Our Health Our Lives [Paperback]

Eileen Hoffman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0671880861 | ISBN-13: 978-0671880866 | Publication Date: March 1, 1996

A complete health-care guide for women combines the latest studies in gynecology, psychology, and nutrition, demonstrating how the medical system can be transformed to serve important needs. Reprint.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This comprehensive, highly accessible guide to women's physical and mental health seeks to empower women to take charge of their health, much as did its inspirational source, 1973's Our Bodies, Ourselves. Hoffman, a New York City internist and co-founder of the Women's Health Project, however, encourages readers to work within the medical system rather than explore alternative therapies. Citing chilling facts about the inadequacies of health care for women, she maintains that a woman's physiology can affect disease progression and argues for an interdisciplinary primary care specialty in women's health. More than just an enlightening discussion on primary care for women, this guide provides practical medical advice in many areas. In direct, almost conversational prose, Hoffman devotes chapters to such diseases as cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease, leading readers through the practice of identifying conditions, reducing risks and screening for early detection. A section on choosing a doctor offers a thoughtful analysis of the differences between how men and women practice medicine. The author quotes an editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association, describing women's health care as, "a patchwork quilt with gaps." With this passionate and personal guide, Hoffman does much to make the quilt whole. Serial rights to Cosmopolitan and New Woman; Literary Guild, Doubleday Book Club and Doubleday Health Book Club alternates; author tour.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Were it not for the title, this book would be more likable. Our Health, Our Lives suggests that it is related to the landmark Our Bodies, Ourselves. Anyone expecting the strong feminist approach of that classic, however, will be strongly disappointed. This new book may be pro-female, but it is not feminist. Then there's "revolutionary" in the subtitle. Hoffman may think promoting "woman-centered care" is revolutionary, but it's only slightly to the left of the male medical establishment. Still, the book is not bad. Indeed, as a general reference for the variety of women's health needs throughout their lives, it is quite good. Hoffman approaches the female body holistically, seeing it not just as breasts and ovaries but as a dynamic, changing unit that needs both physical and emotional care. Her voice is calming, her manner down-to-earth, and much of the book is just good old-fashioned common sense. Hoffman is a female Marcus Welby for the nineties--not revolutionary at all. Mary Ellen Sullivan --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books (March 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671880861
• ISBN-13: 978-0671880866
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,645,835 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A PERFECT PRIMER FOR REFRAMING WOMEN'S APPROACH TO HEALTH., November 12, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Our Health Our Lives (Paperback)

THIS BOOK ALLOWS THE LAY PERSON TO LOOK AT THE WAY THE SOCIETY VIEWS WOMEN AND THEIR HEALTH PROBLEMS. IT SHOWS US THAT THERE IS A DIFFERENT WAY OF INTERACTING WITH ONE'S PHYSICIAN AND THAT IT'S UNACCEPTABLE TO HAVE A DOCTOR THAT WON'T WORK WITH AND FOR THEIR PATIENT. THE LANGUAGE OF THIS BOOK IS DOWN AND DIRECT AND IS A WONDERFUL INVITATION TO FURTHER EXPLORATION OF THE MEDICAL ENVIRONMENT BOTH FOR MEN AND WOMEN, BUT ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN.