Dr. Anthony Alessi, MD, Chief of Neurology at Backus Hospital, has published a book based on his weekly Healthy Sports column in the Norwich Bulletin.

The book, Healthy Sports: A Doctor's Lessons for a Winning Lifestyle, offers strategies for people to remain active no matter what their age or interests are - from skateboarding to gardening.

The 186-page book also features his expertise in sports medicine, based on his experience as a consultant for the University of Connecticut's Department of Athletics, the New York Yankees, the San Francisco Giants and the Connecticut Sun.

All proceeds from the book will benefit the Backus Foundation, the fundraising arm of the hospital.

"This book is a gift from my family to the Backus Foundation for its support of the community," Dr. Alessi said. "I want to thank everyone who has helped make this book possible. Community involvement is the future of not just Backus Hospital, but of healthcare. Solving the nation's healthcare problems starts locally, and this book is a part of that effort."

Dr. Alessi, of Norwich, is a board-certified neurologist who specializes in neuromuscular diseases and sports medicine. He serves as a ringside physician for the Connecticut State Boxing Commission, as well as the athletic commissions of the Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. He is also a weekly columnist and blogger for the Norwich Bulletin and produces a podcast that is featured on backushospital.org each week.

The book costs $15 and is available in the Backus Gift Shop, the Windham Hospital Gift Shop, D&D Dry Cleaners in Norwich, Dixie Donuts in Norwich and the Mohegan Sun Country Club in Sprague.

For more information or to purchase the book, click here.