The Great and Powerful Dr. Oz
Oprah loves him. He’s a genius surgeon at one of New York’s best hospitals. Can dashing heart doc Mehmet Oz save your life, too?
On a steamy Sunday in early August, at an hour known as church-time across certain swaths of the U.S., the famed heart surgeon and health guru, Dr. Mehmet Oz, strutted about a stage at the Javits Convention Center, preaching his own kind of gospel.
He was speaking to an audience made up mostly of women—middle-aged types with wide waists, heaving hearts, and the look of worship on their faces. Many of them had seen him on The Oprah Winfrey Show, the dashing doctor in the sky-blue scrubs, and like latter-day pilgrims they had driven from New Jersey, Rochester, even Chicago just to attend his workshop, “It’s All About You: Be the World Expert on Your Body.”
They weren’t disappointed. As he launched into a parable about the ravages of heart disease—a horror scenario that he narrated with the help of two JumboTrons and an animation of a giant, atherosclerotic artery—it was clear that he had achieved an extraordinary feat, even by medical standards: he had managed to wrap Deepak Chopra, Dr. McDreamy and C. Everett Koop into a single, well-tailored suit.
“BOOM!” he shouted into his microphone as the JumboTrons turned red, and an angry mass of platelets and fibrinogen—a Clot—fully and fatally blocked off the artery.
“You just saw the leading cause of death in the Western world. That’s what a heart attack looks like!” said Dr. Oz, whose official title is director of the Cardiovascular Institute at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia. “And you know what? It doesn’t take years to happen. The actual closure of the artery takes place in minutes to hours.”
The audience sat in silent, panicked attention. A few women scribbled notes, but mostly they just stared, wide-eyed and intent, as Dr. Oz continued his lesson, warning and expounding until finally he was ready for the moment of redemption—the moment when he declared that for all the damage that people might have done to their bodies, they can still be saved.
“Yes!” he declared, his voice boyish and excited. “We dig the foundation for bad health over decades, but we actually influence our health much more short term. The things we’re going to talk to you about today, the action steps, if you act on them, within three months, three months, we can measure a difference in your life expectancy.
“It’s a profoundly important power that you have,” he said.
Hallelujah! Next Page >
I really enjoyed Dr. Oz at the Oprah's show.I am a medical student in Cameroon and i dream to become as good a Dr. as Dr. Oz.Please Dr.,could we be communicating from time to time?I need advice from doctors like you.Please reply i am to eager for you stimulated to move from ground state to higher energy levels in thinking physiologically through your demonstrations.
I really enjoyed Dr. Oz at the Oprah's show.I am a medical student in Cameroon and i dream to become as good a Dr. as Dr. Oz.Please Dr.,could we be communicating from time to time?I need advice from doctors like you.Please reply i am to eager for you stimulated to move from ground state to higher energy levels in thinking physiologically through your demonstrations.
First, I think the author of this article has a little crush on Dr. Oz - too many hints throughout. Regardless, I think he is the sexiest Turk I've seen in years. Second, he is right and in avangard. Modernly trained doctors do not believe, do not care for "mind body" connection and its healing power on the body. We, in Europe knew about this for years. I am glad that one of the brightest, qualified, talented surgens shares that view on human body. He is great.
I have no doubt that he is absolutely amazing during surgery (and, for author's information - nobody, does not matter how sexy that doctor is, wants to have their chest "crack open") You can not buy health, does not matter how much money you have.
What amazed me was that after all his talented work and training, he is telling us, the public, YOU hold the key to your health. THANK YOU DR. OZ FOR THIS MESSAGE. Thank you for telling how it is and not lying to us about the "wonders" of modern medicine. There is no greater wonder in this world than A HUMAN BODY.
Once again, thank you Dr. Oz for passing this message to us all - IT IS JUST THE RIGHT TIME AND IT IS ABOUT TIME.
Lillia
First, I think the author of this article has a little crush on Dr. Oz - too many hints throughout. Regardless, I think he is the sexiest Turk I've seen in years. Second, he is right and in avangard. Modernly trained doctors do not believe, do not care for "mind body" connection and its healing power on the body. We, in Europe knew about this for years. I am glad that one of the brightest, qualified, talented surgens shares that view on human body. He is great.
