Two New Books To Consider
The Dry Eye Remedy and What You Don't Know Can Kill You
If your eyes are often red, itchy, painful, burning, and even watery, you are probably suffering from dry eyes. Dr. Robert Latkany, M.D. examines this under diagnosed problem in his new book, The Dry Eye Remedy, The Complete Guide to Restoring the Health and Beauty of Your Eyes.
Dr. Latkany is a board certified opthalmologist. He is also the founder and director of the Dry Eye Clinic at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary. and the Dry Eye Center of New York.
Dry eyes are not just an annoying symptom. Dry eyes can be a symptom of more serious underlying diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disorders and other more complex problems. Left untreated, dry eyes can lead to serious problems such as infection, and even loss of sight.
Allergies, contact lenses, fans, air conditioning and heating systems can all lead to, or aggravate, dry eyes. In his book, Dr. Latkany explains the multitude of symptoms that can be associated with dry eyes and offers many home remedies, life style changes and medical interventions that can be helpful and may be necessary to treat this disorder. There is no cure.
The book is easy to read, and offers many practical solutions for treating dry eyes. There is no cure, but this book can help many sufferers to find relief, and avoid drastic measures such as surgery.
The Dry Eye Remedy is published by Hatherleigh Press and is available from Amazon.com.
Read more about Dry Eye Syndrome.
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Dr. Laura Nathanson MD has practiced as a board certified pediatrician and peri-neonatologist for over thirty years. Consistently she has been listed in The Best Doctors in America.
In 2003, she encountered the medical system from the other side as she became a widow when her husband's condition was repeatedly misdiagnosed until it became terminal.
"Our medical care today is famously effective, producing apparent miracles; at the same time, it is notoriously error prone. I have lived both sides of this paradox," she write in the introduction of her new book, What You Don't Know Can Kill You.
Dr. Nathanson gives the reader a first-hand view of the process as she and her husband sought diagnosis and treatment of a very rare tumor of the thymus, a gland just above the heart. They broke the rules of HMOs and found themselves without insurance coverage for his very expensive chemotherapy. They fought a long, hard, courageous battle, but diagnosis came too late for the treatment to be effective.
Dr. Nathanson points out how although the tumor was noted on the very first X-ray, the diagnosis was a long time in coming. Reports sit in inboxes while doctors go on vacation and attend conferences. Doctors don't effectively communicate with each other, and they don't always cooperate either. They play hot potato and pass the responsibility on to the next guy and move on.
Empowering patients and their loved ones to be their own best advocates, and avoid this pain and suffering, is her purpose in sharing this ordeal. Dr. Nathanson hopes to provide readers with the knowledge to negotiate the healthcare system and avoid the pitfalls.
In an easy to read, compelling story, Dr. Nathanson shows readers how to
- chose a health plan and not end up in the "uncovered services trap"
- stay safe in the hospital
- flag the signs of misdiagnosis and avoid the misleading analysis of symptoms
- promote effective communication between medical specialists
- advocate for their own best healthcare
This is a must-read for healthcare providers and patient advocates. In our present healthcare system where patients are expected to take responsibility for their own health status, this book provides tremendous insight into how to become your own best advocate.
What You Don't Know Can Kill You publishing May 8,2007, by Collins, an imprint of Harper-Collins Publishers, is available from Amazon.com
