Dr. Michael Greger—the physician, author, speaker, internationally-recognized expert on nutrition, and majordomo of NutritionFacts.org—recounts how his Grandma’s story of being riddled with heart disease in her 60s, all but written off by her doctors, embraced the diet then being pioneered by Nathan Pritikin, saw her condition improve dramatically, living into her 90s, and in the process, inspired Greger to pursue a career as a doctor. 
He also recounts this tale in the introduction to his new book “How Not To Die: Discover The Foods Scientifically Proven To Prevent And Reverse Disease.” After I note that he’s a singular doctor, in that he seems to dodge multiple revenue streams—all proceeds from his speaking engagements, as well as sales of his books and DVDs, are donated to his nonprofit, from which he takes no salary—he explains the carefully-reasoned principle behind that
approach. Greger expands on a notable observation in his book that “the primary reason diseases tend to run in families may be that diets tend to run in families.” “How Not To Die” is essentially divided into two halves, in Part One of the book, Greger runs down 15 diseases and ailments with heavily-sourced chapters citing research studies and other findings to document how a whole foods, plant-based diet can prevent, help cure and, in some cases, reverse some of those conditions. Part Two involves his laying out 
recommended or favorite foods within that diet to accomplish those significant, often “Heal Thyself” objectives—reiterating why broccoli is Number One in his book, literally and figuratively, along with re-touting the virtues of blueberries, turmeric and flaxseed. He also outlines what The Daily Dozen is, and how it works, including the attendant free iPhone and Android apps he’s released. (www.drgreger.org, http://nutritionfacts.org)
ALSO: I spoke briefly with Jane Alkire, Manager of Special Events at Southeastern Guide Dogs, about the forthcoming string of Walkathons that serve as significant fundraisers for the organization. (www.guidedogs.org, https://guidedogswalkathon.org)
COMEDY CORNER: Erin Foley’s “Vegan Cooking For One” (www.erinkfoley.com/)
MUSIC: Rebekah Pulley’s “Talking Animals Theme,” Brian Wilson’s “Vega-Tables,” Allah-Las’ “No Werewolf,” instrumentals
NAME THAT ANIMAL TUNE: Elton John’s “Grey Seal”
AUDIO ARCHIVE:
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