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

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Maryam_M
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Joined: 21 Jan 2018, 14:12
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Latest Review: Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks by Morton E Tavel, MD

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

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks" by Morton E Tavel, MD.]
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3 out of 4 stars
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Health Tips, Myths and Tricks

This non-fiction book contains a copious amount of information related to health and medicine. The topics that are discussed are incredibly fascinating and truly relate to the reader in the modern society. Topics discussed include the benefits of chocolate and the substance responsible for this, the effect of coffee on health and the immense amount of coffee consumed daily in America. The incredible effects of cranberry juice on ailments such as infections and life-threatening diseases and whether bottled water is something to invest in or really just a scam.

This book not only discusses ingestible substances such as the latter but also delves into the realm of lifestyle, exploring topics such as sun screens and its effects on ageing, acid reflux and the ways to avoid this, the amount of sleep one needs and the effects of sleep deprivation. Further topics included the reliability and validity of lie detectors, the risk assessment of air travelling, whether stretching is in fact beneficial or misunderstood and the effects of product placement in advertising. The author draws upon various scientific published research throughout the book, in particular towards the end when examining myths that are considered to be factual.

The book contains information about topics that I did not know existed including the dangers of supplements and multivitamins and the beliefs that individuals hold about growth hormones. This non-fiction is everything you need to know about health, what you should avoid purchasing and what you should consume more of. Ideologies that are adopted from society and its norms are discussed and debunked. The book provides resources for further information on certain topics. It has changed my perception of my lifestyle including diet; what I should consume less of, such as a certain family of fish and has left me motivated to exercise more. The science behind why certain foods and substances are beneficial or aversive are explained, giving a wider understanding of the topic. However, it is still written in an easy to understand and readable format that feels personal in a succinct manner. Certain realms that are explored are practical and advisory, this can be found in the chapter on the harmful effects of trans fat. The chapter lists the foods to avoid and the substitutions of trans fat that are available and accessible. This book provides you with an abundance of fascinating information that has the ability to change your current perspective without inundating you. It encompasses the picture as a whole referring to governmental legislations and the evolution of society and its effect on our eating habits. Despite this, the author keeps it lighthearted and at time humorous.

The author refers to the foods to avoid, however I think it would be useful to mention the importance of a balanced diet and relating it to mental health, and to examine the relationship between mind and food particularly when referring to such sensitive subjects such as weight. However, I think one would benefit by reading this book than not. I do believe at times that the author projects his own beliefs in a forward manner, for example feeling strongly about stopping chiropractic centers and other forms of alternative medicine. Thus, in this regard one can, in this specific example suggest that the author does not take a humanistic approach. Humans are complex beings and thus considering all aspects of human behaviour is crucial when disregarding a certain practice. There have been many cases where one has not found relief of their ailment through a medical doctor and therefore resort to other practices such as yoga for back pain or chiropractors and have found success. However, the points put across by the author should not be disregarded.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars, I did not give it a 4 due to its incredibly reductionist approach, disregarding the role of the mind in certain topics. I decided not to give it 2 stars due to the abundance of new, practical and informative information within the book. I had learnt more about how to live healthier, acquired further general knowledge and know how to save money by becoming a savvier shopper. This book would appeal to those that have an interest in science, psychology and health or to those that just want to learn more information regarding well-being, the running of the media and societal norms and how they interact with the latter. It may also be of interest to those that want to improve their physical health and to save money when investing in health products. This book would not appeal to those that do not enjoy non-fiction or to those that dislike reading about biological processes such as enzyme activity or scientific studies.

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Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
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