Eric Fredrikson

Oh dear. But then, what did I expect, a ‘magic wand’ of advice on keeping ones balance and avoiding the dangers, pain and embarrassment of age-related tumbles? Having taken a tumble himself – a fact he mentions no more than 742 times – and becoming then involved in the notorious ‘health care industry’ the author instead gives repetitive counseling on those medical standbys that are now in danger of becoming “Old Saws”….
Quit smoking, regularly exercise, diet, never put anything in your ear larger than your little finger (wrapped in a face-cloth) and do not run with scissors. Or so this book read to this particular reader and stumbler! Oh! And avoid alcohol.

There are some exercises in the book, nicely illustrated and very clearly explained, but they are the standard ‘elderly person’ routines that most of us that fall have already been taught by our Primary Care Providers (what we used to call our family Doctor). There was no true insight in HOW to fall offered, or even any reveling information on how to avoid falls – other than the rather common sense advice to watch how you go and mind the cat.

Perhaps a little unfair of me to expect insights beyond common sense? I quit smoking years ago – and only regret it three of four times a day when the mind numbing craving returns - and as I am no longer able to walk very well will obviously have difficulty with an exercise routine … there is not a lot left to enjoy beyond sitting comfortably with a good book with two or three fingers of something soothing in a glass!

Mind how you go!… (mais)