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THE BODY AT 40 by

THE BODY AT 40

By

Pub Date: Feb. 4th, 1987
Publisher: Putnam

Up-to-date, comprehensive medical advice for the middle-aged woman who hopes to enjoy a long and healthy life. The authors (Shafto's a G.P. and Hunt a former journalist) begin by analyzing the anatomy of a 40-year-old female and the physical changes she can expect as she grows older. They go on to discuss two topics that obsess many middle-aged women: loss of looks and sexuality. Although most of their advice about how to ward off wrinkles and middle-aged spread is pedestrian, readers will be comforted by the knowledge that, with care, a youthful attractive appearance and good sex life won't disappear with the years. Finally, Shafto and Hunt detail the symptoms as well as the cures of some of the common medical problems (premenstrual syndrome, osteoporosis, arthritis, and ulcers) and life-threatening diseases (heart attacks and reproductive cancers) that can particularly affect women at this stage of life. Although some of the medical explanations are simplistic, and the constant cheerleader tone grates, the information here is solid and up-to-date, making this a valuable and reassuring resource that debunks many of the scary myths associated with female aging. Illustrations (not seen).