Book Review:Why Our Health Matters by Dr. Andrew Weil

Why Our Health Matters is a timely text written by renowned healthcare expert Dr. Andrew Weil, who examines the national debate on universal health coverage. The doctor takes a political, as well as humane, stance on the need for a re-vamped medical system that cares for the sick and injured without the high costs associated with hospital stays, high tech medical procedures or overpriced prescription drugs. Weil also explores in great depth how the United States can reduce medical costs and focus on preventative care with nutritional, Chinese, and herbal medicine available in abundance in many countries currently. The World Health Report from 2000 ranks the United States 37th out of 50 other countries for “most effective health systems,” yet Americans pay one of the highest dollar amounts for that care. Supported with a wealth of statistics from research studies, and other worldwide findings, Weil puts together a cohesive argument on why it is vital the United States adopt a different attitude and model for our current healthcare system. However, the United States needs to enact a policy to pay for it. - Kathy (Sunset)