I owe it all to Adolph Hitler and Dr. Sam Levit. The former inspired me that "living well is the best revenge." The latter taught me "better living through chemistry."

During the Second World War, I had been in concentration camps. Afterwards—never being sure what perils would arise in the future—I resolved to live every day as hedonistically as possible...to live every day as if it were my last one.

Admittedly, for the first few years I overdid it. I ate too much (always the best food available). I drank too much (always the best wine available). I did too many things that they tell me I shouldn't do.

Inevitably this life style took its toll. That's when I went to see Dr. Sam. When I explained what I was doing and my unwillingness to change, he told me that medicines were available to correct all imbalances caused by my excesses. He prescribed a handful of capsules and tablets. To this day, every day, I swallow about 15 pills in the morning and then go about my business.

Check-ups, at 6-month intervals, allow adjustment of these medications. Now my blood pressure is perfect, my cholesterol (good + bad) is perfect, my triglycerides and uric acid levels are where they should be, etc., etc.

Of course Ellen, my young companion, attributes this flawless health to the fact that I eat mostly fresh food (prepared food and junk food simply don't taste good) and that I drink a hefty amount of Bordeaux wine. Of course, some say that genes might have something to do with it. No matter, I intend to continue the same way for at least another quarter century.