The Best Treatment

A guide to the best possible treatments for every ailment, illness, injury, or disease draws upon the latest research to discuss everything from splinters and indigestion to strokes and AIDS

In what could have been just another look at medicine, but most certainly isn't, Rosenfeld ( Symptoms) outlines what he considers the best treatments and remedies for a variety of conditions, ranging from chlamydia infections and asthma to psoriasis and migraines. Item: he cites more effective ways to prevent and treat osteoporosis in menopausal women than ingesting calcium supplements. The doctor, a cardiologist and professor of medicine at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan, also notes that aspirin may not always be the safest--nor the smartest--way to reduce a fever. Rosenfeld acknowledges that his preferences are not necessarily "better" than another doctor's; however, readers will surely benefit from broadened knowledge of possible treatment options. The style is breezy and accessible, especially well suited to those who need immediate advice. Final chapters recommend brand-name supplies to keep on hand, urge the importance of exercise and delineate the differences among painkillers. Ad/promo; QPB and BOMC HomeStyle alternates, Prevention Book Club main; author tour;
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

At first glance these two titles seem similar, as they both are guides to the best treatment options for various illnesses and injuries. However, Oppenheim's book cannot be recommended as it is superficial, condescending, and, in some areas, not particularly up-to-date. (The treatment most recommended for depression is electroshock, with antidepressants mentioned only in passing, and the chapter on allergies fails to mention the highly effective steroid nose sprays). The Best Treatment is definitely superior. Rosenfeld, the author of Symptoms (S. & S., 1989), covers more topics in considerably more detail and writes in a readable, informative way. As is true of almost any medical guide, Rosenfeld's work could be more comprehensive and focused. Various psychiatric disorders, some infections, and conditions such as non-migraine headaches would benefit from more information. Some diseases without significant advances in treatment (such as pancreatic cancer) are included. The Best Treatment should probably be supplemented by a more extensive medical guide such as the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Complete Home Medical Guide (Crown, 1989) and one or more of the consumer medical newletters such as the Harvard Health Letter (Harvard Medical School Health Publications Group). Recommended for popular medical collections.
- Mary Chitty, Massachusetts Coll . of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Boston
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.