"YOU: The Smart Patient"-Required Reading for the Chronically Ill
Lisa Copen
Book Review: "YOU: The Smart Patient: An Insider's Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment," by Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz
When I bought the book "YOU: The Smart Patient: An Insider's Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment," by Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz a few years ago I had no idea Mehmet Oz or "Doctor Oz" would soon be the hot new guest on Oprah, giving cheery advice on every personal health topic (from the common sense stuff to the unspeakable) on national television. Enjoying his frank yet endearing personality, however, has only made the book more satisfying.
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?
First off, the book is loaded with the kind of information that we all need, but don't exactly want to curl up with and read. So it is all provided for the reader in little doses with inventive layouts. Humorous clipart and cartoons, tip boxes, a resource portion and the wacky humor throughout all the subject matter actually entertains the reader.
There was a conscious decision to have this book be designed with the average person in mind, so it looks and reads more like your favorite consumer magazine than a 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.
This book is written in conjunction with The Joint Commission. This is an organization which accredits and certifies more than 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the USA. With this relationship between the organization and author, the reader can be confident that the authors have not biased advice to be concerned with.
"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 finding the right doctor, hospital, and insurance company, working with specialists, how to be your nurse's favorite patient, alternative medicine, pain management, and understanding why doctors may look a little tired sometimes.
"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!
------------- Parish Nurse Training and Education
|
