“Your Stomach: What is Really Making You Miserable & What to Do About It”

Review By: Ali Al-Rajhi, Editor of the Public Health Bugle

Author: Jonathan V. Wright, M.D.

Publisher: Praktikos Books

In his book Your Stomach, Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. presents data that may correlate stomach problems American’s face with the antacids prescribed by doctors. Dr. Wright suggests we need stomach acid and when we consume antacids  it only offers “short-term, symptomatic relief,” may worsen the problem (e.g., heartburn) over the long term since antacids ‘dilute’ our stomach’s normal acid (hydrochloric acid), and “may lead to a host of chronic diseases or infections.”

When skimming the book the first time, I noticed the narrative was only 38 pages, while the rest of the book consisted of the author’s notes, references, and index. Nonetheless, Dr. Wright gets his point across, which reaffirms the saying “verbosity can lead to inarticulate & unclear thoughts.” The book lays out the problems associated with drug interventions to reduce stomach acid and then asks a serious of questions in addressing the problem. For example, he questions the potential harm of antacids for bones. Dr. Wright indicates the benefits of having stomach acid: a barrier against unwanted microorganism and that it’s necessary in food digestion (e.g., breakdown of large proteins).

The book ends with Dr. Wright’s suggestions to alternative approaches to stomach problems, primarily avoid or limit consumption of antacids and use more natural means – e.g. “supplementing melatonin, the natural “sleep” hormone. Overall, the book is a quick read (about an hour or two) and informative.

“The Doctors Book of Food Remedies: The Newest Discoveries in the Power of Food to Treat and Prevent Health Problems-From Aging and Diabetes to Ulcers”

Review By: Ali Al-Rajhi, Editor of the Public Health Bugle

Author: Selene Yeager

Publisher: Rhodale Press

Selene Yeager compiles a book that highlights the “healing-powers” of various foods and how incorporating these foods may reduce or prevent the onset of various health conditions (e.g., kidney stones, lowering cholesterol, etc). Each food group or foods, like blueberries, melons, and even coffee, are given their own chapter for discussion and a summary of their benefits.

There is not much to say besides the fact that the book is more of a quick reference tool. The reader can pick up and read a chapter or two to gain knowledge about a particular food or food group. In addition, Yeager provides information on health conditions – the truths and myths – and suggests preventative measure (through food) to help reduce them.

I really liked how well the information was written and easy to follow. Recipes are also included to advise the reader in making healthy dietary choices. Overall, I recommend the book as more of a reference for the average consumer, yet most of the information Yeager provides I have found for free through NutritionData.com and other similar websites

Redefining Health Care Creating Value-Based Competition on Results

Review By: Ali Al-Rajhi, Editor of the Public Health Bugle

Authors: Michael E. Porter , Elizabeth O. Teisberg

Publisher: Harvard Business School Press

In Redefining Health Care, the authorsMichael Porter – an “internationally renowned strategy expert – and Elizabeth Teisberg – an “innovation expert”- present the underlying issues with the U.S. health care system.The authors’ argue that the health care industry focuses more towards reducing costs (e.g., cost-shifting, eliminating services, capitation, accumulate bargaining power) when their focus should be on creating value for patients. This in large is related to the style of competition known as Zero-Sum competition, which is a ‘win-lose’ approach to health care. The authors suggest an industrial move towards Positive-Sum Competition or ‘Value-Based Competition’ founded on one priority – patient value.

The data presented is very detailed and supportive of the authors’ arguments; however, the information, at times, becomes redundant leaving the reader wondering if the authors could make the same point with less examples. The book starts by addressing the scope of the U.S. health care problem, its root causes and where it went wrong. Then it defines the principles of a Value-Based Competition and how such a strategy can be applied to providers, health plans, suppliers, consumers, employers and the implications for the U.S. government.

Implicating a Value-Based Health System is not a farfetched idea; take the Japanese health-care system for example. Based on the requirement that all citizens are required to have health insurance, the Ministry of Health negotiates with physicians to set prices for every procedure, which keeps costs down. Therefore, health care providers (e.g., hospitals, doctors, etc) have no control over what they charge patients. To attract patients and stay in business, providers compete on one factor – the quality of care received. If patients are not satisfied with the doctor’s practice, then they can easily go to another. Interestingly, the providers can face bankruptcy – not the patient like her in the U.S. – if they don’t maintain a certain number of patients.

Overall with the amount of data provided, the book details the issues with the U.S. health care system. It’s apparent that health care reform is a must and should be achieved with the patient’s interest in mind and not that of the industry.