REVIEWS

“I thought the manuscript is very well done: well-written, authoritative, fast-moving, and of potential interest to expert and layman alike. It's rare to find a book that seems innovative and fresh and yet finds a subject that touches all of us, but this is one. In "Balance," Scott McCredie artfully illuminates a critical human sense few of us give much thought to, and weaves an irresistible tale of scientific and medical mystery that includes high-wire artists, the misery of seasickness, the tragic crash of John F. Kennedy Jr. and the suffering that may have caused Van Gogh to cut off his own ear. Readers will find more magic to the simple act of standing upright than they ever imagined.”
William Dietrich- Pulitzer-prize winning journalist with the Seattle Times and author of "Napoleon's Pyramids."

“Scott McCredie covers the Next Big Thing in fitness and wellness, especially as we look for ways to stay younger and stronger. Balance has been undiscovered and under appreciated until now. A fascinating narrative journey into the territory where the mind and body meet—and prosper. You won't think about good health the same ever again.”
Bob Condor- Health and Fitness columnist for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer

“After the shock of seeing his fit father fall for no apparent reason, award-winning journalist McCredie became curious about the physiology of equilibrium. His extensive and creative research has led him to conclude that balance is the overlooked sixth sense and crucial to our survival. McCredie delineates his fascinating discoveries in a vividly informative and absorbing blend of medical history and case studies, marveling over the fact that it wasn’t until the twentieth century that scientists gained any accurate understanding of the truly miraculous workings of the inner ear. Through studies of motion sickness and vertigo, it eventually became clear that the human balance system involves three sensory inputs: vision, proprioception (the body’s ability to perceive its own motion), and the amazing vestibular functions. McCredie matches body mechanics with astonishing tales of acrobats, astronauts, and maverick researchers who discovered that simple exercises not only strengthen our sense of balance but also improve cognitive skills. McCredie offers practical advice for maintaining one’s equilibrium and acuity and rekindles deep appreciation for life’s incredible exactitude and grace.”
Donna Seaman in the book sellers' trade publication, Booklist

“A devilishly complicated phenomenon” gets straightforward, accessible treatment from journalist McCredie. He became intrigued by the subject of balance, he writes, after witnessing his elderly father take a tumble. That drove him to investigate—and lucidly explain to the reader—how vision, proprioception (position-sensing) cells in muscles in joints and the vestibular apparatus of the inner ear are all involved in proper equilibrium. Motion sickness wasn’t a problem when humans walked the earth on foot, but vehicular travel (or even watching an IMAX screen) can lead to sensory confusion and nausea, so McCredie takes a close look at attempts to understand and treat “seasickness.” He enlivens his narrative with the personal stories of people who have lost their sense of balance through accident or illness and of those who have a highly developed sense of balance, like trapeze artists and acrobats. He also spotlights professionals who help people coping with balance deficits and researchers working to understand the mysteries of equilibrium. Looking at its evolutionary development, McCredie speculates that inferior balance control may have contributed to the demise of the Neanderthals. He uses the crash of John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s plane to demonstrate how relying on sensory information can be hazardous to pilots. NASA’s concern with the causes of what is called “space stupids” has stimulated research into the connection between the vestibular apparatus and cognition; McCredie includes a fascinating report on research into the effects of vestibular stimulation on such conditions as autism, attention deficit disorder and dyslexia. For those eager to retain this important sense, an appendix offers a series of exercises to assess, maintain and improve one’s sense of balance. Technical and scientific data conveyed with clarity; the consequences for individuals explored with engaging humanism: high marks all around.”
Kirkus Reviews- Book trade publication, April 2007