House Calls: How We Can All Heal the World One Visit at a Time

by Patch Adams

Book Overview

Dr. Patch Adams knows the inner side of healing. House Calls is a reminder that some of the most important factors in healing are not high-tech marvels but ordinary factors such as love, compassion,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1885003188
• Release Date: January 2010
• Publisher: Robert D. Reed Publishers
• Length: 159 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.5" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Holistic Humor for Health and Healing

In this wacky book, Patch Adams joins forces with Jerry Van Amerongen to give the reader a practical guide in introducing laughter into the healing process. The book is divided into three sections. The first section is filled with thoughts on being well. Dr. Adams provides instruction on being healthy and then provides some action steps to assimilate faith, humor, curiosity, relaxation, passion, exercise, nutrition, friendship, service, and other positive values into your daily life. These guidelines are cleverly illustrated by Jerry Van Amerongen with one panel cartoons that bring home the message of the suggestion and motivate the reader to take action. Amerongen is the creator of the Ballard Street syndicated cartoon strip. Section two follows the same format but offers suggestions on what the reader can do to make a visit in the hospital, to shut-ins, or someone in the community, beneficial and enjoyable for both parties. These steps are thoughtful, often neglected and easy to carry out. Again the impact of the action steps are enhanced and impacted through the humor of Jerry's cartoon illustrations. Suggestions are also offered on how to be a good hospital patient, from gaining understanding by asking questions regarding your treatment, careful listening to instructions, and reflection on your life and what you have done and want to accomplish in the future. Van Amerongen's humor helps the readers accept the situation and are then motivated to make the most of their circumstances. The third section deals with special concerns when visiting, children, teenagers, the elderly, mentally ill, disabled, and dying patients. These helpful suggestions make the impact of your visit pleasurable for the patient, the caregivers, and yourself. The cartoons help the reader visualize the words of the text. Adams has also provided a very comprehensive bibliography entitled "A Booklover's Search for Understanding and Ideas." Combining Patch Adams' philosophy of laughter in healing with Jerry Van Amerongen's humor was a stroke of brilliance. The combination has made this book an enjoyable read, and produced in this reader, many smiles, some chuckles, and hearty laughs. It also gave me a new sensitivity to the importance of "healing the world one visit at a time."

Dr. Adams is inspiring

People perceive barriers of all types. It is not uncommon to hear, "I don't have the time", "I don't have the money", and "I don't know how". Take the most basic context of Dr. Adams which is to help another person. Help can be listening, holding a hand, or laughing with someone. It doesn't mean one has to spend a great deal of time or money. Turn off the television and help your neighbor weed her flower bed. Take an hour away from having your artificial nails manicured and volunteer somewhere. I enjoy reading his inspired words and can only hope his visions become reality during my lifetime.

This guy is a modern hero.

I saw the movie and laughed and cried and was filed with hope and joy. This guy sould run for President as he has INTEGRITY and CHARACTER. I read this book and gave two more copies as gifts. I am an avid explorer of holistic medicine and teach Neurosync behavior modification classes, so I understand just how important a positive outlook and positive attitude is in staying healthy and motivating others. I highly recommend this book.

Van Amerongen brought it alive

After seeing the movie Patch Adams I had to read his book. It had some wonderful insights but the real delight was the illustration by Jerry Van Amerongen. I've followed Van Amerongen's "Ballard Street" cartoon in newspapers for some time but the larger format of the book really allowed his artistry to shine through. Whoever decided on the match of Patch Adams and Jerry Van Amerongen needs no doctor. Great idea. Even greater execution.

An Incredible Story of an Incredible Man

I had the pleasure of being an extra in the movie, "Patch Adams." Patch spoke to us for a good long time while we were waiting to go to the set. Very inspiring! I also saw a sneak preview of the movie, "Patch Adams" and I can't say enough good things about it. A sweet and funny movie that everyone should see. So, see the movie, buy the book, and help Patch build his free hospital. He is an inspiration in so many ways to so many people.