★★★★★ 5
A MUST READ BOOK ABOUT OUR HEALTH CRISES--REVIEWED BY AN EDUCATOR, PUBLISHED WRITER, AND BOOK REVIEWER
Format: Paperback
I am a former teacher, school librarian, published author, and book reviewer for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, as well as judge and book reviewer for the IPPY and MOONBEAM BOOK Awards. Many years ago I was diagnosed with GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME. Since I was diagnosed with this terrible neurological disease, I have continued to experience symptoms which I ignored while finishing my BA and MA degrees, teaching in several school systems including Department of Defense Overseas Schools, and traveling around the world. Even though I was often ill and constantly plagued with symptoms of my disease, I ignored the problems and did not see neurologists or undergo transfusions and/or infusions, as well as be a guinea pig for the huge variety of experimental drugs. I workout daily, eat nutriciously, and try to always be positive, laugh, and have fun. Many people have died from my disease. And I wonder if I am still alive due to NOT SEEING DOCTORS and undergoing UNPROVEN or FLAWED PROCEDURES and DRUGS. Dr. Brawley's book showed me that my choices probably helped me to be active and live, not experience an early death while doctors harmed me with their techniques. I have briefly reviewed Dr. Brawley's outstanding book which helped me to conclude that I made the best choices by not seeing neurologists over the years. Also, I was afraid my neurological disease would be labled a "PRE EXISTING CONDITION" which my insurance policies would not cover.
Otis Webb Brawley, author of HOW WE DO HARM; A DOCTOR BREAKS RANKS ABOUT BEING SICK IN AMERICA, is an oncology (Cancer) professor at Georgia's prestigious Emory University as well as the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society. Using personal anecdotes from past patients, Dr. Brawley illustrates many things which are wrong with our medical system as well as medical and nonmedical groups and doctors who need to totally change this system. Every page was packed with specific information about medical problems with protocol, procedures, chemotherapy, and uninformed patients who blindly follow doctors' suggestions as to the best way of treating thier cancers. Much of the medical research is flawed making it almost impossible for patients to research their diseases and make intelligent choices.
It is imperative that everyone, men and their well-meaning wives, read about the patient, Ralph, whose wife urged him to get a free PROSTATE PSA TEST in a mall which led to horrendous FLAWED procedures which 'caused him misery and pain until he died an early death. Dr. Brawley thought prostate screening was not at all useful for anyone without symptoms. I also think that many tests we have are just to generate money for doctors and the groups they work for. In fact, just this week they are now saying women should not have MAMMOGRAMS every year as I did since I turned forty. Now the recommendation is for women to have mammograms every three to five years. Dr. Brawley said in his book that women more often find their own cancer, and mammograms should not be taken on a yearly basis.
This book was the best nonfiction book I have read in years. But I was disappointed Dr. Brawley did not write a chapter on the FDA, though he referred to the organization many times. I was also interested in more specific information about drugs, particularly STATINS which are taken by most people over 50 even though they have many serious side effects. One chapter was titled GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROM but only mentioned the disease briefly.
I am a former librarian, and like most librarians look for BIBLIOGRAPHIES, GLOSSARIES, INDEXES, and CHARTS and GRAPHS illustrating important things to better illustrate the text. In the back of the book Dr. Brawley does include specific NOTES about information in each chapter. I could only read a few pages of this information packed book per day, because there was so much information I wanted to retain. I urge every adult of both genders and any age to read this book. And if you are capable and not disabled, volunteer to help the various advocacy groups who are attempting to change our hea;th system. This book was published two years ago before Barack Obama presented his new health care plan, therefore there is nothing in the book about it.
Dr. Brawley, I am looking forward to another book from you about the goings on at the FDA, since they release many drugs which are later involved in class action suits. Also, cholesterol and cholesterol drugs should be examined in detail like you did oncology. Also, Dr. B, please have your publisher publish this book in a LARGE PRINT EDITION!!!
I first saw Dr. Otis Brawley on BOOKTV.ORG weeks ago. I was so impressed with Dr. Brawley's speech which was perfect as well as his honesty that I bought HOW WE DO HARM. Go to BookTV.org and look for the video of Dr. Brawley's speech. Karen Joan McWilliams, Naples, FL
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Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2014