Product Reviews Facts and Notes

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.

It’s written in conjunction with The Joint Commission, the health care community’s leading oversight group, so there is no bias in the authors’ advice.

It’s also full of great checklists for you or someone who may accompany you on medical visits or hospital stays. It provides simple reminders, like how to confirm with your surgeon which body part is being treated, what medications you have an allergy to, and how to confirm that your prescription drugs are the correct ones, since so many medications sound alike.

The book advises one on how to find a good doctor, hospital and even insurance company. Do you know how to have an effective relationship with specialists or how to be your nurse’s favorite patient? (Hint: pizza). This book covers how to chose alternative medicine and pain management and even attempt to give the reader an inside look at a doctor’s typical schedule and why they may seem so tired sometimes.

I give “YOU: The Smart Patient” five stars! It’s the best money you will spend in effectively managing their healthcare, especially if you live with a chronic illness!