds which is not labeled as a chapter at all. The section actually labeled “Chapter 12” follows both of these sections and discusses the common knowledge regarding olive oil and its health benefits, again with glaring typos throughout. Several chapters in the book appear completely unnecessary but did contain some interesting information about how the reader can “train” their taste buds to decrease sodium intake.
In subsequent chapters, the author details a variety of chemicals contained within foods and whether the reader should pursue them. The author appears to recommend an increase in potassium for reducing cardiovascular issues, cautions about dietary supplements versus obtaining the recommended amount of potassium from foods and a comprehensive list of foods that are good sources of potassium. An entire section is devoted to the “DASH” diet and managing hypertension. The author also reveals his intense dislike for red meat and provides one study each in areas of cardiovascular trouble, diabetes and cancer; all of which he claims to be caused by red meat. Again, the author states “several studies” while only citing one, and appears to have an agenda against red meat but does not appear to be properly backed with research. This regurgitation of what this reader views as already overly published and publicized knowledge is repeated throughout the book in various subjects.
I rate this book one out of four stars for several reasons. The book appears to be in various stages of editing; with numerous formatting and spelling errors seen throughout. I would not recommend this book to any reader, as the information is not well organized; nor is it groundbreaking or even interesting on even a basic level.
******
Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Lionors's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks by Morton E Tavel, MD
