Talking Health

In this creative and innovative approach to teaching us about health communication, Professor Parrott uses her own stories as well as those of family members and friends to illustrate, explain, and defend the six most important questions one must ask when talking about health. These six questions, as well as a proposed agenda for health communication in the future, are used as a method for defining, organizing, and reinforcing important health communication definitions, concepts, issues, and terms. The author uses first person to engage, motivate, and entertain the reader--the tone is that of a good, knowledgeable friend confiding in another rather than a renowned health communication scholar educating the less-informed. Parrott combines real-world examples and personal narratives with solid reasoning, historical facts, and statistical evidence; a general strength of the text is in her masterful ability to explain complex scientific constructs and medical terminology using simple but accurate and effective language. Her expertise in providing these interpretations for the reader further builds confidence in one's own abilities to actively participate in conversations about health with family members, teachers, medical practitioners, politicians, peers, friends, and others. The text is a must-read for any student, teacher, or scholar of health communication and a helpful resource for any individual interested in learning more about ways we can and should talk about health.

This is the most insightful, intelligent, and informative book that I have ever read concerning health issues that we should all be aware of. Dr. Parrott is discussing complicated issues concerning communicating about health, yet, I was very impressed with how accessible, understandable, and clear she makes the information. Her expertise is obvious and will be greatly appreciated by the reader because it gives a level of trust to the reader that she knows what she is talking about. Dr. Parrott's use of personal examples are very illustrative and illuminating. Further, these personal examples and pictures humanize her in a way that makes it clear that communicating about health is a personal priority and mission--and convinces us that it should be for all of us. I think this is an outstanding book that should be of great interest to the general public. A lot of in people will read this book and will find themselves saying "I didn't know that" or "I have never thought about this issue in this way before" or any variety of statements that indicate that light-bulbs are going off in their heads. In a nutshell, this is a smart book that makes the reader smarter. She made confusing and complicated information easy to understand and brings clarity to the topic that I didn't think was possible. Overall, this is an outstanding book. I would buy this book for my parents, in-laws, siblings, friends, etc. Dr. Parrott has written an invaluable book that could truly impact how everyone talks about health issues. This book is written in a wonderful voice that makes technical issues personal. This book can really make a difference in people's lives. I value and applaud Dr. Parrott's use of her knowledge, experience, and insight to write a book that brings together so many important issues surrounding Health Communication. This book is timely and necessary.

I purchased this book because I appreciate Roxanne Parrott's thoughtful and informative approach to health communication. I found this book was particularly FUN TO READ. It is filled with anecdotes from her own extended family and from a multitude of experiences.