Library Book Review: How Not to Die

How Not to Die: Surprising Lessons on Living Longer, Safer, and Healthier
By Dr. Jan Garavaglia, M.D., otherwise known as America's favorite medical examiner: Dr. G.

Once I picked up this book I could not put it down. I finished reading all 267 pages in one day. The main star from the Dr. G: Medical Examiner series on Discovery Health, wrote a book on the major causes of death she finds from the bodies that come across her examining table. To highlight the major causes of premature deaths, Dr. G used various cases from her personal work. She reviewed these cases more like stories instead of standard medical text, which made this an easy read. Her advice to prevent you from ending up on her examining table prematurely is simple and sage.

I admit I have a thing for health books, but read more like a medical mystery as she unfolds the individual stories in hopes we will learn from these people's mistakes. As mentioned on the inside cover "Using anecdotes from her cases and a liberal dose of humor, Dr. G gives us her prescription for living a healthier, better, longer life." The book could be broken down into ten lessons.

#1. Know your numbers. Blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol. Not controlling these three things can leave lasting damage to your body and sending you to a early grave.

#2. Listen to your body. You know your body better than anybody else. If something isn't right, be proactive and seek medical help early before it is too late.

#3. Use as directed. Take your medicine as directed.

#4. Practice good hygiene. Dr. G points out that the more you wash your hands, the less likely you'll be sick.

#5. Drive carefully. People are still dying needlessly because of reckless driving.

#6. Just say no. Smoking, using drugs, and drinking too much will cut your life short.

#7. Watch your step. Careless accidents kill more people than you realize.

#8. Have a good time. Enjoy life, because you only get one.

#9. Don't go it alone. It's important to have a support team. People with close, healthy relationships live longer, because they have these relationships to fall back on during difficult periods of life.

#10. Remember what matters. There are all sorts of things in life, but keep focus on the things that really matter in life. Don't stress the small stuff.