Review by Czarmaine AM -- Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks

[Czarmaine AM]

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

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

As a health advocate with background in public health and research, I look forward reading health education materials intended for general audience. HEALTH TIPS, MYTHS, AND TRICKS: A Physician’s Advice was written by Dr. Morton E. Tavel and was published in 2015. Now retired, Dr. Tavel was a former clinical professor and a physician with internal medicine and cardiovascular disease specialization. Knowing this, I anticipated a well-researched and informative read. And yes, it did not disappoint.

This book consists of three parts and its title could already give the readers an overview of what to expect. The first section is intended for giving “Tips” in maintaining good health. From losing weight and better food choices to other daily wellness concerns, this part got it covered. The second section is about debunking “Myths” and health misconceptions. The author included both the common ones and other random yet interesting topics that I’m sure some readers never even thought before. Finally, the author openly mentioned how some companies “Rips” their consumers by feeding them with deceptive information. Stratagems designed to take consumer’s money in exchange for either useless or dangerous products are presented.

Content wise, this book deserves praise. All topics tackled are timely and relevant. Readers would surely be more conscious of their health and take it as a serious matter. Furthermore, the author did a remarkable job presenting his data and opinions by backing it up with solid research. It’s also a bonus that the references are properly cited. Additionally, he writes in a straight-to-the-point manner and gives practical advices about health, fitness, and surprisingly, saving your hard-earned bucks. The only problem I had regarding its content is the overlapping of chapters. Referencing back and forth to different parts can be confusing. Overall, for a health education material intended for wide audience, this book serves its purpose.

However, most especially with this kind of non-fiction genre, I believe that the overall formatting and editing are both equally important to the content itself. First and foremost, the book is called “Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks” but it kept on using the word “rips” instead of “tricks.” It could really be perplexing so I just assumed that the term “tricks” meant “rips”. Moreover, I am not sure if it just my copy but there is a lot of inconsistencies in fonts used. It seems like fonts are haphazardly changing per topic. Also, I noticed some problem with the sub headings. There are chapters wherein author’s conclusions have a sub header and in other chapters, conclusions are just like part of the last paragraph.

With this current format, readers would find this a tedious read. Perhaps, I would just like to suggest that the author might consider having this edited to a magazine-like format with quotations on the side to emphasize significant points. Consistency in placement of header and sub headers could also improve the readability of this book.

To end with, I am still giving this book 3 out of 4 stars and recommend this to both young adult and adult readers. Despite all the flaws I have mentioned in editing and formatting, this book could save lives (and money).

******
Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
View: on Bookshelves

Like Czarmaine AM's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

I'm interested in finding out what myths where debunked and what tricks (or rips) the book mentions. Especially since it is a well researched book with a credible author. Thanks for the review!

[kandscreeley]

It does sound like it has a lot of good information. Too bad about some of the formatting, but it still sounds worth a read.

[Czarmaine AM]

Thank you for checking my review and sharing your thoughts, Kelebogile and Kandscreeley. You can certainly learn a lot of interesting health facts here.

[Alice Heritage]

I've read this too and agree that it's very important. Interestingly the version I saw had a new title and no editing issues that I noticed, so perhaps the problems have been addressed now.

[Czarmaine AM]

Hello Cherrie! It's good to know that this concern of mine had been resolved already. Thanks for your feedback.

[Jeremie Mondejar]

I agree with you, you made a nice review.

3 John 2 Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.

[Czarmaine AM]

I agree with you, you made a nice review.

3 John 2 Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.

Thank you so much for taking time checking my review.

[Amagine]

This seems like a very helpful health book that as you said can save and change many lives.

Great Review! ?

[The Researcher]

Yes, You are right the editing and formatting was very inconsistent in the book. I also read and reviewed this book and had the same observation.

[Czarmaine AM]

This seems like a very helpful health book that as you said can save and change many lives.

Great Review! ?

Thank you, Amagine! Hope you can find the time to check it as well.

-- 24 Aug 2017, 22:35 --

Yes, You are right the editing and formatting was very inconsistent in the book. I also read and reviewed this book and had the same observation.

I would gladly give this 4 stars if only that is corrected. But I think, the new copies are edited now.