Reviewed by ANGELA JACKSON

Die Healthy, written by Winnipeg health consultant, Lorraine Mignault, is a persuasive guide to improving your health through diet, proper breathing, exercise and other good health habits. Illustrated by anecdotal examples, it is authoritative, comprehensive and easy to read.

We're all going to die, but Mignault claims some ways are better than others. "The dream we all share," she writes, "is to live life to the fullest, be active and healthy right up to our last day and pass away peacefully, surrounded by the people we love." That's what she means by "Die Healthy."

At the beginning of the book, Mignault outlines some of the "bandwagon" diets that have become popular with the public over several decades and deals with the reasons they fell out of favour. In contrast, Mignault stresses that her advice is aimed at the improvement of all-over health and longevity, as well as appearance. She gives advice about breathing methods, increasing activity levels, skin care, what fabrics to wear, sleeping habits and environmental matters.

Skin brushing was new to me. It's done to remove dead skin cells and to improve circulation. "Use a long handled, natural, not synthetic, bristle brush that will not scratch," says Mignault. Always brush in circular motions towards the heart. Start with the soles of your feet and work your way up: do not include the face. This method, she claims, improves the look of the skin, removes dead skin cells and delays premature aging.

On the subject of snacks, Mignault recommends eating healthy ones like fresh fruit or vegetables or even half a tin of pineapple tidbits (in its own juice, no sugar added) instead of low-value foods like chips and cheezies. She outlines a "pyramid" of lifestyle choices to guide the reader towards a healthier way of living. The foundation of that pyramid is physical exercise. You can't just change your food habits and expect to feel healthy if you are not getting more active as well, Mignault claims.

In the month that I have been reading Die Healthy and practising Mignault's ideas, I have lost ten pounds, I sleep better and I have more energy. I am happy to recommend this book to anyone wanting to follow a healthier lifestyle.