I have no doubt that he is absolutely amazing during surgery (and, for author's information - nobody, does not matter how sexy that doctor is, wants to have their chest "crack open") You can not buy health, does not matter how much money you have.
What amazed me was that after all his talented work and training, he is telling us, the public, YOU hold the key to your health. THANK YOU DR. OZ FOR THIS MESSAGE. Thank you for telling how it is and not lying to us about the "wonders" of modern medicine. There is no greater wonder in this world than A HUMAN BODY.
Once again, thank you Dr. Oz for passing this message to us all - IT IS JUST THE RIGHT TIME AND IT IS ABOUT TIME.
Lillia
I really enjoyed Dr. Oz at the Oprah's show. I am system analyst/programmer I am from Ethiopia and I wish I could be a good friend of you just to learn a lot of things from you .you are very needed to this world. Dr. Oz. Please Let me know that how can I get you when I have my personal question? I need advice from doctors like you.
God bless and protect you
hilina
As the mother of one of Dr. Oz's patients, I can tell you just how great, powerful, and wonderful Dr. Oz is. After months of worrying over my daughter's medical symptoms, she was referred to Dr. Oz.
None of us knew at the time of his media fame, but we knew that he was truly remarkable after diagnosing my daughter's condition within five minutes of being in his office.
He referred her to another doctor that saw her within two hours. After carefully confirming the diagnosis, he lead the team that performed her surgery. Another of Dr. Oz's talents is knowing and respecting the talent around himself.
Our family is neither rich or famous. However, I can tell you that my daughter and our family felt special in his presence. Later when I saw him on Oprah, I realized he was just that nice to everyone.
Shame on the unnamed doctor that resented Dr. Oz's gift as "publicity mongering". It is good to know that amidst all that is in the media, someone that is truly as good and gifted as Dr. Oz gets an opportunity to share his knowledge.
While Dr. Oz is very gifted, powerful, and great
--that is an outsider's observation--not a conceit of his own. If anything, Dr. Oz realizes the power of the media and power of his own gifts.
What a intriguing thought of him in politics. He would baffle his competition as much as he has baffled his pompous "unnamed" collegue. Whether his calling is medicine, education, or politics--he will forever touch peoples' lives.
Thank you, Dr. Oz.
I HAVE REALLY BAD SINUS HEADACHES AND I CAUGHT A GLIMPSE OF A PRESENTATION ON THE OPRA SHOW ABOUT SOME KIND OF "POT" THAT YOU USE TO CLEAN YOUR SINUSES OUT. COULD YOU TELL ME WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT ACTUALLY WORKS? THANK YOU.
It's called a Neti Pot & CVS sells one called SinuCleanse. I think it was about $14.00. Hope this helps.
Like to talk and meet you about my health Live in Queens NY
About the only negative thing about Dr Oz is that he is a Republican and that he has a positive opinion of Bill Frist, who in my opinion is a shill for the drug and medical industry in this country. Other than his political leanings I think Dr Oz is great!
Dr. Oz
I have been suffering from anemia for over 3 years (unknown cause) now and I take iron supplements however I still have heart palpatations throughout the day. Is this something still related to my heart. I enjoy watching you on TV. You are one smart Doctor.
Joann Hartman Manassas, VA
I have bladder and rectal prolapse. Can this cause volvulus?
