The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick

October 18, 2010
Former Esquire editor Stone has collaborated on a number of health and diet titles, and here he relates the results of his own quest to avoid colds and flu. The 25 practices Stone discovered, he contends, may also keep readers free from major illnesses and contribute to longer, healthier lives. Each chapter contains a personal story culled from those Stone collected from people of diverse ages and backgrounds (an 85-year-old marathon champion, actor George Burns, Stone's sixth-grade teacher, a Chinese man reputed to have lived more than 200 years, etc.) and the secrets that kept them well; sections with scientific data; and Stone's recommendations. Along with widely accepted medical wisdom (plant-based diet; adequate sleep; exercise; yoga; satisfying relationships; positive attitude), Stone includes eyebrow raisers; e.g., taking cold showers, eating dirt, and dousing in hydrogen peroxide. Between these extremes, Stone offers insights into debates on brewer's yeast, probiotics, alkalizing diets, and detoxification. In an afterword, he reveals which practices have worked for him and suggests one that might be most powerful of all: the placebo effect. Stone's bottom line: whichever healthy practices readers pursue, consistency and absolute belief in their efficacy are key ingredients in the wellness recipe.

September 1, 2010

Most everyone wants to a live a long, healthy life and avoid becoming sick. After battling a lingering cold, health journalist and ghostwriter Stone became interested in discerning the health secrets of those people who stay well. The author has interviewed people who rarely get sick and highlights the practices that they claim have provided them with good health. Stone's secret tips range from the norm, such as calorie reduction, running, and chicken soup, to more bizarre secrets like brewer's yeast, hydrogen peroxide, and eating dirt. VERDICT The writing style makes the book easy to read, and while many may find it interesting, most of the secret tips provided are only anecdotal, offering little or no scientific evidence to back up the health claims. Stone's book may appeal to readers interested in alternative health.--Dana Ladd, Community Health Education Ctr., Virginia Commonwealth Univ. Libs. & Virginia Commonwealth Univ. Health Syst., Richmond

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