Books

Non-mainstream Medicine

Non-traditional medical therapies have made major inroads into general acceptance. In fact, some research suggests one in three Americans routinely visit alternative medicine practitioners. The second edition of The Alternative Health & Medicine Encyclopedia (Visible Ink Press, $17.95) by James E. Marti outlines healing systems like Ayurvedic medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy and chiropractic. It also describes specific components of alternative medicine such as diet and nutrition, vitamin therapy and botanical medicines. For further information, contact (800) 776-6265.

Limiting Limited Options

Movement-impaired people are benefiting from exercises like yoga, according to Recovery Yoga: A Practical Guide for the Chronically Ill, Injured and Post-operative People (Three Rivers Press, $22) by Sam Dworkis. Introducing a graduated program of exercises, breathing techniques and meditation, yoga can be practiced successfully by people who are bedridden, confined to a chair or limited in their mobility. The program promotes a sense of well-being and, to whatever degree possible, healing. For more information, contact (212) 572-2537.

Workday Wellness

Experiencing the nine to five blues? Working Wonders: 60 Quick Breaks to Beat Burnout, Boost Productivity and Revive Your Workday (Berkley Publishing Group, $12) by James Joseph shows employees how to refresh their day. It emphasizes breathing exercises, stretches, improving posture and giving tired eyes a rest. For more information, contact (212) 951-8923 or visit Berkley online at http://www.berkley.com.

Girl Power

Dance nourishes the soul. Following the success of A Woman's Book of Strength, Karen Andes shows women how to use dance to cultivate health in A Woman's Book of Power (Perigree, $14). Incorporating time-honored traditions like tai chi and belly dancing, Andes shows how women can become fit and toned while performing soft, round dance moves. For further information, contact (212) 951-8923.

Five to Keep You Alive

It's no secret it's time to reclaim your health, according to Adele Puhn, M.S., author of The Five Vital Secrets For a Healthy Life (Ballantine Publishing Group, $25). Puhn's program offers complementary therapies of diet, vitamins and minerals, herbs, homeopathic remedies and probiotics to maintain a strong, healthy body and sharp, confident mind. She stresses the importance of learning how to read your body and becoming your own best health detective. For more, information, contact (212) 751-2600.

Diet Without Deprivation

Healthy food doesn't have to be flavorless and forgettable. In fact, Canyon Ranch Spa proves non-fat food can be fabulous with the release of its fully-illustrated cookbook, Canyon Ranch Cooking (HarperCollins, $40) by Jeanne Jones. The recipes are accessible and offer nutritional breakdowns so you can devise your own diet. Plus, there's a chapter on how to organize a spa weekend at home. For more information, contact (212) 207-7045.

Longevity for Latinas

While the Hispanic population is the fastest growing group in America today, its specific needs are rarely addressed. Salud!: A Latina's Guide to Total Health (HarperPerennial, $20) provides an in-depth look at wellness through findings from recent scientific advances and real stories from the everyday lives of Latina women. It covers diseases and disorders to which Latinas are especially vulnerable like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and sexually transmitted diseases. For more information, contact (212) 207-7045.

COPYRIGHT 1998 Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group