I saw you on Oprah this day of november5th,2007.Iwas very pleased to hear you mention fibromyalgia, I was diagnosed in early 2000.I had a bout of urinary tract infections and a kidney infection,just before all hell broke loose on my body.I became so fatigued and weak and the pain was well too much.I had to quit my job.My primary doctor was not any help and I felt and still feel very defeated.I do smoke( i know really bad) and I am overweight from lack of inactivity (due to the fatigue/weakness and the pain)I am hypoglycemic (yes dietbeties runs in my family also)and I am anemic as well and tired all the time.I have 6 other family members who have been also diagnosed with fibromyalgia!!! Can there be a genetic component to this???? And can you suggest any treatments/ supplements to help with the ease of these symptoms?Thank-you Tammy
Dr. Oz - I am a 71 year old retired lady and was diagnosed with FMS in June 2007. My son-in-law died in California in March and a couple of weeks after I arrived I started having terrific pain all over my body; spine, knees, shoulders, neck, back, groins, couldn't sleep, very fatigued and could bearly walk in the mornings. I watch Opra daily and am a believer in you, Dr. Oz. I was most interested when the gals mentioned Fibro and Brain Fog on Oprah's Show today. I am most interested (desperate) what medications they are taking and how they made the drastic turn around. I get a massage and acupuncture every two to three weeks; I currently take 8 tylenol 500MG each, Caltrate with D 1200MG, Amitriptyline HCL 10 MG. I also take blood pressure medication and a water pill in addition to 2 baby aspirins 81MG and a senior multi-vitamin daily.
I feel better as the day progresses but I feel it is just a cover up. The next morning I start all over again. I am not a wealthy woman so I really don't know what my alternative is and I am most pleased with my doctor. I have been told "there is no cure but it will not kill you". I don't find much peace in that. I lost my husband in May 2004 and was hoping to have a few more good years to spend with my family and friends.
Thank you for listening; would really appreciate any information that you could share.
Sincerely,
Doctor Oz.
Thank you for validating Fibromyalgia on National television! I have had this illness since I was 28 years young with three young children I had to raise after a divorce. It took 7 years to diagnose! I can tell you the doctors I saw almost had me believing I was crazy. I finally got my diagnosis and learned to live with limitations. I have held 3 rallies at our Sacramento state capitol on May 12th Fibro awareness day. I also attend a support group monthly. It helps to know you are not alone with your illness. I will try your methods as well as the other doctors books who specialize in Fibro. I do suffer greatly daily, I will say I am a survivor, not a victim. But it is not easy. Thank you again for the public validation. Now only if I can go on Oprah and speak about Fibromyalgia that would be wonderful. Thanks again, Sincerely, Brendalee
I am 65 yrs old with arthritis in my knees and feet. I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and restless leg syndrom. I am 5ft.6in tall and weigh 185 and trying to lose weight. I lost 20 lbs in the last year and my goal is to lose another 20 lbs this year. I have trouble with my legs (from my knees to my toes) hurting really bad, especially when I go to bed or relax. I also have trouble with my feet and legs swelling really bad. I went on vacation to Hawaii and then to the Bahamas and my feet and ankles stayed swollen really bad the whole time I was gone. They hurt really bad also. Is all this from arthritis or does fibromyalgia have something to do with it as well? Can you tell me what I need to do about this? Thank you very much.
I too am very interested in what your recommendations are for fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed 5 years ago and I am in pain 24/7. It would be wonderful to be almost pain free like the lady in Oprah's audience on Nov 5, 2007.
I am 39yrs old single mother of 2 diagnosed with ulcerative colitis 10yrs ago, I have been on different kinds of medication including prednisone. Have not had colonoscopy for the pass 6yrs because I can not afford it and dont even know where to get help.
watching you on Oprah's show, seeing so great and gifted that you are, I know I can trust you to follow this up with me by giving me hope for a better tomorrow.
Thanks.
Dr. Oz, My daughter has severe costochondritis and has chronic pain, is being treated with Kadean and Celebrex. She is disabled and has been for about 10 years. She has gained an enormous amount of weight. She was thin until she started taking all these meds and is not very active because of the pain. Is there anything you could suggest to take off the weight for people who have chronic pain? She is struggling with this so much. We think she has all the symptoms of a thyroid problem and she is being tested, but the tests seemed to always place everyone in the normal range. Could your clinic do anything for her relating to the costochondritis or the weight problem?
