I'm Not Slowing Down

by Ann Richards, Richard U. Levine

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

Ann Richards was the 45th governor of Texas who appointed record numbers of women and minorities to state boards and agencies. She was a strong feminist and believed a lot in education. Richards also served on numerous boards of philanthropic, educational and public interest organizations. After her death in 2006, the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders was opened in Austin, TX to continue her legacy.

Reviews

[Deborah Charnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's some good basic info in here about osteoporosis (nothing I didn't already know, but I'm a holistic health coach).

What was missing was Ann's unparalleled gift for words and expressing herself. Ann's feistiness did not come across, and that's what I wanted to hear.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read. I picked up a large print copy of this and flew through it. I enjoyed her stories of her Mama. The stuff on osteoporosis was a little dated at this point. She had osteopenia not full blown osteoporosis, so I'm not sure that what worked for her would be as helpful to someone with Osteoporosis.