It is, as one TV weather guy said this morning, “ridiculously hot” and I am not kidding. Humid and hot.

And, I returned from California with a raging sore throat that turned into a head cold yesterday. Yes, just when I was recovered from what was at least a 3-week bout with the last sickness. This, after not getting sick for years.

So it’s no surprise that I feel like I need to turn over a new leaf.

Organic foods. More fresh fruits and vegetables. Being more diligent about my daily capsule of ImmuneExtra. Back with my trainer and also at the gym when I don’t see my trainer.

And as part of that, I finally got a chance to start reading Aging Backwards, written by my friend, Jackie Silver.

Jackie is a rollicking bundle of fun. I met her a couple months ago at a working women’s group in Florida, and she was so interesting that I simply had to learn more.

The book is a compendium of random and assorted facts about good eating, good exercise, cosmetic surgery and lifestyle choices. I’ve laughed at her anecdotes, and bookmarked her advice (on how to thin salad dressings, for one). She is an unabashed supporter of various cosmetic interventions, which I am not (at least for myself). Nonetheless, I have to admit to enjoying her tales of cosmetic procedures.

The bottom line, though, is that Jackie LOOKS GREAT, has a FANTASTIC ATTITUDE, and a great sense of humor. She’s a fun girl and if you don’t already read up on good health habits, I think you might enjoy these palatable tidbits. No pun intended.

She’s offering $3 off her book on her website at www.agingbackwards.com.

It’s one of those books you can pick up and read for a while, put down and then pick it up later.

But I’m loving it, so I am going all the way through it and having fun doing so.

Oh, and as for that sexy shot of her in a mini-skirt? Don’t let it put you off. I’m sure she intends it to show how great she looks for someone over 50. And it’s true–she does.