Since I started covering the medical news here at FOX News Channel, as well as answering some of your e-mails, many of you have ask me my opinion on some of the reading material that is currently available in regards to health, nutrition, exercise and psychological counseling. Well, I came up with a simple solution: as of today I am starting the "Dr Manny's Health Book Club." I will review books every two weeks featuring some of the most popular, and sometimes unknown, selection of books written by experts in the field. I will do my best to be objective and honest, as well as, recommend how best to used the selection of books so that you, the reader, can get the most accurate information.
I would like you, our viewers and readers, to get involved. Send us your thoughts about the selections, suggestions, tell us about the books that worked, or didn't work, for you. The address is DrMannyBookClub@foxnews.com.
Now, to the fun part. I have also developed my own ranking system:
Every day many authors around the world try to put on paper their thoughts on many subjects which they feel might help someone. It is very difficult to write a book, and I am always very impressed with anyone who has accomplished such a task. So my goal in ranking these books is not to undermine that effort and achomplishment, but to clear up some of the confusion that many families have when choosing a book as they seek answers to their health questions.
Since this is the launch of the "Dr Manny's Book Club," I am featuring three new selections that have caught the attention of many readers.
You: The Smart Patient An Insider's Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment
Michael F. Roizen, MD and Mehmet C Oz, MD.
First, I have to tell you that these two physicians have a heck of a track record writing best sellers. One of their most successful book was "You: The Owner's Manual," a very well written book about the human body. It tells a reader how by learning about the different parts of you body one could achieve a healthier and younger life. Certainly a classic for many years to come. Their new book "The Smart Patient" continues the journey, but this time in a different direction. This book was written with the support of the The Joint Commission which, through very specific standards and hospital inspections, credentials hospitals so they provide the consumer/patient with the best and safest healthcare. The book is poised to minimize medical errors which, in the U.S. alone, lead to an estimated 98,000 fatalities a year. Therefore, the significance of this book is huge in making patients smart. It's funny, yet just serious enough, and full of very specific recommendations. The authors provide specific tips on how to become a better investor in your health. Several tips include developing a health profile that will help you summarized your past health problems and improve the efficiency of your doctor visit by keeping the dialogue focused on your problems. Other chapters include how to utilize your local pharmacist, who is probably the least expensive and most accessible person in the healthcare system, since they are always available to discuss all drug interactions. This book will give you the tools you need to find the best doctor for you, as well as, provide the reader with information that will make hospital stays safe and informative. A must have for every family to become a smart patient and it will make you laugh.
Three hearts
Overcoming Passive-Aggression
Tim Murphy
This book was written by Congressman Murphy, a prominent child psychologist, and it deals with something that all of us have dealt with at least once in our lifetime, especially at work. According to the author, passive-aggression is very common in our society and it could be quite detrimental in relationships whether they are personal or work-related. This is mainly because we all suffer a little bit from its affects. The book explains some of the negative affects passive-aggressive behavior could have, especially in the workplace. By not doing certain things OR by doing certain things at work, one can drive other people crazy, making the relationship angry and frustrating. He offers suggestions on how to prevent a wedge from developing in your relationships. The author explains, in a simple readable way, that this behavior could start in childhood. He explains how sometimes a home setting fails to reach children and fails to help them deal with anger and other feelings in a productive way. He offers suggestions for parents on how to teach their kids that it's ok to be angry, but not mean. The author shares symptoms to look out for as well as solution so that passive-aggression does not interfere with your plan for success. This work is a practical guide for people that are facing frustrating relationships.
Two hearts
Does Anything Eat Wasps? And 101 Other Unsettling, Witty Answers to Questions You Never Thought You Wanted to Ask
by New Scientist
Have you ever been having dinner with your family and your 10-year-old son comes out with a question: "Dad! Why do people have hair on their faces?" Maybe you are meeting up with your college buddy and you both start to wonder about the nutritional value and beer as a "meal replacement." I suppose many of you would agree these questions would be in line with "Why's the sky blue?" If these are some of the questions you are getting, then the answers to those, as well as many, many more can be found in this simple and humorous book. Written in a very readable style, this book gives you answers to the most bizarre questions you could imagine. The chapters range from questions about our bodies to playing bagpipes at high altitudes. The idea for the book originated in 1994 when New Scientist magazine began publishing "The Last Word," a column of questions and answers provided by readers. So, whether you want to be the smartest one in the household, the smartest parent at your kid's potluck lunch for the little league team, or, as they say, have the "last word," then this is book for you. It's fun.
Two hearts
So, don't forget to write us at DrMannyBookClub@foxnews.com. We will post some of your comments.
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