The Truth About Health

Cheating Death: The Doctors and Medical Miracles That Are Saving Lives against All Odds

By Sanjay Gupta

Death is not an event, but “a process that can be interrupted, even reversed,” according to surgeon and medical reporter Gupta, who promises a medical thriller and delivers. Gupta examines several case studies where patients have literally cheated death by surviving horrendous accidents and diseases against all reasonable odds: a young woman who suffered a skiing accident and was considered clinically dead for three hours before a doctor attempted to revive her; a 63-year-old scholar who collapsed of heart failure in a gym in New York; a Michigan teenager diagnosed with virulent brain cancer. Gupta also profiles the “ice doctor” who uses hypothermia to suspend life and death and discusses the pioneering techniques used by the defense department to suspend body functions and allow time to get wounded soldiers to medical facilities. Drawing on his own practice and interviews with patients, doctors, and researchers, Gupta offers fascinating cases that challenge assumptions about where the line is between life and death, tackling controversial subjects such as stem-cell research and vegetative comas, near-death experiences and fetal surgery. He also explores the maddening balance between continuing current protocols and daring to study new methods that don’t rely on new technology or drugs. A thoroughly fascinating look at medicine, ethics, religion, law, and the economics of life and death. — Vanessa Bush

This recommendation first appeared in Booklist August, 2009. For more recommendations and reviews, check out Booklist at your local library.

Also of Interest

The Secret of the Yellow Death: A True Story of Medical Sleuthing

By Suzanne Jurmain

After the Spanish-American War, U.S. officials feared that a yellow fever outbreak in Cuba could infect American troops and possibly lead to an epidemic back home. A team of four army doctors, headed by Walter Reed, was sent to find the cause of the disease. Many theories had been proposed, including Cuban physician Carlos Finlay’s idea that mosquito bites transmit yellow fever. In a clearly written narrative that highlights the research methods, the course of events, and the courage of those involved, Jurmain offers vivid glimpses of the American doctors and the many volunteers who risked their lives in order to determine how yellow fever was transmitted. The many illustrations, mainly period photos, will appear in color in the finished book. Annotated lists of volunteers, a glossary, chapter notes, and a bibliography are appended. An opening note explains that Jurmain focused on “the extremely well-documented American part of the story,” because not enough is known about “the great Cuban scientific contribution.” — Carolyn Phelan

This recommendation first appeared in Booklist in September, 2009. For more recommendations and reviews, check out Booklist at your local library.

The Scoop on What to Eat: What You Should Know About Diet and Nutrition

By Kathlyn Gay

Bolstered with well-integrated quotes and relevant statistics, books in the Issues in Focus Today series offer an excellent starting point for students seeking broad, thoroughly researched introductions to basic issues. The volumes follow an almost journalistic approach: illuminating case studies, enhanced with multiple viewpoints, personalize the facts and place them in broader context. The Scoop on What to Eat discusses the best food sources for specific nutrients and how they benefit the body; unhealthy eating, including full-blown eating disorders; facts and myths about dieting; and the updated food pyramid. The text is clear and current and draws from young peoples’ lives; a chapter about the importance of exercise includes a glowing endorsement for the sweat-producing capabilities of the video game Dance Dance Revolution, for example. Chapter notes, a glossary, and suggestions for further research close these exemplary resources. — Gillian Engberg

This recommendation first appeared in Booklist in April, 2009. For more recommendations and reviews, check out Booklist at your local library.