Thanks. Hazel Kutac
Dr. Oz I am 60 yrs old and watched opra when you talked about fibromyalgia I have inflamatory arthuritis depression u-colitis so it looks like classic symtoms of fibro. except my doc. doesn't subscribe to the idea of fibromyaliga. my pain level is very high and also sometimes feel like i would like to get out of my own body because of the uncontrolable pain i have been taking oxyconten but have stopped because i am almost unable to pee as i have had 3 prostate opp.in the last yr. and 6mon 2 green lite lazer and 1 conventional.anm now taking hydracodone ibprofin and tylanol during the day and just before bed every damm day it is very hard to deal with and maintain anormal attitude each day on Dec. 28th i am going back to a arthritis doc. i saw in 2005 because i can not deal with the pain any mor plus all the other problems that go along with the pain meds he wants to put me on remacade or embral which i am afraid to take becaust there is a possibility i could get lymfoma which is what my brother died from so can you help me before i have to start taking those meds. please help thanks gary
hello people,
I sure hope you all that have symptoms of Fibromyalgia go on the internet and research it. Many good sites with Dr. books published for purchase that will help you. Fibromyalgia Network.com, immune support.com, And many others. There is help out there. You have to be pro-active and don't stop searching for a doctor until you have full trust in them that they will work with you regarding your concerns and symptoms. But the basics still stand true, eat right, move everyday, (limit yourself to your bodies needs) and pray to a higher power. Mind and body work together. Try to find a positive in each day. I realize this is difficult. I live in pain everyday too. Many blessings to you all. Brendalee Carini
Dr. Oz, I'm a medical mystery. I've been told that I may have a mild case of MS but MRI's and Spinal Tap cancelled that. I have had stiffness and weakness in my left leg for 2 years now. i have no pain in the leg but I do have pain in my lower back because I walk funny because of the stiffness. I've seen many Doctors and have had blood test also because I thought my thyroid was acting up and that test too came back normal. I would love for you to look at my test results. i know you're a heart doctor but I look at you on Oprah and I know you know a lot about the body. Please, Please help me. I want to get back to a normal way of life..
Sincerly,
Kathy T. Cokes
Hello Dr. Oz's my mother was watching the Oprah Winfrey show last week and saw an episode which mention Mangosteen. She became so excited because this fruit has worked so many wonders for our whole famaily. My father suffers from high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol and my mother diabetes and multiple sclerosis. However since they've been drinking this juice produced by a company called Xango, my father’s doctor had taken him off of his high blood pressure pills and he’s no longer on a restricted diet of which he’s been on since I was kid and in addition his cholesterol and diabetes levels are better than normal. As for my mother who is wheelchair bound, h as regain feeling in her legs and gain motion in her left hand. As for myself I had knee surgery in 2001 from n acidnte invlolving an air conditioner which fell on my leg at work. to make a long story short i had knee surgery and everytime it would get cold or was about to rain my knee would hutrt so bad i could barely walk and at times i had to use a cane. i was told by my physical therapist the pain would never go away but since i started drinking the xango juice i've yet to have a day of pain no matter what's the weather conditions. Dr. Oz's I'm sure you are an extremely busy person and I'm not sure how familiar you are with Xango but I do ask if you could take a moment and visit this web site: www.mymangosteen.com/cbcare. There are so many other stories I could tell as I have seen the workings of this product on other family members and friends, I just wanted to share our expereience with this amazing fruit which has seemingly been so rewarding to a health conscious person as yourself and to see what your insights are based upon your expertise. Please at your convenience feel free to contact me and thank you for your time.
My mother told me about your show on Oprah about fibromyalgia. I have suffered with FMS for quite a long time. I was diagnosed about 8 years ago. Some doctors believe me when I say that I have FMS, some just look at me and shake their heads. I have become very depressed because of my FMS. I hurt all the time and feel like I can't take care of my family. I have no energy to do much and then things get behind. I work full time and put a smile on every morning and go to work. I push my self and refuse to let the FMS beat me. I read your suggestions for relief and am going to start them right away. Thank you for making FMS a REAL problem.
