Minding Your Body: 100 Ways to Live and Be Well

Rechtschaffen, a Manhattan physician whose patients include Donna Karan (author of the book's forward) and Craig Claiborne, sounds an Old World note in his new fitness handbook. In 100 essays--some so brief that they barely fill a page--Rechtschaffen refines his topics to basic medical homilies: ``Stop Smoking,'' ``Avoid Pickled and Smoked Foods,'' ``Affirm Life-Enhancing Values.'' Though he offers little revelatory material, there is old-fashioned good sense in everything he writes, e.g., in advising walking as ``the best all-around `exercise,'"" he also reminds readers to ``make it fun!'' With an emphasis on weight reduction and maintaining reasonable fitness levels, Rechtschaffen offers effective encouragement for leading a healthier life. Included are about 25 simple, healthful recipes contributed by Anne Seranne, lists of fat counts (in grams) for servings of popular foods and a brief discussion of mineral and vitamin requirements. Author tour. (May)