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California/Milbank Books on Health and the Public
When Walking Fails: Mobility Problems of Adults with Chronic Conditions
Roughly one in ten adult Americans find their walking slowed by progressive chronic conditions like arthritis, back problems, heart and lung diseases, and diabetes. In this passionate and deeply informed book, Lisa I. Iezzoni describes the personal experiences of and societal responses to adults whose mobility makes it difficult for them to live as they wish―partly because of physical and emotional conditions and partly because of persisting societal and environmental barriers.
Basing her conclusions on personal experience, a wealth of survey data, and extensive interviews with dozens of people from a wide social spectrum, Iezzoni explains who has mobility problems and why; how mobility difficulties affect people's physical comfort, attitudes, daily activities, and relationships with family and friends throughout their communities; strategies for improving mobility; and how the health care system addresses mobility difficulties, providing and financing services and assistive technologies.
Iezzoni claims that, although strategies exist to improve mobility, many people do not know where to turn for advice. She addresses the need to inform policymakers about areas where changes will better accommodate people with difficulty walking. This straightforward and engaging narrative clearly demonstrates that improving people's ability to move freely and independently will enhance overall health and quality of life, not only for these persons, but also for society as a whole.
Basing her conclusions on personal experience, a wealth of survey data, and extensive interviews with dozens of people from a wide social spectrum, Iezzoni explains who has mobility problems and why; how mobility difficulties affect people's physical comfort, attitudes, daily activities, and relationships with family and friends throughout their communities; strategies for improving mobility; and how the health care system addresses mobility difficulties, providing and financing services and assistive technologies.
Iezzoni claims that, although strategies exist to improve mobility, many people do not know where to turn for advice. She addresses the need to inform policymakers about areas where changes will better accommodate people with difficulty walking. This straightforward and engaging narrative clearly demonstrates that improving people's ability to move freely and independently will enhance overall health and quality of life, not only for these persons, but also for society as a whole.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 22, 2010
I have increasing mobility problems and what I particularly got out of this book was an understanding that I am not alone in struggling over whether to consider myself "disabled" and feeling puzzled about what kinds of accommodations would be best for me.
The author is a doctor who has multiple sclerosis and uses a power wheelchair. The book is thoroughly researched and draws upon many interviews with people from all walks of life who have mobility problems of various kinds. I was especially impressed at how the author balanced hard data with anecdotes to write a book that successfully addresses a wide audience.
The book covers epidemiology (who has mobility problems and why), treatments, treatment programs, social programs, health insurance, various kinds of mobility aids. Iezzoni discusses in depth the systemic failures of the health industry and government and private health insurance in accommodating the needs of people with disabilities and chronic progressive conditions, and how these limitations affect people's lives.
Four stars instead of five because it was published in 2003 and the resource section is somewhat out of date.
The author is a doctor who has multiple sclerosis and uses a power wheelchair. The book is thoroughly researched and draws upon many interviews with people from all walks of life who have mobility problems of various kinds. I was especially impressed at how the author balanced hard data with anecdotes to write a book that successfully addresses a wide audience.
The book covers epidemiology (who has mobility problems and why), treatments, treatment programs, social programs, health insurance, various kinds of mobility aids. Iezzoni discusses in depth the systemic failures of the health industry and government and private health insurance in accommodating the needs of people with disabilities and chronic progressive conditions, and how these limitations affect people's lives.
Four stars instead of five because it was published in 2003 and the resource section is somewhat out of date.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews