Eight Weeks to Optimum Health By Dr....

Eight Weeks to Optimum Health By Dr. Andrew Weil; Random House AudioBooks

Two cassettes 3 hours; $19.95 Read by the author

Dr. Andrew Weil’s new tape picks up where his best-selling book, “Spontaneous Healing,” concluded. An alternative health care proponent, Weil has a deep, pleasant voice and an easygoing manner, making his suggestions eminently accessible.

Unlike many padded companion pieces, this contains much useful material that details the more cursory health plan outlined in “Spontaneous Healing.” A deliberately calculated format ensures that the listener has just enough information to be easily digested in one sitting, provided you listen a week at a time. All that is missing from the audio version are recipes and testimonials you can do without.

Much of this is sensible and easy to follow, if you can afford it. Certain suggestions are aimed at any income bracket, but for the most part, Weil is not preaching to the great unwashed. To really benefit from his recommendations, you have to be able to afford organic produce, expensive supplements and weekly trips to a sauna.