LitPick Review
Many people experience side effects from drugs and medical treatment, particularly from taking prescription drugs. Many end up in hospitals or overdose from properly prescribed drugs.
Stukanov conducted a study on the effects of prescription drugs. He sampled case studies of people of different ages, blood types, and medical conditions. He studied the effects the medicine had on them, offering solutions on how altered dosages improved patient's health and minimized potentially dangerous side effects.
Opinion:
This is a very comprehensive and thoughtful book. Stukanov uses a variety of different means such as case studies, tables, and charts to prove his research. Not a single word is wasted as he is clear and succinct in identifying the problem, giving his examples and research, and offering a potential solution.
Stukanov’s case studies are well-identified. His description includes:
“Tom was prescribed amlodipine for the treatment of angina with a daily dose of 10 mg. Tom is 65 years old, with blood type AB and weighs 64 kg. Unfortunately, Tom had some side effects from this drug in different forms (ankle swelling, headaches, and fatigue). After his consultation with his doctor, Tom decided to run several experiments with different dosages to reduce the side effects.” Stukanov then revealed the recommendations that Tom’s doctor recommended including adjusting a dosage based on the weight ratio of 64/85 to 7.5 mg. Tom created a table based on the results of his experiments and alterations of his medicinal intake. He made his conclusion to use a daily dosage of 7.5 mg.
Of particular interest are how the subjects researched how their medicinal intake affected their circadian rhythm, physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle. Xena, for example, wanted to learn the best time of her circadian rhythm to take medicine to treat high blood pressure medication. After her consultation, she created a table of when she took her medication with her average daily blood pressure and standard deviations from the average. Her average daily blood pressure was its lowest at 11:00 AM when it was 122/81 with a standard deviation of 7/6. She decided to take her medicine then.
This book reminds us that medicines don't work the same for everyone. Sometimes patients and health professionals need to determine each person's individuality and understand that medicine works differently for different people.
Igor Stukanov's book Improve Your Health with Simple Data Analysis is a helpful guide for readers who want to learn how medicines work with their bodies and how they can apply them for their individual needs.
