The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick

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. (Nov.)