Take a photo of a barcode or cover
93 reviews for:
Do You Believe in Magic?: Vitamins, Supplements, and All Things Natural: A Look Behind the Curtain
Paul A. Offit
4.07 AVERAGE
93 reviews for:
Do You Believe in Magic?: Vitamins, Supplements, and All Things Natural: A Look Behind the Curtain
Paul A. Offit
4.07 AVERAGE
informative
fast-paced
informative
fast-paced
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
While this book was written in 2013, it sheds light on our current moment in public health in the US. This book is really excellent, and it’s packed full of great information and stories that make medicine more approachable.
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
fast-paced
The bulk of the book is spent discussing various alternative health proponents, their proposed cures and methods used in hawking their products. With each method, proponent, and cure Offit then discusses biological inconsistencies, consequences, and concerns. While this information is useful the last few chapters provided more of what I was hoping to read, discussions of placebo effects and ways in which 'allopathic' and 'alternative' approaches can work for the benefit of patients.
The book is definitely worth the time it took to read and although critical of many of the claims and promises of alternative medical approaches it doesn't dismiss them entirely (as seen in the last few chapters). It also, briefly, mentions some limitations of "main stream" medicine.
The book is definitely worth the time it took to read and although critical of many of the claims and promises of alternative medical approaches it doesn't dismiss them entirely (as seen in the last few chapters). It also, briefly, mentions some limitations of "main stream" medicine.
Paul Offit acertando de novo ao falar de ciência e pseudo-ciência. Bons exemplos de exploração de inocentes, métodos duvidosos e muita gente faturando fortunas com métodos alternativos. Gostei em especial do capítulo sobre efeito placebo, onde ele deixa bem claro o papel do efeito e da "medicina alternativa" em situações onde podem agir até melhor do que medicamentos reais.
I was pretty sure that I would just skim through this book because I like to stay on top of whatever BS is making the rounds regarding illness & medicine, but instead I read it cover to cover with lots of WTF moments. I appreciate how Offit doesn't dismiss the fact that conventional medicine can be full of aggravations and frustrations but it is still light-years ahead of the vast majority of quackery that will either do nothing for you or end up hurting and/or killing you. The section on acupuncture is priceless. Very recommended.
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Before you decide to abandon "western" medicine for some "alternative" practice, please read this. Do your research. After that, if you want to use your time and money on acupuncture or homeopathy, go ahead. Just do it as an informed adult.