When I meet readers of this column, they often say that they wish I would collect more of the information in my articles and put it into books.  I am happy to announce that I have just published When Health Care Hurts:  Ten common assumptions that can derail your care and how to get back on track.

Q:  What are the ten assumptions?

A:  They are:  we have the best health care in the world; you’ll be fine once the doctor patches you up; side effects are no big deal; treatments work for everyone; if you don’t get better, it must be your fault; doctors focus on the important stuff; the diagnosis you get is correct; you don’t need to know what’s going on; medical records are for doctors; and Doctor knows best.

Q: Which columns are included?

A:  The book covers topics that were addressed in more than three dozen columns, mostly from 2011; much of the information has been updated and the book contains roughly twice as much content as the columns did.  For example, while a column in 2011 talked about the dangers to elderly patients of a few days of unnecessary hospital-induced delirium, When Health Care Hurtsmentions newer research that concludes that such patients often appear to have permanently aged ten years overnight, as far as brainpower is concerned.

Q:  What else does the book have that’s different from what the columns had?

A:  The book has about 30 full-page “How To” action guides that lay out specific steps to take to prevent common complications of health care; more than 6 dozen boxes that highlight key statistics, making it possible to grasp the major points in the book by reading just a few hundred words; several charts that illustrate notable points; a Readers’ Discussion Guide with nearly 100 questions that both summarize main points and form the basis for discussion; and 5 indexes that make it easy to find the stories, “How To” action guides, statistics, charts, and other content.  Each of the 10 assumptions has its own chapter; each of those chapters includes, on average, 3 stories—and some stories are expanded versions.

Q:  Is there overlap between this book and your last book, Not Your Grandmother’s Nursing Home?

A: No, none.

Q:  Are you doing any book signings?

A:  Yes, the first is at Las Fuentes Resort Village on Thursday, July 10 at 2:00 p.m.  I will read from the book and/or tell some of the stories before signing books.  Everyone is welcome.  Call Las Fuentes at (928) 445-9300 for more information.