What You Don't Know Can Kill You    by Laura Nathanson Order:  USA  Can HarperCollins, 2007 (2007) Softcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Lyn Seippel Dr. Laura Nathanson reaches out to patients and their families to give them the skills to deal with the many phases of an illness including the diagnosis, hospitalization and health-care. She also includes a workbook to help patients read and pull out important data in doctors' charts and medical records, allowing them to ask informed questions that will give them concise information. The book is divided into four easy-to-read parts, allowing the reader quick access to individual topics. Part One, The Dicey Diagnosis, gives a list of scary medical terms with an English translation. Part II, In the Hospital, explains the role of the sentinel, an advocate on the patient's behalf. Someone who is on hand to ask questions, normalize and make the immediate environment safe for the patient. He/she must also deal with physical discomforts, and offer much needed distractions when necessary. Readers will appreciate that Dr. Nathanson realized that the information she had gathered while dealing with her husband's cancer could be used by patients everywhere, leading to this book. What You Don't Know Can Kill You is a useful contribution to patient care. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews