Over the years as I’ve worked in emergency rooms, hospital wards, and in clinic settings, I’ve met thousands of patients with little knowledge of their personal health history. I have found that the few patients who keep any type of personal health record typically keep one that is incomplete or poorly organized. These findings concerned me. It is precisely this lack of knowledge that can expose a patient to disease, medical errors and medical mismanagement.

The only solution to this very common problem in America today is to empower people to be aware of and protect their most precious asset – their health. As a physician, I want to effectively treat my patients. Yet even more than that, I want everyone to have access to the tools they need to help them manage their health and track their medical history.

I’ve developed the Health Power 101 System so that everyone can maintain accurate personal health records and be more informed about their health.

Now let me share little more about my new book:

Your Health—Past, Present, and Future—at Your Fingertips

Most people know that chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, COPD, and yes, cancer, are dangerous killers. But medical errors, incomplete records, and poor preventative care also cause death. And here’s the clincher: Like many major illnesses, these, too, are preventable. There’s only one good way to ensure you or a loved one doesn’t suffer needlessly from a chronic illness—or become an unfortunate statistic:

Take your health into your own hands.

Health Power 101 is the only complete system you need for managing personal health information and treatment. Along with the companion Health Power 101 Journal and Health Power 101 Organizer, this life-saving program helps you:

• Gain control of the process of getting healthy and staying healthy
• Avoid the dangers of medical error, misdiagnosis, or improper treatment
• Exercise your rights as a patient
• Become a better caregiver for a loved one
• Organize your medical records and health history to help medical staff help you
• Monitor and schedule disease treatment and preventative care
• Improve the experience of hospital stays
• Enjoy the benefits of a longer, healthier life                         

Chapter 1                 Patient Empowerment-The Missing Link
Understanding the Health Care System ~ How and Why Patients Should Play a More Active Role in Their Care ~ The Need for Coordination among Health Care Providers

Chapter 2                 Know Thy Health
How to Effectively Use the Sections of the Health Power 101 Journal ~ Helpful Tools for Requesting Medical Records

Chapter 3                 Know Your Rights as a Patient
An Explanation of Patient Rights ~ Examining Your Values before You Make Health Care Decisions • How to Protect Your Rights with Advance Directives ~ Understanding Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders

Chapter 4                 Finding the Best Doctor for You
Choosing the Right Primary Care Physician ~ Tools for Choosing a Physician ~ Picking the Best Specialist ~ Preparation and Tools for a Doctor's Visit

Chapter 5                 Medication 411
Common Medication Issues ~ Common Types of Prescription Medication ~ Tools and Instruction for Taking Medication Properly ~ Insider Secrets for Saving Money on Prescriptions

Chapter 6                 Diet and Exercise
Key Points about Weight Control ~ Following the Food Guide Pyramid ~ Benefits of Physical Activity and Tips for Success

Chapter 7                 Disease Prevention
Goal Numbers for Good Health ~ Disease Screening Tests • Vaccinations for Adults ~ Flu Facts ~ How to Stop the Spread of Germs ~ Smoking and Disease Prevention

Chapter 8                 How to Survive a Hospital Stay
Preparing for Hospitalization ~ Your Rights as a Hospital Patient ~ A Tour of the Hospital ~ An Overview of Hospital Staff, Medical Personnel, and Physician Specialists ~ An Overview of Blood Tests and Imaging Studies and Scans ~ 7 Insider Secrets to Surviving a Hospital Stay

Chapter 9                 Common Health Problems Explained
Alzheimer's Dementia ~ Arthritis ~ Breast, Colon, Lung, and Prostate Cancers ~ Depression  ~ Diabetes  ~ Falls ~ Glaucoma ~ Heart Attack ~ HIV/AIDS ~ Osteoporosis ~ Sleep Apnea ~ Stroke ~ Coping with a New Illness

Appendix A               Sample Advance Directives
Living Will ~ Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care ~ Do-Not-Resuscitate Order

Appendix B               Tools to Help You Lose Weight
How to Read a Food Label ~ How to Get Ready to Lose Weight ~ Food and Activity Diary

Appendix C               Tools for Hospitalization and Surgery
Parts of the Hospital ~ Understanding Hospital Terminology ~ Helpful Forms for Recording Details of Hospitalization ~ Helpful Forms for Communicating Your Needs ~ Surgery Preparation Tips and Worksheet

Appendix D               Helpful Resources When Your Loved One Is Hospitalized
Key Questions for the Family to Ask ~ Family Action Plan ~ Understanding Intensive Care Terminology

Appendix E                Helpful Health Contacts
A comprehensive selection of health information contacts for organizations that provide health-related information, education and support. Most of the contacts are listed with toll-free numbers and Web addresses.

Glossary                    Medical Terms Defined

"This system eliminates the guesswork and empowers patients to control their health care. As a physician, I wish all my patients would use this invaluable guide."
Romulo F. Baltazar, MD, FACC , Assistant Professor of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Director of Noninvasive Cardiology at Sinai Hospital

" Anyone who's had to deal with the health care system knows how frightening and confusing things can get. Dr. Brown's Health Power 101 is a guide/ road map to help patients navigate effectively and safely."
Robert T. Chow, MD, FACP , Director of Division of General Internal Medicine
Sinai Hospital of Baltimore

" The great majority of chronic illness may be prevented. Cancer is now considered among those chronic illnesses. Up to 70 percent of cancer may be prevented through a lifetime of appropriate lifestyle choices. Cancer, when detected early, is highly curable. Even in more advanced. Stages of cancer, quality of life may be significantly prolonged with well selected care. Cancer prevention, detection and treatment requires informed decisions. Dr. Brown's Health Power 101 is an excellent guide and helpful companion as we venture along the road of life."
LaMar S. McGinnis, MD, FACS , Senior Medical Advisor and Liaison Research and Cancer
Control Science, The American Cancer Society

" Dr. Brown gets it. He understands that patients need more then just a prescription and a few kind words to take charge of their health. He coaches you through a vast array of health care issues, so that after reading his book you will have deeper insight into what's needed for your health situation. This book will empower patients and their families!"

Myechia Minter, MD, MBA , Chief Medical Officer, The Dimock Center

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