PULSE.

Byline: Nicole Sunkes

HAIR APPARENT: What do Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare and Hippocrates all have in common? They were all bald. Throughout history, men have been trying to find ways to cover up their shiny scalps. But balding men of the world need look no further. San Francisco-based dermatologist Peter J. Panagotacos' new book, ``Hair Loss Answer by the HairDoc'' (Card Publishing; $19.95), offers men new solutions.

The book features a guide to the causes of hair loss, treatments available, including drugs that grow hair, hair cloning and the future of hair-loss treatment. Written in an easy-to-read tone, the book also has before and after pictures, charts and a chapter on the history of hair-loss treatments.

AUTOIMMUNE WOMEN: Nearly 80 percent of people with autoimmune diseases in America are women under 65. A new book by immunologist Robert Lahita, ``Women and Autoimmune Diseases: The Mysterious Ways Your Body Betrays Itself'' (Regan Books; $29.95), addresses 16 autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, alopecia, lupus and juvenile diabetes.

The book is divided into chapters by malady, each with a personal story of a sufferer, an explanation of the causes and symptoms of the particular ailment, along with treatment options targeted at women. The book also includes a chapter on alternative and complementary treatments (exercise, acupuncture, etc.) and a glossary of terms.

BE TREATED LIKE A DOCTOR: Doctors have the upper hand when it comes to their own medical treatment - they know what tests and medications they need in order to quickly get well. Authors Kevin J. Soden and Christine Dumas have teamed up to let you in on doctors' secrets in ``Special Treatment: How to Get the Same High-Quality Health Care Your Doctor Gets'' (Berkley; $15). The doctor-and-dentist duo give advice on how to choose a primary care physician, what doctors know about hospitals and how doctors deal with their own cancer or heart disease.

HEART ATTACK AFTERMATH: Following a heart attack, lifestyle changes are usually mandatory, but knowing where to start can be frustrating. Knowing how to prevent a second attack and quitting bad habits like smoking are easier said than done. Medical director of the Cardiac Health Center in New York City and Cornell University medical professor Dr. Paul Klinfield aims to alleviate the burden in his new book, ``The Cardiac Recovery Handbook: The Complete Guide to Life After Heart Attack and Heart Surgery'' (Penguin; $21.95).

The book provides a brief education on why attacks happen and what research is being done now. It also teaches you how to practice healthy eating habits in order to lower cholesterol, how to cope with quitting smoking and overcoming stress or depression. The back of the book also includes a glossary of medical terms, a list of resources and a list of commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications.

THYROID SECRETS: The thyroid gland controls your metabolism, which also means it controls your ability to gain or lose weight. Thyroid patient and advocate Mary J. Shomon has written a new book, ``The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss'' (HarperResource, $14.95), that gives sufferers tools for dealing with a thyroid condition. Shomon's condition was diagnosed nine years ago, and she uses other patients' stories to discuss treatment options and dietary and lifestyle changes. She also provides menu plans and an extensive list of resource books and Web sites.

HEEERE'S ED: Ed McMahon once again will anchor the ``2004 Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon,'' beginning Sunday and continuing through Labor Day, Sept. 6. Nationwide, 250,000 volunteers will work the marathon fund-raising effort, with the goal of passing last year's $60.5 million in pledges and donations. Stars appearing include ``American Idol's'' Kimberly Locke, singer Josh Groban, ``Survivor'' host Jeff Probst, The Rock and Billy Crystal. The telethon will also feature updates on the MDA's research program and personal stories of families who have been helped by the organization. The telethon will run on KCAL (Channel 9) from 6 p.m. Sunday to 5 p.m. Sept. 6.

CAPTION(S):

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Photo:

(1) no caption (book: ``Hair Loss Answer by the HairDoc'')

(2) no caption (book: ``Women and Autoimmune Diseases: The Mysterious Ways Your Body Betrays Itself'')

(3) no caption (book: ``The Cardiac Recovery Handbook: The Complete Guide to Life After Heart Attack and Heart Surgery'')

(4) no caption (book: ``Special Treatment: How to Get the Same High-Quality Health Care Your Doctor Gets'')

(5) no caption (book: ``The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss'')

(6) McMAHON