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

by Richards, Ann; Levine, Richard M.

• ISBN13: 9780452284128
• ISBN10: 0452284120
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-07-27
• Publisher: Plume

Summary

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.

Author Biography

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.

Table of Contents

Foreword	xi
A Note to Readers	xiii
Prologue	1	(2)
Mama	3	(16)
Family	19	(16)
Getting a Bone-Density Test	35	(18)
What Is Osteoporosis?	53	(14)
Menopause, Estrogen, and Bones	67	(20)
Bone Breakers: Caffeine, Tobacco, Alcohol	87	(12)
Bone Helpers: Calcium, Vitamins, Prescription Medications for Prevention and Treatment	99	(32)
Exercise	131	(38)
Epilogue	169	(4)
Typical Questions	173	(12)
Resources	185