Health Power: Health by Choice, Not by Chance!

Written by two authors of high academic reputation, Health Power is one of the most important and reader friendly books that distills complex scientific, medical and health issues into readable and delightful reading. Aileen Ludington, a physician and writer, has teamed up with Dr. Hans Diehl, known as the founder and director of the Lifestyle Medicine Institute in California, USA. He works in collaboration with many experts and institutions, whose names are well recognized, especially in North American and European public health spheres. I am acquainted with him through his collaborative work with Dr. T.Colin Campbell (author of "The China Study"), whose work I highly regard. Dr. Diehl's epidiemiologic studies have received numerous recognitions and as a best selling author he is a sought after guest for television and radio programs. He has become well known to a large circle of individuals through his health program CHIP (Coronary Health Improvement Program). This is a very intensive 30 day course, the goal of which is the reduction of coronary risk factors through a healthy lifestyle. The program is in demand by local communities as well as by private companies, and with a worldwide participation of 40,000 individuals it is the most widespread course of its kind. Through continuing evaluation and comprehensive program materials for the participants, as well as the cooperation of physicians and restaurants, the program continues to improve and expand. The origin of this work is the fact that 75% of western illnesses, such as elevated blood pressure, obesity, impotence, diabetes, cancer, stroke and heart attacks are related to the high caloric, fat rich nutrition, lack of exercise; stress and in general to the poor state of our nutrition. The basis of the CHIP program is the stark reduction of the consumption of animal products, the ideal being total elimination of these. The book "Health Power: Health by Choice, Not Chance" by Hans Diehl and his co-author Aileen Ludington has had a successful circulation of 1.5 million copies. Its appealing large format and graphic layout resembles that of a magazine. Because of this, the information is more user friendly than what is contained in Harvey and Marilyn Diamond's "Fit for Life," which people may shy away from because it is more weighty. "Health Power" is obtainable in three different versions which address different ethnic groups - "Caucasians," "African Americans," and "Native Americans." I hope a new edition would not have to be published in three versions. Furthermore, the illustrations should be improved. The photos as presently used appear to be a bit flat. This work book is divided into seven learning modules. In the introduction there is an overview of the hope of the authors for a new century of improved public health. The following chapters address the connections between illness and an unhealthy lifestyle; nutrition physiology in regard to the content and result of the consumpt