Mesa, AZ (PRWEB), April 24, 2009:  What happens when a doctor doesn't follow official, time-tested guidelines put forth by organizations like the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society? Some experts believe this practice could put one's health in danger.

Author and pharmacist Christi Larson, Pharm. D., answers this question and more in the new book Empowered Medicine; A comprehensive summary of the most common chronic conditions and their official treatment guidelines. (200 pp., Smart Leaf Press, $14.95). The new consumer guide, designed to educate consumers on the guidelines, could be just the tool patients need to help open up the lines of communication and have a more meaningful dialogue with their doctors. Empowered Medicine takes the official guidelines for the top chronic conditions and translates them into layman's terms. It also highlights instances where by prescribing certain medications in certain circumstances, doctors can actually decrease patients' risk for complications and even death.

Dr. Larson admits that educating health care consumers is a passion of hers and attributes much of her interest in the subject to her grandmother. "My grandmother did not have any official medical training but her home medical library was always well-stocked. We affectionately refer to her as 'Doctor Mom'."

Ernest Y. Cheng, D.O., Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician based out of California says the book is a "Well-organized, comprehensive and concise review of the treatment guidelines…written in a very readable format."

After completing her doctorate in Pharmacy, Dr. Larson went on to practice in a variety of pharmacy environments. In an effort to help educate consumers on the importance of following the treatment guidelines, she has given many community lectures and has created the website http://www.empoweredmedicine.com.