cover image Prime Time: The African American Woman's Complete Guide to Midlife Health and Wellness

Prime Time: The African American Woman's Complete Guide to Midlife Health and Wellness

Marilyn H. Gaston. One World, $26.95 (544pp) ISBN 978-0-345-43215-5

African American women are prey in disproportionate numbers to a range of preventable illnesses in middle age, according to Assistant Surgeon General of the U.S. Marilyn Hughes Gaston and clinical psychologist Gayle K. Porter. Also in their prime, and recognizing the lack of good information on the subject, they offer support and advice to their sisters in Prime Time: The African American Woman's Complete Guide to Midlife Health and Wellness. Because many black women are without partners and have been caretakers for their children, parents and extended families (along with, the authors acknowledge, most likely having dealt with racism, sexism and other isms), they may not be fully aware of their own needs and well-being. This is the perfect time to take stock and to make the changes necessary to fully experience and enjoy the next chapters of their lives. With facts, discussions of the various health risks, remedies, psychological underpinnings, tests, anecdotes, advice and generous lists of resources and further reading, they extend a plethora of knowledge and support to their readers. 8-city author tour. ( May 1)