The Source of All Things-book review

But new evidence has revealed that anyone infected with COVID is at higher risk for heart issues—including clots, inflammation, and arrhythmias (irregular beats)—a risk that persists even in relatively healthy people long after the illness has passed.

A Heart Surgeon’s Quest to Understand Our Most Mysterious Organ

Diseases of the heart and lung are the leading causes of death all over the world. This post reviews 3 books I have read and reviewed that explain the intricacies of these two related and vital systems. One review is new, the other two have been previously published.

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diagram of the human heart
Heart diseases affect any and sometimes multiple parts of the heart- the atria, ventricles, the valves, the aorta, the pulmonary artery and veins, the walls and the coronary arteries (not shown in this diagram. )

The Source of All Things

A Heart Surgeon’s Quest to Understand Our Most Mysterious Organ

By Dr. Reinhard Friedl, With Shirley Michaela Seul; Translated by Gert Reifarth

Originally published as Der Takt des Lebens. Warum das Herz unser wichtigstes Sinnesorgan ist

In his memoir, Dr. Reinhard Friedl introduces us to the heart, describing its unique role in the human body, one he considers the most important of any organ. He believes the heart is the “source of all life”.

Dr. Friedl describes the heart’s structure and basic function, in detailed but non-technical terms. He does not view the heart as a mere pump as it is often described, but as a turbine, an engine.

Then he whisks us into the operating room as he performs a middle of the night emergency surgery to save a man’s life by repairing his damaged aorta. Later, he travels to a home to resuscitate a 34-week premature baby who wasn’t breathing. He describes the challenge of performing a delicate heart surgery on a 24-week premature infant. In each case, he acted automatically, calling upon years of training, using his mind and hands with precise attention to details, focusing only on the patient’s open chest on the table.

But operating with his brain was not enough for Dr. Friedl. He realized as a heart surgeon he needed to know and use his own heart. He wanted to find out

“Can we sense thing consciously with the heart? May we act from the heart? Is there a connection between the voice of the heart and illnesses, between a fulfilling life and one full of suffering?”

He explored the answer through meditation and deep breathing. He dove into the connection between the heart and the brain, studying philosophy, neurology, genetics, and even quantum physics. He finally concludes

“The greatest challenge for modern medicine is to bring back together the fragments of the human being and integrate them in holistic medicine.”

Dr. Friedl’s story wanders at times, as did his journey to self-discovery. One chapter title, Farewell to the Artificial Heart, characterizes the journey he started and continues; reading his memoir may prompt you to start your own journey.

This book is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary galley copy in exchange for a review.

BREATH TAKING – a book review

We take 7.5 million breaths a year and some 600 million in our lifetime. Breath Taking is an exhaustive review of why and how our lungs work, and what happens to our lives when they are attacked and injured by disease.

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an illustration of the coronavirus with its characteristic surface spikes
This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. A novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MSMI; Dan Higgins, MAMS

A researcher at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health examined the long term effects of COVID on the heart.

“Until now, people who suffered mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 were thought to have dodged the brunt of the virus’s brutal side effects.

But new evidence has revealed that anyone infected with COVID is at higher risk for heart issues—including clots, inflammation, and arrhythmias (irregular beats)—a risk that persists even in relatively healthy people long after the illness has passed.”

Read the article at this link-

COVID and the Heart: It Spares No One

exploring the HEART of health

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Doctor Aletha

Science-Friend, not Foe

This post highlights the importance of science and technology, emphasizing that progress and prosperity are directly tied to advancements in these fields. We are indebted to scientists for modern conveniences and medical advances. One is the significant medical impact of Henrietta Lacks’ cells, unknowingly donated and immortal, which have led to several major scientific discoveries.

“Whoever desires progress and prosperity, whoever would advance humanity to a higher plane of civilization, must further the work of the scientist in every way he possibly can.“

You might think this is a recent statement, but it is not. It was written over a hundred years ago. Here is an expanded version taken from the original source.

