3 out of 4 stars
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Health Tips, Myths and Tricks; A Physician’s Advice, by Morton E. Tavel MD, is a non-fiction, health reference book. It covers an abundance of health topics in a very comprehensive fashion, all supported with various scientific studies. I give this book a 3 out of 4 rating because it is a helpful reference book that is delightfully presented. Many prestigious medical journals, medical schools and scientific studies are referenced throughout the book, matched with the doctor’s own professional advice. This lends much credibility to the information being presented.
I like that the book gives many helpful health facts the reader can apply, and how at the end of each chapter there is guidance and tips. Also, despite the fact that the author is a medicinal doctor, he does promote the use of healthy foods above the use of medicine, for achieving better health. The various health topics are addressed in a professional manner, yet the friendly and lighthearted tone used by the author, allows the reader to enjoy the reading as well.
The overwhelming amount of information presented, is one take away from the book. Although it is broken into well-constructed sections, it could have been broken down into two separate books. The author himself admits that he is doubtful that anyone will read the book as a reading book, straight through, but that it is intended to be a reference book wherein the reader finds what they are searching for in the table of contents.
Another take away is, not all the conclusions seemed sound to me. For example, how the author put organic foods on equal par with GMO and conventional foods, and how he found no issue with the electromagnetic fields emitted from Wi-Fi. Either the conclusions were made with outdated information, or the doctor is in denial.
Still, the many health topics covered made for excellent reading and some new discoveries. The usual hot button topics were covered, like how meat affects the body; safety concerns for fish and shellfish; the benefits of chocolate, wine, regular exercise and adequate sleep; and the safety concerns surrounding GMO foods, E cigarettes, smoke inhalation, sunscreen and unnecessary medical tests. A large emphasis was placed on hypertension, due to the grand numbers of lives taken by its resultant woes; including foods to avoid and those to include in the diet and how to manage the medicines required.
I was left with the conclusion that the solution is all things in moderation. I get the desire of Dr. Tavel to alleviate people’s fears when facing illness and the choice on how to better achieve healing; through either alternative or medicinal means. He presented the facts, yet his summaries did lean toward his medicinal background. He often stated that alternative supplements and herbal remedies were unproven by studies; yet, we all know the reality of side effects and addictions caused by medicines that have been proven by studies. The book contains great information and references that will grace anyone’s home library and allow the reader to reach informed decisions.
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Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
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