Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld's 2005 Breakthrough Health: Up-to-the-Minute Medical News You Need to Know    by Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld Order:  USA  Can Rodale, 2005 (2005) Softcover Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson This volume is a supplement to Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld's Breakthrough Health (published in 2004). The author tells us that 'I believe that it's important for you, the patient, to be aware of any research advances that may have an impact on your health.' To assist us in so doing, he's filtered through reports with an expert eye, and organized the results into chapters whose coverage ranges from 'Allergies and Asthma' (those with asthma are adviced against taking melatonin to help them sleep) to 'Wrinkles' (if you don't mind regular injections, the FDA has approved a new antiwrinkle treatement). After the initial discussion, each chapter includes a 'Here's What's New' section, and 'The Bottom Line' advice. There's an update on early signs of Alzheimer's, and a new combination therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. We learn about an exciting new 'anti-angiogenesis' drug approved for the treatment of advanced colon cancer (there are several chapters on updates regarding different kinds of cancer), and are warned against the radiation risks of unnecessary CAT scans. Evidence is quoted on fish oil benefits against depression; flu vaccination is recommended for everyone; there's discussion of a rising incidence of diabetes; and we're told of a new drug on the horizon to prevent traveller's diarrhoea. There are new drugs against epilepsy, one under FDA review that improves angina, and even more benefits found recently from statin drugs. I was surprised to learn that Botox, injected by some against wrinkles, also has application to treat an overactive bladder. Apparently vitamin supplements slow down macular degeneration, coffee protects against gallstones, milk reduces gout attacks, and (I love this one!) there are benefits to babies from their mother eating chocolate during pregnancy. There's much more in Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld's 2005 Breakthrough Health - many exciting new research results, but also 'medical facts' that he tells us have morphed over time into 'medical myths', good reason to be cautious about taking any drugs or supplements. With that caveat, it's empowering to be made aware of recent research, and Dr. Rosenfeld's annual update is most welcome. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews