I was sent a copy of “What’s AGE Got To Do With It? ” by Robin McGraw recently. In case you’re thinking that that name sounds familiar, you’ve probably seen her on TV, since her husband is Dr. Phil McGraw and she’s always on his show.
I was very excited to read it, as she’s a knockout and we’re the same age. You can see that she’s sitting on the number 55 on the cover of the book – so I guess I just gave THAT secret away…LOL.
This book is being marketed as a Self-Help/Motivational book, which is a bit of a misnomer as it’s really a health and beauty book. Thankfully, I wasn’t in the mood to read a “you’re wonderful the way you are” book – I wanted something with some real solutions. After looking over the table of contents I was hopeful that this would be JUST what I need on this dreary winter day, for a pick ME up.
“What’s AGE Got To Do With It?” is more of a book that’s chock full of good solid advice. Ms. McGraw tackles just about every aspect of looking great and staying young, including ~ diet & exercise, hair, makeup, fashion, hormones and faith. Most of the information will be old hat to you, as a healthy diet and exercise are things we all know that we should be doing. She tends to share HER tricks (why she always does her hair & makeup herself on the show), etc. If you already KNOW what looks great on you, how you should wear your hair, etc., then her basic information is to stay with what you know. There are bits and pieces of new and useful information….
“When you sleep, your body releases growth hormone, which helps you release energy from your fat cells, and leptin, a hormone that regulates your appetite and lets you know that you’re full. If you’re not sleeping, that means your body decreases the production of these hormones. In turn, this may increase your chances of gaining weight.”
Her chapters on hair, skin-care and fashion are basically the same information that you’ll find in any of the many women’s magazines on the rack today. There’s nothing that’s really new beyond the KNOW WHAT YOU LOOK GOOD IN & STICK WITH IT type of advice. The second portion of each chapter is turned over to an expert in the field (for example: Cojo answers the fashion questions).
“Throw on a blazer, and you’ll immediately look put together and stylish no matter what else you’re wearing….”
The portion of this book that I was actually very interested in was her experience using bio-identical hormones. There was a lot of very good solid information and she presents it in very easy to understand terms. I’ve heard Suzanne Somers speak about them (which totally turned me OFF), but Robin McGraw explains them in a much more clear fashion. For those of us struggling with menopause (or peri-menopause) this is where you’ll find some wonderful information. Learning more about the positive outcome of using bio-identical hormones was the highlight of the book for me and if you’re struggling through menopause, then this chapter ALONE is worth reading!
So, if you’re looking for a general reference book review about how to look great in your 50’s and beyond, “What’s AGE Got To Do With It?” is a good book to read and keep for reference when you need a little BOOST. If you’re looking for something new and earth shattering….sorry, but you won’t find it here.
foamfan says
I had seen Robin on “Oprah” last week, the day they talked about menopause and hormones, and it was very informative. Especially how, Robin pointed out that when she was younger, her mom and others would JUST NOT discuss menopause…with the result being, more cluelessness and misery for all involved.
I agree about Suzanne; I see her on “Larry King” and I have to roll my eyes. She just sounds so “out there,” IMHO…
Zipporah says
Glad I’m not the only one who thinks that way about Ms. Somers. Robin McGraw’s description was much more down to earth.