Weil's (Univ. of Arizona; Spontaneous Happiness, Healthy Aging) revolutionary book casts a critical eye on modern medicine, examining the very serious risks that medicine can carry. He looks at why they are used (and their histories), questions the role that modern medicine has in our society, raises concerns about the overprescribing of drugs (looking at both the immediate side effects and the long-term impacts of overprescribing), and shares anecdotes that illustrate the potential dangers. In each section, he reveals possible natural alternatives (including food as medicine, breathwork, essential oils, Chinese medicine, massage, and herbs). Each chapter ends with a "Bottom Line," a great summary, recommendations, tips, and alternatives. VERDICT This very user-friendly text is suitable for those with no medical background but will also be of interest to medical professionals. Those who seek to understand the ramifications of overmedicating, are interested in the impact of modern medicine, or want to learn alternative therapies and how to take an active role in their health care will appreciate this book. [See Prepub Alert, 10/31/16.]-Cheryl Yanek, Brooklyn © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Our health care system has a pill for every ill, writes Weil (Spontaneous Happiness, 2011), who may be the nation's foremost advocate for integrative medicine. He then meticulously explains why the multitude of medicines prescribed in America is problematic. He's concerned about the safety, efficacy, cost, long-term side effects, and, with some classes of medicines, possible drug dependency. Make no mistake, Weil is not against prescription medications. He acknowledges how their appropriate use improves and saves lives. Integrative medicine incorporates alternative and complementary treatments with conventional medical therapies. Some remedies he promotes as alternatives or adjuncts to drug therapy include botanical and herbal products; relaxed breathing techniques; vitamins and minerals; mind-body therapies (meditation, hypnosis, biofeedback); and acupuncture. Weil enthusiastically encourages lifestyle modifications exercise, dietary changes, stress reduction, and weight loss to maintain good health and battle chronic diseases such as diabetes and high-blood pressure. Antibiotics, opioids, statins, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, psychiatric and ADHD drugs, and treatments for GERD, hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis are covered. In all, a sensible approach to reducing what Weil correctly identifies as our excessive reliance on medication. --Miksanek, Tony Copyright 2017 Booklist