Book Review: You the Owners Manual

Buy this book on Amazon

A few weeks ago an unlikely book appeared on my kitchen table.  I say unlikely because I didn’t put it there.  Not that my fiance doesn’t read, he does.  Although the books on his night stand typically contain financial acronyms likes IPO, LBO and EBITDA. Yawn!

Not this book. The book that was pointing at me (literally) to pick it up seemed to have magical answers. Answers to any question I’ve ever had about my body.  I’ve often thought it would be a fun and interesting project compiling a book like this.    It seems like we know more about how to operate our electronic gadgets than our own bodies.   The book was titled “You the Owner’s Manual” by doctors Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz.

I don’t easily get excited by  “health” books.  I read many but rarely recommend one.  I find too often they’re riddled with misinformation, clever marketing ploys and unhealthy gimmicks.  And judging from the number of $1 health books I’ve collected from the used book store, I assume you feel the same way.

With my wary eyes I read the first chapter.  Witty.  Not too technical.  Not too watered down. Research-based information. Great illustrations.  Alright, I don’t hate this yet.

When my fiance came home from work that evening,  I had already read the first four chapters.  Did you know that pineapple can reduce inflammation in the body?  That the brain uses 25% of the oxygen and sugar your body circulates? That your body runs best when it wakes up at the same time every day?  Alright, so I might really like this.

“Where did you get this book?” I asked my fiance curiously.

“Oh, the guy who wrote it is some famous doctor.  He’s speaking at a meeting I’m attending next week.  We got it as a gift at work.”

“Which doctor!?!” I asked excitedly knowing he was soon to be in the presence of a celebrity.

“Ummm…I think the Oz dude.”  Wow, did my fiance just say “The Oz dude” ?  How can he not know Dr. Oz?  Clearly he never watches the episodes of Oprah I record on our DVR.

For those of you who don’t know, Dr. Mehmet Oz has been Oprah’s health expert on her television and radio shows for the last 5 years.  His lively personality, education at prestigious institutes, and impressive ability to pull endless medical facts out of thin air make him a reliable source in my book.

I don’t often do this, but I’ll make an exception when credit is due:  “You the Owner’s Manual“ by Doctors Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz is a keeper.  It’s a great first read and I’m sure I’ll keep it around the house to refer to now and again. You can get an updated and expanded version of the book  at Amazon.com for only $18.

Last week my fiance came home from what I call his “Dr. Oz meeting”.  He had another book: “You Staying Young” by Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz.  Can you guess what my next book review might be?

Bridal Fitness: Finding the Perfect Personal Trainer

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut. You don’t make it to the gym all week. You feel bad about not going. You devour a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. You feel worse. Sound familiar?

The solution? Maybe it’s time for a Personal Trainer to give you a swift kick in your lycra workout pants. Just don’t fall for any beautiful body with the word TRAINER plastered across their shirt. There is no time for second rate workouts when your wedding WOW moment is on the line. Here are 6 interview questions you need to ask before hiring the perfect Personal Trainer.

1. What is your training style?
If you’re a sensitive soul, you don’t want a Trainer who yells in your face. If your fitness knowledge is vast, you want a Trainer who doesn’t talk down to you.

2. How do you train brides differently from your other clients?
In their answer, listen for key words that speak to you: Stress Relief, Posture Practice, Time limitations, specific training based on your dress style, etc.

3. How do you deal with clients that slack off?
Don’t give them hints on how YOUR occasional bouts of lethargy need to be dealt with just yet. Let them reveal their secrets first.

4. What is your cancellation/refund policy?
Be aware of the fine print.

5. What kind of education and certifications do you hold?
Some gyms certify their own “Trainers” in a matter of weeks which means any ol’ employee can pose as a professional. What you need is a Trainer that has an accredited certification by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies like ASCM, ACE or NASM.

6. Why are you the best Personal Trainer for me?
This is their opportunity to make you a believer…and remove that pint of Ben & Jerry’s from your hands

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