As many of you dear readers already know, I'm a big fan of yoga, race walking and mini haystacks of crispy fries. But when it comes to the aerobic tooting of my own horn, I'm a slacker. If it is in my DNA, it's been hiding for decades.

And now this. After more than 40 years as the author of America's longest-running healthy lifestyle column, I've written a new book called "All Is Well: The Art {and Science} of Personal Well-Being," published by Creators Publishing.

"It's a timely and provocative guide to living your best life," I don't mind telling you, reading from my own press release, "healthy and happy, juicy and engaged, alert to corporate predators and health hucksters of every stripe."

So does that mean it's political? A tiny bit, yes. I know this distresses some of you who prefer I stick to tighter abs and running shoes. How can I? I'm your most personal trainer. And your ability to live a healthy lifestyle is tied up with the issues of safe neighborhoods, clean air, nontoxic water, untainted food and a still-broken health care system that cares more about corporate profits than your own health and wellness. That's why one of my favorite chapters — there are 40 — is called "Be Your Own Uncle Sam."

"The chapters are short and savvy, lively and opinionated," the gluten-free, non-GMO press release goes on, mentioning snappy titles it took me forever to craft... with lots of help: "Link Mind and Body." "Explore Endlessly." "Tweet Mindfully." "Make Your Getaway." "Raise an Active Kid." "Think in Pictures." "Choose To Be Happy." "Practice De-Aging." "Live a Big, Juicy Life."

In short (and there's no shortage of copies available, so stock up on yours for Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah), "All Is Well" explains how change happens and what you need to know to make positive, long-lasting change happen in your own life.

"It's up to you, dear reader," I write in the introduction, which begins in 1972, when my husband and I decided to do something wild and crazy and take our 10-speed bikes to the wine country of France. "I can inform, inspire, educate, amuse, cajole and otherwise cheer you on, but when push comes to shove — two excellent ways to burn 100 calories — you're in charge of your own personal well-being.

"And that's the good news, because the more you take charge and stay vigilant, the greater success you'll experience."

And speaking of success, I'd like to inspire you by ending with some brief excerpts from the book itself, which, I should mention, is on sale pretty much everywhere books are sold, except book stores, which is upsetting to an old-school writer like me.

From "Breathe In, Bliss Out":

"Lots of people think getting a relaxing, rejuvenating massage is a wild luxury. It's not. It's what self-care looks like. Sure, it costs money, but so do addictive painkillers and unnecessary surgeries."

From "Do the Practice":

"Exercising at home burns pounds of calories. But keep in mind: You can't outrun your fork. If weight loss is your goal, a home gym is a dear friend, but it's no substitute for smaller portions and a ban on processed foods and sugary cola drinks." (Looking back, I think "ban" is too strong a word. Next edition I'll say a "shift away" from processed foods.)

From "Find Your Sport":

"Our bodies were meant to play and have fun. That's why denying kids gym and recess in schools is such a cruel and stupid thing to do. Every body thrives when it meets the movement it loves to do. It could be softball or soccer, tango or trampoline."

And this, edging into politics and culture, from "Choose To Be Happy":

"It's too soon to know for certain what the Trump administration will do, if anything, to make our citizens healthier. But here's one thing I know for sure: our personal well-being ultimately depends on our own choices, much more than whom we have chosen to be president. What we eat and drink, how active we are, how much love we have in our life, and yes, how happy we want to be."

All is well.

ENERGY EXPRESS-O! TIPS BEYOND TIPS

"Add a nutritionist to your health team. A gifted body worker is good, too, but a savvy nutritionist is worth her weight in avocados." — M.P.

Marilynn Preston is the author of Energy Express, America's longest-running healthy lifestyle column. Her new book, "All Is Well: The Art {and Science} of Personal Well-Being," is available now. To learn more, visit Creators Publishing at https://www.creators.com/books/all-is-well. For more on personal well-being, visit www.MarilynnPreston.com.