While drugs are life-saving in some situations, we can treat or even prevent many conditions with non-drug strategies and lifestyle changes. As a pharmacist (now retired), I believe it is better to prevent an illness or treat it early, than to wait until you need life-saving treatment. The more we understand the causes of disease and lifestyles that reduce risk, the better we can do this.

Part of a pharmacist's job is answering questions about health problems and how to prevent them—even though I'm retired now, I still field many questions from family, friends and readers. And, being a curious person, I have many questions of my own too. I love to read about new scientific developments that promote longer, healthier lives and about controversies that help improve treatment decisions.

Several years ago, I started writing about what I learned in a weekly blog. I also write articles for a national pharmacy journal and an American Nurse Practitioner website. This book is a collection of a few of the interesting questions I've researched, such as:

Are natural medicines safe?
Is it dangerous to be overweight?

Are microbes in our gut important?
What can I do to improve my memory?
What activities help us live longer?
How can I reduce my risk of anxiety, depression and stress?

How can I prevent heart disease and stroke?
What can I do to enjoy life more?