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

[matildajay]

[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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We live in a world where information is literally at our fingertips; with the touch of a button we can download apps to track our steps, sleep, vital signs, and even mental health. With the swipe of a screen we can access the caloric value of our daily food, or latest nutrition blog crazes. It’s true that the overlapping fields of science, medicine, and technology have provided many with the tools to take their personal health to a new level. But who’s regulating the intake between genuine knowledge, and well-disguised garbage? It is by embarking on an extensive account of “the good, the bad, and the ugly,” regarding societies comprehension of modern day health, that Morton E. Tavel MD, (a physician specialist in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases) provides a stunning expose with his non-fiction book Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks: A Physician’s Advice (Snake Oil Book 2). As the core belief of this book is to provide the public with cold hard facts apropos their health; it is only natural to consider the validity of the research presented by the author himself. Upon reading the about the author section, one can take stock in Dr. Tavel’s credentials as he scrutinizes the world of medicine around him, by the sheer volume of publications, speeches, peer reviewed national medical journals that he has taken part in, on top of his actual physician experience. Upon noting this correlation between the books theme, and the author’s lifetime of work in the field of fact-based medicine, a reader may really have confidence in the pages provided within.

At first glance the title may seem a tad vague, and with a quick skim over the titles of all 62 chapters, one become overwhelmed with the tremendous range of subject matter. However do not fear, Dr. Tavel provides more than manageable notes upon such common topics as weight loss and dietary supplements, to far more abstract health concerns such as the hype on energy drinks, or the issues pertaining to the Polygraph Test. It is with short but to the point chapters that the author provides a general scientific background and explanation for the topic, followed by the scientific research and medical findings as backing. Finally the Dr. Tavel provides a brief conclusion on the topics personal and societal health effects. To provide easier navigation, the book’s content is divided into three main categories: Tips, Myths, and Tricks, as stated in the title. The set up itself, easy enough to understand in organization, although keep in mind there is some slight overlapping between the three divisions. The Tips section contains the largest group of anomalies regarding topics with the standard salt reduction, fat avoidance, and dieting tips; as well as red wine consumption, allergies, back pain, to the levels of arsenic in our daily food. For example, in Chapter 12 titled “Olive Oil and Health,” Dr. Tavel provides statistics, yet continues to use language that is not overly technical, and then expands on these facts with relevant use to the reader.

Finally, olive oil is also a very good source of vitamin K; 100 g (about 3 oz.) provides about 50% of daily requirements of this vitamin, useful for blood clotting. Vitamin K also has a potential role in promoting bone growth. It also has a potential role in Alzheimer’s disease patients by limiting damage of brain cells. But even healthy fat such as olive is high in calories, so use it only in moderation.

This section is where the most applicable health knowledge is stored, and a good way to ease the reader into the more abstract second section of Myths. The section Myths, is slightly harder reading as the authors tackles public opinions on well known issues such as the usage of probiotics, organic to GMO foods, to the dangers of drinking unpasteurized milk. Lastly reaching the third section of the book Tricks, which revolves around the scams and false claims traded across the world of public health, typically with the end goal of finical gain on expense of the consumer. This section shines a light into the darker corners of the public health sector, bringing to light with research-backed studies, the issues with alternative (homeopathic medicines,) the practice of chiropractors, and much more.

There is a certain air that comes with such books covering health topics, which many readers can find off putting. This could be either due to a lack of mistrust/dislike for the content, or perhaps the thought that upon reading such facts they may feel overwhelmed, or disheartened. Alternatively there are the die-hard health junkies, whom are constantly looking for the next book to expand their library on their journey to becoming a health guru. This book finds a pleasant middle ground, with a large amount of facts presented in a reader friendly format. This book being of course extremely educational with a bit of technical lingo going on, the author still produces an entertaining style of writing, and at times even takes a stab at the comical. For instance, discussing raw versus pasteurized milk in Chapter 45 Dr. Tavel jokes,

I suspect that if he could be made aware of this nonsense today, the man who pioneered such milk cleansing in the 1880’s that now bears his name, Louis Pasteur, would issue a might groan and probably utter (udder?) some expletives as well!

In short, it is an impressive well of information packed into a reasonable size book, with a personable writing style.

Throughout reading the facts provided make the issues discussed irrefutable, which is due to a commendable effort on the part of the author to complete his research, and tell the truth. Of course there may always be the odd suggestion that adding salt to a meal is a major no-no, which may rub a reader the wrong way. Be that as it may, with the exception of those in the employment of advocating the health practices, which the book denounces, the book is very agreeable on all fronts. A specific detail that deserves respect is that the author openly admits when there is not enough evidence to form a science-based conclusion. At no point does the author elevate himself to an all-knowing god of health/medicine, but instead states that upon the research provided by the medical and scientific community, this is the health trend one should consider. No more, no less, he sticks to the goals on which medicine were founded, to provide assistance to the patron, and leaves inconclusive evidence as such. A quality that gives the book reliability in the serious matter of health up for discussion, and as a result, security to the reader. As one can see from browsing the TV or web, reliability and security are two qualities that are so dearly needed more of, in this age of information.

In general I would have to say this was a fantastic book, with the only possible fault being, are 62 individual topic chapters a few too many to cover? The information in each chapter was so well written, that upon completing a few, I do wish they had been written in even greater length and detail. Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I must say, that for the average citizen just trying to reach a ripe old age, with out dropping dead of a heart attack first, this book is perfect. As previously stated, this book is accessible for people from a variety of backgrounds, regardless of their previous health knowledge. Throughout the book there does tend to be a focus on cardiovascular health, so additionally this a big thumbs up for anyone who may be dealing with potential or onset heart problems. Nevertheless, I would recommend this book to literally anyone interested in his or her health, and personal improvement.

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

[italicoil]

what a great review

[Donatelloo]

I guess it is time ti take health seriously and read this book .great review

[readandsmile]

Wow, even if this my latest review but i admired on what you noticed about this book. if only all people will take heed to their health issue because
prevention is better than cure.