Body Signs: From Warning Signs to False Alarms...How to Be Your Own Diagnostic Detective

by Joan Liebmann-Smith

We all notice things about our bodies that don’t seem quite right. But when are these simply harmless physical quirks and when are they signs that a visit to the doctor is in order? This comprehensive and fascinating guide covers every body part from head to toe—and everything in between—to help you decode the often mysterious messages your body sends you.

From brittle hair to hair in all the wrong places, a tingling tush, mismatched eyes, streaked nails, inverted nipples, and excessive flatulence, to name just a few, the body supplies endless signs regarding its state of health and wellness. Most of the time these require nothing more than a trip to the drugstore or cosmetic counter, or no treatment at all. At other times further attention is needed. So here’s the lowdown on what’s happening “down there,” the scoop on poop, straight talk about your joints, and a host of essential, even entertaining information on everything you ever wanted to know about your body—but might have been hesitant to ask even your doctor.

Drawn from cutting-edge research and the latest scientific literature, and vetted by a panel of medical experts, this remarkable book also includes historical trivia and fascinating factoids about each body area in question, plus an invaluable resource section. Whether you have a health concern or simply enjoy playing medical detective, Body Signs will not only absorb and inform you but will help you gain a more intimate understanding of the wondrous workings of your body.


From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Health, Reference, Nonfiction, Psychology

322 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's a medical reference book and would be great for the person in your family that always thinks they are sick. It starts with your hair and works your way down the body talking about things you can check for. It lets you know what's normal and what's not. What could be the sign of Grave's disease or Addison's or what is just a normal freckle on your skin. Loved how it talked about when you know you may be getting a little dehydrated. I've been sick recently with the flu and didn't realize that I was a little dehydrated. It has different body signs you can look for in your eyes or even on your fingernails. Plus it has fun historical facts that I had no clue about. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in finding out how Dr. Gregory House on television's House can look at a patient's hair or how they walk and diagnose them with some disease. Here's how.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes you just don't want to know...read every ailment and sign, wondered which I probably had, and then promptly though "Nah...I'm fine." Stay tuned..

[Quân Tử · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I've expected, nearly all common symptoms are included in this book. I find it quite useful...

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

That sharp pain in my eye - did I tear a retina? Is this some sort of warning sign of macular degeneration, cataracts, or imminent blindness? OH MY G... oh. It's dry eye. It's common. I need saline drops. Okay. Breathe, breathe. Wait, is my mouth crooked? It looks crooked. Could I have had a mini-stroke and not known? That would explain so much. Page what? Can I raise my arms, smile, say a simple sentence (how simple?). Whew, yes I can.
After a certain age, one is drawn to these kind of books. This one is very well done. I am very fond of it - except for the information about things I didn't know a one could get - inside-out eyelids? Clubbed fingers? Do my fingers look thicker? Oh my... they do look thicker. What page was that on again?

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of getting old, I think - this borderline hypochondria that leads one to wonder if the suddent sharp headache means I am having a stroke or a brain tumor, or what does it mean if I pee and it is cloudy? foamy? dark? etc. etc.

And don't even get me started on the myriad messages in flatulence. But -- really interesting, and handy to have around, but WAY too many things are potential death sentences. Oh, wait, that is because everything IS.

The really good thing is that this stuff is actually from RESEARCH and not anecdotal evidence which is what I tend to rely on!

Good stuff

[Pio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Với nội dung là một phiên bản giản lược và mang tính thường thức về môn Bệnh học kết hợp với những ghi chú nhỏ thú vị liên quan đến văn học lẫn lịch sử, quyển sách là một người đồng hành hữu ích dành cho những ai quan tâm đến cơ thể mình. Nó cũng xác nhận những quan sát của tôi về cơ thể mình từ khi còn nhỏ, rằng tôi cũng có vài điểm đặc biệt mà người khác hiếm khi để ý tới. Tuy nhiên, hãy cẩn thận, vì nếu quyển sách rơi vào tay những bà mẹ trẻ rảnh rỗi hay lo thì bạn sẽ được tha hồ thăm khám mỗi ngày, chẳng hạn như "Hôm nay dương vật của anh có tươi tắn như tối qua hay không?".

[Rhys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God! I happened upon this book and thought I'd check it out. How pleasantly surprised I was!
This book has so much information in it- AND it's presented in a simplistic, even comical way so that anyone can understand it. It has a very nice flow to it- easy to follow sections and has pretty much every weird thing you can think of that can happen to the human body!

Definitely something worth checking out.

[Laren · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book outlines a series of odd things that may happen to your body, and tries to help you know what's normal, and when you might need medical attention. It has some interesting trivia sidebars, but otherwise this book was largely forgettable.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had hoped that this would be more revealing about more obscure body signs, such as the darkening of the skin around the neck on a person with diabetes. Most of the stories and "signs" were already things I had already learned, either through plain old common sense, books, or television.

[Tisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting, but nothing worth writing a book about when you have the internet.

[Indah Threez Lestari · Rating 3 out of 5]

345 - 2014

[Mia Bolding · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite of the year. It teaches me about my own body. I now can research and diagnose my symptom, of course not as a medical doctor, but at least I am not clueless.

[Michael Frohnholzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars