I'm Not Slowing Down: Winning My Battle with Osteoporosis

By Ann Richards and Richard U. Levine

Book Overview

"There was never any doubt in my mind that if I went after osteoporosis, I could control it and lead a healthy life. That's my message to other women: No one can do this for you-you've got to do it for yourself. And you can." (Ann Richards) Forty-four million Americans, thirty million of whom are women, will face osteoporosis in some form. Often triggered by hormonal changes that occur after menopause, osteoporosis results in the fracturing of bones, which can prove fatal to the elderly. One out of every six affected women will break her hip; only one out of three will regain her independence. In 1994, after falling and fracturing her hand, Ann Richards went for a bone density test. She was diagnosed with osteopenia, an early stage of osteoporosis. After witnessing both of her grandmothers and her mother fall victim to the disease, Richards was determined to overcome its incapacitating effects. She began a physician-approved regimen of medication and dramatically changed her lifestyle. In I'm Not Slowing Down , the former Texas governor, known for her saucy straight talk, and leading osteoporosis authority Sydney Lou Bonnick tell women what they need to know to combat this devastating disease. Nearly a decade after her original diagnosis, Richards's bone density remains essentially stable. Readers will benefit from advice on everything from diet to exercise to the individual histories that must precede the implementation of any bone-building program if women are to begin the second act of their lives with strength, agility, and confidence.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525946918
• ISBN13: 9780525946915
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: Dutton Adult
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.6" x 0.9" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Just was inspired by Ann's tenacity

Have tried to read everyting about Ann Richards, she just kept on and on with boundless energy. I was always pursuing the dream of accomplshment.. Parkingson disease put a halt to that. I loved Ann Richards daredevil, barrel right on in world.

Women over 50--a must read

This is an excellent, very current overview of this all too common disease and its treatment. Let's face it--we're all responsible for our own health, few of us use the same physician for our whole adult lives, and education is a must. Most of us are generally aware of this disease, but did you know: that hip fractures are really breaks in the femur neck, the top of the thigh bone? that there are several drugs out there to treat this, not just fosamax? that osteoporosis can result from lack of calcium or exercise during childhood? This book explains what those T-scores from your bone density test really mean. Lots of info here too on exercise and diet. A bit less interesting is the personal discussion from Ann Richards on her own life, but that doesn't mar this extremely useful work.

Inspirational!!!

I could not put this book down. One would expect a book on Osteoporosis to be a bit dry but Ann keeps it real! You go girl.

The Osteoporosis Bible

I just finished this terrific book. I watched my grandmother, and now my mother suffer from osteoporosis. I never totally understood this issue and the fact that it is preventable. I always believed there was nothing that could be done. Now I know the truth. This book explains EVERYTHING! I am calling my doctor today to schedule an appointment to discuss the various options. I am 47 and just entering menopause. Please, please, everyone reading this review, buy a copy for every woman you know, regardless of their age. Thanks Ann.