The end of illness is achievable because of two fundamental beliefs. For one, most diseases are delayable or preventable, and two, a sense of optimism that the “magic pills” to treat many of the ailments of today will be available in the next two decades. Dr. David B. Agus

Dr. David B. Agus’ The End of Illness is a bestseller, and why not? Any book that makes such a lofty promise is bound to raise curiosity and expectations. Who doesn’t want to live not only a long life, but also an active and healthy one? Agus believes that goal is within the reach of most of us if we are willing to take a more active role in managing our health.

The End of Illness was many years in the making, more specifically, the length of Agus’ medical career. A cum laude graduate in molecular biology from Princeton, he received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, completed his residency training at Johns Hopkins Hospital and his oncology fellowship training at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. When Agus declared oncology as his specialty, many medical professionals tried to dissuade him. With a promising career ahead of him, why would he choose oncology where many patients wouldn’t survive? Yet it was that challenge that motivated, and continues to motivate, Agus in the war against all disease.

There is little new or shocking in The End of Illness. And some of Agus’ opinions—that everyone over age 40, for example, should be on statins—have been criticized. The book’s strength lies in how Agus has laid out his arguments, presenting history, research, and recommendations in a lively, easy-to-digest narrative. This book is one best read with a highlighter or notebook at hand. There is much here to think about and, hopefully, discuss with your physician. Here are some of Agus’ observations:

Don’t put blind faith and trust in your doctor.
Agus includes a questionnaire that should be completed before your next doctor visit. The six-page document includes questions your doctor should be asking you but probably doesn’t, everything from your energy level to the state of your fingernails. If you take the time to fill out the questions fully and honestly, your answers will help address health issues that might otherwise be overlooked.

Store your medical information.
In the dark ages, patients had a battle getting a doctor to turn over medical records. Now we have access to everything in those folders and the contents should not be entrusted just with your physician. Agus goes further and suggests that everything should be stored on a computer, specifically the Cloud, with the password given to someone you trust. In the event you find yourself injured away from home, the information will be readily accessible to the medical professionals treating you.

Know your genetic risk factors for disease by getting a DNA screening.
Agus cautions, however, not to consider any probability inevitable. “There is so much you can do to shift your fate and live longer and better than what your DNA seemingly dictates.”

Don’t fall victim to media hype and marketing campaigns.
Agus zeroes in on the supplement markets. “Ditch shortcuts to nutrition and health, which can shortcut your life,” he says. “Unless you are correcting a legitimate deficiency or addressing a condition such as pregnancy, then you don’t likely need to be taking multivitamins and other suppklements.”

Eat on a regular schedule.
“It doesn’t matter how many meals, just regular timing. No snacking.”

Eat cold water-fish a minimum of three times a week.
These include salmon, sardines, tuna, rainbow trout, anchovies, herring, halibut, cod, black cod, and mahimahi.

Choose a multicolored diet.
When vegetables are in season, buy them fresh, but off-season frozen vegetables will also provide a high concentration of nutrients. Also, steam or microwave rather than boil produce to minimize the loss of water-soluble vitamins. Drink red wine (one glass a night) five nights per week, unless you are at high risk for breast cancer.

Get enough sleep.
Every system in the body is affected by the quality and amount of sleep you get each night. “Losing as few as one and a half hours that our body needs for just one night can reduce daytime alertness by about a third.”

Combat sources of chronic inflammation.
Wear comfortable shoes, get an annual flu vaccine, and if you are over age forty, ask your doctor about taking statins and a daily baby aspirin.

Keep moving!
Even if you exercise vigorously one a day, sitting the rest of the time may undo all those benefits. If you have a desk job, get up frequently during the day for brief walks. Stand while talking on the phone. Use every opportunity you can to get moving.

Click to buy The End of Illness on Amazon.