Book Review from Someone with an Illness “YOU: The Smart Patient”
Book Review: “YOU: The Smart Patient: An Insider’s Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment,” by Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz
I picked up the book “YOU: The Smart Patient: An Insider’s Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment,” by Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz up a few years ago, not knowing that soon “Dr. Oz” and his cheery advice, even when discussing the most personal of issues, would become the next “hot topic” on Oprah. Seeing his likable personality has only made the book more enjoyable.
And that’s why my review of this book is so complimentary. How can a book on medical jargon, resources, surgery preparation and worse case medical scenarios be enjoyable?
To begin with, the book is jam-packed full of information that we all need, but don’t want to curl up with and read. So this information is given to the reader in small doses with imaginative layouts. Amusing clipart and cartoons, tip boxes, a resource portion and the offbeat humor throughout all the content actually entertains the reader.
It’s obvious that the book was well thought out and intentionally written for the average person to be able to use as a real tool in caring for his health. A reader may feel that it’s the feeling of their favorite consumer magazine, rather than a typical doctor’s dry medical journal.
The value of the book isn’t about the entertaining pages, however, but the content which is truly superb. The authors of “YOU: The Smart Patient” tell you to become your own “medical detective” in ways such as looking more closely at your family tree and keeping track of your medical information in a journal at the back of the book.
The book is written in conjunction with The Joint Commission, which accredits and certifies more than 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, so there the reader doesn’t have to worry about author bias in their advice.
“YOU: The Smart Patient” is also packed with great checklists for you or whoever who may accompany you on medical visits or hospital stays. It provides clear-cut reminders, like how to confirm with your surgeon which body part is being treated, what medications you have an allergy to, and how to verify that your prescription drugs are the accurate, since so many medications sound alike.
It goes on to advise one on how to find the right doctor, hospital, and insurance company, how to work with specialists, be your nurse’s favorite patient, choose alternative medicine and pain management. It even explains a doctor’s typical schedule and why they may seem so tired at times.
“YOU: The Smart Patient” is a five-star book and the best $15 you will ever spend in managing our health, especially if you have a chronic illness!
Free download of 200 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend from “Beyond Casseroles” by Lisa Copen, when you subscribe to HopeNotes illness ezine at Rest Ministries - http://www.restministries.org/res-ezine_ill.htm . Lisa founded Invisible Illness Awareness Week http://www.invisibleillness.com
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