Fun with self-help books, wellness edition
Book review from the New York Times Science section:
The books?
Why does the reviewer assume she's the only one reading these books in tandem? Because they have such opposing conclusions and "[o]ur health beliefs are so deeply ingrained that data, admonitions, guidelines and oceans of ink on reams of paper will seldom dissuade us from believing what we want to be true."
There are so few good belly laughs in health care these days. What a pity I am likely to be the only person on the planet to enjoy the guffaw-laden, if slightly unnerving, experience of reading Dr. Nancy Snyderman and Dr. Nortin Hadler’s new books in tandem, taking careful notes.
[...]
Both muster science, statistics and a judicious smattering of personal experience to present, with no small fanfare, completely, utterly, diametrically opposite advice. — Abigail Zuger, M.D.
The books?
- Worried Sick: A Prescription for Health in an Overtreated America. By Nortin M. Hadler, M.D., University of North Carolina Press. 376 pages. $28. Excerpt on NY Times site.
- Medical Myths That Can Kill You And the 101 Truths That Will Save, Extend and Improve Your Life. By Nancy L. Snyderman. M.D. Crown Publishers. 273 Pages. $24.95. Excerpt on MSNBC.
Why does the reviewer assume she's the only one reading these books in tandem? Because they have such opposing conclusions and "[o]ur health beliefs are so deeply ingrained that data, admonitions, guidelines and oceans of ink on reams of paper will seldom dissuade us from believing what we want to be true."