Two familiar faces in the Tallahassee community joined forces to tackle one of the most overlooked challenges facing men today: taking charge of their own health before illness forces the conversation.
Dr. Leslie Emhof, a board-certified family physician at Tallahassee Family Medicine, and John Rawlins Lewis, long respected as a Florida State University professor and entrepreneur, co-authored “Living Vigorously Longer” — a practical, no-nonsense guide to proactive men’s wellness for those over 45.
Lewis, who passed away recently at the age of 83, lived the principles outlined in this book until the end of hislife. His family and co-author are proud to share his final gift with readers everywhere.
Emhof will be joined by special guest Charlie Ward for an evening celebrating the book and honoring the legacy of co-author Lews at an event at Hearth & Soul at 5:30 p.m. June 11.
The book is available now at livingvigorouslylonger.com.
For Emhof, the book is the natural extension of more than 40 years spent treating countless men whowaited until a health crisis forced them to act. He wanted to offer a better roadmap rooted in prevention,lifestyle and measurable data rather than reactive treatment.
“Many of the most powerful tools for maintaining good health are remarkably simple,” Emhof said. “Cleanwhole foods, proper hydration, regular exercise, restorative sleep and a positive mindset can have a profoundimpact on long-term wellness. We don’t need to wait for a diagnosis to start paying attention.”
For co-author Lewis, the message was deeply personal — and his life was its proof. The FSU College ofBusiness professor-turned-investor survived open-heart surgery at age 46, a major stroke in 2019 and aserious fall in 2022 that fractured three ribs. His own health journey — and his years working with Dr. Emhofas both a patient and a friend — became the foundation for the book.
A structured spproach to wellness
“Living Vigorously Longer” guides readers through a four-step framework: gather measurable health data,analyze the results, identify the gaps and then design a personalized action plan. The authors point to bloodchemistry, body composition, vital signs and input from annual physicals as the essential starting points.
At the heart of the book are four daily habits the authors call SHEE — Sleep, Hydration, Eating and Exercise.
The book includes more than 200 recommended actions across nutrition, exercise, supplementation, recoveryand mindset, and is designed to be used chapter by chapter rather than read cover to cover.
“Many men assume that declining health is simply part of getting older,” Lewis wrote. “But in many cases,the real issue is that we stop paying attention to the daily habits that keep our bodies functioning well.”
Rooted in Tallahassee
The story behind “Living Vigorously Longer” is a Tallahassee story. Emhof has served the capital city’s familiesand aging population for more than four decades.
Lewis spent 25 years shaping future business leaders at FSU before turning his focus to entrepreneurship and investment. Their collaboration grew from a doctor-patient relationship into a shared mission — and a deep friendship — built on the belief that men can live better, not just longer.
If you go
What: Community book launch, “Living Vigorously Longer”
When: 5:30-7 p.m.Thursday June 11
Where: Hearth & Soul, 1410 Market St., Tallahassee
Details: livingvigorouslylonger.com
(This story was updated to add new information.)
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee doctor launches book for men on ‘Living Vigorously Longer’
Reporting by Special to the Tallahassee Democrat, USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Special to the Tallahassee Democrat, USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA | USA TODAY Network
