From Publishers Weekly
In this well-researched report, Wolfe ( Worst Pills, Best Pills ) and Jones, a journalist specializing in medical topics, decry the commercialization of female health care and expose the dangers of surgical procedures, drugs and other products that are heavily promoted by pharmaceutical companies and recommended by physicians. The dangers of unnecessary hysterectomies, hormone therapy and breast implants are exemplified by the cases of women like Karen, whose implants resulted in debilitating chest pain and silicone poisoning. The facts and figures presented are shocking. For instance, "one in three women in this country will lose their uteruses by the time they reach age 60." p. 46 This volume also supplies information about non-chemical treatments for ailments such as insomnia and anxiety, low-dose alternatives to standard birth control and other pills, and guidelines for when medical procedures such as hysterectomy are necessary. This book will help many women avoid physical pain and emotional distress by enabling them to make better-informed health-care decisions.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
Women make up the largest group of healthcare consumers in this country. Unfortunately, not only are we seduced by advertisements claiming that breast implants will make us happier, pills will make us freer and diets will make us sexier, but also confronted medical professionals who are unwilling or unable to give us accurate information about the risks that accompany these drugs and procedures. The authors investigate 12 of the most common pills, procedures and products aimed at women and concisely explain their risks and benefits. This is one book that every woman who has any contact with the medical establishment should have for her own information and protection. -- From The WomanSource Catalog & Review: Tools for Connecting the Community for Women; review by FGP
