Healthy Pleasures [Hardcover]

Robert E. Ornstein (Author), David Sobel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1989

Written by a physician and psychologist-brain researcher, this delightful book synthesizes the latest findings of immunobiology, genetics, and psychology to show that we have been genetically programmed to enjoy what is good for us--including sex, a big hug, a good laugh, a good cry, an occasional meal of steak and fries, and more.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"At nearly every turn, pleasure has gotten a bad name," write the authors, who tell us that in pursuit of longevity Americans have become overly abstemious. Psychologist Ornstein and Sobel, director of preventive medicine at the Kaiser-Permanente HMO, believe that eradicating all of life's pleasures--whether chocolate, alcohol or even an occasional puff of tobacco--represents a far more serious threat to our well-being than whatever damage may be wreaked by occasionally indulging. Deploring what they call "medical terrorism," they point out that some once-dire findings on health hazards have been reversed, disputed or exaggerated. The authors' secret for happiness: forget asceticism in the name of health. We should touch each other more often, learn to take life a little more lightly, partake in some form of gentle physical exercise, nap when necessary and learn to be less self-centered generally. If this advice seems a touch obvious, it may bear repeating nonetheless. 75,000 printing; Literary Guild/Doubleday Book Club alternate; first serial to American Health Magazine; major ad/promo.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Perseus Books; Large Print Book Club Edition 514 pages edition (May 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201126699
• ISBN-13: 978-0201126693
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,422,209 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)