Despite popular culture's fixation with youth, the years between forty and sixty offer unparalleled possibility and chances for personal growth. Written in her characteristically inimitable and reader-friendly style, Dr. Ruth herein expertly explains the unique challenges and opportunities encountered with the onset of middle age. These include the crucial issues of health, family, and career. Designed for both singles and couples -- and employing numerous case histories and studies from Dr. Ruth's files -- Conquering the Rapids of Life candidly offers solid, practical, and tested advice proven to raise self-esteem and to help one cope with the physical and emotional changes associated with midlife. Westheimer apprises readers of the latest in medical treatment for the physiological changes that most often befall the middleaged: arthritis, diabetes, fading eyesight, hair loss and discoloration, heart and circulation ailments, hypertension, interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, and stress. Separate chapters address male and female health matters such as erectile dysfunction, breast cancer, and menopause. Westheimer gives extensive coverage to the latest medical advances used to treat these conditions, paying particular attention to some of the widely available new "miracle drugs" such as Viagra (and the revolutionary impact these pharmaceuticals have had on Americans' quality of life).