Once upon a time Americans had family doctors: white-coated figures who knew all about each patient's history. Today we have PCPs, HMOs, and a good deal of anxiety. Now M.D.-turned-patient-advocate Marie Savard shows you why you must be at the center of your own health care -- and arms you with eight revolutionary yet commonsense steps that tell you:
-- Why you must collect copies of all your medical records -- and how it can be done
-- Why you must acquire a working knowledge of any conditions you have -- and which Web sites are most helpful
-- Which tests, exams, and immunizations...

When it comes to your health, body shape really does matter

No matter what your current weight or how well you take care of yourself, whether you're a teenager or postmenopausal, this book will change the way you relate to your body forever. That's the power of body shape -- and it's as easy as knowing the difference between apples and pears

If you tend to gain weight in your belly and back, you're an apple. If your thighs and derriere are where you bear extra baggage, you're a pear. But do you know that your fruit IQ is the single most powerful predictor of future health? Body...