OVERDOSED IN AMERICA
by Dr. John Abramson


a synopsis of the book-
however this is someones outline of what they may have gleaned
better to read it for yourself


We all know that health care and prescription drug costs are skyrocketing, but few doubt the excellence of American medicine. John Abramson, M.D., an award-winning family doctor on the clinical faculty at Harvard Medical School, reveals, in the same clear language that he used with his patients, how the corporate takeover of clinical research and medical practice is compromising Americans' health. You -- and your doctor -- will be stunned by his findings.

For twenty years, Dr. Abramson cared for patients of all ages in a small town north of Boston. But increasingly his role as family doctor was undermined as pressure mounted to use the latest drugs and high-tech solutions for nearly every problem. Drawing on his background in statistics and health policy research, he began to investigate the radical changes that were quietly taking place in American medicine.

At the heart of the crisis, he found, lies the changed purpose of medical knowledge -- from seeking to optimize health to searching for the greatest profits. The lack of transparency that has become normal in commercially sponsored medical research now taints the scientific evidence published in even our most prestigious medical journals. And unlike the recent scandals in other industries that robbed Americans of money and jobs, this one is undermining our health.

The hormone replacement debacle, it turns out, is not an isolated case. The same kind of commercial distortion now pervades the information that doctors rely upon to guide the prevention and treatment of common health problems, from heart disease to stroke, osteoporosis, diabetes, and osteoarthritis.

The good news, as Dr. Abramson explains, is that the real scientific evidence shows that many of the things that you can do to protect and preserve your own health are far more effective than what the drug companies' top-selling products can do for you -- which is why the drug companies work so hard to keep this information under wraps.

In what is sure to be one of the most important and eye-opening books you or your doctor will ever read, John Abramson offers conclusive evidence that American medicine has broken its promise to best improve our health and is squandering more than $500 billion each year in the process.

Isn't it time to learn the facts, discuss these issues with your doctor, and reclaim the good health and medical care that all Americans deserve?

Critical Praise



"Some of the nation's worst drug dealers aren't peddling on the street corners, they're occupying corporate suites. Overdosed America reveals the greed and corruption that drive health care costs skyward and now threatens the public health. Before you see a doctor, you should read this book." - Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation

"I have taught with Dr. Abramson for several years; he is a superb family doctor, researcher, and communicator. In Overdosed America he uses these skills to present a clear explanation of how American medicine has gone astray. The book is a must-read for patients and doctors� concerned about health and the quality of medical care."-- Herbert Benson, M.D., author of The Relaxation Response and The Breakout Principle

"Overdosed America fulfills all of the criteria for high quality in health services: the right diagnosis and the right prescription at the right time. It is required reading for everyone: Americans will learn about the perverse incentives in their health care system, and those abroad will learn of the perils of importing what the United States is now trying to sell them." -- Barbara Starfield, M.D., MPH, University Distinguished Professor, Johns Hopkins University & Medical Institutions

"Most Americans assume that the scientific information provided to patients and physicians is accurate, that clinical practice is guided by science, and that as a result more medical care means better medical care. Overdosed America provides a compelling and well-documented analysis of why each of these assumptions is wrong. It is a book every American should read." -- Elliott Fisher, M.D., MPH, Professor of Medicine, Dartmouth Medical School

"Reading Overdosed America is an important act of self-care. Not only is this book essential for all those who want to intelligently reclaim responsibility for their own health, but it should be required reading for all health care professionals who are truly committed to their clients' welfare." -- Cheryl Richardson, author of Take Time for Your Life, Life Makeovers and Stand Up for Your Life

"The real story about the drugs we take -- this book should be read by everyone before they pop another pill." -- Susan Love, M.D., MBA