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LIFESTYLE MEDICINE HANDBOOK by Ervin Y. Kedar

LIFESTYLE MEDICINE HANDBOOK

: Intervention for Treatment and Prevention

by Ervin Y. Kedar

Pub Date: May 1st, 2008
ISBN: 978-965-7238-44-8

An octogenarian and “human ecology” expert condenses his trilogy of better-living guide books into one powerhouse volume.

Using charts, equations, graphics and a plethora of acronyms and photographs, Kedar makes good use of his 40-plus years in academia and as a physical fitness coach. At 83, he believes that everyone is obligated to stay healthy. Split into three sections, “Vit-a-Dancing,” “Vit-a-Eating” and “Vit-a-Living,” Kedar rigorously advocates for the obvious–the benefits of regular exercise and strength training–as well as the not-so-obvious, like Retro-Striding, or walking backward. The author gets controversial and certainly bucks some national trends when addressing nutrition. While he implores readers to avoid fried foods, he also warns of “modified,” i.e. reduced-fat milk, and the dangers of soy. But he supports the consumption of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, fish, eggs, red wine, raw mushrooms and coffee, while encouraging readers to engage all five senses into the act of ingestion. Kedar’s arguments about the hoodwinking of the general public form the strongest, most believable sections. The author contends that produce touted as “organic”–and thus “150% more expensive”–might not be so natural, since the organic industry has yet to be regulated. Kedar also encourages consumers to eschew over-the-counter medicines, fad diets, bottled water and the hype surrounding medicinal herbs and probiotics. Instead, readers should embrace his “vitality lifestyle,” which the author claims can alleviate everything from obsessive-compulsive disorders, Type 2 diabetes, hair loss and sexual dysfunction. Some of these ideas are plausible while others seem inane and unrealistic, like his fully illustrated variation on the calorie-restricted diet: “Never ever eat more than two bites from one foodstuff within one portion!” Thus, some of Kedar’s advice can be contradictive, repetitive and seemingly unsubstantiated, but his message is clear–to sustain optimum levels of healthfulness, a person must exercise, eat smart in strict moderation and be educated about what can help attain maximum vitality.

Fascinating and informative, but ultimately dizzying.