Dr. Elstein's Blog

Morris M. Elstein, MD 8/3/08
Global warming had probably been progressing at a relatively steady speed until July of 2002. Little did we realize that a secondary consequence of the WHI study would be global warming!
After the WHI study, millions of women stopped talking estrogen, with the consequences being: higher body temperatures on average, more power surges releasing excessive heat, and more frequent night sweats and flushes. Each one of these “personal summers” increased the surrounding temperature, and looking at the massive numbers of “personal summers”, it is no wonder that the world’s temperature has been rising. Because women in such large numbers stopped estrogen, there was also less estrogen and estrogen by-products eliminated in their urine. Consequently, less estrogen made it into the waterways and oceans. The seas responded with their subtle but gradual increase in temperature.
Who would of thought that one study, reported and interpreted by the press, would have had such profound effect on global warming and our environment.

I wonder how many moments of Grace pass by without my noticing or being moved. Today however, I was blessed to appreciate at least two that I will relate.
I have been experiencing increased right hip pain that has not responded to routine measures. I have noted many physical changes over the last four months as I compensated for the discomfort. Finally, I reached the point to ask for help and made an appointment to see Dr. Gary Siegel, a Rheumatologist and good friend. While I was awaiting this appointment, I noticed several other associated symptoms which led me to speculate on other possible diagnoses. I had to practice not saying what I thought the diagnoses might be; as I wanted to relate all my symptoms without bias. Dr. Siegel listened and examined, then gave me his diagnoses that mirrored my thoughts. Now, what to do?
One recommendation was to inject the bursa around my hip joint. This second would be more challenging as it would require changing major aspects of how I work since various standing positions in the office and in the operating room appear to aggravate my hip. Physical therapy and/or a renewed workout program would be the next step. Dr Siegel emphasized strengthening my core muscles, with emphasis on keeping my abdominal muscles contracted and pelvic floor elevated. In yoga terms these actions are called: Uddiyana and Mula bandha. I had been practicing these moves for years but had drifted away from my regular yoga practice. Yoga had previously saved my back, extended my time in the operating room, and improved my quality of life. So how could I have drifted away?
“A million excuses” do not quite capture the fact that I stopped and did not quickly jump back to basics. As Dr. Siegel talked, I knew exactly how to work on my physical well-being. I quickly verified the Friday afternoon class at Studio Bamboo Yoga, and I was more excited to see the class was being taught by Ann Richardson, my instructor for seven plus years. The class was just what I needed, and from the very start I experienced the second moment of Grace. I have heard Ann start her class with a similar approach countless times, but today I felt like I was at home. For me, Yoga is more than the physical and reaches the plane of the spiritual. I am use to being in control most of the time and making decisions, some life changing. To sit on my mat and take instruction and to follow that instruction is a powerful moment in my day – to give up control. Ann has a special ability to motivate and inspire me to reach inside for the best that I have. I left feeling invigorated and without pain in my hip. For these two special interactions, Dr. Siegel and Ann Richardson, I am most grateful – Moments of Grace!