From Library Journal
The former Texas governor takes on a disease that cripples many older women. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
Twenty-eight million Americans will face osteoporosis. 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 1996, 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 straight talk, tells women what they need to know to combat this devastating disease.

About the Author
Ann Richards was governor of Texas from 1991 to 1995, and has been active in politics for over half a century. In 1988, she gained national prominence with her keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. Richard U. Levine, M.d. is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, and attending physician at New York Presbyterian Hospital, where he serves as vice-chairman in the department of obstetrics and gynecology.

FROM OUR EDITORS

This book transforms a national medical problem (44 million Americans will suffer from osteoporosis) into a deeply personal and inspirational human experience. Former Texas governor Ann Richards watched her mother and both her grandmothers decline under the pain and debilitation of this bone disease. Then, in 1994, after falling and fracturing her hand, she herself was diagnosed with osteopenia, an early stage of osteoporosis. With the pluck that made her famous, Richards decided that she would not be incapacitated by this tormenting malady. She began a physician-approved regimen of medication and exercise. Her bone-building story will give hope to the 30 million women who know firsthand what osteoporosis means.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Forty-four million Americans will face osteoporosis in some form, thirty million of whom are women. 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 1996, 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 Richard U. Levine, M.D., 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 they are to begin the second act of their lives with strength, agility, and confidence.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

In her trademark honest and no-nonsense style, former Texas governor Richards talks about not only her own osteoporosis but the disease's debilitating impact on her mother's life. Ona Warren, Richards's mother, was hardworking and tried never to be dependent on anyone else; however, when she began falling and was unable to take care of herself, Richards saw how much Warren suffered, not just physically but psychologically. Richards doesn't want to slow down her active lifestyle nor does she want to be a burden to her children. After fracturing her hand in 1994, Richards went for a bone density test and learned she had osteopenia, a condition that is often the precursor of the more serious osteoporosis. However, with treatment and an exercise program, Richards's health has been good and her condition has not worsened. In addition to her own story, Richards and her coauthor, physician Levine, explain the disease along with its causes and treatment, including both exercise regimen and medication. Richards admits to being a spokesperson for Evista, the medication she has taken, but the medical overview discusses a variety of treatments for osteoporosis. Although this is not as comprehensive as other women's medical texts, it is an accessible introduction that should help many readers, especially those unfamiliar with osteoporosis. (Aug.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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