Optimal Living 360

A business-minded doctor prescribes a whirlwind of advice in his comprehensive debut guide to health and well-being.

This self-help book seems intended to overwhelm readers with information in order to inspire action toward positive life decisions. Jain gives a great deal of sound but sometimes familiar advice, skimming a broad range of health, relationship and financial ideas—such as controlling blood sugar, guarding against identity theft and using eye contact to become a better listener. Nevertheless, the book’s overall mind/body management message comes through clearly, as Jain’s tone is breezy and reader-friendly. It’s not surprising that a doctor with an MBA would use business jargon in his message; he writes that the key to optimal health and happiness is to make life decisions that produce the highest return on investment (ROI). He also coins the acronym “ASPIRES” (Assets: Safety, Physical, Intellectual, Relationships, Economic, and Spiritual) to summarize the life categories, or “Core Assets,” that all people share. Although the author mentions his professional practice in general, he doesn’t describe his specific expertise in detail. However, he does provide several nuggets of hands-on information—including a Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group health-screening guideline chart—which may prompt some readers to look into preventive exams such as colonoscopies or mammograms. The author’s discussion of herbs and their medicinal uses may nudge some readers to find out more about natural cures. Although Jain distances himself from religious extremism, he does write that practices such as prayer and meditation can also produce positive physical results, such as regulating cardiovascular rhythms.

A mix of inspiring and familiar advice about taking steps toward a healthy lifestyle.