Snake Oil is Alive and Well with Dr. Morton Tavel

Dr. Morton Tavel, a physician specialist in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases and author of "Snake Oil is Alive and Well, The Clash between Myths and Reality--Reflections of a Physician" joins eHealth Radio and the Health News Channel.

This book blends psychological and medical views that include how myths are formed, information about diets, exercise, proper nutrition, vitamin supplements, how to avoid frauds and rip-offs, and many other subjects of general interest.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guests Dr. Morton Tavel discuss the following:

• Tell us a bit about yourself: Background, profession, current activities, and especially what prompted you to write your present book for the general public related primarily to health matters.
• What causes the average person to believe in myths about health, especially in products promoting false help and cures?
• How are companies or individuals able to promote useless remedies without risking legal or governmental action?
• Can you provide some examples demonstrating misleading information or just blatant scams?
• Are there any tip-offs to tell the consumer that they are about to be ripped off?

Duration: 14:14

Dr. Tavel's recent book is entitled "Snake Oil is Alive and Well (Brighton Press, 2012): The Clash between Myths and Reality--Reflections of a Physician". This work is directed toward the general public and blends psychological and medical views that include how myths are formed, information about diets, exercise, proper nutrition, vitamin supplements, how to avoid frauds and rip-offs, the powerful influence of the so-called "placebo effect". Explained in detail are such bizarre practices as faith healing, "alternative" treatments, and others.
His latest book, now appearing on the world-wide market, is coauthored with his cousin, David E. Tavel. It is entitled "Hell in the Heavens: The Saga of a WWII Bomber Pilot" (Brighton Press, 2013) and is based upon the memoirs of Colonel David Tavel, a decorated pilot during the years 1937-1945. 
Dr. Tavel is a lifelong native of Indianapolis, having received both college and medical degrees at Indiana University. After completing his undergraduate studies, he graduated summa cum laude and was elected to the honorary scholastic society of Phi Beta Kappa. Upon completion of his medical training, he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha for scholastic achievement in this field. His post-graduate specialized training included stints in Philadelphia and Salt Lake City. After serving in the U.S. Army Medical Corps for two years in Germany, he returned to Indianapolis to complete has training and to begin medical practice.
Dr. Tavel is a physician specialist in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases. In addition to managing patients for many years, he holds a teaching position (Clinical Professor) at Indiana University School of Medicine and regularly teaches medical students, house staff physicians, and other medical personnel. In addition, he has presented numerous speeches and lectures before national and international audiences that include peers as well as the general public. He is actively engaged in medical research and has authored over 100 research publications, editorials and book reviews that have appeared in peer-reviewed national medical journals. He is currently the director of the cardiac rehabilitation program at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana, and consulting cardiologist for St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.<
Dr. Tavel had previously authored a book on cardiology that persisted through four editions over a period of approximately twenty years. This book was placed on the recommended list by the major U.S. internal medical organization (American College of Physicians) for inclusion in the personal libraries of all those practicing internal medicine.
Dr. Tavel has also been a contributor to several other multi-authored textbooks. Having served on editorial boards of four major national medical journals, he has provided numerous critical reviews of manuscripts submitted to many journals for possible publication. He has also served as research director at a large metropolitan teaching hospital (Methodist Hospital), located in Indianapolis. His civic activities include, among others, having been past president of the local and state divisions of the American Heart Association, during which time he made numerous television and radio appearances on behalf of this organization. Many years ago, he was one of first to advocate restricting or eliminating smoking from public areas. Unfortunately, and much to his dismay, these efforts were unsuccessful until the present era.
At present, Dr. Tavel is collaborating with a commercial enterprise in the development of a radically new stethoscope design that utilizes wireless computer and cell phone technology to record and transmit heart sounds and provide a platform for instruction of students.
All these activities do not prevent Dr. Tavel from engaging in an active personal life that includes travel with an educational focus, hiking, cycling, racquet sports, golf and fishing. Since he is a strong advocate of regular aerobic exercise, he has followed his own prescription in his endeavors for many years, activities that he hopes have provided motivation to both his patients as well as his trainees. He continues to reside in the Indianapolis area with his caring and supportive wife, Betty.

Links: www.mortontavel.com