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Review by A Cup of Positivity -- Health Tips, Myths, and...

Posted: 10 May 2017, 00:17
by A Cup of Positivity
[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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On a quest for a better lifestyle and to learn more health tips, I decided to read Morton E. Tavel’s book, “Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks.” If I had to think of a better title for the book, it would be impossible. This book was literally about informing the reader on health myths we may have come across, alternatives we can do to address these myths, and how to live healthier.

For example, I learned that organic food is not a healthy alternative to regular grocery food. The only thing that is proven about organic food is that it is grown differently and is much more expensive. Before I read this book, I was under the impression that organic food improved our diet, because it had some sort of health benefit. I will admit that I (unfortunately and fortunately) sometimes listen to what the majority of people say. I did not know the science behind my thought, except that is was an accepted fact around my community. Thanks to reading Tavel’s book, I read scientific articles that contrasted from my thoughts. I found that fact enlightening, which only reinforced the idea that I should continue to buy cheaper groceries.

For me, this was the first time I read a health book written by a physician. I am normally drawn to fictional books, but I do enjoy self-help books as well as cook books. Thus, I think it actually is not all that surprising that I decided to read this book. In the beginning, I mentioned that I want to improve my lifestyle and be educated on health tips, so I definitely got that from reading Tavel’s book. There are a few things I plan to apply in my own life from reading this book, such as not eating the vital supplements (unless prescribed) sold in stores. It may not necessarily be FDA-approved. It may also not do what it is allegedly advertising. Another thought of mine that was proven wrong was that everything sold on shelves had to be thoroughly researched before it was approved to be sold. Then again, I am aware that there has been medication sold in the past, which caused children abnormalities. Through reading this, I have become more conscious about what I put in my body. I feel that I need to have a discussion with one of my family members, because the person tends to buy things they think are healthy, yet there is no actual proof of it. I hope to save them money and their health. I think a great pro about reading this book is that I will be able to apply these findings to real-world experiences.

After all that has been addressed, I rate this book a 3 out of 4. Although there are many pluses to this book, such as what was described above and that Tavel never confused me in his scientific jargon. The book was not flawless. There were times I thought the text did not look right, because there’d be a bunch of white space and little to no text. Furthermore, I sometimes thought the wording was awkward e.g., using the word blubber (do physicians normally call fat blubber?). I do not think that people (at least the ones I associate with) call their fat blubber—they just say their fat is fat. Aside from that, it was a solid and educational reading.

If you are the kind of person who has an open-mind, wants to read more about day-to-day products, and myths you come across in your life, e.g., water, smoking, tap water versus bottled water, I highly suggest to pick up this book. It should be right down your alley, just like it was for me.

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Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
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