Review by Trinimoi_reader -- Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
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Trinimoi_reader
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- Latest Review: Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks by Morton E Tavel, MD
Review by Trinimoi_reader -- 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
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The book, Health Tips, Myths and Tricks: A Physician’s Advice by Morton E. Tavel. MD, is a curious mix of advice from a kindly grandfather and at the same time, lectures from the family doctor. Indeed, this book provides an in-depth review of some of the most pertinent health questions and concerns plaguing most of us today. Dr. Tavel covers dieting versus diet pills, weight loss aids and even touches on surgical solutions. A quick scan of the Table of Contents shows chapter names like “Chocolate: Is it really good for what ails you?’ “Energy Drinks: What’s the hype about?” “Alkaline Water: Another Scam to take your money?” It hints to his style of down to earth and homey manner, but in reality, the book is couched in detailed science and numerous references to current studies. His style of relating simple down suggestions with related statistics comes over as honest and compelling. The downside is the regular inclusion of some many statistics makes this a difficult book to read page by page.
With over 60 chapters, Dr. Tavel meanders along taking numerous turns on the path to optimal health. He breaks the book into 3 major categories General Tips, Tricks and Myths… yet the thread connecting them all is the principle of being skeptical first and reviewing the evidence. He covers so many topics that this book is worth reading again and again – but probably only 1 chapter at a time.
As you would expect in a book from a doctor, it is a long list of how to be healthier and to quit smoking, reduce obesity and prevent hypertension, to highlight some of the few big ones, but Dr. Tavel’s advice and humor makes the obvious advice more palatable. Along the way, he gives you a lot of information and inspiration to be more skeptical about the health claims and trends we see today… alkaline water, detoxifying protocols, even gluten-free diets gets a thumbs down from Tavel as he explains the science. His honesty about modern trends that have no clear benefit, but no health detriment is also refreshing as it suggests that he is not just fixated on traditional methods or just being antagonistic. His plain statement of facts and his references do lend more gravitas to his advice and suggestions.
As he discusses whether mother was right or not about eating breakfast, he loads your plate with a long passage about the contents of that breakfast. This is all good information but difficult to digest in one session. Do not be fooled by the simple language. This is not a simple book to read. His writing may seem casual, but it can quickly seem far too weighty for even a determined reader. I would recommend this book as a reference that you can quickly turn to in search of the straight talk on your current health questions on nasal allergies, probiotics or even human growth hormone.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars, mainly because of the hard slog through the statistics. I did appreciate the variety of topics that were covered and I will certainly find myself referring to it again. His style and dismissal of so many current trends may not endear him to a young generation looking for health information, but it certainly informed me in my path towards better health and nutrition for myself and my family. In the end, most importantly, Dr. Tavel does say mother knew best and you should eat your breakfast. I say put this book in your library.
******
Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
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3 out of 4 stars
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The book, Health Tips, Myths and Tricks: A Physician’s Advice by Morton E. Tavel. MD, is a curious mix of advice from a kindly grandfather and at the same time, lectures from the family doctor. Indeed, this book provides an in-depth review of some of the most pertinent health questions and concerns plaguing most of us today. Dr. Tavel covers dieting versus diet pills, weight loss aids and even touches on surgical solutions. A quick scan of the Table of Contents shows chapter names like “Chocolate: Is it really good for what ails you?’ “Energy Drinks: What’s the hype about?” “Alkaline Water: Another Scam to take your money?” It hints to his style of down to earth and homey manner, but in reality, the book is couched in detailed science and numerous references to current studies. His style of relating simple down suggestions with related statistics comes over as honest and compelling. The downside is the regular inclusion of some many statistics makes this a difficult book to read page by page.
With over 60 chapters, Dr. Tavel meanders along taking numerous turns on the path to optimal health. He breaks the book into 3 major categories General Tips, Tricks and Myths… yet the thread connecting them all is the principle of being skeptical first and reviewing the evidence. He covers so many topics that this book is worth reading again and again – but probably only 1 chapter at a time.
As you would expect in a book from a doctor, it is a long list of how to be healthier and to quit smoking, reduce obesity and prevent hypertension, to highlight some of the few big ones, but Dr. Tavel’s advice and humor makes the obvious advice more palatable. Along the way, he gives you a lot of information and inspiration to be more skeptical about the health claims and trends we see today… alkaline water, detoxifying protocols, even gluten-free diets gets a thumbs down from Tavel as he explains the science. His honesty about modern trends that have no clear benefit, but no health detriment is also refreshing as it suggests that he is not just fixated on traditional methods or just being antagonistic. His plain statement of facts and his references do lend more gravitas to his advice and suggestions.
As he discusses whether mother was right or not about eating breakfast, he loads your plate with a long passage about the contents of that breakfast. This is all good information but difficult to digest in one session. Do not be fooled by the simple language. This is not a simple book to read. His writing may seem casual, but it can quickly seem far too weighty for even a determined reader. I would recommend this book as a reference that you can quickly turn to in search of the straight talk on your current health questions on nasal allergies, probiotics or even human growth hormone.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars, mainly because of the hard slog through the statistics. I did appreciate the variety of topics that were covered and I will certainly find myself referring to it again. His style and dismissal of so many current trends may not endear him to a young generation looking for health information, but it certainly informed me in my path towards better health and nutrition for myself and my family. In the end, most importantly, Dr. Tavel does say mother knew best and you should eat your breakfast. I say put this book in your library.
******
Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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Latest Review: Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks by Morton E Tavel, MD
