THE WELLNESS ENCYCLOPEDIA From the editors...

THE WELLNESS ENCYCLOPEDIA From the editors of the University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter (Houghton Mifflin: $15.95, illustrated). This hefty tome offers a great deal of practical information on how to stay fit through diet, exercise, self-care and safety. The authors calmly debunk many cherished myths, including the American fetish for overusing laxatives, and the widespread (but clinically unproven) notion that megadoses of Vitamin C can prevent and/or cure the common cold. Although interesting to skim, “The Wellness Encyclopedia” should be used as reference: The reader who goes through it in one sitting and tries to heed all the admonitions--which range from avoiding running downhill and stretching in the plow position to skipping unhealthy snack foods--may decide to wrap himself in cotton wool and hide under the bed.