CHECK IT OUT:

As an alternative to endless diets, yo-yo weight fluctuations and that run-down, low-energy feeling, medical and nutritional writers are concentrating on the concept of daily living with health in mind.

Food, drink, exercise should be enjoyable and pleasurable activities; a part of a fully-lived life as integral to our existence as breathing, human relationships and wholesome family values. Take advantage of the new attitudes that celebrate the complexity of our miraculous human bodies and the research that supports these positive concepts. Here are a few favorites available at the library.

“You: Staying Young: The Owner’s Manual to Extending Your Warranty” by Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz: These medical doctors hit the bestseller lists with “You: The Owner’s Manual: An Insider’s Guide to the Body That Will Make You Healthier and Younger,” and later with “You: The Smart Patient: An Insider’s Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment.” Take charge of your health management with these excellent, extremely easy-to-comprehend titles.

“The Spectrum: A Scientifically Proven Program to Feel Better, Live Longer, Lose Weight, and Gain Health” by Dean Ornish: M.D. Ornish, a noted professional with proven credentials, weighs in on the advantages of healthy living that benefit the whole family. Basic to his philosophy is living in a loving, stress-free, intimate atmosphere that promotes longevity and relaxation.

“Living Well: 21 Days to Transform Your Life, Supercharge Your Health, and Feel Spectacular” by Montel Williams with William Doyle: Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, celebrity talk show host Williams decided to manage his chronic disease with nutrition, exercise and self-care. Active in a daily television program, traveling the country speaking and doing philanthropic work, this guide imparts his nutritional and work-out regimen for maintaining high energy and happiness.

“21 Pounds in 21 Days: The Martha’s Vineyard Diet Detox” by Roni Deluz: Detoxification has become a buzzword for eliminating whatever bad toxins from our bodies that are deemed objectionable by the latest fad diet. Try this three-week cleansing-system instead based on vegetable purees, fruit juices and supplemental vitamin-rich drinks for 21 days, and watch the pounds fall as your spirit rises.

“Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Physical and Spiritual Well-Being” by Andrew Weil: Dr. Weil is regarded as the guru of wellness. His sensible approach to health and hygiene offers aging boomers strategies to deal with the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of growing older. Best of all, his sound advice is available in hardcover books, sound recordings on CD, large-print format and DVDs. His numerous titles are guaranteed to strengthen your outlook on the future.

“Yoga as Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing: A Yoga Journal Book” by Timothy B. McCall; photographs by Michal Venera: This title examines basic yoga techniques that are suitable for all ages and describes the therapeutic benefits attributed to yoga postures, deep-breathing methods and relaxing meditation. Photos illustrate various yoga positions for safety and maximum effect.

“Healthy at 100: The Scientifically Proven Secrets of the World’s Healthiest and Longest-Lived Peoples: How You Can — At Any Age — Dramatically Extend Your Life Span and Your Health Span” by John Robbins: Secrets from the ages are revealed in this title for those who want to remain active and alert. First on the list is emotional well-being and the rest follows from there. Learn how to tap into your inner resources and add candles to your birthday cake.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff at the Newport Beach Public Library. This week’s article is by reference librarian Mary Ellen Bowman. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.