Hello, I agree with you, that Dr. Oz is wonderful. I have looked at him on Oprah and have learned so much about the body. Can you please help me to get in contact with him. I am a medical mystery. I've been to 3 Neurologists, a Neurosurgeon and many other Doctors and no one can tell me what my problem is. How do I reah him directly? Please help. Thanks, Kathy Cokes
Dear DR. OZ,
I have watched you for quite sometime on differnet tv shows and my husband and I are very grateful for your wealth of information. I have been ill for almost 20 yrs suffering form various things. I have had my thyroid removed diseased with thyroiditios,I have had two sinus surgeries and suffer from severe allergies to mold, dust, pollen, cats. I have also been dignosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, chronic migarains, and some arthritis. I also had a partial hysterectomy, I have one ovary left. I had that operation because of ten yrs of endometreios. Almost 5yrs ago I was told I had a pituatary tumor (not CANCEROUS) but that too has caused alot of problems . Not quite 4 yrs ago I began a long battle with severe ucc. I had two hospital stays one for 18 days, one for 7. I have been on every medication available to me pednisone, remacade, 6mp, aserthyaprine,humeria injections,nothing is working. I now face surgery to remove my entire colon. putting all of this on paper is so real I feel like a train wreck. The odd thing is I have tried hard to eat well, take vitiamins, I use to workout all my life and have struggled with that for the past 5yrs. I buy organic food as often as I can drink water constantly, but I am still so unhealthy. I was brought up near a power plant,and my area has a high rate of all cancers. Strong history of lympoma,throid disease,breast cancer,brain,stomach,lung. I also was raised under exstreme disfuntion,and sufffered abuse emotionally,and mentally sadly sometimes even now if I let certain family members too close. No Dr. has really been able to tell me why all these things I attacked my immune system and endocrine system. I also I a tumor removed from my right chewing muscle of my face maseter I think it is called. And a large lipoma from the base of my spine,as large as a pancake.
My husband thought It might be of some help to me and him to maybe get your take on what I have shared with you. I know that stress has been a huge factor in the way my body has maintiained any level of health at anythime, and I have also delt with my only birth childs abuse in her life by my first husband. She has gone through all area of unhealthy living drugs, drinking ,sex, lying, eating disorders, self esteem issues. Running away quitting school, and the list and the stress goes on and she is now 27.But I am a firm believer in all that you but out there to educate everyone. I know It may be that had my life played out differently I maybe heathier. But I continue to get up everyday and face it as a new chance to break old habits and turn the clock around on what I can change and except what I can not and to cherish what I have instead of what I do not have. I am really nervous about this surgery, it is planned for Dec 24th 2007. I would appreciate and help or your suggestions you could offer before, and after this happens. Keep up the good work the people of our country need to help themselves, we are a nation of self disaster,unhelthyness and future lifetimes of illness and early deaths.
Warm Regards
Pamela
Dear Shelley,
I am very interested to find out if someone did respond to your request about more information about how to treat this. I have had FMS since I was 18 and am now nearly 43. I am in pain every day and I am a nurse who is literally wearing out my body. Any information about this new treatment and physician that Dr. Oz talked about would be greatly appreciated!!!!!
Lee Anne
Dear Dr. Oz,
I am a 43 year old female who is a nurse as well as a nursing instructor. I have had FMS since I was 18 years old. I do not take anything except for Motrin because most medications that I have been prescribed leave me feeling like I have a hangover and I must be in tip-top shape physically and mentally for my own patients and my students. I am wearing down very quickly at this point. My fatigue is affecting me more and more and I am not sleeping at all most nights. Could you please provide me with more information about the physician you recommended? I would love to gain more insight and knowledge because this disease process is winning the war against my body right now.
Sincerely,
Lee Anne
hi doctor oz
i have been getting these pimples on my skin for a no of years.these pimples sometimes comes up with a bit like water pimples and some time like mosquito bites.these are very itchy and even though i try not to scratch them i uncontiously scrtch them at night.i have been to many doctors i south africa no one could help me.i am an indian male and have never used a pair of shorts for many years due to the scares left after these pimples occur.they also occur all over my body .please help me
thk u
Doctor Oz,
What can I do about my psoriasis?