BODY > BOOKS.

ADULT SYMPTOMS

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has been addressed in numerous books dealing with children. But it also affects adults. It can be a chronic condition and can often be spotted in adults who have difficulty staying focused, paying attention and getting things done. Dr. Leonard Adler, director of the Adult ADHD Program at New York University Medical Center, has addressed the problem in his book (with Mari Florence) "Scattered Minds: Hope and Help for Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" (Berkeley Trade Paperback; $14.95). The book details how to learn to manage ADHD, with the longest chapter outlining the most recent drugs being prescribed.

TONED ABS

If the popular "Abs Diet" didn't help you achieve that six-pack, here's another book that might. David Zinczenko, editor in chief of Men's Health magazine, has come up with "The Abs Diet Ultimate Nutrition Handbook" (Rodale Books; $22). While there is a chapter on workouts that will burn fat fast (with great illustrations), this book is really about food. It details the 100 best foods in the world, 20 foods that should be banned, a guide to the best menu choices at 29 restaurants and what to eat and avoid at the ballpark. In addition, there's a 14-day exercise and meal journal and more than 50 pages of food by the numbers, listing calorie, sugar, salt and fat content.

GET HAPPY

Middle age and fatigue seem to be synonymous, but Dr. Steven F. Hotze says they don't have to be in his book, "Hormones, Health and Happiness" (Warner Wellness Trade Paperback; $14.99). Hotze outlines an eight-point plan to counter maladies tied to aging -- fatigue, weight gain and mood swings among them. He goes into nutritional supplements and plots out the ideal diet, offering a number of tempting recipes.

HEAVY LIFTING

Do you really need that treadmill, elliptical, bike and other cumbersome fitness equipment piling up in your garage? Not really, according to "Men's Health Ultimate Dumbbell Guide" (Rodale Books; $18.95). Myatt Murphy, author of "The Men's Health Gym Bible," says nothing tops a simple set of dumbbells when you are trying to build muscles and get in shape. Murphy says there are 4,988 exercises you can do with dumbbells and this well-illustrated book will show you hundreds of them. There are also tips on buying dumbbells that work best for you. FACE DIET

Maybe you'd rather have fewer wrinkles than tighter abs. There's a diet for that, too. New York dermatologist Jeannette Graf promises to "erase 5 years overnight" in the "Stop Aging, Start Living" (Crown; $22.95) book. Graf says creams alone won't work. Her formula is a combination of good nutrition (cut out the coffee), supplements (drink a daily cocktail of green plant powder, fiber and water), being happy (sing more) and skin care (use a daily moisturizer, sun block and eye cream). Start searching for that green plant powder now.

>SHARYN BETZ

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