This sensitive guide to maintaining physical and emotional well-being by an English health writer and fitness instructor (Androgen Disorders in Women) is aimed at 30-somethings ("anxieties about bodily change and fears about being 30 are perfectly natural"), but contains useful tips for women of all ages. Francis-Cheung's advice essentially boils down to the familiar trio of eating well, exercising consistently and avoiding stress. No news there. But her particular focus is on how relatively younger women can ward off the ravages of aging caused by smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, lack of sleep and other bad habits. Drawing on research and anecdotal interviews, Francis-Cheung describes how women in their 30s—in their "decade of transition"—may be so busy establishing careers and families that they often neglect basic self care. She charts the hormonal and other bodily changes that may occur during perimenopause (a period of 5–10 years before menopause), and instructs readers on how to deal with them effectively. The author emphasizes the importance of women getting their blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked frequently, in addition to scheduling regular Pap smears and yearly mammograms (for women in their 30s, the necessity of the latter is disputed by some health-care professionals). Although Francis-Cheung advocates minimizing the physical signs of aging, she is not a fan of fad diets or cosmetic surgery: for her, a healthy lifestyle and a positive outlook are the "only really effective antiaging tools." Illus. not seen by PW. (Dec.)
