Did you know that in 2017 anemia was the main source of disease in females and that the impairment caused by anemia is more than that resulting from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and asthma combined? These are only a few important facts concerning blood health covered in Blood Works: An Owner’s Guide, subtitled What Every Person Needs to Know Before They are a Patient. Dr. Shannon Farmer, Dr. Irwin Gross, and Dr. Aryeh Shander provided this book to help the reader learn more about blood health and the steps they can take to prevent medical complications if they are ever diagnosed with blood-related disorders. The chapters include detailed instructions and explanations on a variety of topics, including the patient blood management toolbox, what you need to know when you require surgery, and the direct and indirect hazards of blood transfusions.

A collective of 48 experts and leaders in blood health led by Dr. Shannon Farmer, Dr. Irwin Gross, and Dr. Aryeh Shander have done an excellent job of informing the reader by providing an in-depth exploration of medical practices dating back to the first century and including information from other countries. Clear illustrations, highlighted points, colorful charts, and reader-friendly formatting choices make the book more enjoyable. According to the authors, the necessary improvements in blood-related healthcare services are taking a long time to introduce, resulting in unnecessary health complications with the potential loss of life. However, the many doctor and patient stories and logical analysis will expand the reader’s knowledge about what is best for them and will eventually speed up improvements in blood-related healthcare practices. Everyone should take note of the important information in Blood Works: An Owner’s Guide because it has enormous life-saving potential.