Ultra-Longevity: The Seven Step Program for a Younger, Healthier You

Liponis, a corporate medical doctor, theorizes that it isn't aging that kills a person: it's their immune system. According to the book, “Immune system hyperactivity” can be stopped at any age by incorporating healthy lifestyle changes. An interesting quiz (“How Fast Are You Aging?”) points to major factors in an overactive immune system. Smoking, poor air quality, being overweight, overuse of antibiotics, low birth weight, loneliness and stress all have a negative impact on your score, while eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise, having a pet and a good sex life will put you in the plus column. Liponis renders the complicated immune system understandable by comparing it to our nation's Homeland Security—investigating intruders and warding off potential threats. His seven steps to a healthy system (breathe, eat, sleep, dance, love, soothe, enhance) are well reasoned and sensible. However, the eight-day meal plan may not be to everyone's liking, and Liponis occasionally lapses into a touchy-feely, new-age tone that may turn off some readers. (Sept.)