Amazon.com Review
Longevity is determined by more than a good diet, low cholesterol levels, exercise, good genes, and avoidance of smoking, says Zorba Paster, M.D., an instructor at the University of Wisconsin Medical School and family medicine practitioner. (His call-in radio program,
Zorba Paster on Your Health, is heard on National Public Radio.) "Just as critical are how much you like your job, whether you have a good or rotten relationship with your parents and children, what sort of friendships you have, whether you're depressed or happy, angry or delighted, abusive or kindhearted." In
The Longevity Code, Paster explains the five "spheres of wellness": physical, mental, kinship (family and social), spiritual, and material (meaningful work, sufficient money, safe and pleasing surroundings). If you have balance and good health in all five spheres, says Paster, you'll live longer.
Not every "longevity booster" is right for everybody, so Paster uses self-tests, fill-in charts, activity suggestions, and plenty of anecdotes to help you develop your own individualized plan. Then he offers 76 "boosters": steps that you can take to increase your longevity. Some are simple to put into action immediately, such as "own a pet," "drink plenty of water," and "take care of your teeth and gums." Others, however, take a great deal more effort and commitment, such as "reduce air pollution, radon, and indoor toxins," "don't live in a violent environment," and "cultivate a resilient, optimistic, can-do attitude." Paster offers tips to get you started on each one that you choose. --Joan Price
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Publishers Weekly
A specialist in family medicine, editor of the national newsletter TopHealth and host of the weekly NPR radio show On Your Health, Paster outlines a plan for increasing longevity in a book that, despite a few defects, offers readers reasonable advice. According to the author, following seven simple steps--such as drinking more fluids every day, flossing, adding physical activity and continuing to learn--are the keys to prolonging life. Furthermore, positive steps can offset some of the negative qualities of a person's health. Paster has devised a series of questionnaires that allow people to identify the "busters" in their life along with the "boosters." For example, someone with a chronic illness should "Use Effective Medications Effectively" and "Consider Complementary and Alternative Medicine." Equally important--though perhaps harder for some readers to accept--is his recommendation that people explore their spiritual side and get involved in a spiritual community. Some of Paster's advice is simplistic. (The booster for people who use illegal drugs is to stop using the drugs, treat their depression, manage anger, build a strong social network and explore their spiritual side.) And there's not much evidence that his plan actually extends anyone's life. But most of his recommendations seem sound and the book should find wide reception among his many fans. (Feb.)Forecast: With publicity targeting mostly the Midwest, including a six-city author tour, and boosted by Paster's public radio show, local booksellers would do well to keep their shelves stocked.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.