PULSE.

Byline: Mariko Thompson

EARLY DETECTION: A new kit makes it easier for women to perform monthly breast self-examinations. The Liv Kit, endorsed by breast cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John, provides an 8-inch pad with lubricant sealed inside. The soft pink pad is placed over the breast and enhances the sense of touch by reducing friction. The pad is made of latex-free polyurethane sheets and can be stored in a black velvet pouch. The Liv Kit also contains a guide on how to perform the self examination and a CD featuring Newton-John. The kit costs $39.95 and is available online at www.livkit.com or by calling [phone].

FOR WOMEN ONLY: ``MenOpop'' (Fill'er Up Productions) gives pop-up treatment to the oh-so-fun subject of menopause. At $24.95, this book by committee (Kathy Kelly, Peter D. Straus, Kenwyn Dapo and Michelle Cohen) seems like an awful lot to pay for a gag gift. There are two ways to look at a pop-up book about menopause. One: It's a welcome diversion in the confusing post-hormone replacement therapy era. Two: It trivializes a major transition in a woman's life that only in the last decade has been taken seriously by the scientific world. Those who opt for No. 1 can visit www.menopop.com or call [phone].

POINT CONCEPTION: Zita West, an acupuncturist and midwife, brings a holistic approach to ``Fertility and Conception'' (DK Publishing; $15). Many couples embark on the journey to pregnancy without knowing how the woman's cycle works and when she is going to be most fertile. West reviews the basics on ovulation and sperm quality, the role of nutrition, exercise and stress, common fertility problems and treatment options. Given her approach, readers shouldn't be surprised to find an emphasis on organic foods and complementary therapies such as acupuncture.

WEIGHTY TALE: Frances Kuffel lost half her weight and suddenly became a stranger in her own body. In her memoir ``Passing for Thin'' (Broadway; $24), Kuffel chronicles her struggle with compulsive overeating and her adventures on Planet Thin. With the help of a support group, Kuffel shed 188 pounds. But if she's no longer ``Fatty Francie,'' then who is she? Kuffel writes with gritty humor and unwavering honesty about the simple joys of fitting into an airplane seat and the anguish of dating and first love in her early 40s. She learns that life is measured by more than just the numbers on a scale. Traveling to Planet Thin proves not to be an end point, but a beginning.

BALANCING ACT: Suffering from dizziness can be both frightening and frustrating. According to ``Dizzy'' (Fireside Books; $14) by Dr. Jack J. Wazen, dizziness sends about 6 million people to the doctor every year. But with more than 250 different medical conditions associated with balance problems, addressing the problem can be difficult. For the 20 percent of patients who can't unearth the cause, their ability to function in the world becomes restricted, to the point where many are afraid to leave their homes. Wazen and co-author Deborah Mitchell explain how the balance system works in the body and how to identify three main types of balance disorders. They also review conventional and alternative therapies that can restore balance back to their patients' lives.

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Photo:

(1) no caption (Liv Kit)

(2) no caption (book: ``MenOpop'')

(3) no caption (book: ``Fertility and Conception'')

(4) no caption (book: ``Passing for Thin'')

(5) no caption (book: ``Dizzy'')