PULSE.

SELF-HELP GURUS: Chronic illness is on the rise, affecting nearly a third of America's adult population. In a pair of compelling self-help manuals, two authors draw on their personal battles with chronic disease to guide readers from diagnosis to managing daily routines.

In ``We Are Not Alone: Learning to Live With Chronic Illness'' (Workman Publishing; $10.95), author Sefra Kobrin Pitzele draws on first-hand experience with lupus and Sjogren's syndrome to help readers deal with the emotional turmoil of chronic diseases and their toll on family relationships. Pitzele, secretary of the National Sjogren's Syndrome Association, focuses on 12 common chronic illnesses, ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to heart disease and diabetes. A listing of health organizations, a survey of adaptive living devices and a bibliography of helpful books are also featured in this updated and revised book.

In ``The First Year HIV: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed'' (Marlowe & Co.; $15.95), patient-advocate Brett Grodeck guides readers through their first year following diagnosis of the virus that causes AIDS, providing tips on choosing the right doctors, treatment options and coping methods, among other information. Grodeck, a Santa Monica resident who has been HIV-positive for 15 years, walks the newly diagnosed through their first seven days after diagnosis, then the next three weeks of their first month and finally the next 11 months of their first year. Each chapter is divided into a Living and Learning section, with helpful break-out boxes featuring inspirational messages.

- Mariko Thompson

STRETCH THAT BODY: One way to reduce stress and stay limber is to incorporate stretching into your daily routine, according to kinesiology experts at California State University, Northridge. A team of CSUN kinesiology professors developed a series of stretches for people to do at work or at home. The routine can be downloaded at www.csun.edu/*bby44411/CSUNStretch.html. Each stretch should be held for 30 seconds. The great thing about stretching is it doesn't require additional time out of your day. The exercises can be done while watching television, reading a book or talking on the phone.

- M.T.

FREEBIE: Free immunizations and health screenings will be offered to families at the annual Valley Presbyterian Hospital Back to School Kids Care Fair, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. More than 900 children have received free immunizations at the event over the past seven years. The fair, also featuring games, food and a raffle, will be held at Valley Presbyterian Hospital, 15107 Vanowen St., Van Nuys.

- M.T.

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1) BRETT GRODECK

(2) no caption (book: ``We Are Not Alone: Learning to Live With Chronic Illness'')

(3) no caption (book: ``The First Year HIV: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed'')