Eat, Drink, & Be Merry: America's Doctor Tells You Why the Health Experts Are Wrong

Whether you buy one health book a year or dozens, this book may well zoom to the top of your list. Fans of America's favorite radio doctor will delight in picking up the latest health facts delivered in Edell's typically irreverent and witty style. Go to the head of the class or become the hit of the party when you retell Dr. Dean Edell's stories of inaccurate media frenzies or dispense facts that challenge society's assumptions about overweight people, or even, gulp, the value of exercise for longevity. You'll also learn Edell's story of his journey from disillusioned medical student to hippie dropout to respected and entertaining media MD.

"One day you are told that eating rutabaga is the true path to everlasting health, and the next day you hear that rutabaga will rot your brain." Edell teaches you how to sort out information such as this. Want to lose weight? Follow the "Dr. Dean Shut Your Mouth Diet": Eat what you want, but less of it. Hate treadmills? Garden or walk in the park. Besides amassing scientifically supported facts about all varieties of health topics, Edell's book has a serious mission--to teach you to demand proof before you swallow a health fad, put yourself on a trendy diet, take your illness to the nearest alternative guru, or get spooked by media-induced or Internet-spread health scares.

Edell's main theme, as the title implies, is to enjoy life and not let the health cops control all your lifestyle choices--especially when they're usually wrong. --Joan Price