Check it out

The Y2K bug was a bust, and now that we’re beyond it, it’s time to figure

out how to fix what’s really bugging you in the new millennium.

Consider starting the process with “Your Life Is In Your Hands: The Path

to Lasting Health and Happiness” by Krishan Chopra, the physician-father

of self-help guru Deepak Chopra.

Drawing on principles from Western medicine and Eastern wisdom, Chopra

emphasizes self-discipline, an optimistic outlook and concentration on

nonmaterialistic goals in this guide to restoring harmony to mind, body

and spirit.

Other practical lifestyle advice is in “Formula for Life” by mind-body

wellness physicians Phyllis and Eberhard Kronhausen. Along with timely

information on such hormone supplements as melatonin and DHA, there are

chapters on cancer-fighting food combinations, “unfriendly foods” and

revolutionary cancer therapies in this resource for anyone who wants to

live a longer, healthier life.

“Health is not just about weight or appearance,” writes Marilu Henner in

“The 30-Day Total Health Makeover.” In addition to a sensible diet (which

Henner says helped her shed -- and keep off -- more than 40 pounds), she

includes fun, motivational tidbits in her new guide to changing your

relationship with food.

Offering solutions to problems ranging from carpal tunnel syndrome to a

broken heart, herbalist Letha Hadady provides techniques and advice for

creating a customized renewal program in “Personal Renewal.” Drawing on

the premise that there’s an original you those therapies can uncover, she

reveals how herbs, homeopathic remedies, Eastern medicine, massage and

visualization techniques can combat illness, injury and even lack of joy.

If you’re addicted to being right, prone to rage, intolerant of others or

are a chronic worrier, you may profit from “Flawless: Your Top 10

Character Defects and What to Do About Them.” Through its case studies,

anecdotes and prescriptive advice, learn how to improve your character

and live a more peaceful and productive life.

Once you’re on the road to embracing lofty ideals, you may be ready for

the Dalai Lama’s “Ethics for the New Millennium,” in which the exiled

leader of the Tibetan people presents a blueprint for world peace.

Calling for an ethic based on human interconnection, the Nobel laureate

bemoans the pursuit of material comfort in his forceful new book.

But perhaps you’re more inclined to focus on issues closer to home, such

as successful relationships with friends and family. Learn how to get

along better with everyone in your life by mastering six principles of

validation outlined in “I Don’t Have to Make Everything All Better,”

which offers a psychotherapist’s insight into listening to other

peoplewithout judgment, correction or advice.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams, in collaboration with

Debbie Walker.