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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Arguing that "quackery is at an all-time high," psychiatrist Barrett ( Health Schemes, Scams and Frauds ) and Jarvis, an adviser to the American Council on Science and Health, in a comprehensive if not altogether well-balanced survey, come down hard on misleading advertising and news media, sales and network marketing of weight-control and beauty systems. The authors also deplore patients who renounce established practices for alternative remedies, self-doctoring with herbs, vitamins, etc., along with psychic and cult healing. One questions their failure to distinguish among forms of non-traditional treatment, in effect putting chiropractic into the same category as, say, faith healing, although the efficacy of chiropractic and acupuncture is no longer a very controversial issue. The authors conclude with a review of our health laws and agencies (Federal Trade Commission, Food and Drug Administration) and other sources of information and avenues to redress abuse. Author tour.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Description
The "Health Robbers", featuring over twenty highly respected authorities, explains the dangers of quack medicine, "alternative" cancer remedies, health fads, and "miracle diets." It argues for stronger laws and more vigorous policing of the marketplace. The essays answer such questions as: Are "organic" foods worth their extra cost? Can acupuncture cure anything? Can diet cure arthritis? Will spinal adjustments help my health? Will amino acids "pump up" my muscles? The answers to some of these questions should seem obvious, but the details in this volume, written in an informative, highly readable and easy-to-understand style, will astound you. Quackery is often harmful because it turns ill people away from legitimate and trusted therapeutic procedures. However, its heaviest toll is the financial loss, not only of those who pay directly, but to everyone who pays for bogus treatments through taxes, insurance premiums, and other ways that are less obvious.