Take from the air every aeroplane; from the roads every automobile; from the country every train; from the cities every electric light; from ships every wireless apparatus; from oceans all cables; from the land all wires; from shops all motors; from office buildings every elevator, telephone and typewriter; let epidemics spread at will; let major surgery be impossible—

all this and vastly more, the bondage of ignorance, where knowledge now makes us free, would be the terrible catastrophe if the tide of time should but ebb to the childhood days of men still living!…

Therefore, whoever desires progress and prosperity, whoever would advance humanity to a higher plane of civilization, must further the work of the scientist in every way he possibly can.

The Work of the Scientist. JAMA. 2022;327(9):882. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.0191

Originally Published March 4, 1922 | JAMA. 1922;78(9):649. (JAMA Revisited is transcribed verbatim from articles published previously, unless otherwise noted.)

Written in 1922, this author could not mention space flight, GPS, computers, CT and MRI scanners, modern drugs and surgical techniques, organ transplantation, DNA, and a myriad other modern conveniences we take for granted.

I don’t ride trains, I’m not sure what a “wireless apparatus” is, and I haven’t used a typewriter in years. I don’t understand the current aversion, suspicion, and contempt for those who study and work in the STEM fields-science, technology, engineering, and math.

But every time we use our mobile phones, computers, access the internet, or stream videos or music, we can thank the scientists who made it possible.

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Science books and reviews

I have reviewed or recommended several science books on this blog and this post gathers them together in one place. Bookmark this list post for easy reference later.

THE MUTANT PROJECT-a book review

At the same time, some of the more entrepreneurial see the potential for using genetic modification to selectively breed desirable and profitable human traits-high IQ, increased muscle mass, or designer skin color, and enhanced fertility, including choosing the gender of babies.

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Despite the name, this book is not about COVID-19.

Pandemic- a book review

If you like history, current events, medical science, or just want to be more knowledgeable about why we should be concerned about infections , antibiotic resistance and vaccine phobia, you should read this book.

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World of Wonders-a book review

This post reviews “World of Wonders” by Aimee Nezhukumatathil, a collection of mini memoirs celebrating the marvels of nature. Through personal stories and insights, the author connects human lives to those of other living creatures, inviting readers to appreciate Earth’s diversity. Supported by exquisite illustrations, the book offers a captivating exploration of the extraordinary world…

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5 steps to understand statistics about health risks

The article discusses the role of statistics in understanding health outcomes, particularly in breast cancer and COVID-19. It highlights the importance of epidemiology in guiding medical decisions and emphasizes the need for clear communication of data to prevent misinformation. Understanding statistics can lead to better health choices and disease prevention.

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Do you know how the universe started? Read what these men think.

I want to introduce you to my new guest blogger, Web developer, David Hynes.  David has a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and an MBA. Before retiring, he worked with my husband as a Senior Staff Information Analyst for a large oil company. He follows politics, technology and science and enjoys music and travel.  I enjoy David’s social media posts which are thoughtful and articulate. He recently commented about an engaging book he was reading and posted a summary of the main points from the first part of the book. He graciously gave permission…

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The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks 

I haven’t reviewed this book but I read it and wondered why I didn’t know this story before, a true account of a simple but strong woman whose death gave a priceless gift to science- immortal cells.

“Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, yet her cells—taken without her knowledge—became one of the most important tools in medicine: The first “immortal” human cells grown in culture, which are still alive today, though she has been dead for more than sixty years.

HeLa cells were vital for developing the polio vaccine; uncovered secrets of cancer, viruses, and the atom bomb’s effects; helped lead to important advances like in vitro fertilization, cloning, and gene mapping; and have been bought and sold by the billions. 

Yet Henrietta Lacks remains virtually unknown, buried in an unmarked grave.

As author Rebecca Skloot so brilliantly shows, the story of the Lacks family—past and present—is inextricably connected to the dark history of experimentation on African Americans, the birth of bioethics, and the legal battles over whether we control the stuff we are made of. 

Intimate in feeling, astonishing in scope, and impossible to put down, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks captures the beauty and drama of scientific discovery, as well as its human consequences.” from Amazon

exploring the HEART of health through books about science

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I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

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Doctor Aletha

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